tow bar MINI Countryman 2011 Owner's Manual

Technology for driving comfort and safetyControls
59
Technology for driving comfort and
safety
Park Distance Control
PDC*
The concept
PDC assists you with parking in reverse. Acoustic
signals warn you of the presence of an object
behind the vehicle. The measurement is carried
out by four ultrasonic sensors in the rear
bumper.An acoustic warning sounds when an
object is approx. 24 in/60 cm from the
corner sensors or appr ox. 5 ft/1.50 m from the
center sensors. PDC is a parking aid that can dis-
play objects, which are slowly being
approached, which is the usual case when park-
ing a vehicle. Avoid approaching an object at
high speed; otherwise, physical circumstances
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.
Adjustments
The volume of the acoustic signals can be set,
refer to page 102.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp lights up. PDC has failed.
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
4in/10cm.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final re sponsibility for esti-
mating the distance between the vehicle
and any obstructions always remains with the
driver. Sensors, too, ha ve blind spots in which
objects cannot be detected. 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, al ways 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. <
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.

MobilityReplacing components
148
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 page145.
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
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.

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

ReferenceEverything from A to Z
186
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-mounted luggage
rack 97
Lumbar support 33
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 137
Maintenance, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Maintenance system 142
Malfunction warn ings, refer to
Check Control 57
Manual air distribution 78
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 45
Manual operation
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 128
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 45
Manual station search 103
Manual transmission 43
Manual washing 145
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 20
Maximum cooling 79
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 137
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 158
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 78
– for automatic climate
control 80
– MINI Maintenance System 142 Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance System 142
Microphone for telephone 14
MINI Internet page 4
MINI Maintenance System 142
Mirror dimming feature 37
Mirrors 36
– exterior mirrors 36
– heating 36
– interior rearview mirror 36
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume 119
– connecting, refer to Mobile phone, pairing 116
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 83
– pairing 116
– what to do if…. 118
Mobile phone, installation location, refer to Center
armrest 83
Mobility System 152
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety 5
Monitoring syst em for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 62
MP3 107
Mu
ltifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 46
– refer to Wiper system 47
Multifunctional steering wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
Music tracks
– playing a track 107
– random order 107
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 34
Nets, refer to Storage compartments 84
New tires 136
Number of cylinders, refer to Engine data 176
Number of safety belts 32
Nylon rope, refer to Tow rope 161
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
On-Board Diagnosis 143
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel specifications 129
Odometer 51
Oil consumption 139
Oil level 139
Oil, refer to Engine oil 139
Oil types 140
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal 156
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access 27
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
– using the door lock 24
– using the remote control 21
Opening and unlocking
– from inside 24
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation 80
Outlets, refer to Air vents 76
Output, refer to Engine data 176
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control 79
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature 141

ReferenceEverything from A to Z
190
Torque176
– lug bolts 156
Tow bar 160
Tow fitting 160
– screw thread 160
Tow fittings for tow-starting and towing away 160
Tow rope 161
Towing 159
– car with automatic
transmission 160
– methods 160
Tow-starting 159
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor 64
Track width, refer to
Dimension 177
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 60
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 43
– manual transmission 43
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic 45
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo 96
Transporting children safely 38
Tread depth, refer to Minimum tire tread 135
Trip odometer 51
Trip-distance counter, refer to Trip odometer 51
Triple turn si gnal activation 46
Turn signal 46
– front, replacing bulb 150
– indicator lamp 12
– rear, replacing bulb 151
– side, replacing bulb 151
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions 177
Tying down load s, refer to
Cargo loading 96U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
UTQR 134
Units
– average fuel consumption 54
– temperature 54
Universal garage door opener, refer to Integrated universal
remote control 81
Universal remote control 81
Unlatching, refer to Unlocking 28
Unlocking
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
– liftgate 28
– setting unlocking behavior 21
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 27
Upholstery, care 146
USB audio interface 109
V
Vehicle
– battery156
– breaking in 90
– cargo loading 92
– dimensions 177
– identification number, refer to Engine compartment 139
– parking 42
– storage 147
– weight 178
Vehicle jack
– jacking points 155
Ventilation
– air conditioner 80
Ventilation, refer to Climate control 76
Vents, refer to Air vents 76
Vents, refer to Ventilation 80
Voice commands
– telephone 122
Voice phone book 123Volume
– bell
102
– mobile phone 119
– PDC 102
– setting speed-dependent 102
Volume of cargo area 178
W
Warning and indicator
lamps 13,162
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control 57
Warning triangle 158
Washer fluid 49
– capacity of reservoir 49
Washer fluid reservoir 49
Washer/wiper system
– washer fluid 49
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray 85
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water 91
Waterfall lighti ng, refer to
Ambient lighting 75
Wear indicators in tires, refer to Minimum tread depth 135
Weights 178
Welcome lamps 71
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions 177
Wheels and tires 130
Wheels, new 136
Width, refer to Dimensions 177
Window washer, refer to
Washer fluid 49
Window washer reservoir, refer to Washer fluid
– volume, refer to Capacities 179
Window washer system 47
– washer fluid 49
– washer jets 48