park assist MINI Clubman 2009 Owner's Manual

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
55
Technology for driving comfort
and safety
Park Distance
Control PDC*
The concept
PDC assists you with parking backwards. Acous-
tic 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
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 selector
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, the acoustic signal stops
after approx. 3 seconds.
Adjustments
The volume of the acoustic signals can be
adjusted, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp comes on: PDC is mal-
functioning. 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 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 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, 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 stability even in adverse
driving conditions.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with driving stability control systems.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
57
Dynamic Traction Control DTC*
DTC is a type of DSC that is propulsion optimized
for special road conditions such as uncleared
snowy roads. The system 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-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 DTC indicator lamps
come on.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DTC controls the driving and breaking
forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps
go out.
Deactivating both DTC and DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds: the DSC
indicator lamps in the display elements come
on. The Dynamic Traction Control DTC and
Dynamic Stability Control DSC are both deacti-
vated. There will be no more stabilizing inter-
ventions.
Interventions (differential lock
*) in braking
occur to improve propulsion when drive wheels
are rotating unevenly, even when the DSC is
deactivated.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the indicator lamps
go out.
Hill Start Assist
Hill Start Assist aids you in comfortably 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 Start 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 backward slightly during
this period. After you release the brake, immedi-
ately start driving since the hill start assist only
holds the vehicle for about 2 seconds, and it will
start to roll backwards.<
Sport button*
Pressing the button causes your MINI to respond
even more sportily.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
83
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 page99.
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 Start
Assist*, refer to page57.
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 steering 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 actively taking effect.
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.
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, page40.
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 operating 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.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
123
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.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.
3.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.
4.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:
5.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 other vehicle in the
usual manner.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before 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 the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the MINI.
It is stored in the onboard tool kit in the cargo
bay underneath the cover on the right-hand
side, page112.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<

Indicator and warning lamps
130
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Brake pedal travel may be markedly
longer. Stop immediately. Contact the
nearest MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Start Assist failed. The car will not
be held in place after the brake is
releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Brake pedal travel may be markedly
longer. Stop immediately. Contact the
nearest MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Start Assist failed. The car will not
be held in place after the brake is
releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
Indication in Canadian models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
12Cause What to do

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
145
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders79
Brake Assist56
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements51
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs115
Brake pads, breaking in82
Brake rotors83
– brakes82
– breaking in82
Brake system82
– breaking in82
– disc brakes83
– MINI Maintenance
System106
Brakes
– ABS56
– breaking in82
– MINI Maintenance
System106
– parking brake38
– service requirements51
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely83
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance122
Break-in period82
Breaking in the clutch82
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs112
Button for starting the
engine37
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders79
Capacities142
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery120
Car care108
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest77
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash, care108
Car washes108
Care108
– car washes108
– car-care products108
– CD/DVD drives111
– external108
– high-pressure washers108
– internal110
– leather110
– manual washing109
– upholstery and fabrics110
– windows109
– wiper blades109
Cargo area
– capacity142
Cargo bay84
– convenient access26
– doors, refer to Splitdoor23
– lamp68
– opening from outside24
– trunk lid, refer to Splitdoor23
Cargo bay doors, refer to
Splitdoor23
Cargo bay, expanding84
Cargo bay lamp68
Cargo bay partition net, refer
to Partition net85
Cargo loading85
– securing cargo86
– stowing cargo86
– vehicle84
Cargo, securing86
Carpets, care110
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system82
Center armrest77
Center brake lamp116
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14Central locking system19
– convenient access25
– from inside22
– from outside19
Changing bulbs112
Changing wheels118
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment103
Check Control53
Child's seats34
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH35
Child-restraint systems34
Chrome parts, care109
Chrome parts, refer to
Care108
Cigarette lighter79
Cleaning headlamps43
– washer fluid44
Clock46
– 12h/24h mode49
– setting time52
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks78
Clubdoor23
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine37
Comfort access
– what to observe before
entering a car wash26
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access25
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock37
Computer47
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked83
Condition Based Service
CBS106
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking/unlocking20

