MINI COUPE ROADSTER CONVERTIBLE 2012 Manual Online

CONTROLSControls overview
80
Activating/deactivating the limit
1."Settings"
2. "Speed"
3. "Warning"
4. Press the MINI joystick.
Altering settings
Language on the Control Display
You can set the language on the Control Display.
1."Settings"
2. "Language/Units"
3. "Language:" 4.
Select the desired language.
The setting is stored for the remote control
currently in use.
Setting the voice dialog
Switch between a standa rd dialog and a short
dialog.
1. "Settings"
2. "Language/Units"
3. "Speech mode:"
4. Select the desired dialog.
The setting is stored for the remote control
currently in use.
Brightness of the Control Display
The brightness is automa tically adapted to the
ambient lighting conditions. Note, however,
that you can change the basic setting while the
low beams are switched on. The setting is stored
for the remote control currently in use.
1. "Settings"
2. "Control display"
3. "Brightness"

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4.Turn the MINI joystick until the desired
setting is reached.
5. Press the MINI joystick.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use. In bright conditions, for example,
the brightness control may not be clearly visible.

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CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
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Technology for driving comfort
and safety
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.
Park Distance Control
PDC
The concept
PDC assists you with parking in reverse. Acoustic
signals and a visual indi cator warn you of the
presence of an object behind the vehicle. To
measure the distance, there are four ultrasonic
sensors in either bumper.
These sensors have a range of approx. 6.5 ft/
2m. However, an acoust ic warning does not
sound until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm
from the rear corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/
1.50 m from the rear 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 ma y 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 selec-
tor 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 co nstant, e.g. when driv-
ing parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal stops
after approx. 3 seconds.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp lights up. PDC has failed.
A message appears on the Control
Display. 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 4 in/10 cm.
PDC with visual warning
To have the system show distances to objects on
the Control Display. The contours of distant
objects are shown on the Control Display even
before the acoustic sign al sounds. The display
appears on the Control Display as soon as the
transmission is shifted into reverse or the
selector lever is moved into the R position.
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 dete cted. 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

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Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
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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 st ability 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
in hazardous driving thereby running the risk of
an accident. <
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
Braking safely, refer to page 115.
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
during a lane change.
Electronic brake-forc e 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
distance 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
accelerate.
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 br aking actions at the
individual wheels.
Every time that the engine is started, DSC is
ready to operate.
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC OFF indicator
lamp on the speedometer is on and DSC OFF is
displayed on the tachometer. DSC is deacti-
vated. Stabilizing and propulsion promoting
actions are no longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free'
in snow, it can be helpfu l to switch off DSC for a
brief period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.

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CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
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Activating DSC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps
in the display elements go out.
For better control
The indicator lamp on the tachometer is
flashing:
DSC controls the driving and braking
forces.
The indicator lamp DSC OFF on the
speedometer is on and DSC OFF is
displayed on the tachometer:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
The concept
DTC is a type of DSC that is propulsion optimized
for special road conditions such as uncleared
snowy roads. The syst em ensures maximum
propulsion though with restricted driving
stability. You therefore need to drive with
suitable caution.
In the following exceptiona l situations, it can be
useful to briefly activate DTC:
> When driving on snow-c overed inclines, in
slush, or on uncleared snowy roads.
> When rocking the vehicle free, driving out of
deep snow or on loose surfaces.
> When driving with snow chains.
Activating DTC
Press the button; the indicator lamp DSC OFF on
the speedometer comes on and TRACTION is
displayed on the tachometer.
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC is deacti-
vated; the Dynamic Traction Control DTC is
activated.
For better control
The indicator lamp on the tachometer is
flashing:
DTC controls the driving and braking
forces.
The indicator lamp on the speedometer
is on and TRACTION is displayed on the
tachometer:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press button again, the indicator lamp DSC OFF
on the speedometer and TRACTION on the
tachometer go out.

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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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Do not push on the rear spoiler; otherwise, it
may be damaged.
For information on car washing facilities and
care, see page227 and following.
Automatic mode
When starting the engine, a retracted rear
spoiler is in the automatic mode. It is possible
that there will be some noise for a short time
when driving off because of the initialization of
the system.
Automatic extension:
When driving at speeds in excess of approx.
50 mph/80 km/h.
Automatic retraction:
When driving at speeds below 38 mph/60 km/h.
In the automatic mode, the rear spoiler
can not be retracted manually at speeds
greater than 37 mph/60 km/h.<
Manual mode
The manual mode can, for example, be used
when cleaning the rear spoiler while the ignition
is on or the engine is running. LED on switch is
on.
If the rear spoiler stops in an intermediate
position after repeat edly being extended
and retracted, then the system has become
overheated. After a short cooling down time, the
rear spoiler can again be operated.<
Extending rear spoiler
Press the switch toward the rear.
Retracting rear spoiler
If the rear spoiler was manually extended and a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h not exceeded, then
the rear spoiler can agai n be retracted. Other-
wise, the rear spoiler cannot be retracted unless
the speed is below 37 mph/60 km/h.
> For speeds between 12 mph/20 km/h and
50 mph/80 km/h,
briefly press the switch forward or keep
pressed.
> For speeds less than 12 mph/20 km/h,
press switch forward and keep pressed.
Malfunctions
Indicator lamp goes on briefly when the
ignition is switched on and an acoustic
signal is produced.
A message appears on the Control Display.
Display in the following situations:
> Rear spoiler is extended.
Manually retract rear spoiler or it will auto-
matically retract at a speed of approx.
12 mph/20 km/h.
> Rear spoiler can not be extended from the
rear spoiler compartment.
Check if the rear spoiler is free of snow or ice,
for example. Free rear spoiler or clear of ice.
Warning lamp goes on and an acoustic
signal sounds several times.
A message appears on the Control
Display.
Display in the following situation:
If the rear spoiler ca n not be completely
extended, do not exceed a speed of 50 mph or
80 km/h.
Have the system checked.
When there is a malfunction at speeds greater
than 30 mph/50 km/h, the Dynamic Stability
Control DSC switches on.

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Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
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Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The system does not measure the actual
inflation 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 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 ca nnot 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 situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
> System has not been initialized.
> Driving on snowy or slippery road surface.
> Performance-oriented styl e 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 240, the Flat Tire Monitor
cannot function.
Status display
The current status of the Flat Tire Monitor can be
displayed on the Control Display, e.g. whether or
not the FTM is active.
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Flat Tire Monitor"
The status is displayed.
Initializing the system
The initialization process adopts the set inflation
tire pressures as refere nce values for the detec-
tion of a flat tire. Initialization is started by
confirming the inflation pressures.
Do not initialize the system when driving with
snow chains.
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Reset"
4. Start the engine, but do not start driving.
5. Select "Reset" to start the initialization.
6. Start to drive.

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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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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 dealer. <
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,
reliable signaling of a fl at 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 ca nnot 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 TP M by other systems
or devices with the same transmission
frequency.
Status display
The current status of th e Tire Pressure Monitor
can be displayed by the onboard computer, e.g.
whether or not the TPM is activated.
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Tire Pressure Monitor - TPM"
The status is displayed.
Status indicator on the onboard
computer
The tire and system condit ion is indicated by the
color of the tires.
A change in the tire in flation pressure during
driving is taken into account.
A correction is only required when this is
indicated by the TPM.
Green wheels
The inflation pressure corresponds to the
desired state.
"TPM active" is displayed on the onboard
computer.
Gray wheels
The system cannot detect a puncture.
Reasons for this may be:
> TPM is being reset.
> Interference from systems or devices with
the same transmission frequency.
> Malfunction.

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