automatic transmission MINI Countryman 2011 User Guide

Driving tipsThings to remember when driving
90
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed the following:
> Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distan ce driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Closing liftgate
Only drive with the liftgate closed. Failure
to do so may endanger passengers or
other road users or may damage the vehicle in
the event of an accident or a braking and eva-
sive maneuver. In addi tion, exhaust gas may
flow into the passenger compartment. <
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the liftgate open:
1. Close all windows an d the glass sunroof
*.
2. Switch off recirculated-air mode and switch
the airflow control of the air conditioner or
automatic climate control to high, refer to
page 77 or 79.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact between
the hot exhaust system and any highly flamma-
ble materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such
contact could lead to a fire, with the risk of seri-
ous personal injuries and property damage. Do
not touch hot exhaust tail pipes. Otherwise,
there is a risk of burns. <

Things to remember when drivingDriving tips
91
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form betw een tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly. <
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page 135.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged. <
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise, greater clutch wear will result. <
For information on drivin g off using Hill Assist,
refer to page 62.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steeri ng responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is functioning properly.
Objects in the move ment range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhibit the function of the
pedals during driving. Do not place additional
floor mats onto an existing one or onto other objects. Only use floor mats that have been
approved for the vehicle and can be appropri-
ately fastened. Make sure that the floor mats are
securely fastened again
after they have been
removed, e.g. for cleaning. <
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this process
helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that.
Then full braking force will be immediately avail-
able when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheatin g and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure. <
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing during manual oper ation of the automatic
transmission, refer to page 45.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-
ing action will not be present or there will be no
power assistance to th e brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals; otherwise, pedal function could be
impaired. <
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an

MobilityCare
144
Care
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care helps to maintain the
value of your MINI.
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
using manufacturer-approved products to clean
and care for your vehicle.
Your MINI dealer would be pleased to advise
you on cleaning and care products and services
for your MINI.The ingredients of original MINI Care Prod-
ucts have been tested, and the products
have been tested in the laboratory and in prac-
tice. They offer optimum care and protection for
your vehicle. <
Do not use any cleansers containing alco-
hol or solvents as these may cause dam-
age. <
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous
or health-damaging substances. Follow
the warning and hazard instructions on the
packaging. For interior cleaning, always open
the doors or windows of the vehicle.
Do not use any products that are not intended
for cleaning the vehicle. <
External care
Washing your vehicle
Especially during the winter months the
vehicle should be frequently washed. Dirt
and road salt can damage the vehicle. <
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise,
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and the brake rotors can corrode. <
Car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.
Do not use automatic high-pressure car
washes; otherwise, water may drip into
the vehicle around the windows. <
Before driving in to the car wash, check if the sys-
tem is suitable for your MINI. Observe the fol-
lowing points:
> Vehicle dimensions, page 177
> If necessary: fold in the outside mirrors,
page 36
> Maximum permissible tire width
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than
4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the chassis could
be damaged. <
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
> Unscrew the rod antenna.
> Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
> Deactivate rear window wiper and protect it
from damage. Ask the car wash operator
about measures that can be taken to protect
the wipers.
> Remove additional atta chments, e.g. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a pos-
sibility that they could be damaged.
> Inserting the remote control into the ignition
lock.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that
the vehicle can roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with Comfort
Access, in the ignition lock.
2. Move the selector le ver to position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch off the engine.

MobilityGiving and receiving assistance
160
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 41; 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
161
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 158.
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 41.
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.

Indicator and warning lampsMobility
171
Lights up in red:
>Transmission limp-home pro-
gram active with restricted range
of gears, possibly with reduced
acceleration You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked without delay.
> Gears can be engaged without
depressing the brake Always depress the brake to engage a
gear.
> Automatic selector lever locked Manually releasing the selector lever
lock, page45.
Lights up in yellow: Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
> Automatic selector lever locked:
Selector lever locked in position P
with engine running and brake
depressed or Manually releasing the selector lever
lock, page
45.
> brake signal malfunctioning: gear
can be engaged without depress-
ing the brake To engage a gear while the vehicle is
at a standstill, always depress the
brake. Before leaving the vehicle,
move the selector lever to position P
and switch off the engine.
Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and move the
selector lever to position P. Allow the
transmission to cool down. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the system checked if the situa-
tion reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can con-
tinue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Vehicle not prevented from rolling
12Cause What to do

ReferenceTechnical data
178
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
CooperCooper SCooper S ALL4
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
> Manual transmission lbs./kg 2,9 54/1,340 3,053/1,385 3,208/1,455
> Automatic transmis-
sion lbs./kg3,020/1,370 3,097/1,405 3,252/1,475
Approved gross weight
> Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,8 58/1,750 3,990/1,810 4,101/1,860
> Automatic transmis-
sion lbs./kg
3,924/1,780 4,034/1,830 4,145/1,880
Approved front axle load
> Manual transmission lbs./k g 2,028/920 2,105/955 2,161/980
> Automatic transmis-
sion lbs./kg2,094/950 2,150/975 2,205/1,000
Approved rear axle load lb s./kg 1,918/870 1,918/870 2,017/915
Approved roof load capac-
ity lbs./kg
165/75
165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/
liters 12.4 - 41.3/
350 - 1,170 12.4 - 41.3/
350 - 1,170 12.4 - 41.3/
350 - 1,170