From A to Z
146
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances79
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption47
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption47
Control Display
– settings48
Controls and displays10
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine37
Convenient access25
– replacing the battery27
Convenient operation
– windows20
Coolant105
– checking level105
– filling105
Coolant temperature46
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant105
Cooling, maximum73
Copyright2
Cruising range47
Cup holders79
Curb weight, refer to
Weights142
Current fuel consumption48
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting68
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data140
– capacities142
– dimensions141
– engine140
– weights142
Date
– setting53
Daytime running lamps66
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake assist56
Deactivating front passenger
airbags63Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20
Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
Defogging windows72,73
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows72,73
Defrosting windows72,73
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner72
– automatic climate control73
Differential, breaking in82
Digital clock46
Dimensions141
Dipstick, engine oil103
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals41
Displacement, refer to Engine
data140
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting68
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care110
Disposal
– of coolant105
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery120
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements51
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC55
Diving stability control
systems55
Door
– rear, refer to Clubdoor23
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control
18
Door lock21
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades98
Double doors, refer to
Splitdoor23Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders79
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Start Assist57
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button57
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams65
Driving notes82
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Start Assist57
Driving through water83
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes82
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function74
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC57
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake assist56
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC56
Dynamic Traction Control57
E
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
Electronic brake-force
distribution56
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC56
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission41
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance122

From A to Z
148
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights142
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb113
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake38
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags63
Head restraints31
– sitting safely29
Headlamp control,
automatic65
Headlamp flasher41
– indicator lamp11,126
Headlamps
– replacing bulb113
Headlamps, care109
Heated
– mirrors33
– rear window71,73
– seats31
Heating70
– mirrors33
– rear window71,73
– seats31
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo86
Height adjustment
– seats30
– steering wheel33
Height, refer to
Dimensions141
High beams67
– headlamp flasher67
– indicator lamp126
– replacing bulb113
High water, refer to Driving
through water83
Hill Start Assist57
Hills83
Holders for cups79
Homepage4
Horn10
Hot exhaust system82
Hydroplaning82
I
Ice warning46
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning46
Ignition37
– switched off37
– switched on37
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness37
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on37
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Ignition lock37
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,126
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM61
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting68
Individual air distribution72
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM60
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM58
– glass sunroof, electric28
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting68
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remove
control75
Interior lamps68
– remote control21
Interior rearview mirror33
– automatic dimming
feature33
Interlock39
Intermittent mode of the
wipers42Internet page4J
Jacking points119
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles44
Jump starting122
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting122
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile18
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18
Keyless go, refer to Convenient
access25
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Convenient
access25
Kick-down40
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
Knock control93
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs112
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams65
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo86
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system35
Leather care110
LEDs light-emitting diodes113
Length, refer to
Dimensions141
Level load floor85
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement116
Light switch65
Light-alloy wheels, care109
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs113

From A to Z
150
Output, refer to Engine
data140
Outside temperature
display46
– changing unit of measure49
– on onboard computer49
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control73
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature46
P
Paintwork, care109
Park Distance Control PDC55
Parking
– vehicle38
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC55
Parking brake38
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb114
Parking lamps/low beams65
Partition net85
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting65
Personal Profile18
Pinch protection system
– windows28
Plastic parts, care110
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner72
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control74
Power failure120
Power windows28
Power windows, refer to
Windows28
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM60
Pressure monitoring, tires58
– Flat Tire Monitor58
Pressure, tires94Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– windows28
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor58
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness37
Radio readiness37
– switched off37
– switched on37
Rain sensor42
Range, refer to Cruising
range47
Reading lamps69
Rear door, refer to
Clubdoor23
Rear doors, refer to
Splitdoor23
Rear double doors, refer to
Splitdoor23
Rear fog lamp68
– indicator lamp126
– replacing bulb116
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement115
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps115
Rear seat backrest, folding84
Rear seats
– folding the backrests84
Rear window heating71,73
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors32
Recirculated-air mode71,73
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode71,73
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest30
Refueling92
Releasing
– bonnet102Remote control18
– battery renewal27
– convenient access25
– garage door opener75
– malfunctions21,26
– service data106
– splitdoor21
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs112
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires100
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge47
Reservoir for washer
systems44
Restraint systems
– for children34
– refer to Safety belts32
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission39
Roadside Assistance122
Roadside parking lamps67
– replacing bulb114
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements51
Roof load capacity142
Roof-mounted luggage
rack87
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away124
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires100
Rubber parts, care109
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires100
Run-Flat Tires100
– flat tire59
– new tires100
– tire inflation pressure94
– winter tires101
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-Flat
Tires100