engine MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2011 Owner's Manual

Technology for driving comfort and safety
62
Technology for driving comfort and
safety
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 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 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 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.
An appropriate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore do not
reduce the additional safety margin by engaging

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AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
in hazardous driving thereby running the risk of
an accident.<
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during brak-
ing. Safe steering response is maintained even
during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
Braking safely, refer to page93.
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 dur-
ing 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 dis-
tance 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 accel-
erate.
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 braking actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
Deactivating DSC
Press the button repeatedly until the DSC indica-
tor lamps come on. DSC is deactivated. Stabiliz-
ing and propulsion promoting actions are no
longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free'
in snow, it can be helpful 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
go out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
The DSC controls the driving and break-
ing forces.
The indicator lamp in the display ele-
ments lights up:
DSC is deactivated.
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

Technology for driving comfort and safety
64
Activating DTC
Press the button, the indicator lamp for DTC
lights up in the display elements and TRACTION
is displayed in the tachometer.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DTC controls the driving and breaking
forces.
The indicator lamp lights up and TRAC-
TION is displayed in the tachometer:
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 Assist
Hill 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 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 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.

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AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
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 infla-
tion pressure in the tires.
The system detects a pressure loss in a tire by
comparing the rotational speeds of the individ-
ual wheels while moving.
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter and
therefore the rotational speed of the corre-
sponding wheel change. This is detected and
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
The system must have been initialized while the
tire inflation pressure was correct; otherwise,
reliable signaling of a flat tire is not ensured.
Initialize the system after 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 can-
not be detected. Therefore, check the tire infla-
tion pressure regularly.
In the following situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
>System has not been initialized
>Driving on snowy or slippery 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
*, page145, the Flat Tire Monitor can-
not function.
Initializing the system
The initialization process adopts the set inflation
tire pressures as reference values for the detec-
tion of a flat tire. Initialization is started by con-
firming the inflation 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.Briefly press the button in the turn signal
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3.Press and hold the button until the display
changes.

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AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Adapt your driving style accordingly. Avoid turn-
ing abruptly and driving 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 driving style, can also be longer,
depending on the speed, road condition, out-
side 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 prop-
erties.<
Vibrations or loud noises while driving can
indicate final failure of the tire. Reduce
your speed and bring the vehicle to a stop; oth-
erwise, pieces of tire may come off, which could
result in an accident. Do not continue driving
and contact your MINI center.<
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 pressure 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 after 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 example, a flat tire may be
indicated despite correct tire inflation pressures.
The system is inactive and 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 same transmission fre-
quency.
Resetting the system
Reset the system again after 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.Briefly press the button in the turn signal
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3.Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
symbol for Tire Pressure Monitor and
"ACTIVE" are displayed.

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AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
0Lamps off and daytime running lights
1Parking lamps and daytime running lights
2Low-beam headlamps and welcome lamps
3Automatic 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 one side of the vehicle for
parking, page75.
The parking lamps will discharge the bat-
tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for
unduly long periods of time; otherwise, the bat-
tery 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 position3, the low beams
are switched on and off automatically depend-
ing on ambient light conditions, 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,
page74, 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 for a certain time as soon
as the vehicle is unlocked.
Pathway lighting
If you activate the headlamp flasher after
switching off the ignition with the lamps
switched off, the low beams come on and
remain on for a certain time.
The setting is stored for the remote control in
use, refer to Personal Profile, page18.

Lamps
76
tery might not have enough power to start the
engine.<
Switching off
Press the lever up or down to the pressure point.
Fog lamps*
MINI
1Fog lamps*
2Rear fog lamp*
Press the respective switch to turn the lamps on/
off.
MINI Convertible
>Turn on front fog lamps:
Press the switch upward
>Turn on rear fog lamps:
Press the switch downward
To switch them off, press the switch upward or
downward again.
Fog lamps*
The parking lamps or low beams must be
switched on for the fog lamps to operate. The
green indicator lamp comes on when the fog
lamps are switched on.
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the fog
lamps are switched off when you activate the
headlamp flasher or switch on the high beams.
If the automatic headlamp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps.<
Guide fog lamps*
When the switch is in position3, guide fog lamps
are switched on for a wider light distribution up
to a speed of 68 mph/110 km/h.
Rear fog lamp*
The low beams or parking lamps with fog lamps
must be switched on. The yellow indicator lamp
comes on when the rear fog lamp is switched on.
Instrument lighting
You can adjust the brightness of the instrument
lighting only when the parking lamps or the low
beams are on.
Increasing brightness
Press and hold the button until the desired
brightness is reached.
Reducing brightness
Press the button briefly.
The brightness decreases every time the button
is pressed briefly.

