2012 MINI Coupe transmission

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
75
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 116.
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
78
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.
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster:
automatic rear spoiler
General information
The automatic rear spoiler increases the driving
stability of your MINI Coupe or MINI Roadster.
Make sure that the ra nge of motion for the
rear spoiler is clear; otherwise, damage
may occur. <
Do not push on the rear spoiler; otherwise, it
may be damaged.
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CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
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Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM
The concept
Measuring the inflation pressure in the four
mounted tires. The system notifies you if there is
a significant loss of pressu re in one or more tires.
Functional requirement
The system must have been reset while the
inflation pressure was correct; otherwise,
reliable signaling of a flat tire is not ensured.
Always use wheels with TPM electronics to
ensure that the system will operate properly.
Reset the system again af ter each correction of
the tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.
System limitations
Sudden, serious tire damage caused by
external influences cannot be indicated in
advance. <
The system does not operate correctly if it has
not been reset. For exampl e, a flat tire may be
indicated despite correct tire inflation pressures.
The system is inactive an d cannot indicate a flat
tire:
> If a wheel without TPM electronics, e.g. a
compact spare wheel, is mounted.
> Interference with TPM by other systems or
devices with the same transmission fre-
quency.
Resetting the system
Reset the system again af ter each correction of
the tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.
Using the button in the turn signal lever
1. Start the engine, but do not start driving.
2. Press the button in the turn signal indicator
as often as necessary until "SET/INFO" is
displayed.
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4. Press the button repeatedly until the symbol
for Tire Pressure Monitor and "ACTIVE" are
displayed.
The Tire Pressure Monitor can be reset by
selecting "RESET".
5. Press and hold the button until "RESETTING"
is displayed.
6. Start driving.
After driving a few minutes, the set inflation
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
106
Things to remember when driving
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.
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed the following:
> Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full
traction potential until af ter an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously
during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distan ce driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Ground clearance
When driving, ensure that there is suffi-
cient ground clearance, such as when
entering underground parking garages, driving
over curbs or when driving in winter; otherwise
damage to the vehicle may result. <
Close the tailgate
Only drive with the tailgate closed. Failure
to do so may endanger passengers or
other road users or may damage the vehicle in
the event of an accident or a braking and
evasive maneuver. In a ddition, exhaust gas may
flow into the passenger compartment. <
If special circumstances make it absolutely
necessary to drive with the tailgate open:
1. Coupe: close all windows.
2. Switch off the recirculated-air mode and
switch the airflow contro l of the heating, air
conditioner, or automa tic climate control to
high, refer to page 95 or97.
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
107
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 151.
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 78.
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-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mo de of the automatic transmis-
sion, page 59.
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
108
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 ca pacity, 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. could damage the vehicle.
<
MINI Coupe: 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. <
Your MINI Coupe is equipped with two cargo
area covers. When you open the tailgate, the
rear cargo area cover is raised.
The cargo area covers can be removed
individually.
Front cargo area cover
Pull cargo area cover back out of the holders,
arrow 1.
Rear cargo area cover
1. Pull release, arrow 1, left and right.
2. Pull cargo down out of the holders arrow 2.
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MOBILITYCare
162
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that
the vehicle can roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with Comfort
Access, in the ignition lock.
2. Move the selector lever to position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch off the engine.
5. Insert the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, make sure that you maintain
sufficient distance from the vehicle and do not
exceed a maximum temperature of 140 7/
60 6 .
If the distance is too close, the pressure too high,
or the temperature too high, parts of the vehicle
can be damaged, or water can penetrate.
Observe the operating instructions for high-
pressure washers. <
Do not spray sensors, such as the Park
Distance Control, with high-pressure
washers for a long time or at a distance of less
than 1 ft/30 cm. <
Manual washing
Use a great deal of water and, if necessary, car
shampoo when washing your car by hand. Clean
the vehicle with a sponge or a washing brush
applying a slight amount of pressure.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or turn off the ignition
to prevent unintentional wiping. <
Observe local regulations regarding
washing vehicles by hand. <
Headlamps
Do not wipe dry and do not use abrasive or
corrosive cleaning agents. Remove dirt and
contamination, such as in sects, by soaking with
shampoo and then washing with plenty of
water. Do not remove accumulated ice and snow with
an ice scraper; use window deicers instead.
Windows
Clean the outside and inside of the windows and
mirrors with a window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners
containing quartz. <
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and change regularly to
prevent the formation of streaks.
Wax, preservatives and dirt on the
windows cause streaks when the wind-
shield wipers are on, and can cause premature
wear of the wiper blades and interfere with the
rain sensor. <
Care of the convertible top
The appearance and service life of the conver-
tible top largely depends on its proper care and
operation.
Please follow these instructions:
>Never attempt to fold and stow the conver-
tible top in the convertible compartment
when the top is wet or frozen. Otherwise,
water stains, mildew, and chafe marks may
occur.
> If water spots occur on the inside headliner
despite precautions, remove them using a
microfiber cloth and interior cleaner.
> If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area
for a longer period of time, make sure that
there is sufficient ventilation.
> Remove any bird droppings immediately,
since they have corrosive properties which
will corrode the conver tible top and damage
the rubber seals.
When attempting to remove stains from
the convertible top, do not use spot
removers, paint thinners, solvents, gasoline, or
similar fluids. These cleaners may damage the
rubber seals. The improper care or cleaning
methods may cause the convertible top and its
seams to leak. <
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Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
179
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the MINI.
It is stored in the toolkit in the cargo area under-
neath the cover on the right-hand side,
page165.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged. <
Access to screw thread
Push out the cover of the towing eye out of the
recess in the bumper.
Front
Rear
John Cooper Works with aerodynamic bumper:
Pull out the bottom of the cover panel of the
towing eye in the bumper, arrow.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page55; otherwise, the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals, and windshield
wipers may be unavailable. Do not tow the
vehicle with just the rear axle raised, as this
would allow the steering to turn. <
There is no power assist while the engine is off.
Thus, braking and steering will require increased
effort.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
depending on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Tow vehicles with automatic transmission
only with a tow truck or with the front
wheels lifted; otherwise, the transmission can be
damaged. <
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 maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
> The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG