
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 and a visual indicator
warn you of the
presence of an object behind the vehicle. The
measurement is carried out by four ultrasonic
sensors in the rear bumper.
These sensors have a range of approx.
6.5ft/2m. However, an acoustic warning
does not sound until an object is approx. 24 in/
60 cm from the rear corner sensors or approx.
5 ft/1.50 m from the rear center sensors. PDC is
a parking aid that can display objects, which are
slowly being approached, which is the usual
case when parking a vehicle. Avoid approaching
an object at high speed; otherwise, physical cir-
cumstances may 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 selec-
tor 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 co nstant, e.g. when driv-
ing parallel to a wall, th e acoustic signal stops
after approx. 3 seconds.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp lights up. PDC has failed.
A message appears on the Control Dis-
play.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 4 in/10 cm.
PDC with visual warning
To have the system show distances to objects on
the Control Display. The contours of distant
objects are shown on the Control Display even
before the acoustic sign al sounds. The display
appears on the Control Display as soon as the
transmission is shifted into reverse or the selec-
tor lever is moved into the R position.
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. <
ALL4 all-wheel drive system*
ALL4 is the all-wheel drive system of your MINI.
The combined effects of ALL4 and DSC further optimize the traction and dynamic driving char-
acteristics. The ALL4 all-wheel drive system vari-
ably distributes the drive force to the front and
rear axle depending on
the driving situation and
prevailing road conditions.
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: 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 me asure the actual infla-
tion pressure in the tires.

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 195.
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 appropri-
ately fastened. Make sure that the floor mats are
securely fastened again
after they have been
removed, e.g. for cleaning. <
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there 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 avail-
able 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 neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing during manual oper ation of the automatic
transmission, refer to 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. <
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an

Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
219
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
o r d e r , s o t h a t n o s parks which could cause
injury occur. <
1. Open the battery cover in the engine com-
partment 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 terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a starting-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 terminal 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 be fore 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. <
Tow-starting, towing
away
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing. <
Do not transport an y passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed. <

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
237
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 82
Backrests, refer to Seats 38
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 211
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 218
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 220
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 174
Bass sounds, refer to Tone control 131
Battery 216
– charging 216
– disposal 34,216
– jump-starting 218
– temporary power failure 216
Battery renewal
– remote control 34
Being towed 220
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 40
Belts, refer to Safety belts 40
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders 92
Black ice, refer to External
temperature warning 56
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 84,86
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 154,164
Bluetooth audio 146
– device pairing 146
– disconnecting an audio connection 148
– playback 147
– unpairing device 148
– What to do if... 148
Bottle holders, refer to Cupholders 92
Brake Assist 67
Brake fluid, refer to Service requirements 59 Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs
211
Brake pads, breaking in 96
Brake rotors 97
– brakes 96
– breaking in 96
Brake system 96
– breaking in 96
– disc brakes 97
– MINI Maintenance
System 202
Brakes
– ABS 67
– b
reaking in 96
– MINI Maintenance System 202
– parking brake 47
– service requirements 59
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely 97
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 218
Break-in period 96
Breaking in the clutch 96
Brightness of Control
Display 65
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 208
Button for starting the engine 46
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
Calendar 179
– displaying appointment 180
– selecting calendar day 180
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call
– accepting 157,168
– ending 157,168
– muting the microphone 158,170
– rejecting 157,168 Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing 157,169
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 92
Capacities 226
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 216
Car care 204
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 26
Car phone
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 91
Car phone, refer to Telephone 154,163
Car radio, refer to Radio 132
Car wash
– before driving in 47
Car wash, care 204
Car washes 204
Care 204
– car washes 204
– car-care products 204
– CD/DVD drives 207
– external 204
– high-pressure washers 205
– internal 206
– leather 206
– manual washing 205
– upholstery and fabrics 206
– windows 205
– wiper blades 205
Cargo area 98
– capacity 226
– Comfort Access 33
– lamp 82
– opening from outside 30
– trunk lid, refer to Liftgate 30
Cargo area, expanding 98
Cargo area lamp 82
Cargo area li
d, refer to
Liftgate 30
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 100

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
239
Data224
– capacities 226
– dimensions 225
– engine 224
– weights 226
Data memory 203
Date
– setting 62
– setting format 62
Daytime running lights 80
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 67
Deactivating front passenger
airbags 76
Deadlocking, refer to Locking 28
Defect
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 188
Defining a home address 178
Defogging windows 85,87
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows 85,87
Defrosting windows 85,87
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner 85
– automatic climate control 87
Defrosting windshield, refer to Defrosting windows 85,87
Destination address
– entering 109,115
Destination for navigation
– entering 109
– entering via map 114
Differential, breaking in 96
Digital radio, refer to HD Radio 133
Dimensions 225
Dipstick, engine oil 199
Direction announcements, refer to Voice
instructions 122
Direction instructions, refer to Voice instructions 122
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 50 Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book 111
Displacement, re fer to Engine
data 224
Display lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 81
Display, refer to On-board
computer controls 16
Displaying contact
pictures 17
8
Displaying special destinations 114
Displays 12
– instrument cluster 12
– on the Control Display 16
Displays and controls 10
Displays, care 207
Disposal
– of coolant 200
– remote control battery 34
– vehicle battery 216
Distance, refe r to Computer 57
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 59
Distance to dest ination, refer
to Computer 57
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 66
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 26
Door lock 29
Door lock, confirmation
signals 28
Doors, manual operation 29
DOT Quality Grades 194
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 92
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist 69
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 69
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 79
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 87
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 67
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 68
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 67
Dynamic route guidance 125
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 67
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 68
E
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player 130
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 188
Electronic brake-force distribution 67
Electronic Stability Program ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 67
Emergency operation, refer to Manual operation
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 188
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 50
Emergency services, refer to Roadside Assistance 218

