towing MINI Countryman 2011 Owner's Manual

ControlsOpening and closing
26
wise, the tail lamps will be obscured and driving
safety will be compromised. <
Press the top side of the MINI emblem, arrow, or
Press the button on the remote control
for approx. 1 second and then release it. The lift-
gate is unlocked.
Closing
Make sure that the closing path of the lift-
gate is clear; othe rwise, injuries may
occur. <
The handle recesses on the interior trim panel of
the liftgate make it easier to pull it down.
Alarm system*
The concept
The alarm system, when activated, reacts if:
> A door, the engine compartment lid or the
liftgate is opened
> There is movement inside the car
> The car's inclination changes, for instance if
an attempt is made to ja ck it up and steal the
wheels or to raise it prior to towing away
> There is an interruption in the power supply
from the battery
The alarm system briefly indicates unauthorized
entry or tampering by means of:
> An acoustic alarm
> Switching on the haza rd warning flashers
Arming and disarming
Whenever the car is locked or unlocked, the
alarm system is armed or disarmed.
Even when the alarm syst em is armed, you can
open the liftgate by means of the button
on the remo te control.
When you subsequently close the liftgate it is
again locked and monitored.
In certain market-specific versions,
unlocking via the door lock triggers the
alarm. <
Panic mode*
You can activate the alarm system if you find
yourself in a dangerous situation.
Press the button for at least two seconds.
Switching off the alarm:
Press any button.
Switching off an alarm
>Unlock the car with the remote control.
> Insert the key fully into the ignition lock.
> In cars with Comfort Access
*, press the but-
ton on the door lock.

Things to remember when drivingDriving tips
95
Removing
When removing and stowing the cargo net, pro-
ceed in the reverse sequence.
To fold closed, press the release button, arrow.
Bag holders*
Holders on the left and right side of the support
for the cargo area cover, arrow, e.g. for hanging
shopping bags or storage bags.Only hang light shopping bags or suitable
items on the holders. Otherwise, this may
create a hazard due to flying objects, for exam-
ple in the event of braking and evasive maneu-
vers.
Transport heavy luggage only if it is appropri-
ately secured in the cargo area. <
Determining cargo limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX lbs. or YYY kg. Otherwise, damage to
the vehicle and unstable driving conditions
may result. <
2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX pounds or YYY
kilograms.
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be four 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be to wing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.

Driving tipsThings to remember when driving
96
Load
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The
greater the weight of the occupants, the less
cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
> Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
rear seat backrests.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
> For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
respective opposite buckle.
> Do not stack higher than the top edge of the
backrests.
> Use the cargo net, refer to page 94. Ensure
that no objects can penetrate through the
net.
Securing cargo
> Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining or draw straps
*.
> Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing larger
and heavier objects are available at your
MINI dealer.
> These cargo straps are fastened using eight
*
securing eyes.
Two of them are located on the side wall
*,
arrows 1, of the cargo area.
Two of them are located on the rear wall,
arrows 2, of the cargo area.
To use the lower lashing eyes, raise or remove
the pull-out floor panel.
Comply with the information enclosed with the
load-securing devices. Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerve s are necessary.
Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle
weight and axle loads, page 178; otherwise, the
vehicle's operating safety is no longer assured
and the vehicle will not be in compliance with
the construction and use regulations.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants. Do not secure cargo using the fastening
points for the tether strap, page 39; they may
become damaged. <

MobilityReplacing components
154
approx. 73 psi/500 kPa. Do not switch off
the compressor during this phase.<
Do not run the comp ressor for longer
than 10 minutes; otherwise, the
device will overheat and possibly be dam-
aged.<
8. Switch off the compressor.
If an air pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa is not
reached:
1. Unscrew the filling hose 2 from the wheel
and drive the vehicle forward and backward
approx. 33 ft/10 m to distribute the liquid
sealant in the tire evenly.
2. Inflate the tire again with the compressor.
If an inflation pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa
still cannot be reache d, the tire is too
heavily damaged. Please contact the nearest
MINI dealer. <
Stowing Mobility System
1.Unscrew filler hose 2 of the sealant bottle
from the wheel.
2. Unscrew connecting hose of the
compressor 6 from the sealant bottle.
3. Connect the filler hose 2 of the sealant bot-
tle to the unoccupied connection on the
sealant bottle.
This prevents the rest of the sealant from
escaping from the bottle.
4. Wrap the empty sealant bottle in suitable
material to avoid dirt ying the cargo area.
5. Stow Mobility System back in the vehicle.
Distributing the sealant
Immediately drive approx. 3 miles/5 km so that
the sealant evenly distributes itself.
Do not exceed speeds of 50 mph/
80 km/h.
If possible, do not drop below 10 mph/
20 km/h. <
Correct the tire inflation pressure
1.After driving approx. 3 miles/5 km or ten
minutes, stop at a suitable location.
2. Screw the connection hose 6 of the com-
pressor directly onto the tire valve.
3. Insert the plug 5 into the power socket in
the vehicle interior.
4. Correct inflation pressu re to 26 psi/180 kPa.
With the engine running:
> To increase the inflatio n pressure: switch on
the compressor. To ch eck the current infla-
tion pressure, switch off the compressor.
Do not run the compressor for longer
than 10 minutes; otherwise, the
device will overheat and possibly be dam-
aged.<
> To decrease the inflat ion pressure: press the
release button 9.
If the tire cannot m aintain the inflation
pressure, drive the vehicle again, refer to
Distributing the sealan t. Then repeat steps
1to4.
If an inflation pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa still
cannot be reached, the tire is too heavily dam-
aged. Contact the nearest MINI dealer. <
Driving on
Do not exceed the permitted maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h; doing so may
result in an accident. <
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Have the Mobility System refilled.

Giving and receiving assistanceMobility
159
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
o r d e r , s o t h a t n o s parks which could cause
injury occur. <
1. Open the battery cover in the engine com-
partment to access the positive terminal of
your MINI.
2. Release the tabs on the left and right sides of
the positive terminal cover
*, arrows 1, and
lift the cover to open, arrow 2.
3. Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or to a starting-aid terminal of the
vehicle providing assistance.
4. Attach the second terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of
the vehicle to be started.
5. Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the
battery or to an engine or body ground of
the assisting vehicle. Body ground in MINI:
6.
Attach the second terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2. Start the engine of the other vehicle in the
usual manner.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes be fore another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3. Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4. Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged. Never use spray fluids to start the
engine. <
Tow-starting, towing
away
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing. <
Do not transport an y passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed. <

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

Everything from A to ZReference
181
Battery156
– charging 156
– disposal 29,156
– jump-starting 158
– temporary power failure 156
Battery renewal
– remote control 29
Being towed 160
Bell
– volume 102
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety belts 35
Belts, refer to Safety belts 35
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 85
Black ice, refer to External
temperature warning 52
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 77,79
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 116
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 85
Brake Assist 60
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 55
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 151
Brake pads, breaking in 90
Brake rotors 91
– brakes 90
– breaking in 90
Brake system 90
– breaking in 90
– disc brakes 91
– MINI Maintenance
System 142
Brakes
– ABS 60
– breaking in 90
– MINI Maintenance System 142
– parking brake 43
– service requirements 55
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely 91 Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance 158
Break-in period 90
Breaking in the clutch 90
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 148
Button for starting the
engine 41
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call
– accepting 119
– ending 120
– rejecting 120
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 120
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders 85
Capacities 179
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery 156
Car care 144
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 20
Car phone
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 83
Car phone, refer to
Telephone 114
Car wash
– before driving in 43
Car wash, care 144
Car washes 144 Care
144
– car washes 144
– car-care products 144
– CD/DVD drives 147
– external 144
– high-pressure washers 145
– internal 146
– leather 146
– manual washing 145
– upholstery and fabrics 146
– windows 145
– wiper blades 145
Cargo area 92
– capacity 178
– Comfort Access 28
– lamp 75
– opening from outside 25
– trunk lid, refer to Liftgate 25
Cargo area, expanding 92
Cargo area lamp 75
Cargo area lid, refer to Liftgate 25
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 94
Cargo loading 95
– securing cargo 96
– stowing cargo 96
– vehicle 92
Cargo net 94
Cargo, securing 96
Carpets, care 146
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 90
CD

player 107
– changing the track 107
– fast forward/reverse 107
– playing a track 107
– random order 107
– starting 107
– volume 102
Center armrest 83
Center brake lamp 152
Center console, refer to Around the center
console 14
Center Rail 84

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