MINI Coupe 2012 Manual PDF
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CONTROLSControls overview
70
Formats and units of 
measure
To set the formats and units of measure. The set-
tings are stored for the  remote control currently 
in use, refer also to Personal Profile on page 22.
1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 55.
2. Press the button in the turn signal indicator 
as often as necessary until "SET/INFO" is 
displayed.
3. Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
4. Press the button as often as necessary until 
the symbol and "SET" are displayed.
5. Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
6. Press the button repeatedly until the display 
shows the illustra ted symbol, arrow. >
 Fuel consumption: l/100 km, mpg, 
km/l
>  Distance covered: miles, km
>  Temperature:  7, 6
7. Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
8. Press the button to change the format or the 
measurement units.
9. Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
The settings are stored.
Resetting to factory settings
The settings for formats and units of measure 
can be reset to the factory settings. The settings 
are stored for the remote  control currently in 
use, refer also to Personal Profile on page 22.
1. Press the button in the turn signal indicator 
as often as necessary until "SET/INFO" is 
displayed.
2. Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
3. Press the button as often as necessary until 
the symbol and "SET" are displayed.
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4.Press and hold the butt on until the display 
changes.
5. Press the button as of ten as necessary until 
"RESET" is displayed.
6. Press and hold the butt on until the display 
changes to the first setting. 
The settings are reset.
In Radio MINI Boost CD
Settings
You can set the radio individually:
1. Press the  MENU button.
2.  Press the button.
> "DIST"
Change units of measurement for 
distance.
> "LANG"
Select language for display text. >
"CONSMP"
Change units of measurement for 
average consumption.
> "TEMP"
Change units of measurement for 
external temperature.
3. Select desired menu item and press button.
Service requirements
The remaining driving dist ance and the date of 
the next scheduled service are briefly displayed 
immediately after you start the engine or switch 
on the ignition.
The extent of service work required can be 
read out from the remo te control by your 
MINI dealer. <
Displaying vehicle check
For certain maintenance operations, you can 
view the respective distance remaining or due 
date individually in the tachometer.
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1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page 55.
2. Press the button in the turn signal indicator 
as often as necessary until "SET/INFO" is 
displayed.
3. Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
4. Press the button repeatedly until the corre-
sponding symbol and "SERVICE- INFO" are 
displayed.
5. Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
6. Press the button to display the individual 
service items, refer to  the following informa-
tion.Possible displays
1 Button for selecting information
SymbolFunction
Engine oil
Front brakes
Rear brakes
Road worthiness test
Vehicle check
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More information on the MINI Maintenance 
System can be found on page 159.
Clock
Setting the time
Radio MINI Boost CD:
1.Press the  MENU button.
2.  Press the button.
3.  Press the button.
4. Select the desired menu item, "FORMAT", 
"HRS" or "MIN", and then press the button.
5. Turn the knob on the right to set values.
6. Press the knob on the right to store values.
7.  Press the button to exit setting 
values.
Date
Setting date
Radio MINI Boost CD:
1. Press the  MENU button.
2.  Press the button.
3.  Press the button.
4. Select the desired menu item "DD", "MM" or 
"YY".
5. Turn the knob on the right to set values.
6. Press the knob on the right to store values.
7.  Press the button to exit setting 
values.
Check Control
The concept
The Check Control monitors vehicle functions 
and alerts you to any malfunctions in the 
systems monitored. Check Control messages 
involve indicator or warning lamps in the dis-
plays and, in some circumstances, an acoustic 
signal. 
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in 
various combinations and  colors in the indicator 
areas 1 and 2.
Brake fluid
Exit display
69
Next setting or item of 
information 69
SymbolFunction
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What to do in case of a malfunction
The meaning of each lamp in the event of a 
malfunction and tips on how to respond are 
listed starting on page181.
Hiding Check Control messages
Press the button in the 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.
> Other Check Control messages are auto-
matically hidden after approx. 20 seconds, 
but remain stored.
The symbol indicates  that Check Control 
messages have been stored. Check Control 
messages can be viewed whenever it is conve-
nient.
