Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
71
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 count ry version. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
Park Distance Control
PDC
The concept
PDC assists you with parking in reverse. Acoustic
signals and a visual indicator
warn you of the
presence of an object behind the vehicle. The
measurement is carried out by four ultrasonic
sensors in the rear bumper.
These sensors have a range of approx.
6.5ft/2m. 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 approaching an
object at high speed; otherwise, physical cir-
cumstances 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 constant, e.g. when driv-
ing parallel to a wall, th e 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 clea ner, 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 Di splay as soon as the
transmission is shifted in to reverse or the selec-
tor lever is moved into the R position.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final re sponsibility for esti-
mating the distance between the vehicle
and any obstructions always remains with the
driver. Sensors, too, ha ve blind spots in which
objects cannot be detected. 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
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003
CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
74
Deactivating both DTC and DSC
Press the switch 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 stabilizing interventions.
Interventions (differential lock) in braking occur
to improve propulsion when drive wheels are
rotating unevenly, even when DSC is deacti-
vated.
Activating DSC
Press the switch again: the indicator lamps in the
display elements 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. <
ALL4 all-wheel drive system
ALL4 is the all-wheel driv e system of your MINI.
The combined effects of ALL4 and DSC further
optimize the traction and dynamic driving char-
acteristics. The ALL4 all- wheel drive system vari-
ably distributes the drive force to the front and
rear axle depending on the driving situation and
prevailing road conditions.
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 switch.
The LED lights up.
SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
>Press the switch again.
> Switch off the engine.
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003
Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
105
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the tailgate open:
1. Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2. Switch off recirculated -air mode and switch
the airflow control of the air conditioner or
automatic climate control to high, refer to
page 88 or 90.
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.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact between
the hot exhaust system and any highly flamma-
ble materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such
contact could lead to a fire, with the risk of seri-
ous 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 211.
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 74.
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 existing one or onto other
objects. Only use floor mats that have been
approved for the vehicle and can be appropri-
ately fastened. Make sure that the floor mats are
securely fastened again after they have been
removed, e.g. for cleaning. <
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there 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 avail-
able when it is needed.
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
106
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 54.
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. <
Expanding cargo area
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. Lift the cover slightly, arrow 1, and pull it
rearward out of the bracket, arrow 2.
MINI Countryman:
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003
Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
237
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
o r d e r , s o t h a t n o s parks 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 termin al cover, arrows1, 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 terminal 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 vehicle to be started
in the usual manner.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes be fore 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 applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing. <
Do not transport an y passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed. <
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
261
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 87
Backrests, refer to Seats 39
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 228
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 236
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 239
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 185
Bass sounds, refer to Tone control 141
Battery 233
– disposal 35,234
– jump-starting 236
– temporary power failure 234
Battery renewal
– remote control 35
Being towed 238
Belts, refer to Safety belts 42
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 42
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 100
Black ice, refer to External temperature warning 61
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 88,90
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating 165,175
Bluetooth audio 157
– device pairing 158
– disconnecting an audio connection 160
– playback 159
– unpairing device 160
– what to do if... 160
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 100
Brake Assist 72
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 64 Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs
228
Brake pads, breaking in 104
Brake rotors 106
– brakes 104
– breaking in 104
Brakes
– ABS 72
– breaking in 104
– MINI Maintenance
System 218
– parking brake 52
– service requirements 64
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 105
Br ake system
104
– breaki ng
in104
– disc brakes 106
– MINI Maintenance
System 218
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 236
Breaking in the clutch 104
Break-in period 104
Brightness of Control
Display 70
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 224
Button for starting the engine 50
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
Calendar 191
– displaying appointment 191
– selecting calendar day 191
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call
– ending 168,180
– muting the microphone 181
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 168,180
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 100 Capacities
251
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 233
Car care 220
Care 220
– car-care products 220
– car washes 220
– CD/DVD drives 223
– high-pressure washers 221
– leather 222
– manual washing 221
– upholstery and fabrics 222
– windows 221
