Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
63
Technology for driving comfort and
safety
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or count ry version. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
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 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 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 104.
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
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CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
66
Deactivating both DTC and DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator lamp 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 stabilizing interventions.
Interventions (differential lock) in braking occur
to improve propulsion when drive wheels are
rotating unevenly, even when DSC is deacti-
vated.
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, imme-
diately 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 button.
The LED lights up.
SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
>Press the 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.
The system detects a pres sure loss in a tire by
comparing the rotational speeds of the indivi-
dual wheels while moving.
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter and
therefore the rotational speed of the corre-
sponding wheel change. This is detected and
reported as a flat tire.
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
95
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2. Switch off the recirc ulated-air mode and
switch the airflow contro l of the heating, air
conditioner, or automa tic climate control to
high, refe r to page 81 or 83.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various se ctions of the exhaust
system, and never apply undercoating to them.
Make sure that when driving, idling or when
parking, no easily flamma ble materials, such as
hay, leaves, grass, etc. come into contact with
the hot exhaust system. Such contact could lead
to a fire, with the risk of serious personal injuries
and property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust
tail pipes. Otherwise, there is a risk of burns. <
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 139.
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 66.
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 movement range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carp et, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhi bit 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 fl oor mats are securely
fastened 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 neces-
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
96
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, page48.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine
braking action will not be present or there will be
no power assistance to the 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 op erating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminan ts accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic climate
control is in operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may
continue to run for some time after the engine is
switched off. This will generate noise in the
engine compartment.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can
assume the form of a sudden blowout. <
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo area as they
could damage the vehicle. <
MINI: cargo area cover
Do not place any objects on the cover;
otherwise, they could endanger the car's
occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden
swerving, or they may damage the cover. <
When you open the tailgate, the roll-up cover is
raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.
1. Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate.
2. Pull the cover out of the holders toward the
rear.
MINI Clubman: luggage compartment
roller cover
Do not place heavy or hard objects on the
luggage compartment roller cover. If you
do so, they may already po s e a d a n g e r t o v e h i c l e
occupants during braking or evasive maneuvers.
Do not allow the luggage compartment roll-up
cover to snap back, otherwise it can be
damaged. <
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MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
168
MINI Clubman
In the cargo area under the loading sill.
Open the center lock to take it out.
Jump-starting
I f t h e c a r ' s o w n b a t t e r y i s f l a t , y o u r M I N I ' s e n g i n e
can be started by connecting two jumper cables
to another vehicle's battery. You can also use
the same method to help start another vehicle.
Only use jumper cables with fully-insulated
clamp handles.Do not touch any electrically live parts
when the engine is running, or a fatal
accident may occur. Ca refully adhere to the
following sequence, both to prevent damage
to one or both vehicles, and to guard against
possible personal injuries. <
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other
vehicle has a voltage of 12 volts and approx-
imately 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 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 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.
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
195
Battery165
– disposal 32,165
– jump-starting 168
– temporary power failure 165
Battery renewal
– remote control 32
Being towed 170
Belts, refer to Safety belts 38
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety belts 38
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 90
Black ice, refer to External
temperature warning 55
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 81,83
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 118
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 90
Brake Assist 64
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 59
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 158,159
Brake pads, breaking in 94
Brake rotors 96
– brakes 94
– breaking in 94
Brakes
– ABS 64
– breaking in 94
– MINI Maintenance
System 147
– parking brake 46
– service requirements 59
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 95
Brake system 94
– breaking in 94
– disc brakes 96
– MINI Maintenance
System 147
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 167
Breaking in the clutch 94
Break-in period 94 Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs 155
Button for starting the engine 44
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call ending 122
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing 122
Calling, refer to Telephone 89
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders 90
Capacities 192
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery 165
Car care 149
Care 149
– car-care products 149
– car washes 149
– CD/DVD drives 152
– high-pressure washers 150
– leather 151
– manual washing 150
– upholstery and fabrics 151
– windows 150
– wiper blades 150
Cargo, securing 99
Cargo area 96
– capacity 191
– Comfort Access 31
– cover 96
– doors, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 28
– expanding 97
– lamp 79
– opening from outside 28
– trunk lid, refer to Split Rear
Barn Doors 28
Cargo area doors, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 28
