steering wheel MINI Countryman 2013 Owner's Manual

AT A GLANCECockpit
10
Cockpit
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model range is described. Equi
pment 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.
Around the steering wheel

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CockpitAT A GLANCE
11
1Adjusting the exterior mirrors in and out44
6 Ignition lock 50 7
Buttons on steering wheel,
right
left side
8 Horn: the entire surface
9 Adjusting the steering wheel 45
10 Releasing the hood 215
Power windows, front
36
MINI Countryman: power windows,
rear 36
MINI Countryman: safety switch for
power windows in rear passenger
compartment 37
2 Parking lamps 84
Low beams 84
Automatic headlamp control 84
Adaptive Light Control 85
Turn signals 55
High beams 86
Headlamp flasher 55
Roadside parking lamps 86
Computer 61
3 Tachometer 12
Instrument lighting 86
Resetting the trip odometer 60
4 Wiper system 55
5 Switching the ignition on/off and
starting/stopping the engine
50
Resuming cruise control58
Storing speed and accelerating or
decelerating
Activating/deactivating cruise
control 58
Increasing or reducing volume
Telephone
Press: accepting and ending a call,
starting dialing of selected phone
number and redialing if no phone
number is selected
Microphone in the roofliner on the
driver's side
Activating/deactivating voice acti-
vation system 21
Microphone in the roofliner on the
driver's side
Changing the radio station
Selecting a music track
Scrolling through the redial list

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Voice activation systemAT A GLANCE
21
Voice activation system
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 count ry version. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
The concept
> By using the voice activation system, most of
the functions that are displayed on the Con-
trol Display can be operated via voice com-
mands. The system supports the entry pro-
cess by means of announcements.
> Functions that can only be used while the
vehicle is not moving cannot be operated via
the voice activation system.
> The system includes a special microphone in
the roofliner on the driver's side.
Prerequisite
So that voice commands can be identified, set a
language on the Control Display that is sup-
ported by the voice activation system.
To set the language, see page 69.
Symbols in the Owner's Manual
Saying commands
Activating voice activation system
1.Press the button on the steering wheel.
This symbol on the Control Display and
an acoustic signal indicate that the voice
activation system is ready to receive spoken
commands.
2. Say the command.
The command appears on the Control Dis-
play.
This symbol is displayed on the Control Dis-
play when you can ente r additional commands.
If no further commands are possible, continue
by operating the item of equipment via the
onboard computer.
{
...} Say the specified commands word for
word.
{{ ...}} Identifies the answers generated by
the voice activation system.

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AT A GLANCEVoice activation system
22
Terminating or canceling voice
activation system
Press the button on the steering wheel
or
Possible commands
Most menu items on the Control Display can be
spoken as commands.
The commands that are possible depend upon
which menu is currently shown on the Control
Display.
There are short commands for many functions.
Some list items, for example telephone book
listings, can also be selected using the voice acti-
vation system. In particular, say the list items
exactly as they are displayed in the respective
list.
Having the possible commands read
aloud
Having the possible co mmands read aloud:
For example if you have selected "CD" the sys-
tem will read aloud the possible commands for
operating the CD player.
Carrying out functions through short
commands
Main menu functions can be executed immedi-
ately by short commands , almost regardless of
which menu item is selected, e.g., {Vehicle sta-
tus }.
List of voice activation system short commands,
see page 252.
Help for the voice activation system
Calling up Help:
Additional commands for Help:
>{Help with examples }: information about
the current operating options and the most
important commands for them are
announced.
> {Help with voice activation }: information
regarding the principles behind the voice
activation system is announced.
Using alternative commands
There are often a number of commands to run a
function, e.g.:
Opening the main menu
Example: playing a CD
Via the main menu
The commands of the menu items are spoken
aloud; they can also be selected using the MINI
joystick.
1. Switch on Entertainment sound output if
necessary.
2. Press the button on the steering wheel
Via short commands
The CD playback can also be started by a short
command.
1.Switch on Entertainment sound output if
necessary.
2. Press the button on the steering wheel.
3. {C D … track … } e.g. CD track 4.
{
Cancel}
{ Voice commands }
{Help }
{ Radio } or {Radio on }
{ Main menu }
3. {{C D and multimedia }}
4. {C D }
5. {C D track … }
6. {Track … }e.g. CD track 4.

