2012 MINI Countryman power steering

DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
104
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, page52.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine
braking 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. <
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG

Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
227
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
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page
48; otherwise, the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals, and windshield
wipers may be unavailable. Do not tow the
vehicle 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 warning flashers,
depending 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. <
With towbar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle; otherwise, it may
be impossible to maintain control. <
The tow fittings used should be on the same side
on both vehicles. Should it prove impossible to
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
245
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 84
Backrests, refer to Seats 38
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 218,219
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 225
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 227
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 180
Bass sounds, refer to Tone control 137
Battery 223
– disposal 34,223
– jump-starting 225
– temporary power failure 224
Battery renewal
– remote control 34
Being towed 227
Belts, refer to Safety belts 40
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 40
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 97
Black ice, refer to External temperature warning 59
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 86,88
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating 161,170
Bluetooth audio 153
– device pairing 153
– disconnecting an audio connection 155
– playback 154
– unpairing device 155
– What to do if... 155
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 97
Brake Assist 70
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 62 Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs
219
Brake pads, breaking in 102
Brake rotors 104
– brakes 102
– breaking in 102
Brakes
– ABS 70
– breaking in 102
– MINI Maintenance
System 209
– parking brake 50
– service requirements 62
Br akes,

refer to Braking
safely 103
Brake system 102
– breaking in 102
– disc brakes 104
– MINI Maintenance
System 209
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 225
Breaking in the clutch 102
Break-in period 102
Brightness of Control
Display 68
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 215
Button for starting the engine 48
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
Calendar 186
– displaying appointment 186
– selecting calendar day 186
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call
– muting the microphone 176
Call ending 163,175
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 164,175
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 97 Capacities
235
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 223
Car care 211
Care 211
– car-care products 211
– car washes 211
– CD/DVD drives 214
– high-pressure washers 212
– leather 213
– manual washing 212
– upholstery and fabrics 213
– windows 212
– wiper blades 212
Cargo, securing 108
Cargo area 104
– capacity 234
– Comfort Access 33
– expanding 104
– lamp 83
– opening from outside 30
– trunk lid, refer to Tailgate 30
Cargo area lid, refer to Tailgate 30
Cargo area partition net, refer
to Cargo net 106
Cargo loading 107
– securing cargo 108
– stowing cargo 108
– vehicle 104
Cargo net 106
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 26
Carpets, care 213
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest 94
– refer to Telephone 160,169
Car radio, refer to Radio 139
Car wash
– before driving in 50
– care 211
Car washes 211
Cataly tic convert

er, refer to
Hot exhaust system 103
CD, audio playback 147
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 849 - \251 07/12 BMW AG