ESP MINI COUPE ROADSTER CONVERTIBLE 2012 Owner's Manual

CONTROLSLamps
96
Lamps
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.
Parking lamps/low beams
0Lamps off / 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
ignition switched off, the exterior lighting is
automatically 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 98. 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 97, 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. <

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CONTROLSLamps
98
Activating Adaptive Light Control
With the ignition switched on, turn the light
switch to position 3, refer to page 96.
Standstill function: to avoid blinding oncoming
traffic, the Adaptive Light Control does not pivot
toward the driver's side when the vehicle is at a
standstill.
In reverse, the Adaptive Light Control is not
activated.
Malfunction
A message is displayed.
The Adaptive Light Control is malfunctioning or
failed. Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1 Turn signals/roadside parking lamps
2 Switching on high beams
3 Switching off high beams/headlamp flasher
Roadside parking lamps, left or right
The vehicle can be illuminated on one side for
parking. Comply with local regulations when
doing so.
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or
down, arrow 1.
The roadside parking lamps drain 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. <
Switching off
Press the lever up or down to the pressure point.
Front fog lamps
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster
1Front fog lamps
2 Rear fog lamp
Press the respective swit ch to turn the lamps
on/off.
MINI Convertible
> Turn on front fog lamps:
Press the switch upward

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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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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
119
MINI Convertible:
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The
greater the weight of the occupants, the less
cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Position heavy objects as low and as far
forward as possible, id eally directly behind
the rear seat backrests.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
> For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
respective opposite buckle.
> Do not stack higher than the top edge of the
backrests.
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster MINI Convertible
Securing cargo
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster:
MINI Convertible:
>
Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining or draw straps.
> Heavy-duty cargo straps for securing larger
and heavier objects ar e available at your
MINI dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided
for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them
are located on the forward wall of the cargo
area.
Comply with the information enclosed with
the load-securing devices.

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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
120
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerves are necessary.
Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle
weight and axle loads, page 257 257; other-
wise, the operating safety of the vehicle is no
longer assured and the vehicle will not be in
compliance with the construction and use
regulations.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants. Do not secure cargo using the fastening
points for the tether strap, page 58; they may
become damaged. <
Rear luggage rack
A special rack system is available as an option
for your MINI. Please note the information
contained in the asse mbly instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are under the protective
caps in the bumper.
Push out the caps at the respective slots.
Loading rear luggage rack
When loading, make su re that the maximum
allowed roof load, the gross vehicle weight and
the axle loads are not exceeded.
You can find the applicable data under Weights
on page 257.
Saving fuel
Your vehicle incorporates numerous technolo-
gies for reducing fuel consumption and
emissions.
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif-
ferent factors. Fuel consumption and environ-
mental pollution are affect ed by various actions,
the manner of driving and regular maintenance.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts no longer in use
Remove luggage rack if no longer needed after
use.
Attached parts on the ve hicle affect its aerody-
namics and increase fuel consumption.
Closing windows
Open windows increase air resistance and
therefore fuel consumption.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct tire inflation
pressure at least twic e a month and before
starting on a long trip.
Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis-
tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump-
tion and tire wear.
Drive off immediately
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engi ne speeds. This is the
fastest way for the cold engine to reach its oper-
ating temperature.
Think ahead while driving
Avoid unnecessary accelera tion and braking. by
maintaining a suitable di stance to the vehicle
driving ahead.
Looking-ahead and smooth driving reduces fuel
consumption.

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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
121
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for driving off. In second and
higher gears, accelerate smoothly to a suitable
engine and road speed. In doing so, avoid high
engine speeds and shift up early.
When you reach your desired traveling speed,
shift to the highest suitable gear and drive at
constant speed.
As a rule: driving at lo w engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red traffic light, take your
foot off the accelerator and let the car roll to a
stop in the highest gear possible.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the
accelerator and let the vehi cle coast in a suitable
gear.
Fuel supply is shut off automatically when the
vehicle is coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings or
in traffic jams.
Switch off any features that are not
currently required
Features such as air conditioning, seat heaters
and the rear window defroster require a great
deal of energy and result in greater fuel con-
sumption, especially in city driving and during
Stop & Go operation. For this reason, switch off
these features if they are not really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. The man-
ufacturer of your MINI recommends having the
vehicle serviced by a MINI dealer. Also note the
MINI Maintenance System, page 225.