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AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Air conditioner
1Air flow rate
2Cooling function
3Recirculated-air mode
4Temperature5Rear window defroster
6Air distribution
7Windshield heating
*
Air flow rate
Adjust the air flow rate. The higher the
rate, the more effective the heating or
cooling will be.
The air flow rate is lowered or switched off
entirely to reduce the drain on the battery.
Switching the system on/off
Turn the air flow rate rotary switch to 0. Blower
and air conditioner are completely switched off
and the air supply is cut off.
Set any desired air flow rate to switch on the air
conditioner.
Cooling function*
When the cooling function is on,
the air is cooled, dried, then
reheated according to the temper-
ature setting. This function is only available
while the engine is running.
The cooling function helps prevent condensa-
tion on the windows or removes it quickly.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started.
To cool the air more quickly and intensely
when the outside temperature is high, you
can switch on the recirculated-air mode.<
Recirculated-air mode
If the air outside the car has an
unpleasant odor or contains pollut-
ants, shut off the supply to the inte-
rior of the car temporarily. The system then
recirculates the air currently within the vehicle.
If the windows fog in recirculated-air
mode, switch off the recirculated-air
mode and increase the air volume if necessary.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used
over an extended period of time; otherwise, the
air quality in the passenger compartment will
deteriorate continuously.<
Temperature
Turn upward, red, to increase the temper-
ature.
Turn downward, blue, to decrease the
temperature.
Rear window defroster
The defroster is switched off auto-
matically after a certain time.
The rear window heating is lowered
or switched off entirely to reduce the drain on
the battery.

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AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Comfortable interior climate
AUTO program2 offers the ideal air distribution
and air flow rate for almost all conditions, refer
to AUTO program below. All you need to do is
select an interior temperature which is comfort-
able for you.
The following sections inform you in detail about
how to adjust the settings.
Most settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile set-
tings on page19.
Air flow rate, manual
Press the – button to reduce air flow. Press
the + button to increase it.
You can reactivate the automatic mode
for the air flow rate with the AUTO button.
The air flow rate is lowered or switched off
entirely to reduce the drain on the battery. The
display remains the same.
Switching the system on/off
Reduce the air flow by pressing the – button
repeatedly until the system is switched off. All
indicators go out.
Press the AUTO button to switch the automatic
climate control back on.
AUTO program
The AUTO program adjusts the air
distribution to the windshield and
side windows, toward the upper body area and
into the footwell for you. The air flow rate and
your temperature specifications will be adapted
to outside influences in accordance with sea-
sonal changes, e.g. sunlight.
The cooling function is automatically switched
on along with the AUTO program.
Convertible Program
If the soft top is open, the Convertible Program is
activated. During the Convertible Program, the
automatic climate control is optimized for driv-
ing with the soft top down. Furthermore, with
increasing vehicle speed, the airflow is also
increased.If attaching the wind reflector, the perfor-
mance of the Convertible Program can be
significantly improved.<
Recirculated-air mode
Recirculated-air mode: the supply
of outside air is permanently shut
off. The system then recirculates
the air currently within the vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces, press the AUTO
button or switch off the recirculated-air mode
and, if necessary, increase the air flow rate.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used
over an extended period of time; otherwise, the
air quality in the passenger compartment will
deteriorate continuously.<
Maximum cooling
At outside temperatures above
327/06 and when the engine is
running, you obtain a maximum
cooling effect as soon as possible.
The automatic climate control goes into recircu-
lated-air mode at the lowest temperature. Air
flows at maximum rate from the vents for the
upper body area. You should therefore open
them for maximum cooling.
Air distribution, manual
The flow of air is directed to the
windows, to the upper body area or
to the footwell as selected.
You can switch the automatic air
distribution back on by pressing the AUTO but-
ton.
Temperature
Set the desired temperature individually.
The automatic climate control achieves
this temperature as quickly as possible
regardless of the season, using maximum
cooling or heating power if necessary, and then
maintains it.
If you switch between different tempera-
ture settings in quick succession, the auto-

Climate
82
matic climate control does not have enough
time to achieve the set temperature.<
Rear window defroster
The defroster is switched off auto-
matically after a certain time.
Depending on your vehicle's equip-
ment, the upper wires serve as an
antenna and are not part of the rear window
defroster.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
Quickly removes ice and condensa-
tion from the windshield and front
side windows.
For this purpose, also switch on the
cooling function.
The windshield heating
* is switched on auto-
matically.
Windshield heating*
The windshield heating is switched
off automatically after a certain
time.
Cooling function
The passenger compartment can only be cooled
while the engine is running.
When the cooling function is on,
the air is cooled, dried, then
reheated according to the temper-
ature setting.
The cooling function helps prevent condensa-
tion on the windows or removes it quickly.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started. The
recirculated-air mode may be switched on auto-
matically.
When the AUTO button is pressed, the cooling
function switches on automatically.
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
The microfilter captures dust and pollen. The
activated-charcoal filter provides additional pro-
tection by filtering gaseous pollutants from the
outside air. Your MINI dealer replaces this com-
bined filter as a standard part of your scheduled
maintenance.
You can call up further information in the service
requirements display, page58.
Ventilation
1Knob for continuous opening and closing
2Jet for direction of air flow
Opening/closing
Turn the knob.
Direction of air flow
Swivel the entire jet.