Cargo area lamp 79 Cargo area lid, refer to
Tailgate 28
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 98
Cargo loading 98
– securing cargo 99
– stowing cargo 99
– vehicle 96
Cargo net 98
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 22
Carpets, care 151
Car phone
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 89
– refer to Telephone 89,116
Car radio, refer to Radio 16
Car wash, care 149
Car washes 149
Cataly
tic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system 95
CD player 109
– changing the track 109
– fast forward/reverse 109
– playing a track 110
– random order 109
– volume 104
Center armrest 89
Center brake lamp 160
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console 14
Central locking system 23
– Comfort Access 30
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
Changing bulbs 155
Changing wheels 162
Charging the battery 165
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 143
Check Control 61
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 42
Child restraint systems 41
Child seats 41
Chrome parts, care 151
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
196
Chrome parts, refer to Care 149
Cigarette lighter 91
Cleaning headlamps 51
– washer fluid 52
Clock
– setting time 61
– 12 h/24 h mode 58
Closing
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
Clothes hooks 90
Club Door 28
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the engine 45
Comfort Access 30
– replacing the battery 32
– what to observe before
entering a car wash 32
Comfort area, refer to Around the center console 14
Compartment for remote control, refer to Ignition
lock 44
Compass 87
Compressed audio files 109
Computer 55
Condensation, refer to When the vehicle is parked 96
Condition Based Service CBS 147
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile 22
Connecting vacuum cleaner, refer to Connecting electrical
appliances 91
Consumption, refer to Average fuel consumption 55
Control Display
– settings 56
Controls and displays 10
Convenience operation
– windows 24
Convenient access, refer to
Comfort Access 30 Convenient start, refer to
Starting the engine 45
Coolant 146
– checking level 146
– filling 146
Coolant temperature 146
Cooling, maximum 83
Cooling fluid, refer to Coolant 146
Copyright 2
Cornering light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 77
Cruising range 55,56
Cupholders 90
Curb weight, refer to Weights 191
C
urrent fuel consumption 56
D
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit 10
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 78
Data 186
– capacities 192
– dimensions 187
– engine 186
– weights 191
Data memory 148
Date
– setting 61
Daytime running lights 76
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 64
Deactivating front passenger airbags 72
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking 24
Defect
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 128
Defogging windows 82,84
Defrosting windows 82,84 Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner 82
– automatic climate control 84
Defrosting windshield, refer to Defrosting windows 82,84
Defrost positi on, refer to
Defrosting windows 82,84
Differential, breaking in 94
Digital compass 87
Digital radio, refer to HD Radio 107
Dimensions 187
Dipstick, engine oil 144
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 49
Displacement, refer to Engine data 186
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 78
Displays 12
– instrument panel 12
Displays, care 152
Displays and controls 10
Disposal
– of coolant 146
– remote control battery 32
– vehicle battery 165
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 59
Distance warning, refer
to Park
Distance Control PDC 63
Door
– rear, refer to Club Door 28
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 22
Door lock 26
Door lock, confirmation
signals 24
Doors, manual operation 26
DOT Quality Grades 139
Double doors, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 28
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders 90
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
197
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist 66
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 66
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 75
Driving notes 94
Driving off on inclines, refer to Hill Assist 66
Driving stability control
systems 64
Driving through water 95
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes 94
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 84
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 64
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 65
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 64
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 64
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC 65
E
Eject button 110
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 128
Electric power windows
– initializing 33
Electronic brake-force
distribution 64
Electronic Stability Program ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 64
Emergency operation, refer to Manual operation
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 128
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 48 Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance 167
Ending a call 122
Engine
– breaking in 94
– data 186
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature 146
– speed 186
– starting, Comfort Access 30
Engine compartment 143
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 146
Engine oil
– additives, refer to Approved engine oils 145
– alternative oil types 145
– approved engine oils 145
– capacity 145
– checking level 144
– dipstick 144
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements 59
– MINI Maintenance
System 147
Engine oil level, checking 144
Engine output, refer to Engine
data 186
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine 45
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 64
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 95
Exterior mirrors 39
– adjusting 39
– automatic heating 39
– folding in and out 39
External audio device 89,104
External care 149
External temperature display
– change units of measure 58
– in the onboard computer 58Eyes
– for tow-
starting and towing
away 169
– for tying down loads 99
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 61
Failure of an electrical
consumer 166
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 38
Fast forward
– CD 109
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 61
Filter
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 84
– microfilter for air
conditioner 82
Fine wood, care 152
First aid pouch 167
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 44
Flash when locking/
unlocking 24
Flat load floor 98
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 140
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 69
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 66
– indicating a flat tire 67
– initializing the system 67
– snow chains 67
– system limits 67
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition 139
Floor mats, care 151
Floor plate, refe r to Flat load
floor 98
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 156,159
Folding rear seat backrest 97
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 744 - \251 07/12 BMW AG