ESP MINI Countryman 2012 Owner's Guide
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Page 78 of 201

LampsCONTROLS
77
Welcome lamps
If you leave the light switch in the low beam or
automatic headlamp control position when you
switch off the ignition, the parking lamps and
interior lamps come on for a certain time as soon
as the vehicle is unlocked.
Pathway lighting
If you activate the headlamp flasher after
switching off the ignition with the lamps
switched off, the lo w beams come on and
remain on for a certain time.
The setting is stored for the remote control in
use, refer to Personal Profile, page 22.
Setting the duration or deactivating the
function
1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 45.
2. Press the button in the turn signal indicator
as often as necessary until "SET/INFO" is
displayed.
3. Press and hold the butt on until the display
changes.
4. Press the button as of ten as necessary until
the symbol and "SET" are displayed. 5.
Press and hold the butt on until the display
changes.
6. Press the button repeatedly until the display
shows the illustrated symbol.
7. Press and hold the butt on until the display
changes.
8. Press the button to select:
>
The function is deactivated.
> ...
Select the corresponding period, e.g.,
40 seconds.
9. Press the button for a longer period.
The setting is stored.
Daytime running lights
The light switch can remain in the lamps off,
parking lamps or automatic headlamp control
position.
In the lamps off position, the exterior lighting is
automatically switched of f after the vehicle is
parked. In the parking lamps position, the park-
ing lamps will stay on after the ignition is
switched off.
Switch on the parking lamps separately if
needed.
Activating/deactivating daytime
running lights
The setting is stored for the remote control in
use, refer to Personal Profile, page 22.
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
97
1.Close all windows and 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 82 or 84.
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 sect ions 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 flamm-
able materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc.
Such contact could lead to a fire, with the risk of
serious personal injuries and property damage.
Do not touch hot exhaust tail pipes. Otherwise,
there is a risk of burns. <
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 142.
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.
67.
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 movement range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carp et, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhi bit 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. <
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
98
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 in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, page49.
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 the 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 op erating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic climate
control is in operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may
continue to run for some time after the engine is
switched off. This will generate noise in the
engine compartment.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can
assume the form of a sudden blowout. <
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo area as they
could damage the vehicle. <
Expanding cargo area
Cargo area cover
Do not place any objects on the cover;
otherwise, they could endanger the car's
occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden
swerving, or they may damage the cover. <
When you open the tailgate, the roll-up cover is
raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.
1. Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate.
2. Lift the cover slightly, arrow 1, and pull it
rearward out of the bracket, arrow 2.
Rear seat backrest
Before folding down the rear seat back-
rests, ensure that th e range of motion for
the backrests is unobstructed. Particularly with a
folded down middle section, ensure that there is
no one within the range of motion of the back-
rest and that no one re aches into that region.
Otherwise, injury or damage can result. <
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
101
Installing behind the front seats
1.If necessary, remove the cargo area cover.
2. Fold down the rear seat backrests, refer to
Expanding cargo area.
3. Insert each cargo net mounting pin all the
way into its respective front mount in the
headliner, arrow 1, and push it forward.
4. Attach the hook, arrow 2, at the bottom of
each retaining strap to the respective eye on
the vehicle floor.
5. Lash the cargo net se curely. To do so,
tighten the retaining straps at the tensioning
buckles.
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 kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, this could
damage the vehicle and produce unstable
vehicle operating conditions. <
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.
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
102
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 towing 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.
Load
4-seater:
5-seater:
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the we ight 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 wh en 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 100. 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.
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
103
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 th at it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerves are necessary.
Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle
weight and axle loads, page 186; 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 42; they may
become damaged. <
Roof-mounted luggage
rack
A special rack system is av ailable as an option for
your MINI. Your MINI dealer will be glad to
advise you. Comply with the installation instruc-
tions supplied with the rack system.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect
on vehicle handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find more information under Weights in
the technical specifications.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and
should not be too large in area. Heavy items
should always be placed at the bottom.
When loading, make sure that there is sufficient
space for the movement of the glass roof. Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid su
dden acceleration and
braking maneuvers, and take corners gently.
Rear luggage rack
A special rear-mounted luggage rack is available
as an optional accessory . It does not require a
trailer hitch.
Please comply with the precautions included
with the installation instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are located under the
covers in the bumper.
Remove the covers , refer to page167.
Loading rear luggage rack
When loading, make su re that you do not
exceed the approved gross vehicle weight and
axle loads.
You can find more information under Weights in
the technical specifications.
Saving fuel
General information
Your vehicle incorporates numerous technolo-
gies for reducing fuel consumption and emis-
sions.
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
104
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif-
ferent factors. Fuel consumption and environ-
mental pollution are affected by various actions,
the manner of driving and regular maintenance.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts no longer in use
Attached parts on the ve hicle affect its aerody-
namics and increase fuel consumption.
Closing windows
Open windows increase air resistance and
therefore fuel consumption.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct tire inflation
pressure at least twice a month and before start-
ing on a long trip.
Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis-
tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump-
tion and tire wear.
Drive off immediately
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engi ne speeds. This is the
fastest way for the cold engine to reach its oper-
ating temperature.
Think ahead while driving
Avoid unnecessary accelera tion and braking. By
maintaining a suitable di stance to the vehicle
driving ahead.
Looking-ahead and smooth driving reduces fuel
consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for driving off. In second and
higher gears, accelerate smoothly to a suitable
engine and road speed. In doing so, avoid high
engine speeds and shift up early. When you reach your desired traveling speed,
shift to the highest suit
able gear and drive at
constant speed.
As a rule: driving at lo w engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red traffic light, take your
foot off the accelerator and let the car roll to a
stop in the highest gear possible.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the
accelerator and let the vehicle coast in a suitable
gear.
