2011 MINI COOPER park assist

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
66
Technology for driving comfort and
safety
Park Distance Control
PDC*
The concept
PDC assists you with parking in reverse. Acoustic
signals warn you of the presence of an object
behind the vehicle. To measure the distance,
there are four ultrasonic sensors in either
bumper.
However, an acoustic warning does not sound
until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm from the
corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from the
center sensors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached slowly,
as is usually the case when parking. Avoid
approaching an object at high speed; otherwise,
physical circumstances ma y lead to the system
warning being issued too late. <
Automatic mode
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated automatically after
approx. 1 second when you engage reverse
gear or move the automatic transmission
selector lever to position R. Wait this short
period before driving.
Acoustic signals
As the distance between vehicle and object
decreases, the intervals between the tones
become shorter. If the distance to the nearest
object falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a
continuous tone sounds.
If the distance remains constant, e.g. when
driving parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal
stops after approx. 3 seconds.
Adjustments
The volume of the acoustic signals can be set,
refer to page 106.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp lights up: PDC has failed.
Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they will continue to operate effectively.
When using a high-pressure cleaner, do not
direct the jet toward the sensors for lengthy
periods and only spray from a distance of at least
4in/10cm.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for esti-
mating the distance between the vehicle
and any obstructions always remains with the
driver. Sensors, too, have blind spots in which
objects cannot be dete cted. Moreover, ultra-
sonic detection can reach its physical limits with
objects such as trailer tow bars and couplings,
thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low
objects already indicated, such as curbs, may
enter the sensors' blind spots before or after a
continuous audible signal is given. Higher, pro-
truding objects, such as wall ledges, may not be
detectable. Therefore, always drive cautiously;
otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury or
property damage. Loud sound sources outside
or inside the car can drown out the PDC signal. <

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
69
Deactivating the DTC* and DSC together
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator light DSC OFF on the speedometer comes
on and DSC OFF is displayed on the tachometer.
The Dynamic Traction Control DTC and Dynamic
Stability Control DSC are both deactivated. There
will be no more stab ilizing interventions.
Interventions (differential lock
*) in braking
occur to improve propulsion when drive wheels
are rotating unevenly, even when the DSC is
deactivated.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the indicator lamps go
out.
Hill Assist
Hill Assist aids you in co mfortably driving off on
inclines. It is not necessary to use the parking
brake for this.
1. Hold the MINI with the brake.
2. Release the brake and immediately drive
off.
Hill Assist holds the car in place for approx.
2 seconds after the brake is released. Depending on the load and gradient, the
vehicle can roll backwa rd slightly during
this period. After you release the brake, immedi-
ately start driving since the Hill Assist only holds
the vehicle for about 2 seconds, and it will start
to roll backward. <
Sport button*
Pressing the button causes your MINI to respond
even more sportily.
>Engine responds more spontaneously to
movements of the accelerator.
> Steering response is more direct.
> Cooper S, John Cooper Works: the engine
sounds more sporty in coasting mode.
With automatic transmission:
> More rapid gear shifting in Sport program.
Activating the system
Press the SPORT button.
The LED lights up.
SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
>Press the SPORT button again.
> Switch off the engine.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM*
The concept
The system does not measure the actual
inflation pressure in the tires.
The system detects a pre ssure loss in a tire by
comparing the rotational speeds of the
individual wheels while moving.
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter
and therefore the rota tional speed of the
corresponding wheel chan ge. This is detected
and reported as a flat tire.

Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
97
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form betw een tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly. <
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page 143.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged. <
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise, greater clutch wear will result. <
For information on drivin g off using Hill Assist,
refer to page 69.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steeri ng responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is functioning properly.
Objects in the move ment range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhibit the function of the
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an
existing one or onto other objects. Only use floor mats that
have been approved for
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the floo r mats are securely fas-
tened again after they have been removed, e.g.
for cleaning. <
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or ther e is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this process
helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that
Then full braking force will be immediately
available when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheatin g and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure. <
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down, all the way to first gear if
necessary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mo de of the automatic transmis-
sion, page 49.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-
ing action will not be present or there will be no
power assistance to th e brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals; otherwise, pedal function could be
impaired. <

MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
170
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other vehi-
cle has a voltage of 12 volts and approxi-
mately the same capacitance in Ah. This
information can be found on the battery.
2. Switch off the engine of the support vehicle.
3. Switch off any consumer s in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles; otherwise,
there is a danger of shorting. <
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order, so that no sparks which could cause
injury occur. <
1. Open the battery cover in the engine
compartment to access the positive terminal
of your MINI.
2. Release the tabs on the left and right sides of
the positive terminal cover
*, arrows 1, and
lift the cover to open, arrow 2.
3. Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or to a starting-aid terminal of the
vehicle providing assistance. 4.
Attach the second te rminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a star ting-aid terminal of
the vehicle to be started.
5. Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the
battery or to an engine or body ground of
the assisting vehicle.
Body ground in MINI:
6. Attach the second te rminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1. Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2. Start the engine of the other vehicle in the
usual manner.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3. Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4. Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged. Never use spray fluids to start the
engine. <

MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
178
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Braking action is reduced, stop with
care. Contact the nearest MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Assist failed. The car will not be
held in place after the brake is
released Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Braking action is reduced, stop with
care. Contact the nearest MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Assist failed. The car will not be
held in place after the brake is
released Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads checked without delay.
Indication in Canadian models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads checked without delay.
12Cause What to do

