MINI Countryman 2013 Owner's Manual
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
110
Installing behind the front seats
1.If necessary, remove  the cargo area cover.
2. Fold down the rear seat  backrests, refer to 
Expanding cargo area.
3. Insert each cargo net mounting pin all the 
way into its respective front mount in the 
headliner, arrow 1, and push it forward.
4. Attach the hook, arrow 2, at the bottom of 
each retaining strap to the respective eye on 
the vehicle floor.
5. Lash the cargo net se curely. To do so, 
tighten the retaining straps at the tensioning 
buckles.
Removing
When removing and stowing the cargo net, pro-
ceed in the reverse sequence.
To fold closed, press the release button, arrow.
MINI Countryman: bag holders
Holders on the left and right side of the support 
for the cargo area cover,  arrow, e.g. for hanging 
shopping bags or storage bags.
Only hang light shopping bags or suitable 
items on the holders. Otherwise, this may 
create a hazard due to flying objects, for exam-
ple in the event of braking and evasive maneu-
vers.
Transport heavy luggage only if it is appropri-
ately secured in the cargo area. <
Determining cargo limit
1.Locate the following statement on your 
vehicle's placard:
The combined weight of occupants 
and cargo should never exceed 
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, this could 
damage the vehicle and produce unstable 
vehicle operating conditions. <
2. Determine the combined weight of the 
driver and passengers that will be riding in 
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver 
and passengers from XXX pounds or YYY 
kilograms.
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
 111
4.The resulting figure equals the available 
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. 
For example, if the XXX amount equals 
1,400 lbs and there will be four 150 lb- pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 
650 lbs: 
1,400 lbs minus 750 lbs = 650 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage 
and cargo being loaded  on the vehicle. That 
weight may not safely exceed the available 
cargo and luggage load  capacity calculated 
in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of 
the load from your trail er will be transferred 
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for 
transporting a trailer to determine how this 
may reduce the available cargo and luggage 
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
4-seater:
5-seater: 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 for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the 
rear seat backrests.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
> For very heavy cargo wh en 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.
> Use the cargo net, refer to page 109. Ensure 
that no objects can penetrate through the 
net.
MINI Countryman:
MINI Paceman:
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
112
Securing cargo
MINI Countryman:
MINI Paceman:
>Secure smaller and lighter items using 
retaining or draw
 straps.
> Heavy-duty cargo straps  for securing larger 
and heavier objects are available at your 
MINI dealer.
> These cargo straps are fastened using eight 
securing eyes.
Two of them are located on the side wall, 
arrows 1, of the cargo area.
Two of them are located on the rear wall, 
arrows 2, of the cargo area.
To use the lower lashing eyes, raise or remove 
the pull-out floor panel.
Comply with the information enclosed with the 
load-securing devices.
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 248; otherwise, the vehicle's operating safety 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
47; they may 
become damaged. <
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack
A special rack system is av ailable as an option for 
your MINI. Your MINI dealer will be glad to 
advise you. Comply with the installation instruc-
tions supplied with the rack system.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise  the vehicle's center of 
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect 
on vehicle handling and steering response. 
You should therefore always remember not to 
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the 
approved gross vehicle we ight or the axle loads 
when loading the rack.
You can find more information under Weights in 
the technical specifications.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and 
should not be too large in area. Heavy items 
should always be placed at the bottom.
When loading, make  sure that there is sufficient 
space for the movement  of the glass roof.
Fasten roof-mounted  cargo correctly and 
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off 
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid su dden acceleration and 
braking maneuvers, and  take corners gently.
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
 113
Rear luggage rack
A special rear-mounted luggage rack is available 
as an optional accessory. It does not require a 
trailer hitch.
Please comply with the precautions included 
with the installation instructions.
Mounting points
MINI Countryman:
MINI Paceman:
The mounting points ar e located under the cov-
ers in the bumper.
Remove the covers , refer to page238.
Loading rear luggage rack
When loading, make su re that you do not 
exceed the approved gross vehicle weight and 
axle loads.
You can find more information under Weights in 
the technical specifications.
