Controls overviewCONTROLS
57
If the range displayed is less than
30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other-
wise, engine functions are not guaranteed and
damage could occur. <
With a dynamic driving st yle, e.g. rapid corner-
ing, engine functions are not always assured.
Computer*
Displays in tachometer
Press the button in the turn signal lever repeat-
edly to call up various items of information.
The following items of information are displayed
in the order listed:
> Cruising range
> Average fuel consumption
> Current fuel consumption
> Average speed
> Outside temperature display
> MINI Convertible: Always Open Timer
To set the corresponding units of measure, refer
to Formats and units of measure on page 61.
Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range available
with the remaining fuel. The range is calculated
on the basis of the way the car has been driven
over the last 18 miles/30 km and the amount of
fuel currently in the tank.
If the range displayed is less than
30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other-
wise, engine functions are not guaranteed and
damage could occur. <
Average fuel consumption
Calculated for the time the engine has been
running.
To reset average fuel consumption: press the
button in the turn signal lever for approx.
2 seconds.
Current fuel consumption
Displays the current fuel consumption to allow
you to see whether your current driving style is
conducive to fuel economy with minimum
exhaust emissions.
Average speed
Periods with the vehicle parked and the engine
switched off are not includ ed in the calculations
of average speed.
To reset average speed: press the button in the
turn signal lever for approx. 2 seconds.
External temperature warning
When the displayed temperature sinks to
approx. +37 7/+3 6, a signal sounds and a
warning lamp lights up. There is an increased
risk of black ice.
Even at temperatures above +37 7/+3 6
ice can form. Therefore, drive carefully,
e.g. on bridges and sections of road in the
shade; otherwise, there is an increased accident
risk. <
CONTROLSControls overview
64
Date
Setting date
Radio MINI Boost CD:
1.MENU Press the button.
2. Press the button.
3. Press the button.
4. Select the desired menu item "TT", "MM" or
"JJ".
5. Turn the button on the right to set values.
6. Press the button on the right to store values.
7. Press the button to exit setting
values.
Check Control
The concept
The Check Control monitors vehicle functions
and alerts you to any malfunctions in the
systems monitored. Ch eck Control messages
involve indicator or warning lamps in the dis-
plays and, in some circumstances, an acoustic
signal.
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in
various combinations and colors in the indicator
areas 1 and 2.
What to do in case of a malfunction
The meaning of each lamp in the event of a
malfunction and tips on how to respond are
listed starting on page 173.
Hiding Check Control messages
Press the button in the turn signal lever.
> Some Check Control messages are displayed
until the malfunctions have been rectified.
They cannot be hidden. If several malfunc-
tions occur at the same time, they are
displayed in succession.
> Other Check Control messages are automat-
ically hidden after approx. 20 seconds, but
remain stored.
The symbol indicates that Check Control mes-
sages have been stor ed. Check Control mes-
sages can be viewed whenever it is convenient.
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. <
CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
74
Since the possible driving distance depends to a
considerable degree on the strain exerted on
the vehicle while driving, it can be shorter or,
with a gentle driving style, can also be longer,
depending on the speed, road condition, exter-
nal temperature, vehicle load, etc.
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
A loss of tire inflation pressure results in a
change in the handling characteristics, e.g.
reduced lane stability during braking, a longer
braking distance and altered self-steering
properties. <
Vibrations or loud no ises while driving can
indicate complete failure of the tire.
Reduce your speed and bring the vehicle to a
stop; otherwise, pieces of tire may come off,
which could result in an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving and contac t your MINI dealer.<
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in yel-
low and then lights up continuously; the
larger warning lamp lights up in yellow.
No flat tire can be detected.
Display in the following situations:
> Wheel without TPM electronics is mounted:
If need be, have it checked by your MINI
dealer.
> Malfunction:
Have the system checked.
> TPM was unable to complete the resetting
procedure; reset the system again.
The small warning lamp flashes in
yellow and then lights up continuously;
the larger warning lamp lights up in
yellow. No punctures can be detected.
Display in the following situation:
> Malfunction because of other equipment or
devices, same radio frequency:
After leaving the interference area, the
system is again active automatically.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring
Systems
Each tire, including the spare, should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. If yo ur vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehi-
cle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation pres-
sure for those tires. As an added safety feature,
your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pres-
sure monitoring system TPMS that illuminates a
low tire pressure telltal e when one or more of
your tires are significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should st op and check your tires
as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat
and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping
ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substi-
tute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the
driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underi nflation has not reached
the level at which the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale illuminates.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunct ion, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and then
remain continuously lit. This sequence will con-
tinue upon subsequent vehicle startups as long
as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, includ ing the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
77
Most child seats are detected by the
system. This particularly applies to
child seats that were required by NHTSA at
the time of manufacture of the vehicle. After
installing a child seat, check that the indica-
tor lamp for the front passenger airbags
lights up. It indicates that the child seat has
been detected and that the front passenger
airbags are deactivated. <
> The indicator lamp does not come on as long
as a person of sufficient size and in a correct
sitting position is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front
passenger are activated.
