parking brake MINI Countryman 2011 Owner's Manual

ControlsDriving
42
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps in the displays
go out.
The ignition switches off automatically if the
driver's door is opened. Pressing the Start/Stop
button again switches the ignition back on.
The ignition is not switched off in situations such
as the following:
> The clutch or brake is depressed
> The low beams are switched on
Starting the engine
Do not allow the engine to run in enclosed
areas; otherwise, inha lation of the noxious
exhaust gases can lead to loss of consciousness
and death. Exhaust gase s contain carbon mon-
oxide, an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic
gas. Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running; otherwise, such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.
Before leaving the car while the engine is run-
ning, place the transmission in neutral or move
the selector lever to position P and forcefully
apply the parking brake to prevent the car from
moving. <
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated start attempts in which
the engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel is
not burned or inadequate ly burned and there is
a danger of overheatin g and damaging the cat-
alytic converter. <
Do not let the engine warm up with the vehicle
at a standstill. Move off immediately at a moder-
ate engine speed.
When starting the engi ne, do not depress the
accelerator pedal.
Manual transmission
Key in ignition lock or inside vehicle with Com-
fort Access, refer to page 27.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Depress the clutch.
3. Press the Start/Stop button.
Automatic transmission*
Key in ignition lock or inside vehicle with Com-
fort Access, refer to page 27.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Shift the selector lever into position P or N.
3. Press the Start/Stop button.
The starter operates auto matically for a certain
time, and stops automati cally as soon as the
engine has started.
Switching off the engine
Always take the key with you when you
leave the vehicle.
When parking, apply the parking brake force-
fully; otherwise, the vehicle could begin to roll. <
Manual transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, press the Start/
Stop button.
2. Shift into first gear or reverse.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.

DrivingControls
43
Automatic transmission*
1.With the car at a stop, move the selector
lever to position P.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
Before driving into a car wash
By following these steps, the vehicle is able to
roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with Comfort
Access, in the ig nition lock.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Move the selector lever to position N.
4. Switch off the engine.
Parking brake
The parking brake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it
brakes the rear wheels.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
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 you 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 ha s to be overcome.
Automatic transmission*
with Steptronic
In addition to the fully automatic mode, you can
shift gears manually using Steptronic, page 45.
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: interlock. Remove the key
from the ignition lock, refer to page 41.

ControlsDriving
46
4.Pull the loop up.
5. Move the selector lever into the desired
position by pressing the button on the front
of the selector lever.
Before manually unlo cking the selector
lever lock, firmly set the parking brake to
prevent the vehicle from rolling away. <
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
1Turn signal
2 Headlamp flasher
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To turn off manually, press the lever to the resis-
tance point. Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates that an indicator bulb has
failed. <
Indicating a turn briefly
Press the lever as far as the resistance point for
as long as you wish to indicate a turn.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever as far as the resistance point.
You can set whether the turn signal flashes once
or three times. 1.
Switch on the ignition, refer to page 41.
2. Press the button on the turn signal indicator
as often as necessary until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4. Press the button as often as necessary until
the symbol and "SET" are displayed.
5. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
display shows the illu strated symbol, arrow.
7. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.

ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
62
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 driv e 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 shifti ng 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.
The system detects a pres sure loss in a tire by
comparing the rotational speeds of the individ-
ual wheels while moving.
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter and
therefore the rotational speed of the corre-
sponding wheel change. This is detected and
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
The system must have be en initialized while the
tire inflation pressure was correct; otherwise,
reliable signaling of a fl at tire is not ensured.
Initialize the system afte r every correction of the
tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.

