steering MINI COUPE ROADSTER CONVERTIBLE 2012 User Guide

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
85
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 stab ilizing interventions.
Interventions (differentia l 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, 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 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 spoile r increases the driving
stability of your MINI Coupe or MINI Roadster.
Make sure that the range of motion for the
rear spoiler is clear; otherwise, damage
may occur. <

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CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
88
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the initialization is
continued automatically. <
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamps come on in yellow
and red. A message appears on the
Control Display. 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 218, 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 infl ation pressure in all
four tires.
The inflation pressure display of the Mobility
Kit, page 237, can be used for this purpose.
If the inflation pressure in all four tires is cor-
rect, the Flat Tire Mo nitor 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 Kit to remedy the flat tire on
the damaged wheel, refer to page 237, or to
replace the damaged wheel, refer to
page 239.
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 cor-
rect, 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 vehi-
cle while driving.
With an average load, it may be possible to drive
for approx. 50 miles/80 km.
When driving with damaged tires, the handling
characteristics change, e. g. the vehicle will skid
sooner when braking, braking distances will be
longer, or self-steerin g response will change.
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 styl e, 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. <

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CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
90
Resetting the system
Reset the system again after each correction of
the tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Reset"
4. Start the engine – do not drive away.
5. Select "Reset" to start the initialization.
6. Start to drive.
The tires are shown in gray and "Resetting
TPM..." is displayed.
After driving a few minutes, the set inflation
pressures in the tires are accepted as the target
values to be monitored. The resetting process is
completed automatically as you drive. The tires
are depicted in green on the Control Display and
"Status: TPM active" is displayed again.
The trip can be interrupted at any time. When
driving resumes, resett ing is continued auto-
matically.
If a flat tire is detected while the system is
resetting, all tires on the Control Display
are displayed in yellow. The message "Low tire!"
is displayed. <
Message for low tire inflation pressure
The warning lamps come on in yellow
and red. A message appears on the
onboard computer. An acoustic signal
also sounds. 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 218, are identi-
fied by a circular sy mbol containing the
letters RSC on the tire sidewall.
When a low inflation pressure is reported, the
Dynamic Stability Cont rol 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 inflatio n pressure display of
the Mobility Kit, refer to page 237, 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 Kit to remedy the flat tire on
the damaged wheel, refer to page 237, or to
replace the damaged wheel, refer to
page. 239.
The use of tire sealant, e.g. Mobility Kit, 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.<

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Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
91
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 vehi-
cle while driving.
With an average load, it may be possible to drive
for approx. 50 miles/80 km.
When driving with damaged 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 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 dr iving 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 pr essure results in a change
in the handling characteristics, e.g. reduced lane
stability during braking, a longer braking dis-
tance and altered self-steering properties. <
Vibrations or loud noises 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 contact 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.
On the onboard computer, the tires are
shown in gray and a message appears.
No punctures 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 yel-
low and then lights up continuously; the
larger warning lamp lights up in yellow.
On the onboard computer, the tires are
shown in gray and a message appears.
No punctures can be detected.
Display in the following situation:
> Malfunction because of other equipment or
devices, same radio frequency:
After leaving the inte rference area, the
system is again active automatically.
Message for unsuccessful system reset
Yellow warning lamp comes on. A
message appears on the onboard
computer.
The system has detected a wheel change, but
has not yet been reset. It is not possible to
provide a reliable warn ing about the current
inflation pressure.
Check the tire inflation pressure and reset the
system, page 90.

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Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
93
Airbags
1Front airbags
2 Side/head airbags in the backrests
Protective action
Observe the instructions on page 50 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. The side/head airbag sup-
ports the body in the lateral chest area as well as
the head.
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-
g e r s i d e f r e e f r o m o b s t r u c t i o n , i . e . d o n o t c o v e r i t
with adhesive film or coverings, and do not affix
any holders such as for a navigation device or a
mobile phone.
Do not attach seat covers, cushions or other
objects not specifically approved for seats with
integral side airbags to the 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 includes 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.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfuncti
ons, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, remova l, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a MINI dealer
or a workshop that work s according to repair
procedures of the manufacturer of your MINI
with correspondingly trained personnel and has
the required explosives licenses. Otherwise,
unprofessional attempts to service the system
could lead to failure in an emergency or undes-
ired airbag activation, either of which could
result in personal injury.<
Warning notices and in formation 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 determines 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
rearview mirror shows the current status
of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or
activated, 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 56.
The front and side airbag s can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults 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

