2012 MINI COUPE ROADSTER CONVERTIBLE snow chains

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The laws of physics cannot be repealed,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.

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CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
84
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps
in the display elements go out.
For better control
The indicator lamp on the tachometer is
flashing:
DSC controls the driving and braking
forces.
The indicator lamp DSC OFF on the
speedometer is on and DSC OFF is
displayed on the tachometer:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
The concept
DTC is a type of DSC that is propulsion optimized
for special road conditions such as uncleared
snowy roads. The syst em ensures maximum
propulsion though with restricted driving
stability. You therefore need to drive with
suitable caution.
In the following exceptiona l situations, it can be
useful to briefly activate DTC:
> When driving on snow-c overed inclines, in
slush, or on uncleared snowy roads.
> When rocking the vehicle free, driving out of
deep snow or on loose surfaces.
> When driving with snow chains.
Activating DTC
Press the button; the indicator lamp DSC OFF on
the speedometer comes on and TRACTION is
displayed on the tachometer.
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC is deacti-
vated; the Dynamic Traction Control DTC is
activated.
For better control
The indicator lamp on the tachometer is
flashing:
DTC controls the driving and braking
forces.
The indicator lamp on the speedometer
is on and TRACTION is displayed on the
tachometer:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press button again, the indicator lamp DSC OFF
on the speedometer and TRACTION on the
tachometer go out.

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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.

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MOBILITYWheels and tires
220
Special characteristics of winter tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends the
use of winter tires on snowy roads or if temper-
atures drop below 457/ +7 6. Although all-
season M+S tires provide better winter traction
than summer tires, they generally fail to provide
the same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and
accidents. <
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view. This
label is available at your tire dealer or MINI
dealer.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires agains t all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles
Depending on the individual use, front and rear
tires may exhibit different wear and tear.
In order to maintain an even wear and tear, the
wheels may be rotated between the axles. Your
MINI dealer will be glad to advise you.
Always check the inflation pressure after the tire
rotation, if necessary change the pressure.
Snow chains
Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-safe and recommended.
Contact your MINI deal er for more details.
Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front
wheels with the following tires.
> 175/65 R 15 M+S
> 175/60 R 16 M+S
John Cooper Works:
> 185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph or 50 km/h. Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow ch ains, it can be useful
to briefly deactivate DSC or activate DTC, refer to
page 84.<

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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
272
Emergency services, refer to Roadside Assistance 243
Emergency unlocking 34
Ending a call 174,186
Engine
– breaking in 114
– data 250
– overheated, refer to Coolant temperature 224
– speed 250
– starting, Comfort Access 36
Engine compartment 221
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant 224
Engine malfunction
– indicator lamp 13
Engine oil
– additives, refer to Approved engine oils 223
– alternative oil types 223
– approved engine oils 223
– capacity 223
– checking level 222
– dipstick 222
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements 75
– MINI Maintenance
System 225
Engine oil level, checking 222
Engine output, refer to Engine data 250
Engine starti ng, refer to
Starting the engine 61
Entering destination 126
Entering intersection 127
Entertainment sound output on/off 146
Entry map for destination 131
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 83
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 115 Exterior mirrors
54
– adjusting 54
– automatic heating 54
– folding in and out 54
External audio device 108
External audio de vice, refer to
AUX-In connection 159
External care 227
External devices
– random play sequence 162
– software update 166
External temperature display
– change units of measure 74
– in the onboard computer 74
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away 245
– for tying down loads 119
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 77
Failure of an electrical consumer 242
Fastening safety belts, refer to Safety belts 53
Fastest route for
navigation 135
Fast forward
– CD player 158
Fault messages, refer to Check Control 77
Filter
– microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 105
– microfilter for air conditioner 103
Fine wood, care 230
First aid pouch 243
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock 60
Flash when locking/ unlocking 30 Flat tire
– run-flat tires
218
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 89
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 87
– indicating a flat tire 88
– initializing the system 87
– snow chains 87
– system limits 87
Flat tires, refer to Tire condition 217
Floor mats, care 230
FM, waveband 149
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 234,236
Folding roof, refer to Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof 39
Footbrake, refer to Braking safely 115
Footwell lamps 99
For your own safety 5
Front airbags 93
Front fog lamps 98,99
– replacing bulb 234
Front seat adjustment 51
Frost on windows, refer to Defrosting
windows 103,105
FTM, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 87
Fuel 207
– gauge 70
– high-quality brands 207
– quality 207
– specifications 207
– tank
capaci

ty 259
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 70
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption 72
Fuel display, refer to Fuel gauge 70
Fuel filler flap 206
– releasing in the event of electrical malfunction 206
Fuses 242

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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
278
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer to Changing selector lever
positions 63
Short commands for the voice activation system 260
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route 135
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD player 158
Side airbags 93
Side turn signal
– replacing bulb 235
Side windows, refer to Windows 38
Signal horn, refer to Horn 10
Sitting safely 50
– airbags 50
– safety belts 50
– with head restraint 50
Size, refer to Dimensions 251
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector 43,48
Slot for remote control 60
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 109
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing 191
– use 180
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment 108
Snow chains 220
Socket, refer to Connecting electrical appliances 110
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis
OBD 226
Software update 166
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires 239
– inflation pressure 209
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire 239 Speaking, refer to Voice
instructions from navigation
system 139
Special destinations 130
Special oils, refer to Approved engine oils 223
Speed 250
– with winter tires 220
Speed limit 79
– setting 79
Speed limit warning, refer to Speed limit 79
Speedo, refer to
Speedometer 12
Speedometer 12
Speed volume 147
Split-folding rear seats 118
Split rear backrest, refer to Split-folding rear seats 118
Sport button 85
Stability contro l, refer to
Dri v
ing

stability control
systems 83
Start/Stop button 60
– starting the engine 61
– switching off the engine 61
Starting, refer to Starting the engine 61
Starting assistance, refer to Jump-starting 243
Starting route guidance 135
Starting the engine 61
– Start/Stop button 60
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC 83
– Hill Assist 85
State/province, for navigation 126
Station, selecting
– radio 149
Status information on the Control Display 21
Status of this Owner's Manual at time of printing 4Steering wheel
55
– adjustment 55
– buttons on steering wheel 11
– lock 60
– shift paddles 64
Steptronic, refer to Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 62
Storage area
– cargo area 116
Storage compartment, front passenger side 108
Storage compartments 108
Storage space
– storage compartments 108
Storage space, refer to
– luggage compartment in the MINI Convertible 117
Storing a destination in the
address book 128
Storing the vehicle 230
Storing tires 220
Stowage, refer to Storage compartments 108
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires 209
SW, waveband 149
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10
Switching off
– engine 61
Switching off the engine 61
– Start/Stop button 60
Switching on
– audio 146
– CD player 146
– radio 146
Switching the cooling function on and off 105
Symb ols4
–

status information 21

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