
DrivingCONTROLS
49
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
catalytic 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
Comfort Access, refer to page 32.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Depress the clutch.
3. Press the Start/Stop button.
Automatic transmission
Key in ignition lock or inside vehicle with
Comfort Access, refer to page 32.
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.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG

RefuelingMOBILITY
195
The fuel tank is full when you top off twice after
the first time that the fuel pump nozzle clicks off.Do not overfill the fuel tank; otherwise,
overflowing fuel can cause damage to the
environment and the vehicle.<
Fuel tank capacity
If the range displayed is less than
30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other-
wise, engine functions are not guaranteed and
damage may occur. <
Approx. 12.3USgal/47liters, including the
reserve capacity of 2.1 US gal/8 liters.
If the engine can no longer be started because
of an empty fuel tank, add at least 1.3 US gal/
5 liters of fuel. If the vehicle is at an angle, a
larger amount of fuel may be necessary.
Fuel specifications
Gasoline
For optimum fuel efficiency, the gasoline should
be free of sulfur or as low in sulfur as possible.
Fuels that are labeled at the pump as containing
metal may not be used.
Do not fill the tank with leaded gasoline or
gasoline that contains metal additives,
such as manganese or iron; otherwise, long term
damage to the catalytic converter or other
components may result. <
Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of up to
10 %, that is, E10, can be used.
The ethanol should meet the following quality
standards:
US: ASTM 4806-xx
CAN: CGSB-3.511-xx
xx: Always observe currently valid standards.
Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel con-
taining 85 % ethanol, nor with FlexFuel.
Otherwise, the engine and fuel supply system
will be damaged. < The engine is knocking regulated. Therefore,
different grades of gasoline can be used for
refueling.
Recommended gasoline grades
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends:
>
AKI 91.
> John Cooper Works: AKI 93.
Minimum quality
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
AKI 89.
Do not use any gasoline below the speci-
fied minimum fuel grade. Otherwise, the
engine could be damaged. <
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI rating,
the engine may produce knocking sounds when
starting at high external temperatures. This has
no effect on the engine life.
The use of poor quality fuels may result in
harmful engine deposits or damage. Addi-
tionally, problems relating to driveability, start-
ing and stalling, especial ly under certain envi-
ronmental conditions such as high ambient
temperatures and high altitudes, may occur.
If driveability problems are encountered, we
recommend switching to a high quality gasoline
brand and a higher octane grade - AKI number -
for a few tankfuls. To avoid harmful engine
deposits, it is highly recommended to purchase
gasoline from BP or Top Tier retailers.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may result in a need for unscheduled mainte-
nance. <
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG

MOBILITYMaintenance
210
Socket for On-Board
Diagnosis OBD
The primary components that make up the
emissions can be checked by a device via the
OBD socket.
Emissions
The warning lamps come on. The vehicle
is producing higher emissions. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the car checked as soon as possible.
Under certain circumstances, one of the lamps
will flash or light up cont inuously. This indicates
excessive misfiring or a malfunction in the
engine. If this happens, reduce your speed and
visit the nearest MINI dealer as soon as possible.
Severe misfiring can quickly lead to serious
damage of emissions-related components,
especially the catalytic converter. In addition,
mechanical engine components can become
damaged.
If the fuel cap is not properly tightened,
the OBD system may conclude that fuel
vapors are escaping, causing an indica-
tor to light up. If the fuel cap is then tightened,
the indicator should go out within a few days.
Data memory
Your vehicle displays da ta about the operation,
malfunctions, and user settings. These data are
stored in the vehicle and can be partly stored in
the remote control; the data can be read by suitable devices, in pa
rticular at your MINI
dealer. The data read out are used for support-
ing the service processe s and repair or for
optimization and development of vehicle
functions.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG

MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
228
avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please
observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuver ing capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
> The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage. <
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other pa rts of the vehicle could
result in damage. <
With tow truck: vehicles without ALL4
all-wheel drive
Have the MINI Countryman transported by a tow
truck with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
With tow truck: vehicles with ALL4 all-
wheel drive
Do not have your vehicle with ALL4 all-
wheel drive towed with the front or rear
axle raised individually; otherwise, the wheels
may lock and the transfer case may be
damaged. < Only have your MINI Countryman transported
on a flat bed.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever
possible; instead, jump-start the engine,
page
225. Vehicles with a catalytic converter
should only be tow-started when the engine is
cold, vehicles with an automatic transmission
cannot be tow-started at all.
1. Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2. Switch on the ignition, page 48.
3. Shift into 3rd gear.
4. Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. After the engine starts,
immediately depress the clutch completely
again.
5. Stop at a suitable lo cation, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard
warning flashers.
6. Have the vehicle checked.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG