
CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
64
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 coun try version. This also
applies to safety relate d 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. 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 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 circ umstances 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, the acoustic signal stops
after approx. 3 seconds.
Adjustments
The volume of the acoustic signals can be set,
refer to page 108.
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
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Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
67
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 stab ilizing interventions.
Interventions (differentia l 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, 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
characteristics. The ALL4 all-wheel drive system
variably 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, 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.
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
97
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2. Switch off recirculated -air mode and switch
the airflow control of the air conditioner or
automatic climate control to high, refer to
page 82 or 84.
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 sect ions of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact between
the hot exhaust system and any highly flamm-
able materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc.
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 142.
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.
67.
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 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. <
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
98
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 in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, page49.
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 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 contaminants 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. <
Expanding cargo area
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. Lift the cover slightly, arrow 1, and pull it
rearward out of the bracket, arrow 2.
Rear seat backrest
Before folding down the rear seat back-
rests, ensure that th e range of motion for
the backrests is unobstructed. Particularly with a
folded down middle section, ensure that there is
no one within the range of motion of the back-
rest and that no one re aches into that region.
Otherwise, injury or damage can result. <
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MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
166
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 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 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 vehicle to be started
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. <
Tow-starting, towing
away
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing. <
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed. <
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
189
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 130
Battery 163
– disposal 31,163
– jump-starting 165
– temporary power failure 164
Battery renewal
– remote control 31
Being towed 167
Belts, refer to Safety belts 37
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety belts 37
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 93
Black ice, refer to External
temperature warning 56
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 82,84
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 122
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 93
Brake Assist 65
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 61
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 159
Brake pads, breaking in 96
Brake rotors 98
– brakes 96
– breaking in 96
Brakes
– ABS 65
– breaking in 96
– MINI Maintenance
System 149
– parking brake 47
– service requirements 61
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 97
Brake system 96
– breaking in 96
– disc brakes 98
– MINI Maintenance
System 149 Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance 165
Breaking in the clutch 96
Break-in period 96
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 155
Button for starting the
engine 45
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call ending 126
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 126
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders 93
Capacities 187
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery 163
Car care 151
Care 151
– car-care products 151
– car washes 151
– CD/DVD drives 154
– high-pressure washers 152
– leather 153
– manual washing 152
– upholstery and fabrics 153
– windows 152
– wiper blades 152
Cargo, securing 102
Cargo area 98
– capacity 186
– Comfort Access 30
– lamp 79
– opening from outside 28
– trunk lid, refer to Tailgate 28
Cargo area, expanding 98
Cargo area lamp 79
Cargo area lid, refer to Tailgate 28
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 100 Cargo loading
101
– securing cargo 102
– stowing cargo 102
– vehicle 98
Cargo net 100
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 22
Carpets, care 153
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest 90
Car phone, refer to Telephone 120
Car wash
– before driving in 47
Car wash, care 151
Car washes 151
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 97
CD player 113
– changing the track 113
– fast forward/reverse 113
– playing a track 114
– random order 113
– volume 108
Center armr
est90
Center brake lamp 159
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console 14
Center Rail 91
Center Rail, refer to Storage compartments 91
Central locking system 23
– Comfort Access 30
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
– setting unlocking behavior 23
Changing bulbs 155
Changing wheels 162
