ECU MINI COOPER 2011 Owners Manual

CONTROLSOpening and closing
34
For better control
>The LED lights up during convertible top
operation until the opening or closing
procedure is completely finished.
> The LED flashes after releasing the switch.
The opening or closing procedure has not
yet been completed. The procedure can be
continued in the desired direction by
pressing the appropriate switch.
> The indicator lamp Convertible top not
locked, refer to page 174, lights up.
Interruption
A convertible top which is not completely
open or closed is hazardous. <
The automatic movement is immediately inter-
rupted when the button for the convertible top
operation is released. The procedure can be
continued in the desired direction by pressing
the appropriate button.
If the opening or closing procedure is inter-
rupted by releasing the respective button, the
convertible top stays in its current position for
several seconds before it slowly moves into a
more stable position. The procedure can be
continued by pressing the appropriate button.
The opening and closing procedure is also inter-
rupted in case of a mech anical blockage. In this
case, in order to operate the convertible top
again:
1. Switch off the ignition and then switch it on
again.
2. Press the button to continue the procedure
in the desired direction.
Opening and closing procedure
Do not interrupt and restart the closing
procedure several times one after
another, or the convertible top mechanism
could be damaged. < If the convertible top can be moved in only
one direction after several consecutive
attempts to operate it, the convertible top
system has overheated. A llow the system to cool
down for approx. 4 minutes. <
If the battery was disconnected, e.g. for
changing batteries or vehicle storage,
reinitialize the power windows, refer to page 31.
Otherwise, the windows cannot be lowered or
the convertible top cannot be opened. <
Convenient operation
For Convenient operation using the remote
control, refer to page21; for operation via the
door lock, refer to page 24.
Manual closing in the event of an
electrical malfunction
Only close the convertible top manually if
it is absolutely necessary. Never open it
manually. Improper handli ng of the convertible
top can result in damage . The closing procedure
must be completely finished. Otherwise,
damage or injury could result. <
Before closing
1.Remove Allen key and screwdriver from
vehicle tools, refer to page157.
2. Pry out luggage compartment lamp from
the left side trim using the screwdriver.
3. Use the screwdriver and turn the gold-
colored screw, refer to arrow, one and a
half turns in the direction of the arrow.

Opening and closingCONTROLS
35
Releasing the convertible top
1.Push cover panel forward, refer to arrow 1.
2. In order to unlock the convertible top use
the Allen key to loosen the screws of the
locking devices, refer to arrows 2.
3. Release the second side frame.
Closing the co nvertible top
1.Place both hands on the convertible top on
the respective side frame.
2. Lift out both sides at the same time, and
swing the convertible top forward onto the
cowl.
3. Inside the vehicle, use a screwdriver to pry
out the cover in the center of the roof.
To close the sl iding sunroof
1.Insert the hexagon wren ch into the recess in
the center of the roof and push upward,
refer to arrow 1.
2. Turn the hexagon wrench in the direction of
arrow 2.
3. Open both locking mechanisms and remove
the locking pieces.
4. Insert the pins into the respective recess in
the cowl, refer to arrow.
To lock the convertible top
Turn hexagon wrench in the opposite direction
of arrow 2 until the convertible top is securely
locked.
Please contact your MINI dealer to have
the electrical malfunction repaired. <

Transporting children safelyCONTROLS
43
Transporting children safely
The right place for
children
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle; otherwise, they could endanger
themselves and/or other persons by opening the
doors, for example.<
Children should always sit in the rear
Accident research has shown that the safest
place for children is on the rear seat.
Only transport children under the age of
13 or smaller than 5 ft/150 cm in the rear
in a child restraint system suitable for their age,
weight and size. Othe rwise, there is an
increased risk of injury in the event of an
accident. <
Children 13 years of age or older must be
buckled in with a safety belt as soon as there
no longer is any child re straint system that is
appropriate for their age, size and weight.
Only install child seats in the rear when the
rear seat backrest is folded all the way
back and engaged. Otherwise, there is an
increased risk of injury in the event of an
accident. <
Exception for front passenger seat
Front passenger airbags
Should it be necessary to use a child
restraint system on the front passenger
seat, the front and side airbags must be deacti-
vated. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of
injury to the child if th e airbags deploy, even if
the child is seated in a child restraint system. <
For more information on automatic deactivation
of the front passenger airbags, refer to page 76.
Child restraint systems,
installation
Observe the child restraint system manu-
facturer's instructions when selecting,
installing and using ch ild restraint systems.
Otherwise, the protective effect may be
diminished. <
On the front passenger seat
After installing a child restraint system on
the front passenger seat, make sure that
the front and side airbags for the front passen-
ger are deactivated; otherwise, there is an
increased risk of injury if the airbags deploy. <
Seat position
Before installing a child restraint system, move
the front passenger seat as far back and up
* as
possible to obtain the be st possible position for
the belt. Do not change the seat position after
this.
Child seat security
All rear safety belts and the safety belt for the
front passenger can be prevented from being
pulled out in order to secure child restraint
systems.

