Get CONTROLS -> Technology for driving comfort and safety Guide for Mini Cooper 2 Door Second Generation (2006-2015)

Technology for driving comfort and

safety

Malfunction

Park Distance Control

PDC*

Indicator lamp comes on: PDC has

failed. Have the system checked.

To avoid this problem, keep the sensors

The concept

clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure

PDC assists you with parking backwards. Acous-

that they will continue to operate effectively.

tic signals warn you of the presence of an object

When using a high-pressure cleaner, do not

behind the vehicle. To measure the distance,

direct the jet toward the sensors for lengthy

there are four ultrasonic sensors in either

periods and only spray from a distance of at least

bumper.

4 in/10 cm.

However, an acoustic warning does not

sound until an object is approx. 24 in/

System limitations

60 cm from the corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/

Even with PDC, final responsibility for esti-

1.50 m from the center is a parking

mating the distance between the vehicle

aid that can indicate objects when they are

and any obstructions always remains with the

approached slowly, as is usually the case when

driver. Sensors, too, have blind spots in which

parking. Avoid approaching an object at high

objects cannot be detected. Moreover, ultra-

speed; otherwise, physical circumstances may

sonic detection can reach its physical limits with

lead to the system warning being issued too

objects such as trailer tow bars and couplings,

late.<

thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low

objects already indicated, such as curbs, may

enter the sensors' blind spots before or after a

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.

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.<

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.

Driving stability control

systems

Your MINI has a number of systems that help to

maintain the vehicle's stability even in adverse

driving conditions.

If the distance remains constant, e.g. when driv-

ing parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal stops

after approx. 3 seconds.

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

Adjustments

The volume of the acoustic signals can be

adjusted, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio.

56

in hazardous driving thereby running the risk of

DSC also encompasses the following functions:

an accident.<

>

Antilock Brake System ABS

Electronic brake-force distribution EBV

Brake Assist

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.

Cornering Brake Control CBC

Hill Assist

Deactivating DSC

Braking safely, refer to page 85.

Among others, ABS includes the following func-

tions:

>

Cornering Brake Control CBC

Electronic brake-force distribution EBV

Brake Assist

Cornering Brake Control CBC

Driving stability and steering characteristics are

further enhanced while braking in turns or dur-

ing a lane change.

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.

Electronic brake-force distribution EBV

The system controls the brake pressure in the

rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.

When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free'

in snow, it can be helpful to switch off DSC for a

brief period.

Brake Assist

To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again

as soon as possible.

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.

Activating DSC

Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps

go out.

Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the

duration of the full braking application.

For better control

If the indicator lamp flashes:

The DSC controls the driving and break-

ing forces.

Dynamic Stability Control DSC

DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing

traction when you pull away from rest or accel-

erate. The system also recognizes unstable driv-

ing conditions, for example if the rear of the car

is about to swerve or if momentum is acting at

an angle past the 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 individual

wheels.

If the indicator lamps are on:

DSC is deactivated.

57

Dynamic Traction Control DTC*

Deactivating both DTC and DSC

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

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.

when rocking the vehicle free, driving out of

deep snow or on loose surfaces

when driving with snow chains

Activating DTC

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

Press the button: the DTC indicator lamps come

on.

Hill Assist aids you in comfortably driving off on

inclines. It is not necessary to use the parking

brake for this.

For better control

1. Hold the MINI with the brake.

If the indicator lamp flashes:

DTC controls the driving and breaking

forces.

2. Release the brake and immediately drive

off.

Hill Assist holds the car in place for approx.

2 seconds after the brake is released.

If the indicator lamps are on:

DTC is activated.

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 backwards.<

Deactivating DTC

Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps

go out.

58

Functional requirement

Sport button*

In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat

tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-

rect tire inflation pressure.

Pressing the button causes your MINI to respond

even more sportily.

>

Engine responds more spontaneously to

movements of the accelerator.

Each time you correct the pressure in a

tire, or change a wheel or tire, the system

must be reinitialized.<

>

Steering response is more direct.

Cooper S, John Cooper Works: the engine

sounds more sporty in coasting mode.

System limitations

The Flat Tire Monitor is unable to warn the driver

of sudden, severe tire damage caused by exter-

nal factors, nor can it identify the gradual loss of

pressure that will inevitably occur in all four tires

over a lengthy period of time.

With automatic transmission:

More rapid gear shifting in Sport program.

>

Activating the system

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*, page 121, the Flat Tire Monitor can-

not function.

Press the SPORT button.

The LED lights up.

SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.

Initializing the system

Deactivating the system

The initialization is completed during driv-

ing, which can be interrupted at any time.

When driving resumes, the initialization is con-

tinued automatically.

>

Press the SPORT button again.

Switch off the engine.

>

Do not initialize the system if you are driving

with snow chains or a space-saver spare tire*.<

Flat Tire Monitor FTM

The concept

The Flat Tire Monitor detects pressure loss in a

tire by comparing the rotating speeds of the

individual tires while moving.

If a tire loses pressure, its rolling circumference

changes, and this in turn alters the speed of

rotation. This change is detected and is reported

as a flat tire.

59

Using the button in the turn indicator

lever

Indication of a flat tire

The warning lamps come on in yellow

1. Start the engine, but do not start driving.

and red. An acoustic signal also sounds.

There is a flat tire or substantial loss of

tire pressure.

2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator

lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-

played.

1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with cau-

tion. Avoid sudden braking and steering

maneuvers.

2. Check whether your vehicle is equipped

with normal tires or run-flat tires.

The symbol identifying run-flat tires is

a circle with the letters RSC on the

sidewall, refer to Run-flat tires, page 103.<

Normal tires

1. Determine which tire is damaged.

If this cannot be determined, contact

your MINI dealer.<

2. Repair the flat tire, refer to page 118, or

change the damaged tire, refer to page 121.

Run-flat tires*

1. Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph

or 80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and

steering maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed

of 50 mph or 80 km/h.

3. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

Do not continue driving if the vehicle is

not equipped with run-flat tires,

page 103; otherwise, a serious accident

could result.<

4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the

corresponding symbol and "RESET" are dis-

played.

2. At the next opportunity, check the air pres-

sure in all four tires.

If all four tires are inflated to the cor-

rect pressures, the Flat Tire Monitor

might not have been initialized. The system

must then be initialized.<

3. In the event of complete tire pressure loss,

0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible

distance for continued driving on the basis

of the following guidelines:

5. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

> With a light load:

6. Start driving.

1 to 2 persons without luggage:

approx. 155 miles/250 km

Initialization is completed while the car is on

the move, without any feedback.

60

> With a medium load:

2 persons, cargo bay full, or 4 persons

without luggage:

The system does not work correctly if it has not

been reset; for example, a flat tire may be indi-

cated even though the tire inflation pressures

are correct.

approx. 94 miles/150 km

> With a full load:

The system is inactive and cannot indicate a flat

tire if a wheel without TPM electronics, such as a

compact spare wheel*, has been mounted, or if

TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to other

systems or devices using the same radio fre-

quency.

4 persons, load compartment full:

approx. 30 miles/50 km

Drive cautiously and do not exceed a

speed of 50 mph or 80 km/h; otherwise,

an accident may occur. In the event of pressure

loss, vehicle handling changes. This includes

reduced tracking stability in braking, extended

braking distance and altered natural steering

characteristics.

If unusual vibration or loud noises occur during

the journey, this may be an indication that the

damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce the vehi-

cle speed and stop as soon as possible. Other-

wise, sections of the tire may come loose and

cause accidents. Do not continue driving and

contact your MINI dealer.<

Resetting the system

Each time a tire inflation pressure has

been corrected or a wheel or tire has been

changed, reset the system.<

Using the button in the turn indicator

lever

1. Start the engine, but do not start driving.

2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator

lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-

played.

Tire Pressure Monitor

TPM*

The concept

TPM checks the tire pressure in the four

mounted tires during driving. The system noti-

fies you if there is a significant loss of pressure in

one or more tires.

3. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

Functional requirement

In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat

tire, the system must be reset while all tire infla-

tion pressures are correct.

4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the

symbol for Tire Pressure Monitor and

"ACTIVE" are displayed.

Always use wheels with TPM electronics. Other-

wise, the system may malfunction.

Each time a tire inflation pressure has

been corrected or a wheel or tire has been

changed, reset the system.<

System limitations

TPM cannot warn you in advance of sud-

den severe tire damage caused by outside

influences.<

61

The Tire Pressure Monitor can be reset by

selecting "RESET".

Normal tires

1. Determine which tire is damaged.

If this cannot be determined, contact

your MINI dealer.<

2. Repair the flat tire or change the damaged

tire, refer to page 121.

Run-flat tires*

1. Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/

80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steering

maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of

50 mph/80 km/h.

5. Press and hold the button until "RESETTING"

is displayed.

Do not continue driving if the vehicle is

not equipped with run-flat tires; oth-

erwise, a serious accident could result.<

2. In the event of complete tire pressure loss,

0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible

distance for continued driving on the basis

of the following guidelines:

> With a light load:

1 to 2 persons without luggage:

approx. 155 miles/250 km

6. Start driving.

> With a medium load:

2 persons, cargo bay full, or 4 persons

without luggage:

After driving a few minutes, the set inflation

pressures in the tires are accepted as the tar-

get 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.

approx. 94 miles/150 km

> With a full load:

4 persons, load compartment full:

approx. 30 miles/50 km

Drive cautiously and do not exceed a

speed of 50 mph/80 km/h; otherwise, an

accident may occur. In the event of pressure

loss, vehicle handling changes. This includes

reduced tracking stability in braking, extended

braking distance and altered natural steering

characteristics.

If unusual vibration or loud noises occur during

the journey, this may be an indication that the

damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce the vehi-

cle speed and stop as soon as possible. Other-

wise, sections of the tire may come loose and

cause accidents. Do not continue driving and

contact your MINI dealer.<

Message for low tire inflation pressure

The warning lamps come on in yellow

and red. An acoustic signal also sounds.

There is a flat tire or substantial loss of

tire pressure.

1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with cau-

tion. Avoid sudden braking and steering

maneuvers.

2. Check whether your vehicle is equipped

with normal tires or run-flat tires.

The symbol identifying run-flat tires is

a circle with the letters RSC on the

sidewall, page 103.<

62

tute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the

driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire

pressure, even if underinflation has not reached

the level at which the TPMS low tire pressure tell-

tale illuminates.

Malfunction

The small warning lamp flashes in yel-

low and then lights up continuously; the

larger warning lamp comes on in yel-

low. No punctures can be detected.

The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined

with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-

tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash

for approximately one minute and then remain

continuously lit. This sequence will continue

upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as the

malfunction exists. When the malfunction indi-

cator 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, including the installation of replace-

ment or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle

that prevent the TPMS from functioning prop-

erly. Always check the TPMS malfunction 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.

This type of message is shown in the following

situations:

>

If there is a malfunction.

Have the system checked.

If a wheel without TPM electronics has been

mounted.

If TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to

other systems or devices using the same

radio frequency.

Message for unsuccessful system reset

Both warning lamps come on in yellow.

The system is not reset after a tire has

been changed, for example.

Check the tire inflation pressure and

reset the system, page 61.

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 your 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 telltale when one or more of

your tires are significantly underinflated.

Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale

illuminates, you should stop 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-

63

Airbags

The following airbags are located under the

marked covers:

1

2

3

Front airbags

Side airbags in backrests

Head airbags at the front and rear

Protective effect

Observe the instructions on page 29 to

ensure the best possible personal protec-

tion.<

instrument panel, seats and roof posts, as well as

the sides of the roof lining. 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 malfunctions, deactivation, or

triggering of the airbag restraint system, have

the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air-

bag generators executed only by a MINI dealer

or a workshop that works 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.<

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 relevant side airbag

supports the side upper body area. The head air

bag supports the head.

The airbags are designed to not be triggered in

every type of collision, e.g. not in minor acci-

dents, certain rollover situations 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 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

upholstered covers on the steering wheel,

Warning notices and information about the air-

bags 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 air-

bags for the front passenger are activated or

deactivated by the system accordingly.

64

The indicator lamp above the insterior

rearview mirror shows the current status

of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or

activated, refer to Status of front passenger air-

bags below.<

The front and side airbags for the front pas-

senger are not activated.

Most child seats are detected by the

system. This particularly applies to

child seats that were required by the NHTSA

at the time of manufacture of the vehicle.

After installing a child seat, check that the

indicator lamp for the front passenger air-

bags comes on. It indicates that the child

seat has been detected and that the front

passenger airbags are deactivated.<

Before transporting a child on the front

passenger seat, read the safety precau-

tions and handling instructions under Transport-

ing children safely, page 35.

The front and side airbags 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

so that the front passenger 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 any items under the seat which

could press against the seat from below. Other-

wise, a correct analysis of the seat cushion is not

ensured.<

>

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 pas-

senger are activated.

The indicator lamp does not come on if the

seat is empty.

The front and side airbags for the front pas-

senger are not activated.

Operational readiness of airbag system

Status of front passenger airbags

As of radio readiness, page 38, the warning

lamp comes on briefly to indicate that the entire

airbag system and the belt tensioners are oper-

ational.

Airbag system malfunction

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 indicator lamp shows whether

the front passenger airbags are activated or

deactivated.

>

The warning lamp does not come on when

radio readiness or the ignition 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,

>

The indicator lamp comes on as intended

when a child in a specially designated child

restraint system is detected on the seat.

there is the risk that the system will not function

as intended even if a severe accident occurs.<

65

CONTROLS -> Technology for driving comfort and safety for Your Mini Cooper 2 Door Second Generation (2006-2015)

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