
CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
82
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 and a visual indi cator warn you of the
presence of an object behind the vehicle. To
measure the distance, there are four ultrasonic
sensors in either bumper.
These sensors have a range of approx. 6.5 ft/
2m. However, an acoust ic 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 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 co nstant, e.g. when driv-
ing parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal stops
after approx. 3 seconds.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp lights up. PDC has failed.
A message appears on the Control
Display. 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
selector 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
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
86
Do not push on the rear spoiler; otherwise, it
may be damaged.
For information on car washing facilities and
care, see page227 and following.
Automatic mode
When starting the engine, a retracted rear
spoiler is in the automatic mode. It is possible
that there will be some noise for a short time
when driving off because of the initialization of
the system.
Automatic extension:
When driving at speeds in excess of approx.
50 mph/80 km/h.
Automatic retraction:
When driving at speeds below 38 mph/60 km/h.
In the automatic mode, the rear spoiler
can not be retracted manually at speeds
greater than 37 mph/60 km/h.<
Manual mode
The manual mode can, for example, be used
when cleaning the rear spoiler while the ignition
is on or the engine is running. LED on switch is
on.
If the rear spoiler stops in an intermediate
position after repeat edly being extended
and retracted, then the system has become
overheated. After a short cooling down time, the
rear spoiler can again be operated.<
Extending rear spoiler
Press the switch toward the rear.
Retracting rear spoiler
If the rear spoiler was manually extended and a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h not exceeded, then
the rear spoiler can agai n be retracted. Other-
wise, the rear spoiler cannot be retracted unless
the speed is below 37 mph/60 km/h.
> For speeds between 12 mph/20 km/h and
50 mph/80 km/h,
briefly press the switch forward or keep
pressed.
> For speeds less than 12 mph/20 km/h,
press switch forward and keep pressed.
Malfunctions
Indicator lamp goes on briefly when the
ignition is switched on and an acoustic
signal is produced.
A message appears on the Control Display.
Display in the following situations:
> Rear spoiler is extended.
Manually retract rear spoiler or it will auto-
matically retract at a speed of approx.
12 mph/20 km/h.
> Rear spoiler can not be extended from the
rear spoiler compartment.
Check if the rear spoiler is free of snow or ice,
for example. Free rear spoiler or clear of ice.
Warning lamp goes on and an acoustic
signal sounds several times.
A message appears on the Control
Display.
Display in the following situation:
If the rear spoiler ca n not be completely
extended, do not exceed a speed of 50 mph or
80 km/h.
Have the system checked.
When there is a malfunction at speeds greater
than 30 mph/50 km/h, the Dynamic Stability
Control DSC switches on.
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

CONTROLSLamps
98
Activating Adaptive Light Control
With the ignition switched on, turn the light
switch to position 3, refer to page 96.
Standstill function: to avoid blinding oncoming
traffic, the Adaptive Light Control does not pivot
toward the driver's side when the vehicle is at a
standstill.
In reverse, the Adaptive Light Control is not
activated.
Malfunction
A message is displayed.
The Adaptive Light Control is malfunctioning or
failed. Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1 Turn signals/roadside parking lamps
2 Switching on high beams
3 Switching off high beams/headlamp flasher
Roadside parking lamps, left or right
The vehicle can be illuminated on one side for
parking. Comply with local regulations when
doing so.
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or
down, arrow 1.
The roadside parking lamps drain the
battery. Therefore, do not leave them on
for unduly long periods of time; otherwise, the
battery might not have enough power to start
the engine. <
Switching off
Press the lever up or down to the pressure point.
Front fog lamps
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster
1Front fog lamps
2 Rear fog lamp
Press the respective swit ch to turn the lamps
on/off.
MINI Convertible
> Turn on front fog lamps:
Press the switch upward
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

CONTROLSLamps
100
MINI Roadster with semi-automatic
convertible top
>To switch on interior lamps:
Press the switch toward the rear.
> To switch on reading lamps:
Press the switch forward.
To turn off, press the re spective switch forward
again or back.
Ambient lighting
The color and brightness of the ambient lighting
can be changed.
> Press the switch forward.
The color changes in stages.
> Press the switch toward the rear.
The brightness changes in stages.
Intermediate settings and colors are possible.
For a continuous co lor change in the
ambient lighting, press and hold the
switch forward for longer than 10 seconds. <
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

