MINI COOPER 2011 Manual PDF

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
69
Deactivating the DTC* and DSC together
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator light 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 (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 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 SPORT button.
The LED lights up.
SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
>Press the SPORT button again.
> Switch off the engine.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM*
The concept
The system does not measure the actual
inflation pressure in the tires.
The system detects a pre ssure loss in a tire by
comparing the rotational speeds of the
individual wheels while moving.
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter
and therefore the rota tional speed of the
corresponding wheel chan ge. This is detected
and reported as a flat tire.

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
70
Functional requirement
The system must have been initialized while the
tire inflation pressure was correct; otherwise,
reliable signaling of a fl at tire is not ensured.
Initialize the system afte r every correction of the
tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.
System limitations
Sudden serious tire damage caused by
external influences cannot be indicated in
advance. <
A natural, even pressure loss in all four tires
cannot be detected. Therefore, check the tire
inflation pressure regularly.
In the following situatio ns, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
> System has not been initialized
> Driving on snowy or sl ippery road surface
> Performance-oriented style of driving: slip in
the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration
> Snow chains are attached
When the vehicle is driven with a space-saver
spare tire
*, page 166, the Flat Tire Monitor
cannot function.
Initializing the system
The initialization process adopts the set inflation
tire pressures as refere nce values for the detec-
tion of a flat tire. Init ialization is started by
confirming the in flation pressures.
Do not initialize the system when driving with
snow chains.
Using the button in the turn signal lever
1. Start the engine, but do not start driving.
2. Press the button on 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 corresponding symbol and "RESET" are
displayed.
5. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6. Start driving.
Initialization is completed while the car is on
the move, without any feedback.
The initialization is completed during
driving, which can be interrupted at any
time. When driving resumes, the initialization is
continued automatically. <

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
71
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamps come on in yellow
and red. An acoustic signal also sounds.
There is a flat tire or a major loss in tire
inflation pressure.
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with
caution. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2. Check whether the vehicle is equipped with
normal tires or with run-flat tires
*.
Run-flat tires, refer to page 144, are identi-
fied by a circular symbol containing the
letters RSC on the tire sidewall.
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-flat
tires, do not continue driving; continuing
to drive can result in serious accidents. <
When a flat tire is repo rted, the Dynamic Stability
Control DSC is activated.
Actions in the event of a flat tire
Normal tires
1. Identify the damaged tire.
To do so, check the inflation pressure in all
four tires.
The inflation pressure di splay of the Mobility
System, page 163, can be used for this
purpose.
If the inflation pressure in all four tires is
correct, the Flat Tire Monitor might not have
been initialized. The system must then be
initialized.
If it is not possible to identify the damaged
tire, contact your MINI dealer.
2. Use the Mobility System to remedy the flat
tire on the damage d wheel, refer to
page 163, or to replace the damaged wheel,
refer to page 165.
Run-flat tires*
You can continue driving with a damaged tire at
speeds up to 50 mph or 80 km/h.
Continued driving with a flat tire
When driving with a damaged tire:
1.Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph or 80 km/h.
3. At the next opportunity, check the air
pressure in all four tires.
If the inflation pressure in all four tires is
correct, the Flat Tire Monitor might not have
been initialized. The system must then be
initialized.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of
tire inflation pressure:
The distance it is possible to drive with a flat tire
depends on the load and the stress on the
vehicle while driving.
With an average load, it may be possible to drive
for approx. 50 miles/80 km.
When driving with damage d tires, the handling
characteristics change, e.g. the vehicle will skid
sooner when braking, braking distances will be
longer, or self-steering response will change.
Adapt your driving style accordingly. Avoid
turning abruptly and driv ing over obstacles such
as curbs, potholes, etc.
Since the possible driving distance depends to a
considerable degree on the strain exerted on
the vehicle while driving, it can be shorter or,
with a gentle dr iving style, can also be longer,
depending on the speed, road condition,
external temperature, vehicle load, etc.
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
A loss of tire inflation pressure results in a
change in the handling characteristics, e.g.
reduced lane stability during braking, a longer
braking distance and altered self-steering
properties. <
Vibrations or loud noises while driving can
indicate final failure of the tire. Reduce
your speed and bring the vehicle to a stop;
otherwise, pieces of tire may come off, which
could result in an accident. Do not continue
driving and contact your MINI dealer.<

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
72
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM*
The concept
Measuring the inflation pressure in the four
mounted tires. The system notifies you if there is
a significant loss of pressu re in one or more tires.
Functional requirement
The system must have been reset while the
inflation pressure was correct; otherwise, reli-
able signaling of a flat tire is not ensured.
Always use wheels with TPM electronics to
ensure that the system will operate properly.
Reset the system again af ter each correction of
the tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.
System limitations
Sudden, serious tire damage caused by
external influences cannot be indicated in
advance. <
The system does not operate correctly if it has
not been reset. For exampl e, a flat tire may be
indicated despite correct tire inflation pressures.
The system is inactive an d cannot indicate a flat
tire:
> If a wheel without TPM electronics, e.g. a
compact spare wheel
*, is mounted.
> Interference with TPM by other systems or
devices with the sa me transmission
frequency.
Resetting the system
Reset the system again af ter each correction of
the tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.
Using the button in the turn signal lever
1. Start the engine, but do not start driving.
2. Press the button on 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 for Tire Pressure Check and
"ACTIVE" is displayed.
The Tire Pressure Monitor can be reset by
selecting "RESET".
5. Press and hold the button until "RESETTING"
is displayed.