Saving fuel
General information
Your vehicle incorporates numerous technolo-
gies for reducing fuel consumption and emis-
sions.
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 part s no longer in 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 twice  a month and before start-
ing 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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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
114
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 vehicle 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 li ghts, 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 servic ed 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 218.
Driving on poor roads
Your MINI with ALL4 drive is at home on any 
type of street or road. It combines an all-wheel 
drive system with the ad vantages of a normal 
passenger car.
Do not drive on unpa ved terrain, as other-
wise the vehicle may be damaged. <
When you are driving on poor roads, there are a 
few points which you shou ld strictly observe for 
your own safety, for that of your passengers, 
and for the safety of the vehicle:
> Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before 
beginning to drive and do not take risks 
under any circumstances.
> Adapt your speed to road conditions. The 
steeper and rougher the  road surface is, the 
lower the speed should be.
> When driving on very steep uphill or down-
hill grades, make sure in advance that the 
engine oil and coolant levels are close to the 
maximum mark, refer to page 215.
> While driving, watch carefully for obstacles 
such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these 
obstacles whenever possible.
> Make sure that the un dercarriage does not 
touch the ground, for example on hilltops 
and bumpy roads. The ground clearance of 
the vehicle is a maximum of approx. 6.0 in/
15 cm. Please note that the ground clear-
ance can vary depending on loading and the 
driving conditions of the vehicle.
> Only drive through road surface water up to 
a maximum water depth of 1 ft/30 cm and 
only at walking speed ; do not remain sta-
tionary.
> After driving through water at low speed, 
lightly press the brake pedal several times to 
dry the brakes and to prevent the braking 
effect from being reduced by wetness.
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
 115
>Depending on the condition of the surface, it 
may be practical to briefly activate DTC, refer 
to DTC Dynamic Traction Control on 
page 73.
> If the drive wheels spin on one side, depress 
the accelerator pedal sufficiently so that the 
driving stability control systems can distrib-
ute the drive forces to the individual wheels.
After driving on poor roads, please observe the 
following points to maintain the driving safety of 
the vehicle:
> Clean the coarsest dirt from the body.
> Clean mud, snow, ice, etc. from the wheels 
and tires and check the tires for damage.
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Follow Me.
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AT A GLANCE
CONTROLS
DRIVING TIPS
Entertainment
COMMUNICATIONS
MOBILITY
REFERENCE NAVIGATION
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NAVIGATIONNavigation system
118
Navigation system
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 navigation system can determine the pre-
cise position of the vehicle, with the aid of satel-
lites and vehicle sensors,  and can reliably guide 
you to every entered destination.
Enter data only with the vehicle station-
ary, and always give priority to the appli-
cable traffic regulations in the event of any con-
tradiction between traffic and road conditions 
and the instructions issu ed by the navigation 
system. Failure to take  to this precaution can 
place you in violation of  the law and put vehicle 
occupants and other ro ad users in danger.<
Selecting navigation
1."Navigation"
During route guidance, an arrow view or a map 
view is displayed on the onboard computer.
Navigation data
Information on navigation data
1. "Navigation"
2. Open "Options".
3. "Navigation system version"
Information about the data  version is displayed.
Updating the navigation data
General information
Navigation data are stored in the vehicle and 
can be updated.
You may obtain current navigation data and the 
enabling code at your MINI dealer.
Updating the data can take several hours, 
depending on the volume of data.
> Update data while driving to reduce the 
drain on the battery.
> The update is resumed automatically when 
a trip is continued after an interruption.
> You can inquire as to the status of the 
update.
> The data are stored in the vehicle.
> After the updating process is complete, the 
system restarts.
> The medium with the na vigation data can be 
removed after the update.
To update
1. Depending on equipment: insert USB stor-
age device with navigation data
>into the USB interface in the glove com-
partment
> into the USB audio interface, refer to 
page 154.
2. Follow the instructions on the onboard com-
puter.
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Navigation systemNAVIGATION
 119
3.Enter the activation code of the USB storage 
device.
4. Begin driving.
The update begins after the activation code is 
entered. When the update is completed, the sys-
tem restarts.
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