ClimateCONTROLS
101
Climate
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.
Equipment versions
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, your
MINI contains an air conditioner or an automatic
climate control.
1 Air conditioner
2 Automatic climate control
Air vents
3Airflow directed toward the windshield and
side windows
4 Air to the upper body area, draft-free
ventilation
5 Air to the footwell
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

CONTROLSClimate
104
Comfortable interior climate
AUTO program2 offers the ideal air distribution
and air flow rate for almo st all conditions, refer
to AUTO program below. All you need to do is
select an interior temperature which is comfort-
able for you.
The following sections inform you in detail about
how to adjust the settings.
Most settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile set-
tings on page 29.
Air flow rate, manual
Press the – button to reduce air flow. Press
the + button to increase it.
You can reactivate the automatic mode
for the air flow rate with the AUTO button.
The air flow rate is lo wered or switched off
entirely to reduce the drain on the battery. The
display remains the same.
Switching the system on/off
Reduce the air flow by pressing the – button
repeatedly until the system is switched off. All
displays go out.
Press the AUTO button to switch the automatic
climate control back on.
AUTO program
The AUTO program adjusts the air
distribution to the windshield and
side windows, toward the upper body area and
into the footwell for you. The air flow rate and
your temperature specifications will be adapted
to outside influences in accordance with
seasonal changes, e.g. sunlight.
The cooling function is automatically switched
on along with the AUTO program.
The program is switched off if the air distribution
is manually adjusted or if the button is pressed
again.
Convertible Program
If the convertible top is open, the Convertible
Program is activated. During the Convertible
Program, the automatic climate control is opti-
mized for driving with the convertible top down.
Furthermore, with increasing vehicle speed, the
airflow is also increased.
If attaching the wind reflector, the perfor-
mance of the Convertible Program can be
significantly improved. <
Recirculated-air mode
Recirculated-air mode: the supply
of outside air is permanently shut
off. The system then recirculates
the air currently within the vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfac es, press the AUTO
button or switch off the recirculated-air mode
and, if necessary, increa se the air flow rate.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used
over an extended period of time; otherwise, the
air quality in the passenger compartment will
deteriorate continuously.<
Maximum cooling
You will receive maximally cooled
air as quickly as possible when the
outside temperature is above
32 7 /06 and while the engine is running.
The automatic clim ate control goes into recircu-
lated-air mode at the lowest temperature. Air
flows at maximum rate from the vents for the
upper body area. You should therefore open
them for maximum cooling.
Air distribution, manual
The flow of air is directed to the
windows, to the upper body area or
to the footwell as selected.
You can switch the automatic air
distribution back on by pressing the AUTO
button.
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

Practical interior accessoriesCONTROLS
107
Practical interior accessories
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.
Glove compartment
Opening
Press the button to open the cover.
The light in the glove compartment comes on.
Closing
Fold cover up.
To prevent injury in the event of an
accident, close the glove compartment
after use while the vehi cle is being driven.<
MINI Convertible, MINI Roadster:
Locking
Use the integrated key of the remote control,
refer to page28.
Ventilation
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the
glove compartment can be ventilated and, if the
cooling function is swit ched on, can also be
cooled.
Opening
Rotate the switch in the direction of the arrow.
Closing
Rotate the switch in the opposite direction of the
arrow until it is in the vertical position.
Depending on the temperature setting of the air
conditioner or the automatic climate control,
high temperatures may result in the glove
compartment.
USB interface for data transfer
Connection for importing data from a USB
storage device, e.g. soft ware update, refer to
page 166.
The USB interface is locate d on the right side of
the glove compartment, toward the top.
Observe the following when connecting:
> Do not forcibly connect the plug to the USB
interface.
> Do not connect devices such as fans or
lamps to the USB interface.
> Do not connect USB hard drives.
> Do not use the USB interface to recharge
external devices.
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
118
Split-folding rear seats
To be able to transport larger objects, the rear
backrest can be folded down.
1.If necessary, use the integrated key to open
the backrest lock 1.
2. Press button 2 and fold down backrest
together with the belt strap.
3. Fold the backrest forward.
When folding the backrest back into its
original position, alwa ys ensure that the
catch engages securely. A loose backrest might
fail to prevent cargo from entering the passen-
ger compartment during sudden braking or
evasive maneuvers, posing a potential hazard to
occupants.
The belt guide loop, refer to page 54, must be
closed. <
Determining cargo limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, this could
damage the vehicle and produce unstable
vehicle operating conditions. <2.
Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX pounds or YYY
kilograms.
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs and there will be four 150 lb-pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs minus 750 lbs = 650 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster:
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003