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
71
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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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
101
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the tailgate/Split Rear Barn
Doors open:
1. Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2. Switch off the recirc ulated-air mode and
switch the airflow contro l of the heating, air
conditioner, or automatic climate control to
high, refe r to page 86 or 88.
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 sect ions of the exhaust sys-
tem, 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 204.
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 driving off using Hill Assist,
refer to page 71.
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 steeri ng responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum 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 exist-
ing 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 make
sure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this pro-
cess helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that. Then full braking fo rce will be immediately
available when it is needed.
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
102
Hills
To prevent overheating 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 mode of the automatic transmis-
sion, page 51.
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 capacity, 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. <
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo area as they
could damage the vehicle. <
MINI: 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. <
When you open the tailgate, the roll-up cover is
raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.
1. Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate.
2. Pull the cover out of the holders toward the
rear.
MINI Clubman: luggage compartment
roller cover
Do not place heavy or hard objects on the
luggage compartment roller cover. If you
do so, they may already po s e a d a n g e r t o v e h i c l e
occupants during braking or evasive maneuvers.
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MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
232
MINI Clubman
In the cargo area under the loading sill.
Open the center lock to take it out.
Jump-starting
I f t h e c a r ' s o w n b a t t e r y i s f l a t , y o u r M I N I ' s e n g i n e
can be started by connecting two jumper cables
to another vehicle's battery. You can also use
the same method to help start another vehicle.
Only use jumper cables with fully-insulated
clamp handles.Do not touch any electrically live parts
wh en t he e ngine is run nin g, or a fatal acci-
dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow-
ing sequence, both to prevent damage to one or
both vehicles, and to guard against possible per-
sonal injuries. <
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other vehi-
cle has a voltage of 12 volts and approxi-
mately the same capacitance in Ah. This
information can be found on the battery.
2. Switch off the engine of the support vehicle.
3. Switch off any consumer s in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles; otherwise,
there is a danger of shorting. <
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 te rminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a star ting-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.
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
253
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 84
Backrests, refer to Seats 39
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 222,223
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 231
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 234
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 177
Bass sounds, refer to Tone control 133
Battery 229
– disposal 35,230
– jump-starting 232
– temporary power failure 230
Battery renewal
– remote control 35
Being towed 234
Belts, refer to Safety belts 41
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 41
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 96
Black ice, refer to External temperature warning 58
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 86,88
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating 157,167
Bluetooth audio 149
– device pairing 150
– disconnecting an audio connection 152
– playback 151
– unpairing device 152
– What to do if... 152
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 96
Brake Assist 69
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 61 Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs
222,223
Brake pads, breaking in 100
Brake rotors 102
– brakes 100
– breaking in 100
Brakes
– ABS 69
– breaking in 100
– MINI Maintenance
System 211
– parking brake 49
– service requirem ents
61
Brakes, refer to Braking sa fely 101
Br
ake system 100
– breaking in 100
– disc brakes 102
– MINI Maintenance
System 211
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 231
Breaking in the clutch 100
Break-in period 100
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs 219
Button for starting the engine 47
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
Calendar 183
– displaying appointment 183
– selecting calendar day 183
California Proposition 65 warning 5
Call
– ending 160,172
– muting the microphone 173
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing 160,172
Calling, refer to Telephone 95
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders 96
Capacities 244 Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery 229
Car care 213
Care 213
– car-care products 213
– car washes 213
– CD/DVD drives 216
– high-pressure washers 214
– leather 215
– manual washing 214
– upholstery and fabrics 215
– windows 214
– wiper blades 214
Cargo, securing 105
Cargo area 102
– capacity 242
– Comfort Access 34
– cover 102
– doors, refer to Split Rear Barn
Doors 31
– lamp 84
– opening from outside 31
– trunk lid, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 31
Cargo area, expanding 103
Cargo area doors, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 31
Cargo area lamp 84
Cargo area lid, refer to Tailgate 31
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 104
Cargo loading 104
– securing cargo 105
– stowing cargo 105
– vehicle 102
Cargo net 104
