traction control MINI Countryman 2011 Owner's Manual (Mini Connected)

CockpitAT A GLANCE
15
1Microphone for voice activation system*
and for telephone in hands-free mode*
2Indicator/warning lamp* for front passen-
ger airbags 77
4 Hazard warning flashers
5 Speedometer 12
6 Radio/CD 132
7 Air conditioner or automatic climate
control
*83 8
Switches in the center console
9 Buttons in the center console
10 Changing to a differen t menu on the Control
Display 17
11 MINI joystick 16
Move in four directions, turn or press
12 USB audio interface
*143
13 Accessing the main me nu on the Control
Display 17
3
Reading lamps
*82
Ambient lighting
*82
Glass roof, electric
*34
Interior lamps 82
Changing the radio station or track
Changing the audio source
Selecting waveband
Temperature
Recirculated-air mode
Air distribution for air conditioner
Air distribution to the windshield
*
Air distribution to the upper body
area
*
Air distribution to the footwell*
Automatic air distribution and flow
rate
*
Maximum cooling*
Cooling function
Defrosting windows
*
Rear window defroster
Windshield heating
*
Air flow rate
Seat heating
*40
Power windows, front 35
Power windows, rear 35
Central locking system, inside 30
Fog lamps
*81
Safety switch for power windows in
rear passenger compartment 36
Sport button
*69
Driving stability control systems
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 67
Dynamic Traction Control

DTC*68

CONTROLSDriving
48
Releasing
Pull upward slightly, press the button, arrow,
and guide the lever down.
In exceptional cases, if the parking brake
has to be used to slow or stop the car, do
not pull the lever up too hard. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the parking brake
lever.
Otherwise, excessive force could lead to over-
braking and loss of traction, i.e. fishtailing, at the
rear axle. <
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press
the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise,
the engine could be damaged if yo u inadvert-
ently shift into 3rd or 4th gear. <
Reverse gear
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a
slight resistance has to be overcome.
Automatic transmission*
with Steptronic
In addition to the fully automatic mode, you can
shift gears manually using Steptronic, page 49.
Parking the vehicle
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always
select position P and apply the parking
brake before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running. <
Removing the key
To remove the key from the ignition lock, first
move the selector lever into position P and then
switch off the engine: in terlock. Remove the key
from the ignition lock, refer to page 46.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Displays in the tachometer
P R N D DS M1 to M6
The selector lever position is displayed, or the
current gear in the manual mode.
Changing selector lever positions
> The selector lever can only be moved out of
position P when the ignition is switched on
or the engine is running.
> Before moving the lever away from P or N
with the vehicle stationary, first depress the
brake; otherwise, the selector lever will
refuse to move: shiftlock.

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
67
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 stab ility 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 brak-
ing. Safe steering respon se is maintained even
during full braking. Act ive safety is thus
increased.
Braking safely, refer to page 97.
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 dur-
ing 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 dis-
tance 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 accel-
erate.
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 brakin g actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
Every time that the engine is started, the DSC is
ready to operate.
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC OFF indicator light
on the speedometer is on and DSC OFF is dis-
played on the tachometer. DSC is deactivated.
Stabilizing and pr opulsion 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.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps
in the display elements go out.

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
68
For better control
The indicator light on the tachometer is
flashing:
The DSC controls the driving and brak-
ing forces.
The indicator light DSC OFF on the
speedometer is on and DSC OFF is dis-
played 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 stabil-
ity. 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-covered 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 the DTC*
Press the button; the indicator light 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 acti-
vated.
For better control
The indicator light on the tachometer is
flashing:
DTC controls the driving and braking
forces.
The indicator light on the speedometer
is on and TRACTION is displayed on the
tachometer:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating the DTC*
Press button again, the indicator light DSC OFF
on the speedometer and TRACTION on the
tachometer go out.

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
69
Deactivating the DTC* and DSC together
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator light 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 (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
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. <
ALL4 all-wheel drive system*
ALL4 is the all-wheel drive system of your MINI.
The combined effects of ALL4 and DSC further optimize the traction and dynamic driving char-
acteristics. The ALL4 all-wheel drive system vari-
ably distributes the drive force to the front and
rear axle depending on
the driving situation and
prevailing road conditions.
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: the engine sounds more sporty in
coasting mode.
With automatic transmission:
> More rapid gear shifting in Sport program.
Activating the system
Press the SPORT button.
The LED lights up.
SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
>Press the SPORT button again.
> Switch off the engine.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The system does not me asure the actual infla-
tion pressure in the tires.

Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
105
>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.
> Depending on the condition of the surface, it
may be practical to briefly activate DTC, refer
to DTC Dynamic Traction Control on
page 68.
> 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.

MOBILITYWheels and tires
194
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades. <
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 γ) times as
well on the government co urse as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditio ns of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not incl ude acceleration, corner-
ing, hydroplaning, or pe ak traction characteris-
tics. <
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor labo ratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio
in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires225/45 R 17 91 V
For instance:
Manufacturer's
code for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0211

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
239
Data224
– capacities 226
– dimensions 225
– engine 224
– weights 226
Data memory 203
Date
– setting 62
– setting format 62
Daytime running lights 80
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 67
Deactivating front passenger
airbags 76
Deadlocking, refer to Locking 28
Defect
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 188
Defining a home address 178
Defogging windows 85,87
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows 85,87
Defrosting windows 85,87
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner 85
– automatic climate control 87
Defrosting windshield, refer to Defrosting windows 85,87
Destination address
– entering 109,115
Destination for navigation
– entering 109
– entering via map 114
Differential, breaking in 96
Digital radio, refer to HD Radio 133
Dimensions 225
Dipstick, engine oil 199
Direction announcements, refer to Voice
instructions 122
Direction instructions, refer to Voice instructions 122
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 50 Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book 111
Displacement, re fer to Engine
data 224
Display lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 81
Display, refer to On-board
computer controls 16
Displaying contact
pictures 17

8
Displaying special destinations 114
Displays 12
– instrument cluster 12
– on the Control Display 16
Displays and controls 10
Displays, care 207
Disposal
– of coolant 200
– remote control battery 34
– vehicle battery 216
Distance, refe r to Computer 57
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 59
Distance to dest ination, refer
to Computer 57
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 66
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 26
Door lock 29
Door lock, confirmation
signals 28
Doors, manual operation 29
DOT Quality Grades 194
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 92
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist 69
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 69
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 79
Driving notes 96
Driving off on inclines, refer to Hill Assist 69 Driving stability control
systems 67
Driving through water 97
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes 96
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 87
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 67
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 68
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 67
Dynamic route guidance 125
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 67
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 68
E
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player 130
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 188
Electronic brake-force distribution 67
Electronic Stability Program ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 67
Emergency operation, refer to Manual operation
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 188
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 50
Emergency services, refer to Roadside Assistance 218

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