CONTROLSTransporting children safely
44
To lock the safety belt
1.Secure the child restraint system with the
belt.
2. Pull the belt strap all the way out.
3. Allow the belt strap to retract and pull it taut
against the child restraint system.
The safety belt is locked.
To unlock the safety belt
1. Open the belt buckle.
2. Remove the child restraint system.
3. Allow the safety belt strap to retract all the
way.
LATCH child restraint
fixing system
LATCH: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.
To install and use the LATCH child restraint
system, follow the operating and safety
instructions provided by the manufacturer of the
system; otherwise, the protective function of the
seat may be compromised. <
Anchor points for LATCH anchors
Before installing the child seat, pull the belt out
of the area for the child restraint fixing system.
The anchor points for the lower LATCH anchors
are located behind the labeled protective caps.
Make sure t hat bo th l ow er LATC H ancho rs
are properly engaged and that the child
restraint system rests fi rmly against the seat
backrest; otherwise, the protective function of
the seat may be compromised. <
Child restraint system with tether strap
Use the tether strap anchors to secure
child restraint systems only; otherwise, the
anchors could be damaged. <
There are two additional anchors for child
restraint systems with tether straps, arrows.
Placement of the tether strap
Make sure the upper retaining strap
does not run over sharp edges and is not
twisted as it passes to the top anchor. Other-
wise, the strap will not properly secure the child
restraint system in the event of an accident. <
MINI
1Direction of travel
2 Head restraint
3 Tether strap hook
4 Rear cargo well
5 Anchor
6 Seat backrest
7 Tether strap of the child restraint system

Transporting children safelyCONTROLS
45
Attaching upper retaining strap to the
attachment point
1.Slide the head restraint upward.
2. Guide the tether strap between the head
restraint holders.
3. Attach the tether strap to the anchor using
the hook.
4. Push the head restraint into its lowermost
position.
5. Attach the tether strap to the anchor using
the hook.
6. Pull the retaining strap tight.
MINI Convertible
Ensure that the upper strap 9 is passed
between the seat backrest 8 and the
rollover protection system with cross member 3;
otherwise, the strap will not properly secure the
child restraint system.<
1 Direction of travel
2 Head restraint
3 Rollover protection system with cross
member
4 Cargo area cover
5 Rear cargo well
6 Tether strap hook
7 Anchor
8 Seat backrest
9 Tether strap of the child restraint system
Attaching upper reta ining strap to the
attachment point
1. Slide the head restraint upward.
2. Unlock backrest and slightly fold forward,
refer to page 100.
3. Guide the tether strap between the head
restraint holders.
4. Attach the tether strap to the anchor using
the hook.
5. Fold backrest back and lock in place. Push
headrest down as far as possible.
6. Pull the retaining strap tight.

CONTROLSDriving
50
Shifting with the selector lever
Push the selector lever forward or pull it back to
activate manual operation. Steptronic shifts the
gear.
> Pull the selector lever in the + direction.
Transmission shifts up.
> Push the selector leve r in the – direction.
Transmission shifts down.
The selected gear is displayed in the tachome-
ter, e.g. M1.
To use the automatic mode again, move the
selector lever to the right into position D.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only when
they will result in a plausible combination of
engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example, a
downshift that would cause the engine to over-
rev will not be executed by the system. The
selected gear is displayed briefly, followed by
the current gear.
Shifting on the steering wheel*
With the selector lever in position D, automatic
drive, you can shift gears using the shift paddles
on the steering wheel. The transmission auto-
matically switches to manual mode.
If you do not shift gears with the shift paddles or
accelerate for a certai n amount of time, the
transmission automatically returns to D, auto-
matic drive.
> Pull one of the shift paddles.
Transmission shifts up.
> Push one of the shift paddles.
Transmission shifts down.
M1 through M6 are displayed in the tachometer.
Manually releasing the selector lever
lock
Should the selector lever refuse to move out of
position P even though the ignition is switched
on, the brake is depressed and the button on the
selector lever is pressed, the selector lever lock
can be overridden:
1. Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2. Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever
until the sleeve is insi de out. Disconnect the
cable connector if necessary.
3. Insert extractor hook 1 from the onboard
vehicle toolkit into the loop on the passen-
ger's side.
4. Pull the loop up.
5. Move the selector lever into the desired
position by pressing the button on the front
of the selector lever.
Before manually unlocking the selector
lever lock, firmly set the parking brake to
prevent the vehicle from rolling away. <

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
67
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 stab ility 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 97.
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, the DSC is
ready to operate.
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC OFF indicator light
on the speedometer is on and DSC OFF is dis-
played on the tachometer. DSC is deactivated.
Stabilizing and pr opulsion 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.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps
in the display elements go out.

