2015 MINI Countryman ABS

Driving stability control systemsVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series. Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
When using the features and systems described
here, adhere to local regulations.
Antilock Brake System
ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during braking.
Steerability is maintained even during full brak‐
ing. This increases active driving safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
Electronic brake-force distribution EBVThe system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
When braking in curves or during a lane
change, driving stability and steering response
are improved further.
Brake assistant When the brakes are applied rapidly, this sys‐
tem automatically produces the maximum
braking force boost. In this way, the system
helps keep the braking distance as short aspossible. This system utilizes all of the benefits
provided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of full braking.
Dynamic Stability Con‐ trol DSC
The concept
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels
when driving away and accelerating.
DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle condi‐
tions, such as fishtailing or nose-diving. Subject
to physical limits, DSC helps to keep the vehicle
on a steady course by reducing engine speed
and by applying brakes to the individual
wheels.
DSC is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
Adjust your driving style to the situation
An appropriate driving style is always the
responsibility of the driver.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even
with DSC.
Do not reduce the additional safety margin
with a risky driving style, as otherwise there is a
risk of an accident. ◀Seite 81Driving stability control systemsCONTROLS81
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Closing the tailgateDrive with the tailgate closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐
wise, passengers and other road users may be
endangered or the vehicle may be damaged if
an accident occurs or during braking or swerv‐
ing. In addition, exhaust fumes may enter the
passenger compartment. ◀
If, despite this, the vehicle must be driven with
the tailgate open:▷Drive moderately.▷Close all windows and the glass sunroof.▷Switch off recirculated air mode and greatly
increase the blower speed.
Hot exhaust system
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures are generated in the
exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. Make sure
that flammable materials, e. g. hay, leaves,
grass, etc. do not come in contact with the hot
exhaust system during driving, while in idle po‐
sition mode, or when parked. Such contact
could lead to a fire, and with it the risk of seri‐
ous personal injury as well as property damage.
Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise,
there is the danger of getting burned. ◀
Mobile communication devices in the
vehicle
Mobile communication devices in the ve‐
hicle
It is not recommended to use mobile phones,
such as mobile phones without a direct con‐
nection to an external aerial in the vehicle's
passenger compartment. Otherwise, the vehi‐
cle electronics and mobile communication de‐
vices can interfere with each other. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation gener‐
ated during transmission will be discharged
from the vehicle interior. ◀
Hydroplaning On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning. ◀
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tire
tread depth decreases. Minimum tread depth,
refer to page 158.
Driving through water Drive though calm water only if it is not deeper
than 12 inches/30 cm and at this height, no
faster than walking speed, up to
6 mph/10 km/h.
Using the parking brake on inclines Using the parking brake
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle sta‐
tionary with a slipping clutch for extended pe‐
riod; use the parking brake instead. Otherwise, the clutch will be subject to increased wear. ◀
Support from the hill drive-off assistant, refer to
page 83.
Braking safely The vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations when this is neces‐
sary.
The vehicle maintains steering responsiveness.
You can still avoid any obstacles with a mini‐
mum of steering effort.Seite 111Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS111
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Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.
Do not let your foot rest on the brake
pedal
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal. Even light but consistent pedal pressure
can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure. ◀
Objects in the area around the pedals No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the area of motion of the pedals;
otherwise, the function of the pedals could be
impeded while driving
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved
for the vehicle and can be properly fixed in
place.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened
again when they are returned after being re‐
moved, such as 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.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
road users.
The heat generated in this process helps dry
the brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
HillsDrive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Oth‐
erwise, the brake system may overheat, result‐
ing in a reduction in the brake system effi‐
ciency.You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, going all the way to first gear, if
necessary.
Downshifting in manual mode of the Steptronic
transmission, refer to page 56.
Avoid load on the brakes
Avoid placing excessive load on the brake
system. Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure. ◀
Do not drive in neutral
Never drive with the transmission in neu‐
tral, with the engine switched off or with the
clutch depressed; otherwise, you will have nei‐
ther the braking action of the engine or nor its
power assistance when braking or steering. ◀
Brake disc corrosion Corrosion on the brake discs and contamina‐
tion on the brake pads are furthered by:▷Low mileage.▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion occurs when the minimum pressure
that must be exerted by the pads during brake
applications to clean the discs is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake discs, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating ef‐
fect that generally cannot be corrected.
When the vehicle is parked
When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops that exits under‐
neath the vehicle.
Therefore, traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are normal.
After the engine is switched off, the coolant
pump may continue running for some time in
the MINI Cooper S. This causes noises in the en‐
gine compartment.
Seite 112DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving112
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Changing wheels and
tires
Mounting Information on mounting tires
Have mounting and balancing performed
only by a service center or tire specialist.
If this work is not carried out properly, there is
the danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards. ◀
Wheel and tire combination Information on the right wheel and tire combi‐
nation and rim version for your vehicle can be
obtained from the service center.
Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair
the function of a variety of systems such as ABS
or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle re‐
sponse, use only tires with a single tread con‐
figuration from a single manufacturer.
Following tire damage, have the original wheel
and tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.
Approved wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle recom‐
mends that you use only wheels and tires that
have been approved for your particular vehicle
model.
For example, despite having the same official
size ratings, variations can lead to body contact
and with it, the risk of severe accidents.
The manufacturer of your vehicle cannot evalu‐
ate non-approved wheels and tires to deter‐
mine if they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of the vehi‐
cle if they are mounted. ◀Wheels with electronics for TPM Tire
Pressure Monitor
When mounting new tires or changing from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise, the
Tire Pressure Monitor will not be able to detect
a flat tire, refer to page 76. Your service center
will be glad to advise you.