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CONTROLSAdjustments
38
Adjustments
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.
Sitting safely
The ideal sitting position can make a vital contri-
bution to relaxed, fatigu e-free driving. In con-
junction with the safety belts, the head restraints
and the airbags, the seated position has a major
influence on your safety in the event of an acci-
dent. To ensure that th e safety systems operate
with optimal efficiency, we strongly urge you to
observe the instructions contained in the follow-
ing section.
For additional informatio n on transporting chil-
dren safely, refer to page 46.
Airbags
Always maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the airbags. Always
grip the steering wheel on the rim, with your
hands in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, to
minimize the risk of inju ry to the hands or arms
in the event of the airbag being deployed.
No one and nothing should come between the
airbags and the seat occupant.
Do not use the cover of the front airbag on the
front passenger side as a storage area. Ensure
that the front passenger is correctly seated, e.g.
that no feet or legs are propped against the
dashboard. Otherwise, leg injury could result if
the front airbag suddenly deployed.
Make sure that passeng ers keep their heads
away from the side ai rbag and do not lean
against the cover of the head airbag; otherwise
injuries can occur when the airbags are
deployed. < Even if you follow all the instructions, injuries
resulting from contact with airbags cannot be
fully excluded, depending on the circumstances.
The ignition and inflation noise may provoke a
mild hearing loss in extremely sensitive individ-
uals. This effect is usually only temporary.
For airbag locations and
additional information
on airbags, refer to page 81.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way
that its center is at approx. ear level. Oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the
event of an accident. <
Head restraints, refer to page 41.
Safety belt
Before every drive, make sure that all occupants
wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the
safety belt as an additional safety device, but
they do not represent a substitute.
Number of safety belts
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow
infants or small children to ride in a passenger's
lap.
Make sure that the belt in the lap area sits low
across the hips and does not press against the
abdomen. The safety belt must not rest against
the throat, run across sh arp edges, pass over
hard or fragile objects or be pinched. Fasten the
safety belt so that it is pulled taut across the lap
and shoulder, fitting the body snugly without
any twists. Otherwise, the belt could slide over
the hips in the event of a frontal collision and
injure the abdomen. Avoid wearing bulky cloth-
ing and regularly pull the belt in the upper-body
area taut; otherwise, its restraining effect could
be impaired. <

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AdjustmentsCONTROLS
45
Manual adjustment
If there is, for example, an electrical failure, press
on the edges of the mirror glass.
Automatic heating
At external temperatures below a certain limit,
both exterior mirrors are automatically heated
while the engine is running or the ignition
switched on.
Interior rearview mirror
To reduce glare from vehicles behind you when
you are driving at night:
Turn the knob.
Interior and exterior mirrors,
automatic dimming feature
It is controlled by two photosensors:
> Inside the interior rearview mirror, arrow.
> On the back of the mirror. For proper function:
>
Keep the photosensors clean.
> Do not cover the area between the interior
rearview mirror and the windshield.
> Do not place stickers or decals on the wind-
shield in front of the mirror.
Steering wheel
Adjustments
Do not adjust the steering wheel position
while the car is in motion; otherwise, there
is a risk of accident du e to an unexpected move-
ment. <
1. Fold the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel to the preferred
distance and angle to su it your seated posi-
tion.
3. Swing the lever back up.
Do not use force to swing the lever
back up; otherwise, the mechanism
will be damaged. <

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DrivingCONTROLS
51
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps in the displays
go out.
The ignition switches off automatically if the
driver's door is opened. Pressing the Start/Stop
button again switches the ignition back on.
The ignition is not switched off in situations such
as the following:
>The clutch or brake is depressed
> The low beams are switched on
Starting the engine
Do not allow the engine to run in enclosed
areas; otherwise, inhalation of the noxious
exhaust gases can lead to loss of consciousness
and death. Exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic
gas. Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running; otherwise, such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.
Before leaving the car while the engine is run-
ning, place the transmission in neutral or move
the selector lever to position P and forcefully
apply the parking brake to prevent the car from
moving. <
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated start attempts in which
the engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel is
not burned or inadequately burned and there is
a danger of overheating and damaging the cat-
alytic converter. <
Do not let the engine warm up with the vehicle
at a standstill. Move of f immediately at a moder-
ate engine speed.
When starting the engine, do not depress the
accelerator pedal.
Manual transmission
Key in ignition lock or inside vehicle with Com-
fort Access, refer to page 33.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Depress the clutch.
3. Press the Start/Stop button.
Automatic transmission
Key in ignition lock or inside vehicle with Com-
fort Access, refer to page 33.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Shift the selector lever into position P or N.
3. Press the Start/Stop button.
The starter operates auto matically for a certain
time, and stops automatically as soon as the
engine has started.
Switching off the engine
Always take the key with you when you
leave the vehicle.
When parking, apply the parking brake force-
fully; otherwise, the vehicle could begin to roll.
Secure the vehicle on steep upward and down-
ward slopes, for example, turn the steering
wheel towards the curb. <
Manual transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, press the Start/
Stop button.
2. Shift into first gear or reverse.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.

