traction control MINI Countryman 2012 Owner's Manual (Mini Connected)

CockpitAT A GLANCE
15
5Switches in the center console
6 Buttons in the center console 7
Changing to a differen t menu on the Control
Display 18
8 MINI joystick 16
Move in four directions, turn or press
9 USB audio interface 150
10 Accessing the main me nu on the Control
Display 17
Around the headliner
1Microphone for voice activation system and
for telephone in hands-free mode
2 Indicator/warning lamp
for front passenger
airbags 80
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
Front fog lamps 83
Safety switch for power windows in
rear passenger compartment 36
Sport button 72
Driving stability control systems
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 70
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC 71
3
Reading lamps 84
Ambient lighting 84
Glass roof, electric 34
Interior lamps 83
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG

CONTROLSDriving
50
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 ignition 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.
In addition, follow the instructions on page 49
under Switching off the engine.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull upward slightly, pr ess 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 5t h 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 52.
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 48.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
70
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, always 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 stability even in adverse
driving conditions.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with driving stability control systems.
An appropriate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore do not
reduce the additional safe t y m a r g i n b y e n g a g i n g
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 response is maintained even
during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
Braking safely, refer to page 103.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine.
Cornering Brake Control CBC
Driving stability and stee ring characteristics are
further enhanced while braking in turns or
during a lane change.
Electronic brake-force 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
accelerate.
DSC also detect
s 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 ve hicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through braking actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
Every time that the engine is started, DSC is
ready to operate.
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC OFF indicator
lamp on the speedometer is on and DSC OFF is
displayed on the tachometer. DSC is deacti-
vated. Stabilizing and propulsion 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 stabil ity, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
71
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps
in the display elements go out.
For better control
The indicator lamp on the tachometer is
flashing:
DSC controls the driving and braking
forces.
The indicator lamp 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
D TC is a ty pe o f DSC t hat is prop ulsion op timiz ed
for special road conditio ns 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 exceptional situations, it can be
useful to briefly activate DTC:
> When driving on snow-c overed 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 DTC
Press the button; the indicator lamp 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
activated.
For better control
The indicator lamp on the tachometer is
flashing:
DTC controls the driving and braking
forces.
The indicator lamp on the speedometer
is on and TRACTION is displayed on the
tachometer:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press button again, the indicator lamp DSC OFF
on the speedometer and TRACTION on the
tachometer go out.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
72
Deactivating both DTC and DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator lamp 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 stabilizing interventions.
Interventions (differential lock) in braking occur
to improve propulsion when drive wheels are
rotating unevenly, even when DSC is deacti-
vated.
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
characteristics. The ALL4 all-wheel drive system
variably 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, John Cooper Works: the engine
sounds more sporty in coasting mode.
With automatic transmission:
> More rapid gear shifting in Sport program.
Activating the system
Press the button.
The LED lights up.
SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
>Press the button again.
> Switch off the engine.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG

Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
111
Driving on poor roads
Your MINI with ALL4 drive is at home on any
type of street or road. It combines an all-wheel
drive system with the advantages of a normal
passenger car.Do not drive on unpaved terrain, as other-
wise the vehicle may be damaged. <
When you are driving on poor roads, there are a
few points which you shou ld strictly observe for
your own safety, for that of your passengers,
and for the safety of the vehicle:
> Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
beginning to drive an d do not take risks
under any circumstances.
> Adapt your speed to road conditions. The
steeper and rougher the road surface is, the
lower the speed should be.
> When driving on very steep uphill or down-
hill grades, make sure in advance that the
engine oil and coolant levels are close to the
maximum mark, refer to page 206.
> While driving, watch carefully for obstacles
such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these
obstacles whenever possible.
> Make sure that the un dercarriage does not
touch the ground, for example on hilltops
and bumpy roads. The ground clearance of
the vehicle is a maximum of approx. 6.0 in/
15 cm. Please note that the ground clear-
ance can vary depending on loading and the
driving conditions of the vehicle.
> Only drive through road surface water up to
a maximum water depth of 1 ft/30 cm and
only at walking speed; do not remain sta-
tionary.
> 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 71. >
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.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG

Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
201
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/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/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 course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart si gnificantly 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 con-
trolled conditions on specified government test
surfaces 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 include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics. <
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,
(before the R on ZR tires)
225/45 R 17 91 V
For instance:
Manufacturer's code
for tire make
tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 1012
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
247
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 70
Deactivating front passenger airbags 79
Deadlocking, refer to Locking 28
Defect
– door lock 29
Defective
– fuel filler flap 194
Defining a home address 184
Defogging windows 87,89
Defrosting windows 87,89
Defrosting windows and removing condensation
– air conditioner 87
– automatic climate control 89
Defrosting windshield, refer to Defrosting windows 87,89
Defrost position, refer to Defrosting windows 87,89
Deleting contacts 168,185
Destination address
– entering 116,122
Destination for navigation
– entering 116
– entering via map 121
Dialing phone numbers 175
Differential, breaking in 102
Digital compass 92
Digital radio, refer to HD Radio 140
Dimensions 233
Dipstick, engine oil 206
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 53
Direction announcements, refer to Voice
instructions 129
Direction instructions, refer to Voice instructions 129
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book 118
Displacement, refer to Engine data 232
Display, refer to Onboard computer controls 16Displaying contact
pictures 184
Displaying contacts 167
Displaying special
destinations 121
Display lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 83
Displays 12
– care 214
– instrument panel 12
– on
th

e Control Display 16
Displays and controls 10
Disposal
– of coolant 208
– remote control battery 34
– vehicle battery 223
Distance, refe r to Computer 60
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 62
Distance to dest ination, refer
to Computer 60
Distance warning, refer to Park Distance Control PDC 69
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 26
Door lock 29
Door lock, confirmation
signals 28
Doors, manual operation 29
DOT Quality Grades 201
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 97
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist 72
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button 72
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 81
Driving notes 102
Driving off on inclines, refer to Hill Assist 72
Driving stability control systems 70
Driving through water 103
Driving tips, refer to Driving notes 102 Dry air, refer to Cooling
function 89
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 70
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 71
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake Assist 70
Dynamic route guidance 132
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 70
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 71
E
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player 136
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 194
Electronic brake-force
distribution 70
Electronic Stability Program ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 70
E-mail 186
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 194
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 52
Emergency services, refer to Roadside Assistance 225
Ending a call 163,175
Engine
– breaking in 102
– data 232
– overheated, refer to Coolant temperature 208
– speed 232
– starting, Comfort Access 32
Engine compartment 205
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant 208
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
255
Telephone
– hands-free system166,178
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 94
– voice commands 178
Telephone receiving power, refer to Status
information 19
Temperature display
– setting the units 61
Temperature of coolant, refer to Coolant temperature 208
Temperature setting
– air conditioner 86
– automatic climate control 88
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 56
Tensioning straps, refer to Securing cargo 108
Text message 185
Third brake lamp, refer to Center brake lamp 219
Three-point safety belt 40
Tightening the lug bolts
– torque 223
Tightening torque, refer to Tightening lug bolts 223
Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor 74
– indicator/warning lamp 74
– MINI Mobility Kit 220
– run-flat tires 74
– Tire Pressure Monitor 75
Tire inflation pressure 196
– loss 74,75
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor 73
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 75
– limitations of system 75
– resetting system 76
– warning lamp 76
Tire Quality Grading 201Tires
– age
203
– breaking in 102
– changing, refe r to Changing
wheels 222
– condition 202
– damage 202
– inflation pressure 196
– inflation pressure loss 76
– minimum tread depth 202
– new tires 203
– pressure monitoring, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 73
– pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 75
– puncture 74
– size 201
– we ar

indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth 202
– winter tires 204
– with emergency operation
properties 203
Tires with emergency operation properties, refer to
Run-flat tires 203
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-flat tires 203
TMC station, refer to Traffic information 129
Tone
– middle setting 138
Tone during audio playback
– adjusting 137
Torque 232
– lug bolts 223
Tow bar 227
Tow fitting 227
– screw thread 227
Tow fittings for tow-starting and towing away 227
Towing 226
– car with automatic transmission 227
– methods 227 Tow rope
228
Tow-starting 226
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor 75
Track
– selecting on CD 147
Track width, refer to
Dimension 233
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 70
Traffic bulletins
– categories 131
– filtering 131
Traffic congestion
– displaying traffic
information 129
– refer to Route, bypassing segments 126
Traffic information for navigation
– displaying 130
Traffic information in navigation
– screen display in the map
view 131
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 50
– manual transmission 50
– overriding selector lever lock for automatic transmission
with Steptronic 52
Transporting children safely 44
Transport securing devices, refer to Securing cargo 108
Tread depth, refer to Minimum tire tread 202
Treble, refer to Tone
control 137
Trip computer 60
Trip-dist a
n

ce counter, refer to
Trip odometer 59
Triple turn signal activation 53
Trip odometer 59
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG