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CONTROLSControls overview
64
Text messages
Text messages at the upper edge of the Control
Display explain the mean ing of the displayed
indicator and warning lamps.
Supplemental text messages
For most Check Control messages, you can view
more information later, e.g. regarding the cause
of a malfunction and how to respond, refer to
page 65.
In urgent cases, this information will be shown
as soon as the corresponding lamp comes on.
Exit display:
"OK"
Hiding Check Control messages
Press the button in th e turn signal lever.
> Some Check Control me ssages are displayed
until the malfunctions have been rectified.
They cannot be hidden. If several malfunc-
tions occur at the same time, they are dis-
played in succession.
>They are marked with the symbol
shown here. >
Other Check Control messages are automat-
ically hidden after approx. 20 seconds, but
remain stored.
>They are marked with the symbol
shown here.
The symbol indicates that Check Control mes-
sages have been stor ed. Check Control mes-
sages can be viewed whenever it is convenient.
Viewing stored Check Control messages
Stored Check Control me ssages can only be dis-
played if the driver's door is closed.
1. Press the button in the turn signal indicator
as often as necessary until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
2. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
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Controls overviewCONTROLS
65
3.Press the button repeatedly until the corre-
sponding symbol and "CHECK INFO" appear
in the display.
4. Press and hold the button.
If there are no Check Control messages, then
"CHECK OK" is displayed.
If a Check Control messa ge has been stored,
the corresponding message is displayed. In
addition, the text message appears on the
Control Display.
5. Press the button to check for other mes-
sages.
Displaying on the onboard computer
1."Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Check Control"
4. Select the text message.
5. Select a text message.
Speed limit
Enter a speed, and a Check Control message will
indicate when you reach this speed. This enables
you, for example, to receive warnings if you
exceed a speed limit in an urban area.
You are only warned of reaching this speed a
second time if your vehicle speed falls below it
again by at least 3 mph or 5 km/h.
Displaying, setting or changing the limit
1. "Settings"
2. "Speed"
3. "Warning at:"
4. Turn the MINI joystick to set the limit.
5. Press the MINI joystick to apply the setting.
The limit is stored.
Applying your current speed as limit
1. "Settings"
2. "Speed"
3. "Select current speed"
4. Press the MINI joystick.
The system adopts your current speed as the
limit.
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CONTROLSControls overview
66
Activating/deactivating the limit
1."Settings"
2. "Speed"
3. "Warning"
4. Press the MINI joystick.
Altering settings
Language on the Control Display
You can set the language on the Control Display.
1."Settings"
2. "Language/Units"
3. "Language:" 4.
Select the desired language.
The setting is stored fo r the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Setting the voice dialog
Switch between a standa rd dialog and a short
dialog.
1. "Settings"
2. "Language/Units"
3. "Speech mode:"
4. Select the desired dialog.
The setting is stored fo r the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Brightness of the Control Display
The brightness is automa tically adapted to the
ambient lighting conditions. Note, however,
that you can change the basic setting while the
low beams are switched on. The setting is stored
for the remote control currently in use.
1. "Settings"
2. "Control display"
3. "Brightness"
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Controls overviewCONTROLS
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4.Turn the MINI joystick until the desired set-
ting is reached.
5. Press the MINI joystick.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use. In bright conditions, for example,
the brightness control may not be clearly visible.
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CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
68
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/2 m. However, an acoustic 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 appr oaching an object at
high speed; otherwise, physical circumstances
may 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 Dis-
play. 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 selec-
tor 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
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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 brak-
ing. Safe steering respon se is maintained even
during full braking. Act ive safety is thus
increased.
Braking safely, refer to page 101.
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 dur-
ing 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 dis-
tance 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 accel-
erate.
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 brakin g actions at the indi-
vidual 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
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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 dis-
played 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 stabil-
ity. 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-covered 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 acti-
vated.
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
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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.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The system does not me asure the actual infla-
tion pressure in the tires.
The system detects a pre ssure 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-
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