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
241
Fuel display, refer to Fuel gauge 55
Fuel filler flap 188
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction 188
Fuses 216
G
Garage door op ener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 88
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel consumption 56
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge 55
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel 189
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission 48
– manual transmission 48
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
– manual transmission 48
General driving notes 96
Glass roof, electric 34
– convenient operation 28,29
– opening, closing 35
– remote control 28
– tilting 34
Glove compartment 90
GPS navigation, refer to Navigation system 108
Grills, refer to Air vents 83
Gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 226
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb 209
Handbrake, refer to Parking brake 47
Hands-free device
Bluetooth 154
Hands-free system 14,160 ,172
Hazard warning flashers 14
HD Radio 133
Head airbags 76
Head Light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 80
Head restraints 39
– sitting safely 37
Headlamp control, automatic 79
Headlamp flasher 50
– indicator lamp 11,13
Headlamp glass lens 209
Headlamps
– replacing bulb 209
Headlamps, care 205
Heated
– mirrors 41
– rear window 84,86
– seats 40
Heating 83
– mirrors 41
– rear window 84,86
– seats 40
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing cargo 102
Height adjustment
– seats 38
– steering wheel 42
Height, refer to
Dimensions 225
High beams 81
– headlamp flasher 81
– indicator lamp 13
– replacing bulb 209
High water, refer to Driving
through water 97 Highway, refer to Route
criteria 118
Hill Assist 69
Hills 97
Holders for cups 92
Homepage 4
Hood 198
Horn 10
Hot exhaust system 96
Hy
droplaning 97
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio 133
Ice warning, refer to External temperature warning 56
Ignition 46
– switched off 46
– switched on 46
Ignition key position 1, refer to Radio readiness 46
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on 46
Ignition key, refer to Integrated key/remote
control 26
Ignition lock 46
Imprint 2
Incoming call 157,168
Indicator and warning
lamps 13
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 73
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 81
Individual air distribution 85
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile 26
Inflation pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 72
Information
– on another location 112
– on current position 112
– on destination location 112

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
245
Recirculation of air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 84,86
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest 38
Refueling 188
Releasing
– hood 198
Reminders 181
Remote control 26
– battery renewal 34
– Comfort Access 32
– garage door opener 88
– liftgate 28
– malfunctions 28,34
– service data 202
Replacement remote control 26
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 208
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires 196
Reporting safety defects 6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel gauge 55
Reservoir for washer systems 53
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings 131
Restraint systems
– for children 43
– refer to Safety belts 40
Reverse
– CD player 141
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 49
– manual transmission 48
Road map 120
Roadside Assistance 218
Roadside parking lamps 81
– replacing bulb 210
Roadworthiness te st, refer to
Service requirements 59
Roof load capacity 226
Roof-mounted luggage rack 103 Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 221
Route 118,119
– bypassing sections 120
– changing 118,120
– changing criteria 118
– displaying arrow view 119
– displaying map view 120
–
displaying streets or towns/ cities 119
– selecting 118
Route guidance 118
– bypassing a route
section 120
– changing specified route 118
– continuing 118
– distance and arrival 118
– starting 118
– voice instructions 122
– volume of voice instructions 122
Route section, changing 120
Route selection 118
RSC Run-flat System Component, refer to Run-flat
tires 196
Rubber parts, care 205
Run-flat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires 196
Run-flat tires 196
– flat tire 71
– Flat Tire Monitor 71
– tire inflation pressure 190
– tire replacement 196
– winter tires 197
S
Safety belt
– number37
Safety Belt Reminder 41
Safety belts 40
– damage 41
– indicator lamp 41
– reminder 41
– sitting safely 37 Safety belts, care
207
Safety systems
– airbags 76
– Antilock Brake System
ABS 67
– driving stability control systems 67
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 67
– safety belts 40
Safety tires, re fer to Run-flat
tires 196
Satellite radio 134
– channel, activating or deactivating 135
– channel, selecting 135
– channel, storing 136
– favorites 137
– time shift 136
– Traffic Jump 138
Screen, refer to On-board computer controls 16
Screw thread for tow fitting 220
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio 134
Seat adjustment
– mechanical 38
– rear 39
Seats 38
– adjusting the seats 38
– heating 40
– sitting safely 37
Securing the vehicle
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
Selecting new scale for navigation 121
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock 48
– overriding manually 50