2011 MINI Countryman park assist

Technology for driving comfort and safetyControls
59
Technology for driving comfort and
safety
Park Distance Control
PDC*
The concept
PDC assists you with parking in reverse. Acoustic
signals warn you of the presence of an object
behind the vehicle. The measurement is carried
out by four ultrasonic sensors in the rear
bumper.An acoustic warning sounds when an
object is approx. 24 in/60 cm from the
corner sensors or appr ox. 5 ft/1.50 m from the
center sensors. PDC is a parking aid that can dis-
play objects, which are slowly being
approached, which is the usual case when park-
ing a vehicle. Avoid approaching an object at
high speed; otherwise, physical circumstances
may lead to the system warning being issued
too late. <
Automatic mode
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated automatically after
approx. 1 second when you engage reverse
gear or move the automatic transmission selec-
tor lever to position R. Wait this short period
before driving.
Acoustic signals
As the distance between vehicle and object
decreases, the intervals between the tones
become shorter. If the distance to the nearest
object falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a
continuous tone sounds.
If the distance remains co nstant, e.g. when driv-
ing parallel to a wall, th e acoustic signal stops
after approx. 3 seconds.
Adjustments
The volume of the acoustic signals can be set,
refer to page 102.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp lights up. PDC has failed.
Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they will continue to operate effectively.
When using a high-pressure cleaner, do not
direct the jet toward the sensors for lengthy
periods and only spray from a distance of at least
4in/10cm.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final re sponsibility for esti-
mating the distance between the vehicle
and any obstructions always remains with the
driver. Sensors, too, ha ve blind spots in which
objects cannot be detected. Moreover, ultra-
sonic detection can reach its physical limits with
objects such as trailer tow bars and couplings,
thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low
objects already indicated, such as curbs, may
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, al ways 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 st ability even in adverse
driving conditions.

ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
62
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 char-
acteristics. The ALL4 all- wheel drive system vari-
ably 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: the engine sounds more sporty in
coasting mode.
With automatic transmission:
> More rapid gear shifti ng in Sport program.
Activating the system
Press the SPORT button.
The LED lights up.
SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
>Press the SPORT button again.
> Switch off the engine.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The system does not me asure the actual infla-
tion pressure in the tires.
The system detects a pres sure loss in a tire by
comparing the rotational speeds of the individ-
ual wheels while moving.
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter and
therefore the rotational speed of the corre-
sponding wheel change. This is detected and
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
The system must have be en initialized while the
tire inflation pressure was correct; otherwise,
reliable signaling of a fl at tire is not ensured.
Initialize the system afte r every correction of the
tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.

Things to remember when drivingDriving tips
91
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 135.
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. <
For information on drivin g off using Hill Assist,
refer to page 62.
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 move ment range of the
pedals
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 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. <
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 during manual oper ation of the automatic
transmission, refer to page 45.
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 th e 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 operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an

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. <

MobilityIndicator and warning lamps
166
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Braking action is reduced, stop with
care. Contact the nearest MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Assist failed. The car will not be
held in place after the brake is
released Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Braking action is reduced, stop with
care. Contact the nearest MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Assist failed. The car will not be
held in place after the brake is
released Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads checked without delay.
Indication in Canadian models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads checked without delay.
12Cause What to do

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

ReferenceEverything from A to Z
182
Center Rail, refer to Storage compartments 84
Central locking system 21
– Comfort Access 27
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
– setting unlocking
behavior 21
Changing bulbs 148
Changing wheels 155
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 139
Check Control 57
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 39
Child restraint systems 38
Child seats 38
Child-safety locks 40
Chrome parts, care 146
Chrome parts, refer to Care 144
Cigarette lighter 85
Cleaning headlamps 48
– washer fluid 49
Clock
– 12 h/24 h mode 54
– setting time 57
Closing
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
Clothes hooks 85
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine 42
Comfort Access 27
– replacing the battery 29
– what to observe before entering a car wash 29
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console 14
Compartment for remote control, refer to Ignition
lock 41
Compressed audio files 107
Computer 52
Condensation, refer to When the vehicle is parked 92Condition Based Service
CBS 142
Configuring settings, refer to Personal Profile 20
Connecting vacuum cleaner, refer to Connecting electrical
appliances 86
Consumption, refer to Average fuel consumption 52
Controls and displays 10
Convenient access, refer to Comfort Access 27
Convenient operation
– windows 22
Convenient start, refer to
St
arting the engine 42
Coolant 140
– checking level 141
– filling 141
– temperature 141
Coolant temperature 141
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant 140
Cooling, maximum 79
Copyright 2
Cornering light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 73
Cruising range 52
Cupholders 85
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 178
Current fuel consumption 52
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 74
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit 10
Data 176
– capacities 179
– dimensions 177
– engine 176
– weights 178
Data memory 143 Date
– setting
57
Date setting 103
Daytime running lights 72
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 60
Deactivating front passenger
airbags 68
Deadlocking, refer to Locking 22
Defect
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 128
Defogging windows 78,80
Defrost position, refer to Defrosting windows 78,80
Defrosting windows 78,80
Defrosting windows and removing condensation
– air conditioner 78
– automatic climate control 80
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows 78,80
Differential, breaking in 90
Digital radio, refer to HD
Radio 105
Dimensions 177
Dipstick, engine oil 139
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 46
Displacement, refer to Engine data 176
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 74
Displays 12
– instrument cluster 12
Displays and controls 10
Displays, care 147
Disposal
– of coolant 140
– remote control battery 29
– vehicle battery 156
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 55
Distance warning, refer

to Park
Distance Control PDC 59

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