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CONTROLSDriving
54
Sport program and manual mode M/S
Move the selector lever from position D to the
left into the M/S shifting slot:
The Sport program is activated and DS is dis-
played. This position is recommended for a per-
formance-oriented driving style.
To deactivate the Sport program or manual
mode M/S, move the selector lever to the right
into position D.
Shifting with the selector lever
Push the selector lever forward or pull it back to
activate manual operation. Steptronic shifts the
gear.
> Pull the selector lever in the + direction.
Transmission shifts up.
> Push the selector leve r in the – direction.
Transmission shifts down.
The selected gear is displayed in the tachome-
ter, e.g. M1.
To use the automatic mode again, move the
selector lever to the right into position D.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only when
they will result in a plausible combination of
engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example, a
downshift that would cause the engine to over-
rev will not be executed by the system. The
selected gear is displayed briefly, followed by
the current gear.
Shifting on the steering wheel
With the selector lever in position D, automatic
drive, you can shift gears using the shift paddles
on the steering wheel. The transmission auto-
matically switches to manual mode. If you do not shift gears with the shift paddles or
accelerate for a certai
n amount of time, the
transmission automatically returns to D, auto-
matic drive.
> Pull one of the shift paddles.
Transmission shifts up.
> Push one of the shift paddles.
Transmission shifts down.
M1 through M6 are displayed in the tachometer.
Manually releasing the selector lever
lock
Should the selector lever refuse to move out of
position P even though the ignition is switched
on, the brake is depressed and the button on the
selector lever is pressed, the selector lever lock
can be overridden:
1. Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2. Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever
until the sleeve is insi de out. Disconnect the
cable connector if necessary.
3. Insert extractor hook 1 into the loop on the
passenger's side.

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CONTROLSDriving
58
Fill with a mixture of washer fluid concentrate
and water and, if required, with a washer anti-
freeze according to manufacturer's recommen-
dations.
Do not fill with undiluted washer fluid concen-
trate and do not use wa ter alone; these can
damage the washer system.
Mix the water and antifreeze before filling
the washer fluid rese rvoir to make sure
the correct concentration is maintained. <
Capacity
Approx. 4.2 US quarts/4 liters.
Cruise control
The concept
Cruise control is available at vehicle speeds of at
least approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h. The car then
stores and maintains the speed that you specify
using the button on the steering wheel.
Do not use cruise control when driving at
constant speed is prevented by adverse
conditions, e.g. winding roads, dense traffic or
poor road conditions due to, e.g. snow, rain, ice
or loose surfaces. Otherwise, you could lose con-
trol of the vehicle and cause an accident as a
result. <
Activating
1Maintaining, storing and increasing speed
2 Activating/deactivating cruise control
3 Maintaining, storing and decreasing speed
4 Resuming cruise control
Activating/deactivating cruise control
Press button 2.
Interruption
The system is automati cally deactivated if:
> Braking takes place
> The clutch is engaged
> The transmission is set on N
> The stability control system is on
Cruise control is not deactivated by depressing
the accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator
pedal is released, the stored speed is achieved
again and maintained.
The stored speed is cleared when the ignition is
switched off.
Maintaining current speed
Press button 1.
The system maintains and stores the current
vehicle speed.
If, on a downhill grade, the engine braking effect
is not sufficient, the controlled speed may be
exceeded. On uphill grades vehicle speed may
drop if the engine output is insufficient.

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CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
72
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 105.
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 dur-
ing 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 accel-
erate.
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 switch until the DSC OFF indicator
lamp on the speedometer lights up 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.

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