DrivingControls
41
Driving
Ignition lock
Inserting the key into the ignition lock
Insert the key all the way into the ignition lock.
Radio readiness
Individual electrical consumers can operate.
Removing the key from the ignition lock
Press in the key briefly. It is ejected slightly.
At the same time:
> The ignition is switched off if it was on
beforehand.
Automatic transmission
The key can only be removed if the selector lever
is in position P: interlock.
Start/Stop button
Press the Start/Stop button to switch radio readi-
ness or the ignition on and off. Do not depress
the brake or clutch while doing so.
If the Start/Stop button is pressed while
the clutch is depressed in the manual
transmission or the brak e pedal is depressed in
the automatic transmission, the engine starts. <
Radio readiness
Individual electrical consumers can operate. The
time and external temperature are displayed in
the tachometer.
Radio readiness is switched off automatically:
>When the key is removed from the ignition
lock
> When using Comfort Access
* by pushing the
button on the door handle or the
button on the remote control, refer to
Locking on page 28
> After a certain has elapsed
Ignition on
Most indicator and warning lamps in indicator
area 1, page 13, light up for va rying lengths of
time.
When the engine is off, switch off the igni-
tion and any unnecessary electrical con-
sumers in order to preserve the battery. <
Technology for driving comfort and safetyControls
59
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. The measurement is carried
out by four ultrasonic sensors in the rear
bumper.An acoustic warning sounds when an
object is approx. 24 in/60 cm from the
corner sensors or appr ox. 5 ft/1.50 m from the
center sensors. PDC is a parking aid that can dis-
play objects, which are slowly being
approached, which is the usual case when park-
ing a vehicle. Avoid approaching an object at
high speed; otherwise, physical circumstances
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.
Adjustments
The volume of the acoustic signals can be set,
refer to page 102.
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 re sponsibility for esti-
mating the distance between the vehicle
and any obstructions always remains with the
driver. Sensors, too, ha ve blind spots in which
objects cannot be detected. 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, al ways 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. <
Driving stability control
systems
Your MINI has a number of systems that help to
maintain the vehicle's st ability even in adverse
driving conditions.
Driving tipsThings to remember when driving
98
Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis-
tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump-
tion and tire wear.
Drive off immediately
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds. This is the
fastest way for the cold engine to reach its oper-
ating temperature.
Think ahead while driving
Avoid unnecessary accelera tion and braking. by
maintaining a suitable di stance to the vehicle
driving ahead.
Driving smoothly and an ticipating impending
traffic situations reduces fuel consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for driving off. In second and
higher gears, accelerate smoothly to a suitable
engine and road speed. In doing so, avoid high
engine speeds and shift up early.
When you reach your desired traveling speed,
shift to the highest suitable gear and drive at
constant speed.
As a rule: driving at lo w engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red traffic light, take your
foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast
to a halt in the highest suitable gear.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the
accelerator and let the vehicle coast in a suitable
gear.
Fuel supply is shut off automatically when the
vehicle is coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic li ghts, railroad crossings or
in traffic jams.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have your vehicle servic ed regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. The man-
ufacturer of your MINI recommends having the
vehicle serviced by a MINI dealer. Also note the
MINI Maintenance System, page 142.
Driving on poor roads
Your MINI is at home on all roads and surfaces. It
combines an all-wheel drive system* with the
advantages of a normal passenger car.
Do not drive on unpa ved terrain, as other-
wise the vehicle may be damaged. <
When you are driving on poor roads, there are a
few points which you shou ld strictly observe for
your own safety, for that of your passengers,
and for the safety of the vehicle:
> Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
beginning to drive and do not take risks
under any circumstances.
> Adapt your speed to road conditions. The
steeper and rougher the road surface is, the
lower the speed should be.
> When driving on very steep uphill or down-
hill grades, make sure in advance that the
engine oil and coolant levels are close to the
maximum mark, refer to page 139.
> While driving, watch carefully for obstacles
such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these
obstacles whenever possible.
> Make sure that the un dercarriage does not
touch the ground, for example on hilltops
and bumpy roads. The ground clearance of
the vehicle is a maximum of approx. 6.0 in/
15 cm. Please note that the ground clear-
ance can vary depending on loading and the
driving conditions of the vehicle.
> Only drive through road surface water up to
a maximum water depth of 1 ft/30 cm and
only at walking speed ; do not remain sta-
tionary.
Radio MINI Boost CDEntertainment
103
4.Select the desired volume and press the but-
ton on the right.
Setting tone controls
You can select between the following settings:
>Bass: bass setting.
> Treble: treble setting.
> Balance: volume distribution right/left.
> Fader: volume distri bution front/back.
The tone settings are set for all audio sources at
once.
Setting the bass, treble and balance
1. Press the button.
2. Select the desired tone setting and press the
button on the right.
3. Select the desired volume and press the but-
ton on the right.