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 26
Carpets, care 215
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Ce
nter armrest 95
– refer to Telephone 95
Car phone, refer to
Telephone 156,166
Car radio, refer to Radio 135
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
254
Car wash, care213
Car washes 213
Catalytic conver ter, refer to
Hot exhaust system 101
CD, audio playback 143
CD player 143
– controls 132
– fast forward/reverse 144
– random order 144
– selecting a track 143
– switching on/off 132
– tone control 133
– volume 133
Center armrest 95
Center brake lamp 224
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console 14
Central locking system 27
– Comfort Access 33
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
Changing bulbs 219
Changing the language on the Control Display 66
Changing the measurement units on the Control
Display 60
Changing wheels 227
Charging the battery 229
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 207
Check Control 63
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 45
Child restraint systems 44
Child seats 44
Chrome parts, care 215
Chrome parts, refer to
Care 213
Cigarette lighter 96
Cleaning headlamps 54
– washer fluid 55
Clock
– setting time 62
– 12 h/24 h mode 63Closing
– from inside
30
– from outside 27
Clothes hooks 95
Club Door 30
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine 48
Comfort Access 33
– replacing the battery 35
– what to observe before entering a car wash 35
C omfort ar
ea, refer to Around
the center console 14
Compartment for remote control, refer to Ignition
lock 47
Compass 92
Computer 58
– displays on Control Display 59
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked 102
Condition Based Service CBS 211
Configuring settings, refer to Personal Profile 26
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances 97
Consumption, refer to Average fuel consumption 58
Contact
– editing 164
Contacts 163,180
– new contact 181
Continuing route guidance 121
Control Display
– settings 60
Control Display, refer to iDrive
– switching on/off 16
Control Display, refer to Onboard computer 16
Controls and displays 10
Control stick, refer to Onboard computer 16 Control unit, refer to Onboard
computer 16
Convenience operation
– windows 28
Convenient access, refer to Comfort Access 33
Convenient star t, refer to
Starting the engine 48
Coolant 210
– checking level 210
– filling 210
Coolant temperature 210
Cooling, maximum 88
Cooling fluid, refer to Coolant 210
Copyright 2
Cornering light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 82
Criteria for route 121
Cruise control
– indicator lamp 13
Cruising range 58
Cupholders 96
Curb weight, refer to Weights 242
Current fuel consumption 59
Curren t playback
– external devices 148
D
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit 10
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 83
Data 238
– capacities 244
– dimensions 239
– engine 238
– weights 242
Date
– setting 63
– setting format 63
Daytime running lights 82
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 69
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
255
Deactivating front passenger airbags 78
Deadlocking, refer to Locking 28
Defect
– door lock 29
Defective
– fuel filler flap 192
Defining a home address 181
Defogging windows 87,89
Defrosting windows 87,89
Defrosting windows and removing condensation
– air conditioner 87
– automatic climate control 89
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows 87,89
Defrost position, refer to Defrosting windows 87,89
Deleting contacts 165,182
Destination address
– entering 112,118
Destination for navigation
– entering 112
– entering via map 117
Differential, breaking in 100
Digital compass 92
Digital radio, refer to HD
Radio 136
Dimensions 239
Dipstick, engine oil 208
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 52
Direction announcements, refer to Voice
instructions 125
Direction instructions, refer to Voice instructions 125
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book 114
Displacement, refer to Engine data 238
Display, refer to Onboard computer controls 16
Displaying contact
pictures 182
Displaying contacts 164Displaying special
destinations 117
Display lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 83
Displays 12
– instrument panel 12
– on the Control Display 16
Displays, care 216
Displays and controls 10
Disposal
– of coolan
t210
–
remote control battery 35
– vehicle battery 230
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 61
Distance warning, refer to Park Distance Control PDC 68
Door
– rear, refer to Club Door 30
Door key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 26
Door lock 29
Door lock, confirmation signals 28
Doors, manual operation 29
DOT Quality Grades 203
Double doors, refer to Split
Rear Barn Doors 31
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders 96
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist 71
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 71
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams 81
Driving notes 100
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Assist 71
Driving stability control systems 69
Driving through water 101
Driving tips, refer to Driving notes 100
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 89 DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 69
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 70
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 69
Dynamic route guidance 128
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 69
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC 70
E
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player 132
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 192
Electric power windows
– initializing 37
Electronic brake-force
distribution 69
Electronic Stability Program ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 69
E-mail 183
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 192
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 51
Emergency services, refer to Roadside Assistance 231
Ending a call 160,172
Engine
– breaking in 100
– data 238
– overheated, refer to Coolant temperature 210
– speed 238
– starting, Comfort Access 33
Engine compartment 207
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant 210
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