180
ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System60
Accessories, refer to Your individual vehicle 4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle 22
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 80
Adaptive Light Control 73
Additives
– coolant 140
– engine oil 140
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 77
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 78
Air conditioner 76
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 77
– automatic cl imate control78
– ventilation 80
Air distribution
– automatic 79
– individual 78
– manual 78
Air flow rate 77,79
– air conditioning system 77
– automatic cl imate control79
– heating, ventilation 77
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 76
Air pressure, checking, refer to Tire inflation pressure 130
Air recirculation, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 77,79 Air supply
– air conditioner
77
– automatic climate control 78
– ventilation 80
Air vents 76
Airbags 68
– sitting safely 32
– warning lamp 70
Airing, refer to Ventilation80
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 129
Alarm system 26
ALL4 all-wheel drive system 62
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 137
All-wheel drive, refer to
ALL4 62
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 77,79
Ambient lighting 75
Antenna, care 144
An
tifreeze
– coolant 140
– washer fluid 49
Antilock Brake System ABS 60
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system 26
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 178
Approved engine oils 140
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 178
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 83
Ashtray 85
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 60
Audio device, external 83
AUTO program for automatic climate control 79 Auto radio, refer to Radio MINI
Boost CD 102
Automatic
– air distribution 79
– air flow rate 79
– cruise control 49
– headlamp control 71
Automatic climate control 76
– automatic air distribution 79
Automatic station search 103
Automatic station storage 103
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 43
– interlock 44
– overriding selector lever
lock 45
– shiftlock 44
– sport program 45
AUX In connection 102
AUX-IN, refer to External audio
device 83
Average fuel consumption 52
– setting the units 54
Average speed 52
Axle loads, refer to Weights 178
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 75
Backrests, refer to Seats 33
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 151
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch 158
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 160
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 124

Everything from A to ZReference
183
Door key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 20
Door lock 24
Door lock, confirmation
signals 22
Doors, manual operation24
DOT Quality Grades 134
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 85
Drive-off assistan t, refer to Hill
Assist 62
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 62
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 71
Driving notes 90
Driving off on inclines, refer to Hill Assist 62
Driving stability control
systems 59
Driving through water 91
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes 90
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 80
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 60
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 61
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake Assist 60
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 60
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 61
E
Eject button 108
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 128
Electronic brake-force distribution 60
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 60Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 128
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 45
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance 158
Engine
– breaking in 90
– data 176
– overheated, refer to Coolant temperature 141
– speed 176
– starting 42
– starting, Comfort Access 27
– switching off 42
Engine compartment 139
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant 140
Engine oil
– adding 140
– additives, refer to Approved engine oils 140
– alternative oil types 140
– approved engine oils 140
– capacity 140
– checking level 139
– dipstick 139
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements 55
– MINI Maintenance
System 142
Engine oil level, checking 139
Engine output, refer to Engine
data 176
Engine starting, refer to Starting the engine 42
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 60
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 90 Exterior mirrors
36
– adjusting 36
– automatic dimming feature 37
– automatic heating 36
– folding in and out 36
External audio device 83,102
External temperature display
– change units of measure 54
– in the on-board computer 54
Exte

rnal temperature
warning 52
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing away 160
– for tying down loads 96
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 57
Failure of an electrical
consumer 156
Fast forward
– CD 107
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 35
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 57
Faulty
– tire 63
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner 78
– microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 80
Fine wood, care 147
First aid pouch 158
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 41
Flash when locking/
unlocking 22
Flat load floor 94
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 136
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 64

ReferenceEverything from A to Z
184
Flat Tire Monitor FTM62
– indicating a flat tire 63
– initializing the system 63
– snow chains 63
– system limits 63
Flat tires, refer to Tire condition 135
Floor mats, care 146
Floor plate, refer to Flat load floor 94
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 150
Folding rear seat backrest 92
Footbrake, refer to Braking safely 91
Footwell lamps 75
For your own safety 5
Four-wheel drive, refer to ALL4 62
Front airbags 68
Front fog lamps 74
– indicator lamp 162
– replacing bulb 150
Front seat adjustment 33
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows 78,80
FTM, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 62
Fuel 129
– gauge 51
– high-quality brands 129
– quality 129
– specifications 129
– tank capacity 179
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 51
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption 52
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 51
Fuel filler flap 128
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction 128
Fuses 156G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 81
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel
consumption 52
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel gauge 51
Gasoline, refer to Required fuel 129
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 44
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission 44
– manual transmission 43
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 44
– manual transmission 43
General driving notes 90
Glass roof, electric 29
– convenient operation 22,24
– opening, closing 30
– remote control 22
– tilting 29
Glove compartment 83
Grills, refer to Air vents 76
Gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 178
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb 149
Handbrake, refe r to Parking
brake 43
Hands-free system 14,122
Hazard warning flashers 14
HD Radio 105
Head airbags 68
Head Light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 73
Head restraints 34
– sitting safely 32 Headlamp control,
automatic 71
Headlamp flasher 46
– indicator lamp 11,162
Headlamp glass lens 149
Headlamps
– replacing bulb 149
Headlamps, care 145
Heated
– mirrors 36
– rear window 77,79
– seats 35
Heating 76
– mirrors 36
– rear window 77,79
– seats 35
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing cargo 96
Height adjustment
– seats 33
– steering wheel 37
Height, refer to
Dimensions 177
High beams 74
– headlamp flasher 74
– indicator lamp 162
– replacing bulb 149
High water, refer to Driving
through water 91
Hill Assist 62
Hills 91
Holders for cups 85
Homepage 4
Hood 138
Horn 10
Hot exhaust system 90
Hydroplaning 91
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio 105
Ice warning, refer to External
temperature warning 52
Ignition 41
– switched off 42
– switched on 41