– wiper blades 221
Cargo, securing 112
Cargo area 106
– capacity 249
– Comfort Access 34
– lamp 87
– opening from outside 31
– trunk lid, refer to Tailgate 31
Cargo area, expanding 106
Cargo area lamp 87
Cargo area lid, refer to Tailgate 31
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 109
Cargo loading 110
– securing cargo 112
– stowing cargo 111
– vehicle 106
Cargo net 109
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 26
Carpets, care 222
Car phone
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 97
Car phone, refer to
Telephone 164,174
Car radio, refer to Radio 143
Car wash
– before driving in 52
Car wa sh, care
220
Car w a
shes220
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 105
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
263
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 72
Deactivating front passenger airbags 82
Deadlocking, refer to Locking 28
Defect
– door lock 29
Defective
– fuel filler flap 200
Defining a home address 189
Defogging windows 89,91
Defrosting windows 89,91
Defrosting windows and removing condensation
– air conditioner 89
– automatic climate control 91
Defrosting windshield, refer to Defrosting windows 89,91
Defrost position, refer to Defrosting windows 89,91
Deleting contacts 173,190
Destination address
– entering 120,126
Destination for navigation
– entering 120
– entering via map 125
Differential, breaking in 104
Digital compass 95
Digital radio, refer to HD
Radio 144
Dimensions 246
Dipstick, engine oil 215
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 55
Direction announcements,
refer to Voice
instructions 133
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions 133
Directory for navigation, refer to Address book 122
Displacement, refer to Engine data 244
Display, refer to Onboard
computer controls 16Displaying contact
pictures 190
Displaying contacts 172
Displaying special
destinations 125
Display lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 86
Displays 12
– instrument combination 12
– on the Control Display 16
Displays, care 223
Disp lays and controls
10
Disp osal
– of
coolant 217
– remote control battery 35
– vehicle battery 234
Distance, refe r to Computer 62
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 64
Distance to dest ination, refer
to Computer 62
Distance warning, refer to Park Distance Control PDC 71
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 26
Door lock 29
Door lock, confirmation
signals 28
Doors, manual operation 29
DOT Quality Grades 210
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 100
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist 74
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button 74
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 84
Driving notes 104
Driving off on inclines, refer to Hill Assist 74
Driving stability control systems 72
Driving through water 105
Driving tips, refer to Driving notes 104 Dry air, refer to Cooling
function 91
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 72
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 73
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake Assist 72
Dynamic route guidance 136
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 72
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 73
E
Editing a contact 172
Eject button, refer to Buttons on the CD player 140
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 200
Electronic brake-force distribution 72
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 72
E-mail 191
Emergency operation, refer to Manual operation
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 200
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 54
Emergency services, refer to Roadside Assistance 236
Ending a call 168,180
Engine
– breaking in 104
– data 244
– overheated, refer to Coolant temperature 217
– speed 244
– starting, Comfort Access 33
Engine compartment 214
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 217
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
265
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel gauge 60
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 53
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission 53
– manual transmission 52
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 53
– manual transmission 52
General driving notes 104
Glass roof, electric 35
– convenience operation 28
– opening, closing 35
– remote control 28
– tilting 35
Glove compartment 97
GPS navigation, refer to Navigation system 118
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights 249
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb 225
Handbrake, refer to Parking brake 52
Hands-free device Bluetooth 164
Hands-free
system 14,171 ,183
Hazard warning flashers 14
HD Radio 144
Head airbags 81
Headlamp control, automatic 84
Headlamp flasher 55
– indicator lamp 11,13,88,91
Headlamp glass lens 225
Headlamps
– replacing bulb 225
Headlamps, care 221
Head Light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 85 Head restraints
41
– sitting safely 38
Heated
– mirrors 45
– rear window 89,91
– seats 42
Heating
– mirrors 45
– rear window 89,91
– seats 42
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing cargo 111
Height, refer to
Dimensions 246
Height adjustment
– seats 39
– steering wheel 45
High beams 86
– headlamp flasher 86
– indicator lamp 13,88,91
– replacing bulb 225
High water, refer to Driving
through water 105
Highway, refer to Route criteria 129
Hill Assist 74
Hills 106
Holders for cups 100
Homepage 4
Hoo d
215
Horn 10
Hot exhaust sy
stem 105
Hydroplaning 105
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio 144
Ice warning, refer to External temperature warning 61
Ignition 50
– switched off 51
– switched on 50
Ignition key, refer to Integrated key/remote
control 26
Ignition key position 1, refer to Radio readiness 50Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on 50
Ignition lock 50
Imprint 2
Incoming call 167,179
Indicator and warning lamps 13
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 78
Indicator lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 86
Individual air distribution 89
Individual settings, refer to Personal Profile 26
Inflation pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 77
Information
– on another location 124
– on current position 124
– on destination location 124
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 75
– glass roof, electric 36
– radio, refer to Station, storing 144
Initializing the
– compass, see Calibration 96
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions 133
Instrument lighting 86
Instrument pane l, refer to
Cockpit 10
Instrument pane l, refer to
Displays 12
Integrated key 26
Integrated universal remote control 93
Interactive map 126
Interesting destination for navigation 124
Interior lamps 87
– remote control 28
Interior rearview mirror 45
– automatic dimming
feature 45
Interlock 53
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003