
Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
83
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
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.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with driving stability control systems.
An appropriate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore do not
reduce the additional safety margin by engaging
in hazardous driving thereby running the risk of
an accident. <
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
Braking safely, refer to page 115.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine.
Cornering Brake Control CBC
Driving stability and steering characteristics
are further enhanced while braking in turns or
during a lane change.
Electronic brake-forc e distribution EBV
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake Assist
Rapidly depressing the brake causes this system
to automatically develop maximum braking
force. Thus, the system helps keep braking
distance to a minimum. At the same time, all the
benefits provided by ABS are exploited.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
The concept
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or
accelerate.
DSC also detects unstable driving conditions
such as when the vehicle' s rear end fishtails or
the vehicle is sliding on its front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through br aking actions at the
individual wheels.
Every time that the engine is started, DSC is
ready to operate.
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC OFF indicator
lamp on the speedometer is on and DSC OFF is
displayed on the tachometer. DSC is deacti-
vated. Stabilizing and propulsion promoting
actions are no longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free'
in snow, it can be helpfu l to switch off DSC for a
brief period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
85
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. <
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 spoile r increases the driving
stability of your MINI Coupe or MINI Roadster.
Make sure that the range of motion for the
rear spoiler is clear; otherwise, damage
may occur. <
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

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
87
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The system does not measure the actual
inflation pressure in the tires.
The system detects a pressure loss in a tire by
comparing the rotational speeds of the individ-
ual 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.
Functional requirement
The system must have been initialized while the
tire inflation pressure was correct; otherwise,
reliable signaling of a fl at tire is not ensured.
Initialize the system afte r every correction of the
tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.
System limitations
Sudden serious tire damage caused by
external influences ca nnot be indicated in
advance. <
A natural, even pressure loss in all four tires
cannot be detected. Therefore, check the tire
inflation pressure regularly.
In the following situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
> System has not been initialized.
> Driving on snowy or slippery road surface.
> Performance-oriented styl e of driving: slip in
the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration.
> Snow chains are attached.
When the vehicle is driven with a space-saver
spare tire, page 240, the Flat Tire Monitor
cannot function.
Status display
The current status of the Flat Tire Monitor can be
displayed on the Control Display, e.g. whether or
not the FTM is active.
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Flat Tire Monitor"
The status is displayed.
Initializing the system
The initialization process adopts the set inflation
tire pressures as refere nce values for the detec-
tion of a flat tire. Initialization is started by
confirming the inflation pressures.
Do not initialize the system when driving with
snow chains.
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Reset"
4. Start the engine, but do not start driving.
5. Select "Reset" to start the initialization.
6. Start to drive.
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
90
Resetting the system
Reset the system again after each correction of
the tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Reset"
4. Start the engine – do not drive away.
5. Select "Reset" to start the initialization.
6. Start to drive.
The tires are shown in gray and "Resetting
TPM..." is displayed.
After driving a few minutes, the set inflation
pressures in the tires are accepted as the target
values to be monitored. The resetting process is
completed automatically as you drive. The tires
are depicted in green on the Control Display and
"Status: TPM active" is displayed again.
The trip can be interrupted at any time. When
driving resumes, resett ing is continued auto-
matically.
If a flat tire is detected while the system is
resetting, all tires on the Control Display
are displayed in yellow. The message "Low tire!"
is displayed. <
Message for low tire inflation pressure
The warning lamps come on in yellow
and red. A message appears on the
onboard computer. An acoustic signal
also sounds. 1.
Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with
caution. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2. Check whether the vehicle is equipped with
normal tires or with run-flat tires.
Run-flat tires, refer to page 218, are identi-
fied by a circular sy mbol containing the
letters RSC on the tire sidewall.
When a low inflation pressure is reported, the
Dynamic Stability Cont rol DSC is activated.
Actions in the event of a flat tire
Normal tires
1.Identify the damaged tire.
To do so, check the inflation pressure in all
four tires. The inflatio n pressure display of
the Mobility Kit, refer to page 237, can be
used for this.
If the inflation pressure is correct in all four
tires, then the Tire Pressure Monitor may not
have been reset. The system must then be
reset.
If it is not possible to identify the damaged
tire, contact your MINI dealer.
2. Use the Mobility Kit to remedy the flat tire on
the damaged wheel, refer to page 237, or to
replace the damaged wheel, refer to
page. 239.
The use of tire sealant, e.g. Mobility Kit, can
damage the TPM wheel electronics. In this
case, have the electronics checked and
replaced if necessary at your earliest
opportunity.
Run-flat tires
You can continue driving with a damaged tire at
speeds up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-flat
tires, do not continue driving; continuing
to drive can result in serious accidents.<
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

CONTROLSLamps
96
Lamps
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.
Parking lamps/low beams
0Lamps off / daytime running lights
1 Parking lamps and daytime running lights
2 Low-beam headlamps and welcome lamps
3 Automatic headlamp control, daytime run-
ning lights, welcome lamps, and Adaptive
Light Control
When you open the driver's door with the
ignition switched off, the exterior lighting is
automatically switched off if the light switch is in
position 0, 2 or 3.
Switch on the parking lamps if necessary, switch
position 1.
Parking lamps
Turn the light switch to position 1.
The front, rear and side vehicle lighting is
switched on.
Activation of lights on on e side of the vehicle for
parking, page 98. The parking lamps will discharge 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. <
Low beams
Turn the light switch to position 2.
The low beams come on when the ignition is on.
Automatic headlamp control
When the switch is in position 3, the low beams
are switched on and off automatically depend-
ing on ambient light condit ions, e.g. in a tunnel,
in twilight, or if there is precipitation. Adaptive
Light Control is active.
The headlamps may also come on when the sun
is sitting low on a blue sky.
When driving into tunnels with bright overhead
lights, there may be a delay before the head-
lamps come on.
The low beams remain switched on indepen-
dent of the ambient lighting conditions when
you switch on the fog lamps.
If the daytime running lights are activated,
page 97, the low beams are always switched on
with the light switch in position 3 and the igni-
tion on. The exterior lamps are automatically
switched off after the vehicle is parked.
The automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for your personal
judgment in determining when the lamps
should be switched on in response to ambient
lighting conditions. For example, the system
cannot detect fog or hazy weather. To avoid
safety risks, you should respond to these kinds
of low-visibility situations by switching the head-
lamps on manually. <
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

CONTROLSClimate
102
Air conditioner
1Air flow rate
2 Cooling function
3 Recirculated-air mode
4 Temperature 5
Rear window defroster
6 Air distribution
7 Windshield heating
Air flow rate
Adjust the air flow rate. The higher the
rate, the more effective the heating or
cooling will be.
The air flow rate is lowered or switched off
entirely to reduce the drain on the battery.
Switching the system on/off
Turn the air flow rate rota ry switch to 0. Blower
and air conditioner are co mpletely switched off
and the air supply is cut off.
Set any desired air flow rate to switch on the air
conditioner.
Cooling function
The cooling function helps prevent condensa-
tion on the windows or removes it quickly.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started.
To cool the air more quickly and intensely
when the external temperature is high,
you can switch on the recirculated-air mode.<
Recirculated-air mode
If the air outside the car has an
unpleasant odor or contains pollut-
ants, shut off the supply to the
interior of the car temporarily. 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.<
ButtonFunction
or When the cooling function
is on, the air is cooled,
dried, then reheated
according to the tempera-
ture setting. The passen-
ger compartment can
only be cooled while the
engine is running.
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003