2012 MINI Countryman tow bar

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
69
Technology for driving comfort and
safety
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.
Park Distance Control
PDC
The concept
PDC assists you with parking in reverse. Acoustic
signals and a visual indicator
warn you of the
presence of an object behind the vehicle. The
measurement is carried out by four ultrasonic
sensors in the rear bumper.
These sensors have a range of approx.
6.5ft/2m. However, an acoustic warning
does not sound until an object is approx. 24 in/
60 cm from the rear corner sensors or approx.
5 ft/1.50 m from the rear center sensors. PDC is
a parking aid that can indicate objects when
they are approached slowly, as is usually the
case when parking. Avoid approaching an
object at high speed; otherwise, physical cir-
cumstances 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 constant, e.g. when
driving parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal
stops after approx. 3 seconds.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp lights up. PDC has failed.
A message appears on the Control
Display. 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 clea ner, do not direct the
jet toward the sensors for lengthy periods and
only spray from a distance of at least 4 in/10 cm.
PDC with visual warning
To have the system show distances to objects on
the Control Display. The contours of distant
objects are shown on the Control Display even
before the acoustic sign al sounds. The display
appears on the Control Di splay as soon as the
transmission is shifted in to reverse or the selec-
tor lever is moved into the R position.
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
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Replacing componentsMOBILITY
215
Replacing components
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.
Wiper blades
Do not place windshield wipers on the
windshield if wiper blades are not
installed; otherwise, the windshield may be
damaged. <
Changing the front wiper blades
1.Fold out the wiper arm and hold it.
2. Press together the locking spring, arrows 1,
and fold out the wiper blade, arrow 2.
3. Pull the wiper blade forward and out of the
catch mechanism.
4. Press the new wiper blade into the fixture
until it engages audibly.
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the hood. <
Changing the rear wiper blade
1.Fold out the wiper arm and hold it.
2. Rotate the wiper blade toward the back as
far as it will go, arrow.
3. Press the wiper blade against the limit and
thus out of the mounting.
4. Press the new wiper blade into the fixture
until it engages audibly.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribution
to vehicle safety. They should, therefore, be
handled carefully. The manufacturer of your
MINI recommends having your MINI dealer per-
form any work that you do not feel competent to
perform yourself or that is not described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contaminatio n will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean tissue, cloth or some thing similar, or hold
the bulb by its base.<
You can obtain a selectio n of replacement bulbs
at your MINI dealer.
Only replace bulbs after they have cooled
down; otherwise, you may burn your
fingers.<
When working on electrical systems,
always begin by switching off the
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Replacing componentsMOBILITY
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4.Unscrew the dust cap from the valve of the
defective wheel and screw the filling hose 2
of the sealant bottle onto the valve.
5. Ensure that the compre ssor is switched off.
6. Insert the plug 5 into the lighter socket/
power socket in the vehicle interior,
page 98.
7. With the engine running:
Switch on the compre ssor and let run for
about 3 to 8 minutes in order to add the
sealant and to achieve an inflation pressure
of about 1.8 bar/26 psi.
When adding sealant, the filling
pressure can temporarily increase up
to about 5 bar/73 psi. Do not switch off the
compressor during this phase. <
Do not run the compressor for longer
than 10 minutes; otherwise, the
device will overheat and possibly be
damaged. <
8. Switch off the compressor.
If an inflation pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi is not
reached:
1. Unscrew the filling hose 2 from the wheel
and drive the vehicle forward and backward
approx. 33 ft/10 m to distribute the liquid
sealant in the tire evenly.
2. Inflate the tire again with the compressor.
If an inflation pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi
still cannot be reached, then the tire is too
heavily damaged. Please contact the nearest
MINI dealer. <
Stowing Mobility Kit
1.Unscrew filler hose 2 of the sealant bottle
from the wheel.
2. Unscrew connecting hose of the
compressor 6 from the sealant bottle.
3. Connect the filler hose 2 of the sealant bot-
tle to the unoccupied connection on the
sealant bottle.
This prevents the rest of the sealant from
escaping from the bottle.
4. Wrap the empty sealant bottle in suitable
material to avoid dirtying the cargo area.
5. Stow Mobility Kit back in the vehicle.
Distributing the sealant.
Immediately drive approx. 3.1 miles/5 km so
that the sealant evenly distributes itself.
Do not exceed speeds of 50 mph/
80 km/h.
If possible, do not drop below 10 mph/
20 km/h.<
Correct the tire inflation pressure.
1. After driving approx. 3.1 miles/5 km or
ten minutes, stop at a suitable location.
2. Screw the connection hose 6 of the
compressor directly onto the tire valve.
3. Insert the plug 5 into the power socket in
the vehicle interior.
4. Adjust tire pressure to 1.8 bar/26 psi. With
the engine running:
> To increase the inflatio n pressure: switch on
the compressor. To check the current infla-
tion pressure, switch off the compressor.
Do not run the compressor for longer
than 10 minutes; otherwise, the
device will overheat and possibly be
damaged. <
> To decrease the inflat ion pressure: press the
release button 9.
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Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
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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
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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.
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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
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
255
Telephone
– hands-free system166,178
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 94
– voice commands 178
Telephone receiving power, refer to Status
information 19
Temperature display
– setting the units 61
Temperature of coolant, refer to Coolant temperature 208
Temperature setting
– air conditioner 86
– automatic climate control 88
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 56
Tensioning straps, refer to Securing cargo 108
Text message 185
Third brake lamp, refer to Center brake lamp 219
Three-point safety belt 40
Tightening the lug bolts
– torque 223
Tightening torque, refer to Tightening lug bolts 223
Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor 74
– indicator/warning lamp 74
– MINI Mobility Kit 220
– run-flat tires 74
– Tire Pressure Monitor 75
Tire inflation pressure 196
– loss 74,75
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor 73
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 75
– limitations of system 75
– resetting system 76
– warning lamp 76
Tire Quality Grading 201Tires
– age
203
– breaking in 102
– changing, refe r to Changing
wheels 222
– condition 202
– damage 202
– inflation pressure 196
– inflation pressure loss 76
– minimum tread depth 202
– new tires 203
– pressure monitoring, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 73
– pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 75
– puncture 74
– size 201
– we ar

indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth 202
– winter tires 204
– with emergency operation
properties 203
Tires with emergency operation properties, refer to
Run-flat tires 203
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-flat tires 203
TMC station, refer to Traffic information 129
Tone
– middle setting 138
Tone during audio playback
– adjusting 137
Torque 232
– lug bolts 223
Tow bar 227
Tow fitting 227
– screw thread 227
Tow fittings for tow-starting and towing away 227
Towing 226
– car with automatic transmission 227
– methods 227 Tow rope
228
Tow-starting 226
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor 75
Track
– selecting on CD 147
Track width, refer to
Dimension 233
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 70
Traffic bulletins
– categories 131
– filtering 131
Traffic congestion
– displaying traffic
information 129
– refer to Route, bypassing segments 126
Traffic information for navigation
– displaying 130
Traffic information in navigation
– screen display in the map
view 131
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 50
– manual transmission 50
– overriding selector lever lock for automatic transmission
with Steptronic 52
Transporting children safely 44
Transport securing devices, refer to Securing cargo 108
Tread depth, refer to Minimum tire tread 202
Treble, refer to Tone
control 137
Trip computer 60
Trip-dist a
n

ce counter, refer to
Trip odometer 59
Triple turn signal activation 53
Trip odometer 59
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