tow bar MINI Countryman 2011 Owner's Manual (Mini Connected)

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
66
Technology for driving comfort and
safety
Park Distance Control
PDC*
The concept
PDC assists you with parking in reverse. Acoustic
signals and a visual indicator
warn you of the
presence of an object behind the vehicle. The
measurement is carried out by four ultrasonic
sensors in the rear bumper.
These sensors have a range of approx.
6.5ft/2m. However, an acoustic 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 display objects, which are
slowly being approached, which is the usual
case when parking a vehicle. Avoid approaching
an object at high speed; otherwise, physical cir-
cumstances may 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, th e acoustic signal stops
after approx. 3 seconds.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp lights up. PDC has failed.
A message appears on the Control Dis-
play.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 selec-
tor 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
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. <

MOBILITYReplacing components
208
Replacing components
Wiper blades
Changing the front wiper blades
1.Fold out the wiper arm and hold it.
2. Press together the lo cking spring, arrows1,
and fold out the wiper blade, arrow 2.
3. Pull the wiper blade forward and out of the
catch mechanism.
4. Press the new wiper blade into the fixture
until it engages audibly.
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the hood. <
Changing the rear wiper blade
1.Fold out the wiper arm and hold it.
2. Rotate the wiper blade toward the back as
far as it will go, arrow.
3. Press the wiper blade against the limit and
thus out of the mounting. 4.
Press the new wiper blade into the fixture
until it engages audibly.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribution
to vehicle safety. They should, therefore, be
handled carefully. The manufacturer of your
MINI recommends having your MINI dealer per-
form any work that you do not feel competent to
perform yourself or that is not described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contaminatio n will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean tissue, cloth or some thing similar, or hold
the bulb by its base. <
You can obtain a selectio n of replacement bulbs
at your MINI dealer.
When working on electrical systems,
always begin by switching off the con-
sumer in question; otherwise, short circuits
could result. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, observe
any instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer. <
Caring for headlamp s, refer to page205.
For any bulb replacement not described
below, contact a MINI dealer or a work-
shop that has specially trained personnel work-
ing in accordance with th e specifications of the
MINI manufacturer. <
For checking and adjusting headlamp aim,
please contact your MINI dealer. <
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light sources for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes are related to conven-

MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
220
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or at
the right rear.
The tow fitting can be found under the right
front seat or in the pocket of the tire changing
set
* in the cargo area.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged. <
Access to screw thread
Press the lower part of the cover. This will push
out the upper edge of the cover, which can then
be removed.
Front
Rear Being towed
Make sure that the igni
tion is switched on,
refer to page 46; otherwise, the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals, and windshield
wipers may be unavailable. Do not tow the vehi-
cle with just the rear axle raised, as this would
allow the steering to turn. <
There is no power assist while the engine is off.
Thus, braking and steering will require increased
effort.
Switch on the hazard wa rning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Tow vehicles with automatic transmission
only with a tow truck or with the front
wheels lifted; otherwise, the transmission can be
damaged. <
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may
result. <
With towbar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle; otherwise, it may
be impossible to maintain control. <
The tow fittings used should be on the same side
on both vehicles. Should it prove impossible to
avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please
observe the following:
> Clearance and maneuver ing capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
> The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage. <

Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
221
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage. <
With tow truck: vehicles without ALL4
all-wheel drive
Have the MINI Countryman transported by a tow
truck with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
With tow truck: vehicles with ALL4 all-
wheel drive
Do not have your vehicle with ALL4 all-
wheel drive towed with the front or rear
axle raised individually; otherwise, the wheels
may lock and the transfer case may be dam-
aged. <
Only have your MINI Countryman transported
on a flat bed.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, page 218.
Vehicles with a catalytic converter should only
be tow-started when the engine is cold, vehicles
with an automatic transmission cannot be tow-
started at all.
1. Switch on hazard warn ing flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2. Switch on the ignition, page 46.
3. Shift into 3rd gear.
4. Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. Afte r the engine starts,
immediately depress the clutch completely
again.
5. Stop at a suitable lo cation, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6. Have the vehicle checked.

