2012 MINI COUPE ROADSTER CONVERTIBLE tow bar

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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MOBILITYReplacing components
232
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: wiper blade
replacement
1.Fold out the wiper arm and hold it.
2. Press together the lo cking spring, arrows1,
and fold out the wiper blade, arrow 2.
3. Pull the wiper blade forward and out of the
catch mechanism.
4. Press the new wiper blade into the fixture
until it engages audibly.
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the hood. <
MINI Convertible: wiper blade
replacement
1.Fold up the wiper arm.
2. Position the wiper blade horizontally.
3. Press the securing spring, arrow.
4. Unhook the wiper blade toward the
windshield.
5. Pull the wiper blade past the wiper arm
toward the top.
6. Insert the new wiper blade. 7.
Press into position until you hear it engage.
8. Fold down the wiper arm.
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the hood. <
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribution
to vehicle safety. They should, therefore, be
handled carefully. The manufacturer of your
MINI recommends having your MINI dealer per-
form any work that you do not feel competent to
perform yourself or that is not described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contaminatio n will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean tissue, cloth or some thing similar, or hold
the bulb by its base. <
You can obtain a selectio n of replacement bulbs
at your MINI dealer.
Only replace bulbs after they have cooled
down; otherwise, you may burn your
fingers. <
When working on electrical systems,
always begin by switching off the con-
sumer in question; otherwise, short circuits
could result. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, observe
any instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
Caring for headlamp s, refer to page228.
For any bulb replacement not described
below, contact a MINI dealer or a work-
shop that has specially trained personnel work-
ing in accordance with th e specifications of the
MINI manufacturer.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp aim,
please contact your MINI dealer. <

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MOBILITYReplacing components
238
Using the Mobility Kit
To repair a tire puncture with the Mobility Kit,
proceed as follows:
>Fill the tire with sealant.
> Distribute the sealant.
> Correct the tire inflation pressure.
Filling the tire with sealant
Proceed in the specified order; otherwise,
sealant may emerge under high
pressure. <
1. Shake the sealant bottle.
2. Pull the connecting hose 6 completely out of
the compressor housing and screw it onto
the connector of the sealant bottle. Make
sure that the hose is not kinked.
3. Insert the sealant bo ttle on the compressor
housing in an upright position.
4. Unscrew the dust cap from the valve of the
defective wheel and screw the filling hose 2
of the sealant bottle onto the valve.
5. Ensure that the compressor is switched off.
6. Insert the plug 5 into the lighter socket/
power socket in the vehicle interior,
page 110.
7. With the engine running:
Switch on the compressor and let run for
about 3 to 8 minutes in order to add the
sealant and to achieve an inflation pressure
of about 1.8 bar/26 psi.
When adding the sealant, the filling
pressure can temporarily increase up
to about 5 bar/73 psi. Do not switch off the
compressor during this phase. than 10 minutes; otherwise, the
device will overheat and possibly be
damaged. <
8. Switch off the compressor.
If an inflation pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi is not
reached:
1. Unscrew the filling hose 2 from the wheel
and drive the vehicle forward and backward
approx. 33 ft/10 m to distribute the liquid
sealant in the tire evenly.
2. Inflate the tire again with the compressor.
If an inflation pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi is
not reached, then the tire is too badly
damaged. Please contact the nearest MINI
dealer. <
Stowing Mobility Kit
1.Unscrew filler hose 2 of the sealant bottle
from the wheel.
2. Unscrew connecting hose of the
compressor 6 from the sealant bottle.
3. Connect the filler hose 2 of the sealant
bottle to the unoccupied connection on the
sealant bottle.
This prevents the rest of the sealant from
escaping from the bottle.
4. Wrap the empty sealant bottle in suitable
material to avoid dirtying the cargo area.
5. Stow Mobility Kit back in the vehicle.
Distributing the sealant
Immediately drive appr ox. 3.1 miles/5 km so
that the sealant evenly distributes itself.
Do not exceed speeds of 50 mph/
80 km/h.
If possible, do not drop below 10 mph/
20 km/h. <

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Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
245
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
underneath the cover on the right-hand side,
page231.
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 page60; otherwise, the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals, and windshield
wipers may be unavailable. Do not tow the vehi-
cle with just the rear ax le 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.

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MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
246
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage. <
Towing with a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other pa rts of the vehicle could
result in damage. <
Towing with a tow truck
Have the MINI transported by a tow truck with a
so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may
result. <
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, page 243.
Vehicles with a catalyti c converter should only
be tow-started when the engine is cold, vehicles
with an automatic transmission cannot be tow-
started at all.
1. Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2. Switch on the ignition, page 60.
3. Shift into 3rd gear.
4. Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. After the engine starts,
immediately depress the clutch completely
again.
5. Stop at a suitable location, remove the
tow bar or rope and switch off the hazard
warning flashers.
6. Have the vehicle checked.

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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
279
T
Tachometer70
Tailgate 33
– Comfort Access 37
– emergency operation 34
– emergency unlocking 34
– manually releasing 33
– opening/closing 33
– opening from outside 33
– unlocking with remote control 31
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps 235
– replacing bulb 235
Tail lamps 235
Tank volume, refer to Capacities 259
Target cursor for
navigation 131
Tasks 198
Technical data 250
Technical modifications 5
Telephone
– hands-free system 177,189
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 108
– voice commands 189
Telephone receiving power, refer to Status
information 21
Temperature display
– setting the units 74
Temperature of coolant, refer to Coolant temperature 224
Temperature setting
– air conditioner 103
– automatic climate control 105
Tempomat, refer to Cruise control 68
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo 119
Text message 196
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp 236
Three-point safety belt 53Tightening the lug bolts
– keys
231
– torque 241
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening lug bolts 241
Tire change set
– space-saver spare tire 231
Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor 88
– indicator/warning lamp 88
– MINI Mobility Kit 237
– run-flat tires 88
– space-saver spare tire 239
– Tire Pressure Monitor 89
Tire inflation pressure 209
– loss 88,
89
– spac
e-saver

spare tire 209
Tire pressure mo nitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor 87
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 89
– limitations of system 89
– resetting system 90
– warning lamp 90
Tire Quality Grading 217
Tires
– age 218
– breaking in 114
– changing, refe r to Changing
wheels 239
– condition 217
– damage 217,218
– inflation pressure 209
– inflation pressure loss 90
– minimum tread depth 218
– new tires 219
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor 87
– pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 89
– puncture 88
– size 216
– wear indicators, refer to Minimum tread depth 218
– winter tires 220
– with emergency operation properties 218 Tires with emergency
operation properties, refer to
Run-flat tires 218
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-flat tires 218
TMC station, refer to Traffic information 139
Tone
– middle setting 148
Tone during audio playback
– adjusting 147
Toolkit 231
Tools, refer to Toolkit 231
Torque 250
– lug bolts 241
Tow bar 245
Tow fitting 245
– screw thread 245
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away 245
Towing 244
– car with automatic
transmission 245
– methods 245
Tow rope 246
Tow-starting 244
TPM, refer to T
i

re Pressure
Monitor 89
Track
– selecting on CD 157
Track width, refer to Dimension 251
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 83
Traffic bulletins
– categories 141
Traffic bulletins, filtering 141
Traffic congestion
– displaying traffic information 139
– refer to Route, bypassing
segments 136
Traffic information for navigation
– displaying 140

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