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
76
Do not touch the individual components immedi-
ately after the system has been triggered, because
there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag re straint system, have the
testing, repair, removal, and disposal of airbag
generators executed only by a MINI dealer or a
workshop that works acco rding to repair proce-
dures of the manufacturer of your MINI with corre-
spondingly trained person nel and has the required
explosives licenses. Otherwise, unprofessional
attempts to service the syst em could lead to failure
in an emergency or unde sired airbag activation,
either of which could resu lt in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the
airbags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the front pas-
senger seat cushion de termines whether and
how the seat is occupied. The front and side
airbags for the front passenger are activated or
deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior rear-
view mirror shows the current status of
the front passenger airbags, deactivated or acti-
vated, refer to Status of front passenger airbags
below. <
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Transport-
ing children safely, page 43.
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and ad ults sitting in certain
positions; the indicator lamp for the front pas-
senger airbags comes on. In such cases, the pas-
senger should change his or her sitting position
so that the front passeng er airbags are activated
and the indicator lamp goes out. If the desired
airbag status cannot be achieved by changing
the sitting position, transport the relevant pas-
senger on a rear seat. Do not attach covers,
cushions, ball mats or other items to the front passenger seat unless they are specifically rec-
ommended by the manufacturer of your MINI.
Do not place items unde
r the seat which could
press against the seat fr om below. Otherwise, a
correct analysis of th e seat cushion is not
ensured. <
Status of front passenger airbags
MINI:
MINI Convertible:
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags shows the functional status of the front
passenger's front and side airbags in accordance
with whether and how the front passenger seat
is occupied. The indica tor lamp shows whether
the front passenger airbags are activated or
deactivated.
> The indicator lamp co mes on as intended
when a child in a specially designated child
restraint system is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front
passenger are not activated.

Practical interior accessoriesCONTROLS
89
Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal
remote control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control can
replace as many as three hand-held transmitters
for various remote-controlled devices, such as
garage and gate openers and lighting systems.
The integrated universal remote control regis-
ters and stores signals from the original hand-
held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter
can be programmed on one of the three mem-
ory buttons 1. The system in question can then
be operated by means of the programmed
memory button 1. The LED 2 flashes to confirm
transmission of the signal.
If you decide to sell your vehicle one day, in the
interest of your own secu rity, remember to clear
the stored programs before the vehicle leaves
your possession, page 90.
To prevent possible damage or injury,
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote control, always inspect
the immediate area to make certain that no
people, animals or objects are within the travel
range of the device. Comply also with the safety
instructions supplied with the original hand-held
transmitter. <
Checking compatibility
If this symbol appears on the package
or in the instructions supplied with the
original hand-held transmitter, you can
assume that the radio re mote control device is
compatible with the inte grated universal remote
control.
For additional information, please contact your
MINI dealer or call: 1-800-355-3515. You can also obtain information on the
Internet at:
www.homelink.com
HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson
Controls, Inc.
Programming
1
Memory buttons
2 LED
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1.Switch on the ignition, page 46.
2. When starting operation for the first time:
press both outer memory buttons 1 for
approx. 20 seconds until the LED 2 flashes
rapidly. All stored programs are cleared.
3. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a
distance of approx. 1 in/2.5 cm to 3 in/8 cm
from the memory buttons 1.
The required distance between the
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons 1 depends on the system of the
respective original hand-held transmitter
used. <
4. Simultaneously press the transmit key on
the original hand-held transmitter and the
desired memory button 1 on the integrated
universal remote control. The LED 2 flashes
slowly at first. As soon as the LED 2 flashes
rapidly, release both buttons. If the LED 2
does not flash rapidly after approx.

Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
97
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 143.
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 drivin g off using Hill Assist,
refer to page 69.
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 move ment range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhibit 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 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 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
available when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheatin g 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
necessary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mo de of the automatic transmis-
sion, page 49.
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 th e 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. <