Resetting tone settings
The tone settings are reset to the middle values.
1.Press the button.
2. Press the button.
Time
Setting the time, date and time format
You can set the time, date and time format, refer
to page57.
Radio
Your radio is designed to receive FM and AM sig-
nals.
Listening to the radio
1. Switch on the radio, refer to page 102.
2. If necessary, press the MODE button.
3. Press the button.
4. Press the corresponding button as
often as necessary until the desired wave-
length band is selected.
> AM: AM and AMA
> FM: FM1/FM2 and FMA
Selecting a station
The setting is stored for the remote control in
use.
Next station
Press the … button.
The next station that can be received is selected.
Selecting stations manually by
frequency
1. Press the button.
2. Press the button each time to enter a
desired frequency.
Or, by using the button on the right:
1. Press the button.
2. Turn the knob on the right until the desired
frequency is reached.
Automatically update strongest stations
Press the corresponding button as long
as necessary until "Autostore" is displayed.
Several seconds may go by until the stations are
stored and one of the stations can be heard.
EntertainmentRadio MINI Boost CD
104
If you do not wish to use the Autostore
feature, you can store six stations of your
choice in the FMA or AMA memory levels.<
Playing and selecting stations, scan
You can play all the statio ns that can be received
for approx. 10 seconds.
Press the button.
Interrupting the scan an d selecting a station:
Press the button.
Storing and recalling stations
Memory presets
Your radio can store 30 stations:
> FM1, FM2: six stations of your choice for
each
> AM: six stations of your choice
> FMA/AMA: automatically , the six strongest
stations
Storing a station
1.
Press the corresponding button as
often as necessary until the desired fre-
quency range is selected
2. Selecting stations.
3.
… Press and hold the
desired button until th e station can again be
heard after a short interruption.
The memory level and the selected button
are shown on the display, e.g.:
Recalling stored stations
1. Press the corresponding button as often as necessary until the desired wave-
length band is selected.
2.
… Press the desired but-
ton.
For the knob on the right:
Turn the knob on the right as long as necessary
until the desired stat ion has been reached.
RDS – Radio Data System
The Radio Data System transmits additional
information in the FM frequency range. RDS sta-
tions have the following features:
>For stations that broadcast over several fre-
quencies, the frequency with the best recep-
tion quality is automatically selected.
> Under good reception conditions, the sta-
tion names are displayed.
> Additional information can be shown on the
display, e.g., text me ssages from the station.
> Over RDS, some stations transmit the type of
the received program, PTY. At the option of
the station, this can be shown briefly on the
display, e.g., message s, NEWS. Using PTY,
warnings regarding ca tastrophies can also
be displayed, e.g., "ALARM".
Switching RDS on/off
1. Press the button.
2. Press the button.
The name of the current station is displayed if it
transmits RDS information.
Displaying the program type
1. Press the button.
2. Press the button.
Everything from A to ZReference
185
Ignition key position 1, refer to Radio readiness 41
Ignition key position 2, refer to Ignition on 41
Ignition key, refer to Integrated key/remote
control 20
Ignition lock 41
Imprint 2
Incoming call 119
Indicator and warning lamps 13,162
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 65
Indicator lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 74
Individual air distribution 78
Individual settings, refer to Personal Profile 20
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 64
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 63
– glass roof, electric 30
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays 12
Instrument lighting 74
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit 10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays 12
Integrated key 20
Integrated universal remote
control 81
Interior lamps 75
– remote control 23
Interior rearview mirror 36
– automatic dimming feature 37
Interlock 44
Intermittent mode of the wipers 47
Internet page 4J
Jacking points 155
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles 48
Jumpering, refer to Jump-starting 158
Jump-starting 158
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile 20
Key, refer to Keys/remote controls 20
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access 27
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort Access 27
Keypad dialing 120
Kickdown 44
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 44
Knock control 129
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs 148
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams 71
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 96
LATCH child restraint fixing system 39
Leather care 146
LEDs light-emitting diodes 148
Length, refer to Dimensions 177
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement 152
Liftgate 25
– Comfort Access 28
– opening from outside 25
– opening/closing 25
– unlocking with remote control 23 Light
– automatic headlamp
control 71
Light alloy wheels, care 146
Light switch 71
Light-emitting diodes LEDs 148
Lighter 85
– socket 86
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs 148
– of the instruments 74
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps 71
Limit 173
Listening to test scan
– Radio MINI Boost CD 104
Load 95
Load securing equipment, refer to Securing cargo 96
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking 24
Locking
– adjusting confirmation signal 22
– from inside 24
– from outside 22
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 27
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 22
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
Longlife oils
– approved motor oils 140
Low beams 71
– automatic 71
– replacing bulb 149
Lower back suppo rt, refer to
Lumbar support 33
Luggage compartment
– doors, refer to Liftgate 25
Lug
gage compartment
partition net, refer to Cargo
net 94
Luggage rack, re fer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 97