Charging the battery 163
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 145
Check Control 62
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 42
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
190
Child restraint systems41
Child-safety locks 44
Child seats 41
Chrome parts, care 153
Chrome parts, refer to Care 151
Cigarette lighter 93
Cleaning headlamps 52
– washer fluid 53
Clock
– setting time 62
– 12 h/24 h mode 59
Closing
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
Clothes hooks 92
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the engine 46
Comfort Access 30
– replacing the battery 31
– what to observe before
entering a car wash 31
Comfort area, refer to Around the center console 14
Compartment for remote control, refer to Ignition
lock 45
Compass 88
Compressed audio files 113
Computer 56
Condensation, refer to When the vehicle is parked 98
Condition Based Service CBS 149
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile 22
Connecting vacuum cleaner, refer to Connecting electrical
appliances 93
Consumption, refer to Average fuel consumption 56
Controls and displays 10
Convenience operation
– windows 24
Convenient access, refer to Comfort Access 30 Convenient start, refer to
Starting the engine 46
Coolant 148
– checking level 148
– filling 148
– temperature 148
Cooling, maximum 84
Cooling fluid, refer to Coolant 148
Copyright 2
Cornering light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 78
Cruising range 56,57
Cupholders 93
Curb weight, refer to
Wei g
hts186
Current fuel consumption 57
D
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit 10
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 79
Data 184
– capacities 187
– dimensions 185
– engine 184
– weights 186
Data memory 150
Date
– setting 62
Daytime running lights 77
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 65
Deactivating front passenger airbags 73
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking 24
Defect
– door lock 26
Defective
– fuel filler flap 134
Defogging windows 83,85
Defrosting windows 83,85 Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner 83
– automatic climate control 85
Defrosting windshield, refer to Defrosting windows 83,85
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows 83,85
Differential, breaking in 96
Digital compass 88
Digital radio, refer to HD Radio 111
Dimensions 185
Dipstick, engine oil 146
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 50
Displacement, refer to Engine data 184
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 79
Displays 12
– instrument panel 12
Displays, care 154
Displays and controls 10
Disposal
– of coolant 148
– remote control battery 31
– vehicle battery 163
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 61
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control
PDC 64
Door key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 22
Door lock 26
Door lock, confirmation signals 24
Doors, manual operation 26
DOT Quality Grades 141
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 93
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill Assist 67
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button 67
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 76
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
192
Four-wheel drive, refer to ALL4 67
Front airbags 73
Front fog lamps 79
– indicator lamp 169
– replacing bulb 157
Front seat adjustment 35
Frost on windows, refer to Defrosting windows 83,85
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 68
Fuel 135
– fuel tank volume 187
– gauge 55
– high-quality brands 135
– quality 135
– specifications 135
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 55
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption 56
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 55
Fuel filler flap 134
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction 134
Fuses 164
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 86
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel consumption 56
Gasoline, refer to Required fuel 135
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge 55
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 48
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission 48
– manual transmission 47Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 48
– manual transmission 47
General driving notes 96
Glass roof, electric 31
– convenience operation 24
– opening, closing 32
– remote control 24
– tilting 32
Glove compartment 90
Gong
– volume 108
Grills, refer to Air vents 81
Gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 186
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb 156
Handbrake, refe r to Parking
brake 47
Hands-free system 14,128
Hazard warning flashers 14
HD Radio 111
Head airbags 73
Headlamp control,
automatic 76
Headlamp flasher 50
– indicator lamp 11,82 ,85, 169
Headlamp glass lens 156
Headlamps
– replacing bulb 156
Headlamps, care 152
Head Light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 78
Head restraints 36
– sitting safely 34
Heated
– mirrors 40
– rear window 82,84
– seats 37 Heating
81
– mirrors 40
– rear window 82,84
– seats 37
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing cargo 102
Height, refer to
Dimensions 185
Height adjustment
– seats 35
– steering wheel 40
High beams 78
– headlamp flasher 78
– indicator lamp 82,85,169
– replacing bulb 156
High water, refer to Driving
through water 97
Hill Assist 67
Hills 97
Holders for cups 93
Homepage 4
Hood 146
Horn 10
Hot exhaust system 97
Hyd ro
planing 97
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio 111
Ice warning, refer to External
temperature warning 56
Ignition 45
– switched off 46
– switched on 45
Ignition key, refer to Integrated key/remote
control 22
Ignition key position 1, refer to Radio readiness 45
Ignition key position 2, refer to Ignition on 45
Ignition lock 45
Imprint 2
Incoming call 125
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 828 - \251 07/12 BMW AG