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your ve‐
hicle recommends certain tire brands. These
are indicated by the clearly visible marking on
the tire sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling.
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires.
Retreaded tires
Possibly substantial variations in the de‐
sign and age of the tire casing structures can
limit service life and have a negative impact on
road safety. ◀
Winter tires The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
winter tires for winter roads or at temperatures
below +45 ℉/+7 ℃.
Although so-called all-season M+S tires do pro‐
vide better winter traction than summer tires,
they do not provide the same level of perform‐
ance as winter tires.
Seite 159Wheels and tiresMOBILITY159
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4.Squeeze the lower bulb at both tabs and
pull out.5.Insert the new bulb and attach the cover in
reverse order.
Lateral turn signals
5-watt bulb, W 5 W
1.Open the hood.2.Squeeze the clip, arrows, and remove the
bulb holder.3.Remove the bulb by turning it to the left
and replace it.4.Insert the new bulb and attach the cover in
reverse order.
Side marker lights
To replace these bulbs, contact the service cen‐
ter.
Tail lights, bulb replacement
Follow the general instructions on lamps and
bulbs, refer to page 172.
Turn signal: 21-watt bulb, PY 21 W
MINI Countryman1Brake/tail light2Turn signal3Brake/tail light4Backup light
MINI Paceman
1Brake light2Tail light3Turn signal4Backup light
Replacing
All bulbs are integrated in a central bulb holder.
MINI Countryman
1.Switch off the lights and take the remote
control out of the ignition lock.2.Open the tailgate.Seite 176MOBILITYReplacing components176
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two jumper cables. In the same way, you can
help jump-start another vehicle. Only use
jumper cables with fully insulated clamp han‐
dles.
To prevent personal injury or damage to both
vehicles, adhere strictly to the following proce‐
dure.
Do not touch live parts
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal injury,
always avoid all contact with electrical compo‐
nents while the engine is running. ◀
Preparation1.Check whether the battery of the other ve‐
hicle has a voltage of 12 volts and approxi‐
mately the same capacitance in Ah. This in‐
formation can be found on the battery.2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi‐
cle.3.Switch off any electronic systems/power
consumers in both vehicles.
Bodywork contact between vehicles
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise there
is a danger of shorting. ◀
Connecting jumper cables
Connecting order
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order; otherwise, there is the danger of injury
from sparking. ◀1.Open the battery cover in the engine com‐
partment to access the positive terminal.2.Unlock the tabs of the positive terminal
cover on the left and right, arrows 1, and
raise the cover, arrow 2.3.Attach one terminal clamp of the positive
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or to a starting aid terminal of the
vehicle providing assistance.4.Attach the second clamp of the positive
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery of the vehicle to be started.5.Attach one terminal clamp of the negative
jumper cable to the negative terminal of
the battery, or to the corresponding engine
or body ground of the vehicle providing as‐
sistance.6.Attach the second clamp of the negative
jumper cable to the negative terminal ofSeite 182MOBILITYBreakdown assistance182
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12CauseHow to respondDynamic Stability Control DSC and Dynamic
Traction Control DTC failed.Driving stability limited during ac‐
celeration and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.ALL4 all-wheel drive failed.It is possible to continue driving.
Drive cautiously and defensively.
Avoid operating on poor roads and
using the full throttle and kickdown
positions of the accelerator. Have
the system checked immediately.ALL4 all-wheel drive and DSC failed.It is possible to continue driving.
Drive cautiously and defensively.
Avoid operating on poor roads and
using the full throttle and kickdown
positions of the accelerator. Have
the system checked immediately.Indication in US modelsThe driving stability control systems includ‐
ing ABS and the Tire Pressure Monitor dis‐
play have failed, refer to page 81.Reduced braking and driving stabil‐
ity. Drive cautiously and defen‐
sively. Avoid full brake application,
operation on poor roads, and use
of full throttle and kickdown posi‐
tions of the accelerator. Have the
system checked immediately.Indication in US modelsSeite 197Indicator/warning lampsMOBILITY197
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12CauseHow to respondThe driving stability control systems includ‐
ing ABS, ALL4 all-wheel drive, and the Tire
Pressure Monitor display have failed, refer
to page 81.Reduced braking and driving stabil‐
ity. Drive cautiously and defen‐
sively. Avoid full brake application,
operation on poor roads, and use
of full throttle and kickdown posi‐
tions of the accelerator. Have the
system checked immediately.Indication in Canadian modelsThe driving stability control systems includ‐
ing ABS and the Flat Tire Monitor or the Tire
Pressure Monitor have failed, refer to
page 81.Reduced braking and driving stabil‐
ity. Drive cautiously and defen‐
sively. Avoid full brake application,
operation on poor roads, and use
of full throttle and kickdown posi‐
tions of the accelerator. Have the
system checked immediately.Indication in Canadian modelsThe driving stability control systems includ‐
ing ABS, ALL4 all-wheel drive, and the Flat
Tire Monitor or the Tire Pressure Monitor
have failed, refer to page 81.Reduced braking and driving stabil‐
ity. Drive cautiously and defen‐
sively. Avoid full brake application,
operation on poor roads, and use
of full throttle and kickdown posi‐
tions of the accelerator. Have the
system checked immediately.In vehicles with the Flat Tire MonitorLight up in yellow and red:A tire is deflated.Carefully bring the car to a stop.
Additional information, refer to
page 74.Seite 198MOBILITYIndicator/warning lamps198
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