Fuel supply is shut off automatically when the
vehicle is coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic li ghts, railroad crossings or
in traffic jams.
Switch off any features that are not
currently required
Features such as air co nditioning, seat heaters
and the rear window defroster require a great
deal of energy and result in greater fuel con-
sumption, especially in city driving and during
Stop & Go operation. For this reason, switch off
these features if they are not really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have your vehicle servic ed regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. The
manufacturer of your MINI recommends having
the vehicle serviced by a MINI dealer. Also note
the MINI Maintenance System, page 149.
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.
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ENTERTAINMENTRadio MINI Boost CD
108
Radio MINI Boost CD
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or coun try version. This also
applies to safety relate d functions and systems.
Switching radio on/off
Press the left rotary knob. The radio
selects the last set audio source:
>Radio
> HD Radio
> Satellite radio
> CD
> External audio device
> USB audio interface.
Listening to the radi o when the ignition
is switched off
After switching off the radio readiness, the radio
functions are available for approx. 20 minutes.
To do so, switch the radio on again.
To spare the battery, ensure that the radio
is switched off when leaving the vehicle. <
Adjusting volume
Turn left rotary knob. The setting is
stored for the remote control in use.
As soon as you make a phone call using
the hands-free device, the radio will auto-
matically be muted. <
Setting the volume for the PDC and gong
You can raise or lower the audio signals for the
PDC or gong with respect to the volume of the audio sources.
The audio signals have a set minimum and max-
imum volume, below which they can not fall and
above which they can not go.
Set the audio source to a high volume to
be able to better set the volume of the
audio signals. <
1. Press the button.
2. Press the button if necessary.
3. Press the button.
or
Press the button.
4. Select the desired vo lume and press the
knob on the right.
Setting the speed-dependent volume
The speed-dependent volume controls auto-
matically increases the volume as the speed of
the vehicle increases. You can set different levels
for increasing the volume.
1. Press the button.
2. Press the button if necessary.
3. Press the button.
4. Select the desired vo lume and press the
knob on the right.
Setting the volume for external audio
devices
Your radio has the option of connecting an
external audio device, e.g., an MP3 player, and
playing it over the loudspeakers in the vehicle.
You can set the volume by using the radio.
Connecting an external device, refer to
page 115.
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Radio MINI Boost CDENTERTAINMENT
109
To adjust the volume of an external audio device
to the radio:
1. Press the MODEbutton.
2. Press the button.
3. Press the button.
4. Select the desired volume and press the
knob on the right.
Setting tone controls
You can select between the following settings:
>Bass: bass adjustment.
> Treble: treble adjustment.
> Balance: volume distribution left/right.
> Fader: volume distri bution front/back.
The tone settings are set for all audio sources at
once.
Setting the bass, treble and balance
1. Press the button.
2. Select the desired tone setting and press the
knob on the right.
3. Select the desired volume and press the
knob on the right.
Resetting tone settings
The tone settings are reset to the middle values.
1.Press the button.
2. Press the button.
Time
Setting the time, date and time format
You can set the time, date and time format, refer
to page62.
Radio
Your radio is designed for the reception of FM
and AM signals.
Listening to the radio
1.Switch on the radio, refer to page 108.
2. If necessary, press the MODEbutton.
3. Press the button.
4. Press the corresponding button as
often as necessary until the desired wave-
length band is selected.
> AM: AM and AMA
> FM: FM1/FM2 and FMA
Selecting a station
The setting is stored for the remote control in
use.
Next station
Press the … button.
The next available st ation is selected.
Selecting stations by changing the
frequency
1. Press the button.
2. Press the button each time to enter a
desired frequency.
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ENTERTAINMENTRadio MINI Boost CD
110
Or, by using the knob on the right:
1.Press the button.
2. Turn the knob on the right until the desired
frequency is reached.
Automatically updating strongest
stations
Press the correspon ding button until
"Autostore" is displayed.
Several seconds may go by until the stations are
stored and one of the stations can be heard.
If you do not wish to use the Autostore
feature, you can store six stations of your
choice in the FMA or AMA memory levels.<
Playing and selecting stations, scan
You can listen to all the receivable stations for
approx. 10 seconds.
Press the button.
Interrupting the scan an d selecting a station:
Press the button.
When a traffic information station is selected,
only traffic information broadcasts will be
played.
Storing and recalling stations
Memory presets
Your radio can store 30 stations:
> FM1, FM2: six stations each of your choice
> AM: six stations each of your choice
> FMA/AMA: the six stro ngest stations auto-
matically
Storing a station
1.
Press the corresponding button as
often as necessary until the desired fre-
quency range is selected.
2. Select station. 3.
… Press and hold the
desired button until th e station can again be
heard after a short interruption.
The memory level and the selected button
are shown on the display, e.g.:
Recalling stored stations
1. Press the corresponding button as
often as necessary until the desired wave-
length band is selected.
2.
… Press the desired
button.
Using the knob on the right:
Turn the knob on the right as long as necessary
until the desired stat ion has been reached.
RDS – Radio Data System
The Radio Data System transmits additional
information in the FM frequency range. RDS sta-
tions have the following features:
>When there are good reception conditions,
then the station names are displayed.
> Additional information can be shown on the
display, e.g., text me ssages from the station.
> Over RDS, some stations transmit the type of
the received program, PTY. At the option of
the station, this can be shown briefly on the
display, e.g., message s, NEWS. Using PTY,
warnings regarding ca tastrophes can also
be displayed, e.g., "ALARM".
Switching RDS on/off
1. Press the button.
2. Press the button.
The name of the current station is displayed if
this station broadcasts RDS information.
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