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
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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. <
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
115
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 218.
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 85.
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 stee
ring responsiveness,
you can still avoid possi ble obstacles with a
minimum 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 floo r mats are securely fas-
tened 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 64.
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
116
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 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.
<
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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MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
244
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 other vehicle 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 the applicable laws and
regulations for tow-starting and towing
vehicles. <
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
269
Average fuel consumption72
– setting the units 74
Average speed 72
Avoiding highways for
navigation 135
Axle loads, refer to Weights 257
B
Background ligh ting, refer to
Ambient lighting 100
Backrests, refer to Seats 51
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 235
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch 243
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 245
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 191
Bass sounds, refer to Tone control 147
Battery 241
– disposal 38,242
– jump-starting 243
– temporary power failure 242
Battery renewal
– remote control 38
Being towed 245
Belts, refer to Safety belts 53
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 53
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 109
Black ice, refer to External temperature warning 71
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate 102,104
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 171,181 Bluetooth audio
163
– device pairing 163
– disconnecting an audio connection 165
– playback 164
– unpairing device 165
– what to do if... 166
Bottle holders, refer to Cupholders 109
Brake Assist 83
Brake fluid, refer to Service requirements 75
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 235
Brake pads, breaking in 114
Brake rotors 116
– brakes 114
– breaking in 114
Brakes
– ABS 83
– breaking in 114
– MINI Maintenance
System 225
– parking brake 62
– service requirements 75
Br akes,
refer to Braking
safely 115
Brake system 114
– breaking in 114
– disc brakes 116
– MINI Maintenance System 225
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance 243
Breaking in the clutch 114
Break-in period 114
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 232
Button for starting the
engine 60
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
Calendar 197
– displaying appointment 197
– selecting calendar day 197
California Proposition 65 warning 5
Call
– accepting 173,185
– ending 174,186
– muting the microphone 187
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 174,186
Calling, refer to Telephone 108
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 109
Capacities 259
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 241
Car care 227
Care 227
– car-care products 227
– car washes 227
– CD/DVD drives 230
– high-pressure washers 228
– leather 230
– manual washing 228
– upholstery and fabrics 229
– windows 228
– wiper blades 228
Cargo, securing 119
Cargo area 116
– capacity 257
– Comfort Access 37
– lamp 99
– opening from outside 33
Cargo area lamp 99
Cargo area lid, refer to Tailgate 33
Cargo loading 118
– securing cargo 119
– stowing cargo 119
– vehicle 116
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 28
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
271
Data250
– capacities 259
– dimensions 251
– engine 250
– weights 257
Data memory 226
Date
– setting 77
– setting format 77
Daytime running lights 97
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 83
Deactivating front passenger
airbags 93
Deadlocking, refer to Locking 30
Defect
– door lock 32
– fuel filler flap 206
Defining a home address 195
Defogging windows 103,105
Defrosting windows 103,105
Defrosting windows and removing condensation
– air conditioner 103
– automatic climate control 105
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting
windows 103,105
Defrost position, refer to Defrosting
windows 103,105
Deleting contacts 179,196
Destination address
– entering 126,132
Destination for navigation
– entering 126
– entering via map 131
Differential, breaking in 114
Digital radio, refer to HD Radio 150
Dimensions 251
Dipstick, engine oil 222
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals 65 Direction announcements,
refer to Voice
instructions 139
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions 139
Directory for navigation, refer to Address book 128
Displacement, re fer to Engine
data 250
Display, refer to Onboard
computer controls 17
Disp laying cont
act
pictures 196
Displaying contacts 178
Displaying special destinations 131
Display lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 99
Displays 12
– instrument cluster 12
– on the Control Display 17
Displays, care 230
Displays and controls 10
Disposal
– of coolant 224
– remote control battery 38
– vehicle battery 242
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements 75
Distance warning, refer to Park Distance Control PDC 82
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 28
Door lock 31
Door lock, confirmation
signals 30
Doors, manual operation 32
DOT Quality Grades 217
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 109
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist 85
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 85
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 96Driving notes
114
Driving off on inclines, refer to Hill Assist 85
Driving stability control
systems 83
Driving through water 115
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes 114
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 105
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 83
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 84
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 83
Dynamic route guidance 142
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 83
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 84
E
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player 146
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top 41,48
– door lock 32
– fuel filler flap 206
– tailgate 33
Electric power windows
– initializing 39
Electronic brake-force distribution 83
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 83
E-mail 197
Emergency operation, refer to Manual operation
– convertible top 41,48
– door lock 32
– fuel filler flap 206
– tailgate 33
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 64
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
273
G
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel consumption 72
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel 207
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel gauge 70
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 63
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission 63
– manual transmission 62
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 63
– manual transmission 62
General driving notes 114
Glass roof, electric
– convenience
operation 30,32
– remote control 30
Glove compartment 107
GPS navigation, refer to Navigation system 124
Grills, refer to Air vents 101
Gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 257
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb 233
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 62
Hands-free device Bluetooth 170
Hands-free system 14,177 ,189
Hazard warning flashers 14
HD Radio 150
Head airbags 93 Headlamp control,
automatic 96
Headlamp flasher 65
– indicator
lamp 11,13, 102, 105
Headlamp glass lens 233
Headlamps
– replacing bulb 233
Headlamps, care 228
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Light Control 97
Head restraints 52
– sitting safely 50
Heated
– mirrors 54
– rear window 103,105
– seats 53
Heating 101
– mirrors 54
– rear window 103,105
– seats 53
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo 119
Height, refer to Dimensions 251
Height adjustment
– seats 51
– steering wheel 55
High beams 98
– headlamp flasher 98
– indicator lamp 13,102 ,105
– replacing bulb 233
High water, refer to Driving
through water 115
Highway, refer to Route criteria 135
Hill Assist 85
Hills 115
Hol ders for cu
ps109
Hom
epage 4
Hood 222
Horn 10
Hot exhaust system 115
Hydroplaning 115
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio 150
iDrive
– status information 21
Ignition 60
– switched off 61
– switched on 60
Ignition key, refer to Integrated key/remote
control 28
Ignition key position 1, refer to Radio readiness 60
Ignition key position 2, refer to Ignition on 60
Ignition lock 60
Imprint 2
Incoming call 173,185
Indicator and warning
lamps 13
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 90
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 99
Individual air distribution 103
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile 28
Inflation pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 89
Information
– on another location 130
– on current position 130
– on destination location 130
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 87
– radio, refer to Station,
storing 150
Instructions for navigation system, refer to Voice
instructions 139
Instrument cluster, refer to Displays 12
Instrument lighting 99
Instrument pane l, refer to
Cockpit 10
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