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Destination entryNAVIGATION
127
To enter spaces, if necessary:
Select the symbol.
4. If necessary, move the MINI joystick to the
right and change to the list of towns and
cities and select a name.
Entering the postal code
1.Select "Town/City/Postal Code" or displayed
city.
2. Select the symbol.
3. Select the digits individually.
4. Change to the list of postal codes and
towns/cities.
5. Highlight the postal code.
6. Select the zip code.
The corresponding dest ination is displayed.
Entering street and intersection
1.Select "Street" or displayed street.
2. Enter the street and intersection the same
way you entered the town/city.
If there are several streets with the same name:
1. Move the MINI joystick to the right to
change to the list of street names.
2. Highlight street.
3. Select the street.
Alternative: entering street and house
number
1.Select "Street" or displayed street.
2. Enter the street the same way you entered
the town/city.
3. "House number" 4.
Select the digits.
5. Change to the list of house numbers.
6. Select a house number or range of house
numbers.
Entering a street without a destination
town/city
It is also possible to enter a street without enter-
ing a destination town/city. In this case all streets
of the entered country are offered for selection.
The related town/city is displayed after the
street name.
If a town/city has already been entered, this
entry can be canceled. Th is may be practical if
the desired street does not exist in the entered
destination, because, for example, it belongs to
another part of the town/city.
1. "Navigation"
2. "Enter address"
3. Select "Street" or displayed street.
4. Change to the list of street names.
5. Select "In" with the currently displayed
country.
6. Select the letters.
7. Change to the list of street names.
8. Highlight street.
9. Select the street.

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NAVIGATIONDestination entry
130
Editing a destination
Destinations can be edited, for example, to
change the house number of an existing entry.
1. "Navigation"
2. "Last destinations"
3. Highlight the destination.
4. Open "Options".
5. "Edit destination"
Deleting the last destinations
1."Navigation"
2. "Last destinations"
3. Highlight the destination.
4. Open "Options".
5. "Delete entry" or "Delete all last des-
tinations".
Special destinations
You can search for a special destination, e.g. a
hotel or place of interest, and start route guid-
ance to the corresponding location.
The scope of information provided
depends on the particular set of naviga-
tion data you are using. <
Accessing search for special
destinations
1."Navigation"
2. Select "Points of Interest"
search.
A-Z search
1."A-Z search"
2. "Town/City"
3. "Category"
4. "Category details"
For some special destinations, it is possible
to select several catego ry details. Move the
MINI joystick to the left to exit category
details. 5.
"Keyword"
6. Enter keyword.
A list of the special destinations is displayed.
7. Select the special destination.
8. Select the symbol.
9. "Start guidance" or "Add as another
destination".
If several details are stored, then you can
scroll through the pages.
If a phone number is available, a connection
can be established, if desired.
Category search
1."Category search"
2. "Search destination"
3. Select or enter town/city.
4. "Category"
5. Select category.
6. "Category details"
For some special destinations, it is possible
to select several catego ry details. Move the
MINI joystick to the left to exit category
details.
7. "Start search"
A list of the special destinations is displayed.
8. Select the special destination.
Details are displayed.
9. Select the symbol.
10. "Start guidance" or "Add as another
destination".
If several details are stored, then you can scroll
through the pages. If a phone number is avail-
able, a connection can be established, if desired.
Special destination location
As you input the search destination, you can
select from among various options.
> "At current location"
> "At destination"

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NAVIGATIONDestination entry
132
4.Select the destination with the cross-hairs.
> Changing scale: turn the MINI joystick.
> Moving map: move the MINI joystick in
the corresponding direction.
> Shifting map diag onally: move the
MINI joystick in the corresponding
direction and turn the MINI joystick.
5. Press the MINI joystick to display additional
menu items.
>Select the symbol: "Start guidance" or
"Add as another destination".
> "Find points of interest": the search for
special destinations is started.
Specifying the street
If the system does not detect any street, then a
street name in the vicinity or the coordinates of
the destination are displayed.
Additional functions
In the interactive map, th e scale can be adjusted
and the visible map sectio n can be shifted. You
can also access other func tions by pressing the
MINI joystick:
>Select the symbol and "Start guid-
ance" if necessary.
> "Exit interactive map"
> Map display
> "Display destination"
The section of the map around the
destination is displayed. >
"Display current location"
The section of the map around the
current position is displayed.
> "Find points of interest", refer to
page 130.
Entering destination via
voice
General information
>Voice activation system, refer to page 23.
> When entering a destinat ion by voice, it is
possible to switch between voice input and
the onboard computer.
> Having the possible spoken commands read
aloud: {Voice commands }
Saying the entries
>Countries, towns/cities , streets, and inter-
sections can be either spoken aloud as an
entire words or spelled in the system
language, refer to page 80.
Example: to enter a destination in a US state
as a complete word, the system language
must be English.
> Spell the entry if the language of the area is
different from the system language.
> Speak the letters smoothly and avoid
excessive emphasis and pauses.
Entering a town/city
The town/city can be spelled or entered as an
entire word.
The methods of entry depend on the
navigation data in use and the country
and language settings. <
2. Wait for the system prompt for the
town/city.
1.{City} or { Spell city}.

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