Viewing stored Check Control messages
Stored Check Control  messages can only be 
displayed if the driver's door is closed.
1. Press the button in the turn signal indicator 
as often as necessary until "SET/INFO" is 
displayed.
2. Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
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 message has been stored, 
the corresponding message is displayed. 
5. Press the button to check for other 
messages.
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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 warn you of the presence of an object 
behind the vehicle. To measure the distance, 
there are four ultrasonic sensors in either 
bumper.
However, an acoustic warning does not sound 
until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm from the 
corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from the 
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 constant, e.g. when 
driving parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal 
stops after approx. 3 seconds.
Adjustments
The volume of the acoustic signals can be set, 
refer to page 116.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp lights up. PDC has failed. 
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 
4in/10cm.
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 
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, al ways drive cautiously; 
otherwise, there is a risk  of personal injury or 
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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 stability 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 safe t y  m a r g i n  b y  e n g a g i n g  
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 107.
ABS is operational every time you start the 
engine.
Cornering Brake Control CBC
Driving stability and stee ring characteristics are 
further enhanced while braking in turns or 
during a lane change.
Electronic brake-force 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 detect s 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 ve hicle maintain a safe 
course within physical limits by reducing engine 
output and through braking 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 stabil ity, activate DSC again 
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps 
in the display elements go out.
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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 
displayed on the tachometer:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
The concept
D TC  is a ty pe o f DSC  t hat is prop ulsion op timiz ed 
for special road conditio ns 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 exceptional situations, it can be 
useful to briefly activate DTC:
> When driving on snow-c overed 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 
activated.
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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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 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 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, imme-
diately 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.
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: 
automatic rear spoiler
General information
The automatic rear spoiler increases the driving 
stability of your MINI Coupe or MINI Roadster.
Make sure that the ra nge of motion for the 
rear spoiler is clear; otherwise, damage 
may occur. <
Do not push on the rear spoiler; otherwise, it 
may be damaged.
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For information on car washing facilities and 
care, refer to page161 and following.
Automatic mode
When starting the engine, a retracted rear 
spoiler is in the automa tic mode. It is possible 
that there will be some noise for a short time 
when driving off because of the initialization of 
the system.
Automatic extension:
When driving at speeds in excess of approx. 
50 mph/80 km/h.
Automatic retraction:
When driving at speeds below 38 mph/60 km/h.
In the automatic mode, the rear spoiler 
can not be retracted manually at speeds 
greater than 37 mph/60 km/h. <
Manual mode
The manual mode can, for example, be used 
when cleaning the rear spoiler while the ignition 
is on or the engine is running. LED on switch is 
on.
If the rear spoiler stops in an intermediate 
position after repeat edly being extended 
and retracted, then the system has become 
overheated. After a short cooling down time, the 
rear spoiler can again be operated.<
Extending rear spoiler
Press the switch toward the rear.
Retracting rear spoiler
If the rear spoiler was manually extended and 
a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h not exceeded, then 
the rear spoiler can again be retracted. Other-
wise, the rear spoiler cannot be retracted unless 
the speed is below 37 mph/60 km/h.
> For speeds between 12 mph/20 km/h and 
50 mph/80 km/h,
briefly press the switch forward or keep 
pressed.
> For speeds less than 12 mph/20 km/h,
press switch forward and keep pressed.
Malfunctions
Indicator lamp goes on briefly when the 
ignition is switched  on and an acoustic 
signal is produced.
Display in the following situations:
> Rear spoiler is extended.
Manually retract rear spoiler or it will 
automatically retract at a speed of approx. 
12 mph/20 km/h.
> Rear spoiler can not be extended from the 
rear spoiler compartment.
Check if the rear spoiler is free of snow or ice, 
for example. Free rear spoiler or clear of ice.
Warning lamp goes on and an acoustic 
signal sounds several times.
Display in the following situation:
The rear spoiler can not be completely 
extended; do not exceed a speed of 50 mph or 
80 km/h.
Have the system checked.
When there is a malfunction at speeds greater 
than 30 mph/50 km/h, the Dynamic Stability 
Control DSC switches on.
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