seat MINI Countryman 2013 Owner's Guide

DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
108
1.Pull on the loop, refer to arrow.
The backrest is unlocked.
2. Fold the backrest forward.
Folding the backrests back into position
Hold the backrest in th e upper region, e.g. by
the head restraint, and fold it back into position.
When folding the backre st, make sure that
the lock properly engages. Otherwise, for
example during braking and avoidance maneu-
vers, cargo can be thrown into the interior and
endanger the occupants. <
MINI Countryman: cargo area privacy
screen
Between the cargo area and the rear seat back-
rest, there is a cargo area privacy screen. It can
be folded down and used as a loading platform.
When the rear seat backrests are folded
down, do not fold the privacy screen
upright. In an accident, cargo could fold down
the privacy screen and damage it. <
Folding down the privacy screen
1.If necessary, remove the cargo area cover,
refer to page 106.
2. Fold the privacy screen up and to the rear,
arrow 1. 3.
Release the locking mech anisms on the left
and right sides, arrows 2.
4. Grasp the outer sides of the privacy screen
and guide it downward.
Do not exceed the maximum load of
330 lbs/150 kg of the privacy screen when
it is in folded down in to the loading platform
position; otherwise, damage may occur.<
Folding the privacy screen forward
1. Fold down rear seat backrests.
2. Unlock privacy screen, see above.
3. Grasp the outer sides of the privacy screen
and guide it forward onto the folded-down
rear seat backrests.
Removing
1.Removing cargo area cover, page 106.
2. Fold the privacy screen up and to the rear
and unlock it, refer to Folding the privacy
screen forward.
3. Remove it from the guides on the cargo area
floor, arrows, and remove the privacy
screen.

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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
110
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.
MINI Countryman: 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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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
111
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 trail er 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 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 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 109. Ensure
that no objects can penetrate through the
net.
MINI Countryman:
MINI Paceman:

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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
114
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 suitable 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 conditioning, 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 man-
ufacturer of your MINI recommends having the
vehicle serviced by a MINI dealer. Also note the
MINI Maintenance System, page 218.
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 ad vantages of a normal
passenger car.
Do not drive on unpa ved 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 and 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 215.
> 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.

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MOBILITYCare
222
Removing paintwork damage
Depending on the severity of the damage,
immediately repair stone damage or
scratches to prevent rusting. <
The manufacturer of the MINI recommends
repairing paint damage professionally according
to factory specifications with original MINI
paints.
Preservation
Preservation is necessary when water no longer
beads on the clean paint surface. To preserve
the paint, only use preservatives that contain
carnauba or synthetic waxes.
Rubber seals
Only treat with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon sprays or other silicon-
containing care products on rubber seals;
otherwise, noise and damage could occur. <
Chrome parts
Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radiator
grill and door handles with copious quantities of
water and, if necessary, a shampoo additive,
especially when contaminated with road salt.
For additional treatmen t, use chrome polish.
Light alloy wheels
The system produces brake dust that collects on
the light alloy wheels. Clean them regularly with
acid-free wheel cleaner.
Do not use aggressive, acid-containing,
highly alkaline, or abrasive cleansers or
steam jets hotter than 140 7/60 6 a s t h e y m a y
cause damage. <
External sensors
Keep the outside sensors on the vehicle
such as the Park Di stance Control clean
and ice-free to ensure that they function prop-
erly. <
Internal care
Upholstery/fabrics
Regularly use a vacuum cleaner to remove sur-
face dirt.
In case of serious spots su ch as liquid stains, use
a soft sponge or lint-free microfiber cloth and
suitable interior cleaners. Observe the instruc-
tions on the packaging.
Clean upholstery up to the seams. Do not
rub forcefully. <
Velcro fasteners on pants or other items of
clothing can damage seat covers. Make
sure that all Velcro fasteners are closed. <
Leather/leather coverings
The leather processed by the manufac-
turer of your MINI is a high-quality natural
product. Light variations in the grain is one of
the typical properties of natural leather. <
Dust and road grit in th e pores and folds of the
leather have an abrasive effect, leading to
increased wear and causing the leather surface
to become brittle prematurely. Use a cloth or
vacuum cleaner to remo ve dust on a regular
basis.
Especially when the leather has a light color, it
should be cleaned regularl y since it tends to get
heavily soiled.
Treat the leather twice a year using a leather
lotion since dirt and grease will gradually attack
the leather's protective layer.
Carpets/floor mats
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 exist-
ing one or onto other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the floo r mats are securely fas-