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
73
6.Start driving.
After driving a few minu tes, the set inflation
pressures in the tires are accepted as the
target values to be monitored. The system
reset is completed during your drive, and
can be interrupted at any time. When driving
resumes, the reset is continued automati-
cally. The indicator lamp goes out after the
system reset is completed.
Message for low tire inflation pressure
The warning lamps come on in yellow
and red. An acoustic signal also sounds.
The position of the faulty tire is
displayed.
> There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire
pressure.
> The system was not reset after a wheel
change and thus issues a warning based on
the inflation pressures initialized last.
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with
caution. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2. Check whether the vehicle is equipped with
normal tires or with run-flat tires
*.
Run-flat tires, refer to page 144, are identi-
fied by a circular symbol containing the
letters RSC on the tire sidewall.
When a low inflation pressure is reported, the
Dynamic Stability Control DSC is activated.
Actions in the event of a flat tire
Normal tires
1. Identify the damaged tire.
To do so, check the inflation pressure in all
four tires. The inflation pressure display of
the Mobility System, refer to page 163, can
be used for this.
If the inflation pressure is correct in all four
tires, then the Tire Pressure Monitor may not
have been reset. The system must then be
reset.
If it is not possible to identify the damaged
tire, contact your MINI dealer. 2.
Use the Mobility System to remedy the flat
tire on the damaged wheel, refer to
page 163, or to replace the damaged wheel,
refer to page. 165.
The use of tire sealant, e.g. Mobility System,
can damage the TPM wheel electronics. In
this case, have the electronics checked and
replaced if necessary at your earliest
opportunity.
Run-flat tires*
You can continue driving with a damaged tire at
speeds up to 50 mph/80 km/h. If the vehicle is not equipped with run-flat
tires, do not continue driving; continuing
to drive can result in serious accidents. <
Continued driving with a flat tire
When driving with a damaged tire:
1.Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
3. At the next opportunity, check the air
pressure in all four tires.
If the inflation pressure is correct in all four
tires, then the Tire Pressure Monitor may not
have been reset. The system must then be
reset.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of
tire inflation pressure:
The distance it is possible to drive with a flat tire
depends on the load and the stress on the
vehicle while driving.
With an average load, it may be possible to drive
for approx. 50 miles/80 km.
When driving with damage d tires, the handling
characteristics change, e.g. the vehicle will skid
sooner when braking, braking distances will be
longer, or self-steering response will change.
Adapt your driving style accordingly. Avoid
turning abruptly and dr iving over obstacles
such as curbs, potholes, etc.

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
74
Since the possible driving distance depends to a
considerable degree on the strain exerted on
the vehicle while driving, it can be shorter or,
with a gentle driving style, can also be longer,
depending on the speed, road condition, exter-
nal temperature, vehicle load, etc.
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
A loss of tire inflation pressure results in a
change in the handling characteristics, e.g.
reduced lane stability during braking, a longer
braking distance and altered self-steering
properties. <
Vibrations or loud no ises while driving can
indicate complete failure of the tire.
Reduce your speed and bring the vehicle to a
stop; otherwise, pieces of tire may come off,
which could result in an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving and contac t your MINI dealer.<
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in yel-
low and then lights up continuously; the
larger warning lamp lights up in yellow.
No flat tire can be detected.
Display in the following situations:
> Wheel without TPM electronics is mounted:
If need be, have it checked by your MINI
dealer.
> Malfunction:
Have the system checked.
> TPM was unable to complete the resetting
procedure; reset the system again.
The small warning lamp flashes in
yellow and then lights up continuously;
the larger warning lamp lights up in
yellow. No punctures can be detected.
Display in the following situation:
> Malfunction because of other equipment or
devices, same radio frequency:
After leaving the interference area, the
system is again active automatically.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring
Systems
Each tire, including the spare, should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. If yo ur vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehi-
cle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation pres-
sure for those tires. As an added safety feature,
your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pres-
sure monitoring system TPMS that illuminates a
low tire pressure telltal e when one or more of
your tires are significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should st op and check your tires
as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat
and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping
ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substi-
tute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the
driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underi nflation has not reached
the level at which the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale illuminates.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunct ion, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and then
remain continuously lit. This sequence will con-
tinue upon subsequent vehicle startups as long
as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, includ ing the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
75
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
MINI:
1 Front airbags
2 Side airbags in backrests
3 Head airbags at the front and rear MINI Convertible:
1
Front airbags
2 Side/head airbags in the backrests
Protective effect
Observe the instructions on page 37 to
ensure the best possible personal
protection. <
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the head
and side airbags help provide protection in the
event of side impact. Th e relevant side airbag
supports the side upper body area. The respec-
tive head airbag supports the head.
The side/head airbag in the MINI Convertible
protects the head during impact.
The airbags are designed to not be triggered in
every type of collision, e.g. not in minor acci-
dents, certain rollover si tuations or rear impacts. Do not apply adhesive
materials to the cover
panels of the airbags, cover them or modify
them in any other way.
Keep the dashboard and window on the passen-
ger side free from obstruction, i.e. do not cover it
with adhesive film or co verings, and do not affix
any holders such as for a navigation device or a
mobile phone.
Do not attach seat cove rs, cushions or other
objects not specifically approved for seats with
integral side airbags to th e front seats. Do not hang
items of clothing such as coats or jackets over the
backrests. Do not attempt to remove the airbag
retention system from the vehicle. Do not modify
the individual components of the system or its
wiring in any way. This in cludes the upholstery in
the center of the steering wheel, on the instrument
cluster, the doors, and the roof pillars as well as the
sides of the headliner. Do not attempt to remove
or dismantle the steering wheel.