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
195
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 129
Battery 167
– charging 168
– disposal 30,168
– jump-starting 169
– temporary power failure 168
Battery renewal
– remote control 30
Being towed 171
Bell
– volume 106
Belts, refer to Safety belts 40
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety belts 40
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 93
Black ice, refer to External
temperature warning 57
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 85,87
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 120
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 93
Brake Assist 67
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 62
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 162
Brake pads, breaking in 96
Brake rotors 98
– brakes 96
– breaking in 96
Brakes
– ABS 67
– breaking in 96
– MINI Maintenance
System 151
– parking brake 48
– service requirements 62
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 97 Brake system
96
– breaking in 96
– disc brakes 98
– MINI Maintenance
System 151
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 169
Breaking in the clutch 96
Break-in period 96
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs 158
Button for starting the engine 46
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call
– accepting 124
– ending 124
– rejecting 124
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing 124
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 93
Capacities 193
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery 167
Car care 153
Care 153
– car-care products 153
– car washes 153
– CD/DVD drives 156
– external 153
– high-pressure washers 154
– internal 155
– leather 155
– manual washing 154
– upholstery and fabrics 155
– windows 154
– wiper blades 154
Cargo, securing 101 Cargo area
98
– capacity 191
– Comfort Access 29
– cover 98
– lamp 82
– opening from outside 26
Cargo area, expanding 98
Cargo area lamp 82
Cargo area lid, refer to Liftgate 26
Cargo loading 100
– securing cargo 101
– stowing cargo 101
– vehicle 98
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 20
Carpets, care 156
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest 92
– refer to separate Owner's Manual
Car phone, refer to Telephone 118
Car wash, care 153
Car washes 153
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 96
CD player 111
– changing the track 112
– fast forward/reverse 112
– playing a track 112
– ran
dom order 112
– starting 111
– volume 106
Center armrest 92
Center brake lamp 163
Center console, refer to Around the center
console 14
Central locking system 21
– Comfort Access 28
– from inside 25
– from outside 21
Changing bulbs 158
Changing wheels 165

REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
196
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 147
Check Control 64
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH 44
Child restraint systems 43
Child seats 43
Chrome parts, care 155
Chrome parts, refer to Care 153
Cigarette lighter 93
Cleaning headlamps 53
– washer fluid 54
Clock
– 12 h/24 h mode 61
– setting time 63
Closing
– from inside 25
– from outside 21
Clothes hooks 92
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine 47
Comfort Access 28
– replacing the battery 30
– what to observe before entering a car wash 29
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console 14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock 46
Compressed audio files 111
Computer 57
Condensation, refer to When the vehicle is parked 98
Condition Based Service CBS 151
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile 20
Connecting vacuum cleaner, refer to Connecting electrical
appliances 93
Consumption, refer to Average fuel consumption 57
Control Display
– settings 59 Controls and displays
10
Convenient access, refer to Comfort Access 28
Convenient operation
– convertible top 24
– windows 22
Convenient start, refer to
Starting the engine 47
Convertible top 32
Coolant 149
– checking level 149
– filling 149
Coolant temperature 149
Cooling, maximum 87
Cooli

ng fluid, refer to
Coolant 149
Copyright 2
Cornering light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 80
Cruising range 57
Cupholders 93
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 191
Current fuel consumption 57
D
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit 10
Dashboard instruments, refer to Displays 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 82
Data 188
– capacities 193
– dimensions 189
– engine 188
– weights 191
Data memory 152
Date
– setting 64
Date setting 107
Daytime running lights 79
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 67
Deactivating front passenger
airbags 76 Deadlocking, refer to
Locking 22
Defect
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
Defogging windows 86,88
Defrosting windows 86,88
Defrosting windows and removing condensation
– air conditioner 86
– automatic climate control 88
Defrosting windshield, refer to Defrosting windows 86,88
Defrost positi on, refer to
Defrosting windows 86,88
Differential, breaking in 96
Digital radio, refer to HD Radio 109
Dimensions 189
Dipstick, engine oil 147
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 51
Displacement, refer to Engine data 188
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 82
Displays 12
– instrument cluster 12
Displays, care 156
Displays and controls 10
Disposal
– of coolant 149
– remote control battery 30
– vehicle battery 168
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 62
Distance warning, refer

to Park
Distance Control PDC 66
Door key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 20
Door lock 24
Door lock, confirmation signals 23
Doors, manual operation 25
DOT Quality Grades 142

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
197
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 93
Drive-off assistan t, refer to Hill
Assist 69
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 69
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams 78
Driving notes 96
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Assist 69
Driving stability control systems 67
Driving through water 97
Driving tips, refer to Driving notes 96
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 88
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 67
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 68
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 67
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 68
E
Eject button 112
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top 34
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
– liftgate 26
Electric power windows
– initializing 31
Electronic brake-force distribution 67
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 67Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top 34
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
– liftgate 26
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 50
Emergency services, refer to Roadside Assistance 169
Engine
– breaking in 96
– data 188
– overheated, refer to Coolant temperature 149
– speed 188
– starting 47
– starting, Comfort Access 28
– switching off 47
Engine compartment 147
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 149
Engine oil
– adding 148
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils 149
– alternative oil types 149
– approved engine oils 149
– capacity 148
– checking level 147
– dipstick 147
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 62
– MINI Maintenance System 151
Engine oil level, checking 147
Engine output, refer to Engine data 188
Engine starting, refer to Starting the engine 47
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 67
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system 96 Exterior mirrors
41
– adjusting 41
– automatic heating 41
– folding in and out 41
External audio
device91,106
External temperature display
– change units of measure 61
– in the on-board computer 61
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away 171
– for tying down loads 101
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 64
Failure of an electrical consumer 168
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 40
Fast forward
– CD 112
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 64
Filter
– microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 88
– microfilter for air
conditioner 86
Fine wood, care 156
First aid pouch 169
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 46
Flash when locking/
unlocking 23
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 144
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 72
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 69
– indicating a flat tire 71
– initializing the system 70
– snow chains 70
– system limits 70
Flat tires, refer to Tire condition 143