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MOBILITYReplacing components
230
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 lever 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 tire, different procedures
should be followed depending on the equip-
ment included in your vehicle:
> MINI Mobility Kit, refer to the following sec-
tion
> Run-flat tires, page 212
MINI Mobility Kit
The Mobility Kit is located under the left front
seat.
Preparations
Use of the MINI Mobility Kit may be ineffective 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
Kit.
Do not remove foreign bodies which have pen-
etrated the tire if possible.
Follow the instructions on using the Mobil-
ity Kit 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.
Sealant and compressor
1 Sealant bottle and adhesive label with speed
limit
2 Filling hose
Note the use-by date on the sealant bot-
tle. <
3 Holder for the sealant bottle
4 Compressor
5 Plug and cable for the socket in the vehicle
interior, page 101
6 Connection hose to connect the compressor
and sealant bottle or the compressor and
wheel
7 On/off switch
8 Pressure gauge for indi cating the tire infla-
tion pressure
9 Release button for reduci ng the tire inflation
pressure
Connector, cable and connection hose are
stored in the co mpressor housing.

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Replacing componentsMOBILITY
233
MINI Countryman:
MINI Paceman:
2. Slide reversible ratchet onto the fixture on
the jack, arrow 1.
3. As you ratchet up the jack, place the jack
head onto the lifting point on the body,
arrow 2.
4. Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised off the ground.
Mounting the wheel
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2. Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Clean the lug bolts. 3.
Lift the new wheel into place.
4. Screw at least two lug bo lts finger-tight into
opposite bolt holes.
5. Screw in the remaining bolts.
6. Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diagonal
pattern.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Remove the jack.
Tightening the lug bolts
Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
Immediately have the wheels checked
with a calibrated torque wrench to ensure
that the lug bolts are firmly seated. Otherwise,
incorrectly tightened lug bolts can present a
safety hazard. <
Tightening torque: 103.3 lb ft or 140 Nm.
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is maintenance-free; that is, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate.
If you have any questions regarding your bat-
tery, please contact your MINI dealer.
Battery replacement
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manu-
facturer; otherwise, the vehicle could be dam-
aged and systems or func tions may not be fully
available. <
After a battery replacement, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your MINI dealer to
ensure that all convenie nce functions are fully
available and, if nece ssary, the corresponding

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MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
238
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.
Depending upon the vehicle features, the tow
fitting is located
>under the right or left front seat.
> in the pouch for the tire-changing set in the
luggage compartment.
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 sideways on the cover, vehicle outer side.
This will push out the oppo site side of the cover,
which can then be removed.
Front
Rear
MINI Countryman: MINI Paceman:
Being towed
Make sure that the igni
tion is switched on,
refer to page 50; 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. <

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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
261
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 87
Backrests, refer to Seats 39
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 228
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 236
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 239
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 185
Bass sounds, refer to Tone control 141
Battery 233
– disposal 35,234
– jump-starting 236
– temporary power failure 234
Battery renewal
– remote control 35
Being towed 238
Belts, refer to Safety belts 42
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 42
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 100
Black ice, refer to External temperature warning 61
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 88,90
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating 165,175
Bluetooth audio 157
– device pairing 158
– disconnecting an audio connection 160
– playback 159
– unpairing device 160
– what to do if... 160
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 100
Brake Assist 72
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 64 Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs
228
Brake pads, breaking in 104
Brake rotors 106
– brakes 104
– breaking in 104
Brakes
– ABS 72
– breaking in 104
– MINI Maintenance
System 218
– parking brake 52
– service requirements 64
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 105
Br ake system
104
– breaki ng