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
237
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 82
Backrests, refer to Seats 38
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 211
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 218
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 220
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 174
Bass sounds, refer to Tone control 131
Battery 216
– charging 216
– disposal 34,216
– jump-starting 218
– temporary power failure 216
Battery renewal
– remote control 34
Being towed 220
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 40
Belts, refer to Safety belts 40
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders 92
Black ice, refer to External
temperature warning 56
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 84,86
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 154,164
Bluetooth audio 146
– device pairing 146
– disconnecting an audio connection 148
– playback 147
– unpairing device 148
– What to do if... 148
Bottle holders, refer to Cupholders 92
Brake Assist 67
Brake fluid, refer to Service requirements 59 Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs
211
Brake pads, breaking in 96
Brake rotors 97
– brakes 96
– breaking in 96
Brake system 96
– breaking in 96
– disc brakes 97
– MINI Maintenance
System 202
Brakes
– ABS 67
– b
reaking in 96
– MINI Maintenance System 202
– parking brake 47
– service requirements 59
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely 97
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 218
Break-in period 96
Breaking in the clutch 96
Brightness of Control
Display 65
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 208
Button for starting the engine 46
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
Calendar 179
– displaying appointment 180
– selecting calendar day 180
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call
– accepting 157,168
– ending 157,168
– muting the microphone 158,170
– rejecting 157,168 Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing 157,169
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 92
Capacities 226
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 216
Car care 204
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 26
Car phone
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 91
Car phone, refer to Telephone 154,163
Car radio, refer to Radio 132
Car wash
– before driving in 47
Car wash, care 204
Car washes 204
Care 204
– car washes 204
– car-care products 204
– CD/DVD drives 207
– external 204
– high-pressure washers 205
– internal 206
– leather 206
– manual washing 205
– upholstery and fabrics 206
– windows 205
– wiper blades 205
Cargo area 98
– capacity 226
– Comfort Access 33
– lamp 82
– opening from outside 30
– trunk lid, refer to Liftgate 30
Cargo area, expanding 98
Cargo area lamp 82
Cargo area li

d, refer to
Liftgate 30
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 100

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
247
Switching on
– audio130
– CD player 130
– radio 130
Switching the cooling function on and off 87
Symbols 4
– status information 19
T
Tachometer55
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps 211
– replacing bulb 211
Tail lamps 211
Tank volume, refer to Capacities 226
Target cursor for
navigation 114
Tasks 180
Technical data 224
Technical modifications 5
Telephone
– hands-free system 160,172
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 91
– voice commands 172
Telephone receiving power, refer to Status
information 19
Temperature display
– setting the units 58
Temperature of coolant, refer to Coolant temperature 201
Temperature setting
– air conditioner 84
– automatic climate control 86
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 53
Tensioning straps, refer to Securing cargo 102
Text message 179
The individual vehicle 4
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp 212
Three-point safety belt 40Tightening the lug bolts
– torque
216
Tightening torque, refer to Tightening lug bolts 216
Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor 71
– indicator/warning lamp 71
– MINI Mobility System 212
– run-flat tires 71
– Tire Pressure Monitor 72
Tire inflation pressure 190
– loss 71,72
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 72
– limitations of system 72
– resetting system 73
– warning lamp 73
Tire pressure mo nitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor 69
Tire Quality Grading 194
Tires
– age 196
– breaking in 96
– changing, refe r to Changi
ng
wheels 214
– condition 195
– damage 195
– inflation pressure 190
– inflation pressure loss 73
– minimum tread depth 195
– new tires 196
– pressure monitoring, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 69
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 72
– puncture 71
– size 194
– wear indicators, refer to Minimum tread depth 195
– winter tires 197
– with emergency operation properties 196
Tires with emergency operation properties, refer to
Run-flat tires 196
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-flat tires 196 TMC station, refer to Traffic
information 122
Tone
– middle setting 131
Tone during audio playback
– adjusting 131
Torque 224
– lug bolts 216
Tow bar 220
Tow fitting 220
– screw thread 220
Tow fittings for tow-starting and towing away 220
Tow rope 221
Towing 219
– car with automatic
transmission 220
– methods 220
Tow-starting 219
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor 72
Track
– selecting on CD 140
Track width, refer to Dimension 225
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 67
Traffic bulletins
– categories 124
Traffic bulletins, filtering 124
Traffic congestion
– displaying traffic
information 122
– refer to Route, bypassing segments 120
Traffic information for navigation
– displaying 123
Tr

affic information in
navigation
– screen display in the map
view 124