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.

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
77
Most child seats are detected by the
system. This particularly applies to
child seats that were required by NHTSA at
the time of manufacture of the vehicle. After
installing a child seat, check that the indica-
tor lamp for the front passenger airbags
lights up. It indicates that the child seat has
been detected and that the front passenger
airbags are deactivated. <
> The indicator lamp does not come on as long
as a person of sufficient size and in a correct
sitting position is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front
passenger are activated.
> The indicator lamp does not come on if the
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front
passenger are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
As of radio readiness, page 46, the warning
lamp lights up briefly to indicate that the entire
airbag system and the belt tensioners are
operational.
Airbag system malfunction
> The warning lamp does not come on when
radio readiness is switched on.
> The warning lamp stays lit continuously.
In the event of a fault in the airbag system,
have it checked without delay; otherwise,
there is the risk that the system will not function
as intended even if a severe accident occurs. <
MINI Convertible:
Rollover protection
system
The rollover system is automatically activated
during an accident or dangerous driving situa-
tion, during extreme tilt of the longitudinal axis,
or during loss of ground contact. The roll bar
located behind the rear seat headrest is
projected within a fraction of a second.
In addition to the reinforced windshield frame,
the rollover protection system ensures the
necessary head clearanc e for all occupants of
the vehicle.
Never block the travel path of the rollover
protection system with any objects.
Always wear your safety belt, it protects you in
a minor car accident and, depending on the
severity of the accident, the seat belt tensioner
and the multilevel airb ag system will protect
you. <
Lowering
If the rollover protecti on system releases
accidentally, have your MINI dealer check it.
If the rollover protective system is
extended, do not operate the convertible
top.
Never attempt to modify the individual compo-
nents or the electrical wiring of the rollover
protective system.
Have the necessary work on the rollover protec-
tion system of your MINI only carried out by an
authorized MINI dealer.
Faulty repair may lead to the failure of the
system or malfunctions.
Check the system regularly and in order to
ensure a long service life of all functions, it is
mandatory to ma intain the service intervals,
refer to page 62.<

CONTROLSLamps
78
Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
0Lamps off and daytime running lights
1 Parking lamps and daytime running lights
2 Low-beam headlamps and welcome lamps
3 Automatic headlamp control
*, daytime run-
ning lights, welcome lamps, and Adaptive
Light Control
*
When you open the driver's door with the igni-
tion switched off, the exterior lighting is auto-
matically switched off if the light switch is in
position 0, 2 or 3.
Switch on the parking lamps if necessary, switch
position 1.
Parking lamps
Turn the light switch to position 1.
The front, rear and side vehicle lighting is
switched on.
Activation of lights on on e side of the vehicle for
parking, page 81.
The parking lamps will discharge the
battery. Therefore, do not leave them on
for unduly long periods of time; otherwise, the
battery might not have enough power to start
the engine. <
Low beams
Turn the light switch to position 2.
The low beams come on when the ignition is on.
Automatic headlamp control*
When the switch is in position 3, the low beams
are switched on and off automatically depend-
ing on ambient light condit ions, e.g. in a tunnel,
in twilight, or if there is precipitation. Adaptive
Light Control
* is active.
The headlamps may also come on when the sun
is sitting low on a blue sky.
When driving into tunnels with bright overhead
lights, there may be a delay before the head-
lamps come on.
The low beams remain switched on indepen-
dent of the ambient lighting conditions when
you switch on the fog lamps
*.
If the daytime running lights are activated,
page 79, the low beams are always switched on
with the light switch in position 3 and the igni-
tion on. The exterior lamps are automatically
switched off after the vehicle is parked.
The automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for your personal
judgment in determining when the lamps
should be switched on in response to ambient
lighting conditions. For example, the system
cannot detect fog or hazy weather. To avoid
safety risks, you should respond to these kinds
of low-visibility situations by switching the head-
lamps on manually. <
Welcome lamps
If you leave the light switch in the low beam or
automatic headlamp control position when you
switch off the ignition, the parking lamps and
interior lamps come on fo r a certain time as soon
as the vehicle is unlocked.