> The indicator lamp does not come on if the
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front
passenger are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
As of radio readiness, page 46, the warning
lamp lights up briefly to indicate that the entire
airbag system and the belt tensioners are
operational.
Airbag system malfunction
> The warning lamp does not come on when
radio readiness is switched on.
> The warning lamp stays lit continuously.
In the event of a fault in the airbag system,
have it checked without delay; otherwise,
there is the risk that the system will not function
as intended even if a severe accident occurs. <
MINI Convertible:
Rollover protection
system
The rollover system is automatically activated
during an accident or dangerous driving situa-
tion, during extreme tilt of the longitudinal axis,
or during loss of ground contact. The roll bar
located behind the rear seat headrest is
projected within a fraction of a second.
In addition to the reinforced windshield frame,
the rollover protection system ensures the
necessary head clearanc e for all occupants of
the vehicle.
Never block the travel path of the rollover
protection system with any objects.
Always wear your safety belt, it protects you in
a minor car accident and, depending on the
severity of the accident, the seat belt tensioner
and the multilevel airb ag system will protect
you. <
Lowering
If the rollover protecti on system releases
accidentally, have your MINI dealer check it.
If the rollover protective system is
extended, do not operate the convertible
top.
Never attempt to modify the individual compo-
nents or the electrical wiring of the rollover
protective system.
Have the necessary work on the rollover protec-
tion system of your MINI only carried out by an
authorized MINI dealer.
Faulty repair may lead to the failure of the
system or malfunctions.
Check the system regularly and in order to
ensure a long service life of all functions, it is
mandatory to ma intain the service intervals,
refer to page 62.<
MOBILITYMaintenance
152
Socket for On-Board
Diagnosis OBD
The primary components that make up the
emissions can be checked by a device via the
OBD socket.
Emissions
The warning lamps come on. The vehicle
is producing higher emissions. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the car checked as soon as possible.
Under certain circumstances, one of the lamps
will flash or light up cont inuously. This indicates
excessive misfiring or a malfunction in the
engine. If this happens, reduce your speed and
visit the nearest MINI dealer as soon as possible.
Severe misfiring can quickly lead to serious
damage of emissions-related components,
especially the catalytic converter. In addition,
mechanical engine components can become
damaged.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system may conclude
that fuel vapors are escaping, causing an
indicator to light up. If the filler cap is then tight-
ened, the indicator should go out within a few
days.
Data memory
Your vehicle displays data about the operation,
malfunctions, and user settings. These data are
stored in the vehicle and can be partly stored in
the remote control; the data can be read by suit-
able devices, in particular at your service center.
The data read out are used for supporting the
service processes and repair or for optimization
and development of vehicle functions.
MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
172
Towing with a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle; otherwise, it may
be impossible to maintain control. <
The tow fittings used should be on the same side
on both vehicles. Should it prove impossible to
avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please
observe the following:
> Clearance and maneuver ing capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
> The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage. <
Towing with a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other pa rts of the vehicle could
result in damage. <
Towing with a tow truck
Have the MINI or MINI Convertible transported
by a tow truck with a so-called lift sling or on a
flatbed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, dam-
age may result. <
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, page 169.
Vehicles with a catalyti c converter should only
be tow-started when the engine is cold, vehicles
with an automatic transmission cannot be tow-
started at all.
1. Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2. Switch on the ignition, page 46.
3. Shift into 3rd gear.
4. Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. After the engine starts,
immediately depress the clutch completely
again.
5. Stop at a suitable lo cation, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard
warning flashers.
6. Have the vehicle checked.
Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
173
Indicator and warning lamps
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var-
ious combinations and colors in indicator area 1 or
2. Refer to the table for information on causes
and how to react. Note wh ether a lamp lights up
alone or in combinatio n with another. Some
lamps can light up in different colors. Corre-
sponding distinctions are made in the text.
12Cause What to do
Turn signals
High beams/head lamp flasher
switched on
Fog lamps switched on
Rear fog lamp switched on
Fasten safety belts Fasten your safety belt, refer also to page41.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
External temperature wa rningDrive cautiously, refer also to page 57.