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LampsCONTROLS
97
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 lo w beams come on and
remain on for a certain time.
The setting is stored for the remote control in
use, refer to Personal Profile, page 28.
Setting the duration or deactivating the
function
1. "Settings"
2. "Lighting"
3. "Pathway light.:"
4. Set a time of duration or deactivate the
function.
The setting is stored for the remote control
currently in use.
Daytime running lights
The light switch can remain in the lamps off,
parking lamps or automatic headlamp control
position.
In the lamps off position, the exterior lighting is
automatically switched of f after the vehicle is
parked. In the parking lamps position, the park-
ing lamps will stay on after the ignition is
switched off.
Switch on the parking lamps separately if
needed.
Activating/deactivating daytime
running lights
The setting is stored for the remote control in
use, refer to Personal Profile, page 28.
1. "Settings"
2. "Lighting"
3. "Daytime running lamps"
The setting is stored for the remote control
currently in use.
Adaptive Light Control
The concept
Adaptive Light Control is a variable headlamp
control system that enables better illumination
of the road surface. Depending on the steering
angle and other parameters, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the road.

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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
115
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various se ctions of the exhaust
system, and never apply undercoating to them.
Make sure that when driving, idling or when
parking, no easily flamma ble materials, such as
hay, leaves, grass, etc. come into contact with
the hot exhaust system. Such contact could lead
to a fire, with the risk of serious personal injuries
and property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust
tail pipes. Otherwise, there is a risk of burns. <
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 218.
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 85.
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 stee
ring responsiveness,
you can still avoid possi ble obstacles with a
minimum 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 movement range of
the pedals
Keep floor mats, carp et, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhi bit 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 neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mo de of the automatic transmis-
sion, page 64.

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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
116
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 op erating 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.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying ca pacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can
assume the form of a sudden blowout. could damage the vehicle.
<
MINI Coupe: cargo area cover
Do not place any objects on the cover;
otherwise, they could endanger the car's
occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden
swerving, or they may damage the cover. <
Your MINI Coupe is equipped with two cargo
area covers. When you open the tailgate, the
rear cargo area cover is raised.
The cargo area covers can be removed
individually.
Front cargo area cover
Pull cargo area cover back out of the holders,
arrow 1.
Rear cargo area cover
1. Pull release, arrow 1, left and right.
2. Pull cargo down out of the holders arrow 2.

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ENTERTAINMENTOn/off and tone
146
On/off and tone
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 coun try version. This also
applies to safety relate d functions and systems.
General information
The following audio source s have shared control
elements and setting options:
> Radio
> CD player
> External devices, e.g. MP3 player
Controls
The audio sources can be operated using:
>Buttons near the CD player
> Onboard computer
> Buttons on the steering wheel, refer to
page 10
Buttons near the CD player
1Drive for audio CDs
2 Selecting waveband
3 Changing the audio source 4
Sound output for en tertainment on/off,
volume
> Press: switch on/off.
When you switch on the unit, the radio
station or track set most recently is
played.
> Turn: adjust volume.
5 Station scan/track search
>Change radi o station.
> Selecting a track.
6 Ejecting CD
Switching on/off
Entertainment audio output
Press the knob.
This symbol at the upper edge of the Control
Display indicates that the sound output is
switched off.

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On/off and toneENTERTAINMENT
147
Adjusting volume
Turn the knob to the desired volume.
The volume can also be adjusted on the steering
wheel, refer to page10.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use; refer to Personal Profile, page 28.
Tone control
Various tone settings can be changed, e.g. treble
and bass or the speed-dependent volume
control.
The tone settings are set for all audio sources at
once.
The settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use; refer to Personal Profile,
page 28.
Treble, bass, balance, fader
> "Treble": treble adjustment.
> "Bass": bass adjustment.
> "Balance": volume distribution right/left.
> "Fader": volume distribution front/back.
Adjustments
1."CD/Multimedia", "Rad io" or "Settings".
2. "Tone"
3. Select the desired tone setting.
4. To adjust: turn the MINI joystick.
5. To store: press the MINI joystick.
Volume levels
>"Speed volume": vo lume is adapted
depending on the speed
> "PDC": volume of the PDC acoustic signal
relative to the entertainment sound output
> "Gong": volume of the acoustic signal, e.g.
for the acoustic Safety Belt Reminder rela-
tive to the entertainment sound output
Mobile phone preparation Bluetooth
> "Microphone": volume of the microphone
during a phone conversation.
> "Loudspeak.": volume of the speaker during
a phone conversation.

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