ControlsPractical interior accessories
84
Opening
Press the button, arrow, and lift the cover.
Storage compartments
In the vehicle interior
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you
will find storage compartments in the front and
rear doors and in the center console
*.
Pockets
* are provided on the backrest rear pan-
els of the front seats.
Center Rail
On the Center Rail, a variety of accessories can
be fastened to a special base plate and moved
to various positions, e.g. a cupholder
* or a
mobile phone holder
*.
Do not attach accessory parts in the vicin-
ity of the parking brake; otherwise, they
can be damaged when the parking brake lever is
actuated. <
Example: cupholder
Inserting base plate
The lever 3 can be locked in three positions.
0 Locking
1 Sliding along the rail
2 Inserting base plate
For inserting, move the lever into position 2.
Sliding and locking
1. Push lever 3 into position 1.
2. Slide the base plate.
3. Push the lever 3 down, into position 0, and
lock the base plate in place.
Lock the base plate in place before driv-
ing; otherwise, injuries may result in the
event of an accident. <
Installing cupholder
1.Lock base plate in place if necessary, refer to
Sliding and locking.
2. Pull the lever 6 up to unlock the mounts.

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.

MobilityReplacing components
152
3.Disengage the bulb holder by pressing down
on the clamping clip, arrow.
4. Remove bulb holder.
5. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while turn-
ing it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
6. Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.
7. Replace the cover panel.
License plate lamps
5 watt bulb, C 5 W
1.Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the
left in the tab of the lamp housing, arrow 1.
2. Remove the lamp, arrow 2.
3. Replace the bulb.
4. Insert the lamp.
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED techno logy for operation. In
the event of a malfunction, contact your MINI
dealer or a workshop th at has specially trained
personnel working in acco rdance with the spec-
ifications of your MINI manufacturer.
Repairing a flat tire
Safety measures in the event of a break-
down:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from moving
traffic and switch on the hazard warning flash-
ers.
Turn the steering wheel until the front wheels
are in the straight-ahead position and engage
the steering wheel lock. Engage the parking
brake and shift into 1st or reverse gear or place
the selector leve r in position P.
All passengers should be outside the vehicle and
in a safe place, e.g. behind a guardrail.
Erect a warning triangle or warning flasher at the
appropriate distance if necessary. Comply with
all safety guidelines and regulations. <
In the event of a flat ti re, different procedures
should be followed depending on the equip-
ment included in your vehicle:
> MINI Mobility System, refer to the following
section
> Run-flat tires, page 136
MINI Mobility System*
The Mobility System is located under the left
front seat.
Preparations
Use of the MINI Mobility System may be ineffec-
tive if the tire puncture measures approx. 1/8 in/
4 mm or more. Contact the nearest MINI dealer
if the tire cannot be made drivable with the
Mobility System.
Do not remove foreign bodies which have pen-
etrated the tire if possible.
Follow the instructions on using the Mobil-
ity System found on the compressor and
the sealant bottle. <
Remove the adhesive label for the speed limit
from the sealant bottle an d affix it to the steer-
ing wheel.

MobilityIndicator and warning lamps
162
Indicator and warning lamps
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var-
ious combinations and colors in indicator area 1 or
2. Refer to the table for information on causes
and how to react. Note whether a lamp lights up
alone or in combination with another. Some
lamps can light up in different colors. Corre-
sponding distinctions are made in the text.
12Cause What to do
Turn signals
High beams/headlamp flasher
switched on
Fog lamps switched on
Rear fog lamp switched on
Fasten safety belts Fasten your safety belt, refer also to
page36.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
External temperature warning Drive cautiously, refer also to page52.

Indicator and warning lampsMobility
163
Lights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gal/8 liters of fuel are
still in the tank
Remains on:
The remaining range is at most
30 miles/50 km, page 51
Engine refuses to start Depress the brake or clutch in order to start the engine, page41.
Ignition switched on and driver's door
open Switch off the ignition, page
41, or
close the driver's door.
Lamps still on
Roadside parking lamps on
Door open
Hood open
Fuel cap missing or loose Make sure that the fuel cap is correctly
positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks. Do not jam the strap between
the fuel cap and the vehicle.
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
page 49.
12Cause What to do