in104
– disc brakes 106
– MINI Maintenance
System 218
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 236
Breaking in the clutch 104
Break-in period 104
Brightness of Control
Display 70
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 224
Button for starting the engine 50
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
Calendar 191
– displaying appointment 191
– selecting calendar day 191
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call
– ending 168,180
– muting the microphone 181
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 168,180
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 100 Capacities
251
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 233
Car care 220
Care 220
– car-care products 220
– car washes 220
– CD/DVD drives 223
– high-pressure washers 221
– leather 222
– manual washing 221
– upholstery and fabrics 222
– windows 221
– wiper blades 221
Cargo, securing 112
Cargo area 106
– capacity 249
– Comfort Access 34
– lamp 87
– opening from outside 31
– trunk lid, refer to Tailgate 31
Cargo area, expanding 106
Cargo area lamp 87
Cargo area lid, refer to Tailgate 31
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 109
Cargo loading 110
– securing cargo 112
– stowing cargo 111
– vehicle 106
Cargo net 109
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 26
Carpets, care 222
Car phone
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 97
Car phone, refer to
Telephone 164,174
Car radio, refer to Radio 143
Car wash
– before driving in 52
Car wa sh, care
220
Car w a

shes220
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 105

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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
262
CD, audio playback151
CD player 151
– controls 140
– fast forward/reverse 152
– random order 152
– selecting a track 151
– switching on/off 140
– tone control 141
– volume 141
Center armrest 97
Center brake lamp 229
Center console, refer to Around the center
console 14
Center Rail 99
Center Rail, refer to Storage
compartments 98
Central locking system 27
– Comfort Access 33
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
– setting unlocking
behavior 27
Changing bulbs 224
Changing the language on the
Control Display 69
Changing the measurement units on the Control
Display 64
Changing wheels 232
Charging the battery 234
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 214
Check Control 67
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 47
Child restraint systems 46
Child-safety locks 49
Child seats 46
Chrome parts, care 222
Chrome parts, refer to Care 220
Cigarette lighter 100
Cleaning headlamps 57
– washer fluid 57 Clock
– setting time
66
– 12 h/24 h mode 66
Closing
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
Clothes hooks 100
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the engine 51
Comfort Access 33
– replacing the battery 35
– what to observe before
enteri ng a car wash
34
C o

mfort area, refer to Around
the center console 14
Compartment for remote control, refer to Ignition
lock 50
Compass 95
Computer 61
– displays on Control
Display 62
Condensation, refer to When the vehicle is parked 106
Condition Based Service CBS 218
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile 26
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances 101
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption 61
Contacts 171,188
– new contact 189
Continuing route guidance 129
Control Display
– adjusting brightness 70
Control Display, refer to iDrive
– switching on/off 16
Control Display, refer to Onboard computer 16
– adjusting brightness 70
Controls and displays 10Control stick, refer to Onboard
computer 16
Control unit, refer to Onboard computer 16
Convenience operation
– windows 28
Convenient access, refer to
Comfort Access 33
Convenient star t, refer to
Starting the engine 51
Coolant 217
– checking level 217
– filling 217
– temperature 217
Cooling, maximum 91
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant 217
Copyright 2
Cornering light, refer to
Adaptive Light Control 85
Criteria for route 129
Cruise control
– indicator lamp 13
Cruising range 61
Cupholders 100
Curb weight, refer to Weights 249
Current fuel consumption 62
Curren t playback
– external d

evices156
D
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit 10
Dashboard instruments, refer to Displays 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 86
Data 244
– capacities 251
– dimensions 246
– engine 244
– weights 249
Date
– setting 67
– setting format 67
Daytime running lights 85

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