▷Press the switch to the resistance point. The
window opens while the switch is held.▷Press the switch beyond the resistance
point. The window opens automatically in
the radio ready state and higher.
Press again briefly to stop the opening pro‐
cedure.
To close:
▷Pull the switch to the resistance point. The
window closes while the switch is held.▷Pull the switch beyond the resistance point.
The window closes automatically.
Pressing the switch stops the motion.
MINI Countryman: rear windows
To open:
▷Press the switch to the resistance point. The
window opens while the switch is held.▷Press the switch beyond the resistance
point. The window opens automatically in
the radio ready state and higher.
To close:
▷Pull the switch to the resistance point. The
window closes while the switch is held.▷Pull the switch beyond the resistance point.
The window closes automatically.
Pressing the switch stops the motion.
After the ignition is switched off
The windows can be operated for approx. 1 mi‐
nute after the remote control is removed or the
ignition is switched off.
Pinch protection system
If the closing force exceeds a specific value as a
window closes, the closing action is inter‐
rupted.
The window reopens slightly.
WARNING
When operating the windows, body parts
and objects can be jammed. There is risk of in‐
juries or risk of property damage. Make sure
that the area of movement of the windows is
clear during opening and closing. ◀
WARNING
Accessories on the windows such as an‐
tennas can impact jam protection. There is risk
of injuries. Do not install accessories in the area of movement of the windows. ◀
Closing without the pinch protection system
WARNING
When operating the windows, body parts
and objects can be jammed. There is risk of in‐
juries or risk of property damage. Make sure
that the area of movement of the windows is
clear during opening and closing. ◀
If there is an external danger or, for example, if
ice on the windows prevents a window from closing normally, the window can be closed
manually.1.Pull the switch past the resistance point and
hold it there. Pinch protection is limited and
the window reopens slightly if the closing
force exceeds a certain value.2.Pull the switch past the resistance point
again within approx. 4 seconds and hold it
there.
The window closes without pinch protec‐
tion.Seite 34CONTROLSOpening and closing34
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MINI Countryman: safety switch
With the safety switch, the rear windows are
prevented from being opened or closed via the
switches in the rear passenger area, such as by
children.
Press the button. The LED lights up if the safety
function is switched on.
WARNING
When operating the windows, body parts
and objects can be jammed. There is risk of in‐
juries or risk of property damage. Make sure
that the area of movement of the windows is
clear during opening and closing. ◀
Seite 35Opening and closingCONTROLS35
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Transporting children safelyVehicle features and op‐
tions
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
When using the features and systems described
here, adhere to local regulations.
The right place for chil‐
dren
Information WARNING
Unattended children or animals can move
the vehicle and endanger themselves and traf‐
fic, e.g. with the following actions:▷Pressing the Start/Stop button.▷Releasing the parking brake.▷Opening and closing of doors or windows.▷Shifting the selector lever into neutral.▷Using vehicle equipment.
There is risk of accidents or injuries. Do not
leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐
hicle. Carry remote control along when exiting
and lock the vehicle. ◀
Children should always be in the rear WARNING
Persons shorter than 5 ft, 150 cm cannot
correctly fasten the safety belt without suitable
additional restraint systems. The protective ef‐
fect of the safety belts can be limited or lost
when safety belts are fastened incorrectly. An
incorrectly fastened safety belt can cause addi‐
tional injuries, e.g. in the event of an accident
or during braking and evasive maneuvers.
There is risk of injuries or danger to life. Secure
persons shorter than 5 ft, 150 cm using suitable
restraint systems. ◀
Accident research shows that the safest place
for children is on the rear seat.
Only transport children younger than 12 years
of age (13 years of age) or shorter than 5 ft,
150 cm in the rear in child restraint systems
suitable for the age, weight and size of the
child.
Children 13 years of age or older must wear a
safety belt as soon as a suitable child restraint
system can no longer be used due to their age,
weight and size.
Children on the front passenger seat
Should it be necessary to use a child restraint
fixing system on the front passenger seat,
make sure that the front and side airbags on
the front passenger side are deactivated, refer
to page 75.
Information WARNING
Active front-seat passenger airbags can
injure a child in a child restraint system when
the airbags are activated. There is risk of inju‐
ries. Make sure that the front-seat passenger
airbags are deactivated and that the PASSEN‐
GER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp lights up. ◀
WARNING
The stability of the child restraint system
is limited or compromised with incorrect seat
adjustment or improper installation of the child
seat. There is risk of injuries or danger to life.
Make sure that the child restraint system fitsSeite 45Transporting children safelyCONTROLS45
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3Hook for upper retaining strap4Mounting point5Cargo area floor6Backrest7Upper retaining strap of child restraint fix‐
ing system
Attaching the upper retaining strap to
the mounting point
1.Slide the head restraint upward.2.Center seat: fold the cargo area floor for‐
ward.3.Guide the upper retaining strap between
the supports of the head restraint.4.Attach the upper retaining strap to the
mounting point with the hook.5.Slide the head restraint into the bottom po‐
sition.6.Pull the upper retaining strap taut.
WARNING
If the rear backrest is not locked, the pro‐
tective effect of the child restraint system is lim‐
ited or there is none. In particular situations,
e.g. braking maneuvers or in case of an acci‐
dent, the rear backrest can fold forward. There
is risk of injuries or danger to life. Make sure
that the rear backrests are locked. ◀
MINI Countryman: lock‐
ing doors and windows
Rear doors
Push the locking lever on the rear doors down.
The door can now be opened from the outside
only.
Safety switch for power window This locks the rear window switches so that the
windows cannot be operated from the rear.
Press the safety switch, refer to page 35.
Seite 49Transporting children safelyCONTROLS49
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Steptronic transmissionRemote control in the ignition lock or, with
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to
page 28.1.Depress the brake pedal.2.Move the selector lever to position P or N.3.Press the Start/Stop button.
The ignition is activated automatically for a cer‐
tain time and is stopped as soon as the engine
starts.
Engine stop
General information WARNING
Unattended children or animals can move
the vehicle and endanger themselves and traf‐
fic, e.g. with the following actions:
▷Pressing the Start/Stop button.▷Releasing the parking brake.▷Opening and closing of doors or windows.▷Shifting the selector lever into neutral.▷Using vehicle equipment.
There is risk of accidents or injuries. Do not
leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐
hicle. Carry remote control along when exiting
and lock the vehicle. ◀
WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can put itself into
motion and roll away. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. Before exiting, secure the vehicle against
rolling.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:
▷Set the parking brake.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, turn the
front wheels in the direction of the curb.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, additionally
secure the vehicle, e.g. with a wheel
chock. ◀
Before driving into a car wash
To make it possible for the vehicle to roll in an
automatic car wash, follow the information on
Washing in automatic car washes, refer to
page 190.
Switching off the engine
Manual transmission
1.With the vehicle at a standstill, press the
Start/Stop button.2.Shift into first gear or reverse.3.Set the parking brake firmly.4.Remove the remote control from the igni‐
tion lock.
Steptronic transmission
1.Engage transmission position P with the ve‐
hicle stopped.2.Press the Start/Stop button.3.Set the parking brake firmly.4.Remove the remote control from the igni‐
tion lock.
Parking brake
The concept
The parking brake is primarily intended to pre‐
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it
brakes the rear wheels.
Also follow the instructions under Switching off
the engine, refer to page 52.
Setting The lever engages automatically.
Seite 52CONTROLSDriving52
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WARNING
The washer fluid can freeze onto the win‐
dow at low temperatures and obstruct the
view. There is risk of an accident. Only use the
washer systems, if the washer fluid cannot
freeze. Use antifreeze if needed. ◀
CAUTION
When the wiper water container is empty,
the wash pump cannot work as intended.
There is risk of property damage. Do not use
the washer system when the wash water con‐
tainer is empty. ◀
CAUTION
Use of the washer system with the hood
open may damage the headlamp washer sys‐
tem. There is a risk of property damage. Only
use the washer system if the hood is fully
locked. ◀
Windshield washer nozzles The windshield washer nozzles are heated au‐
tomatically while the engine is running or the
ignition is switched on.
Rear window wiper0Resting position1Switching on intermittent wipe
Turn the cap to level 1.
When reverse gear is engaged, the system
switches to continuous operation.2Cleaning the rear window with intermittent
wipeTurn the cap further to level 2 and hold.3Cleaning the rear window in the resting po‐
sition
Turn the cap to level 3 and hold.
The rear window wiper does not move if the
cap is in position 1 before the ignition is
switched on.
To switch on the rear window wiper:
1.Move the cap to its basic position.2.Select the required position again.
CAUTION
When the wiper water container is empty,
the wash pump cannot work as intended.
There is risk of property damage. Do not use
the washer system when the wash water con‐
tainer is empty. ◀
Washer fluid General information WARNING
Some antifreeze agents can contain
harmful substances and are flammable. There
is risk of fire and risk of injuries. Observe the in‐
structions on the containers. Keep antifreeze
away from ignition sources. Do not refill oper‐
ating materials into different bottles. Store op‐
erating materials out of reach of children.
United States: The washer fluid mixture ratio is
regulated by the U.S. EPA and many individual
states; do not exceed the allowable washer
fluid dilution ratio limits that apply. Follow the
usage instructions on the washer fluid con‐
tainer.
Use of BMW’s Windshield Washer Concentrate
or the equivalent is recommended. ◀
Seite 56CONTROLSDriving56
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WARNING
Washer fluid may catch fire if it comes
into contact with hot engine parts. There is risk
of injuries or risk of property damage. Only refill
washer fluid after the engine has cooled down.
Then fully close the cap of the washer fluid res‐
ervoir. ◀
Washer fluid reservoir
All washer nozzles are supplied from one reser‐
voir.
The recommended minimum filling quantity is
0.2 US gal/1 liter.
Fill with a mixture of window washing concen‐
trate and water; if needed, add antifreeze ac‐
cording to the manufacturer instructions.
Mix the washer fluid before adding to maintain
the correct mixing ratio.
Do not fill in undiluted window washing con‐
centrate and do not fill in pure water; this could
damage the washer system.
Do not mix window washing concentrate from
different manufacturers; this could cause the
washer nozzles to clog.
Manual transmission
CAUTION
When shifting to a lower gear, excessive
speeds can damage the engine. There is risk of
property damage. When shifting into 5th or 6th
gear, press the gearshift lever to the right. ◀
Reverse gear Select only when the vehicle is stationary. When
the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a slight
resistance needs to be overcome.
Steptronic transmission
In addition to the fully automatic mode, gears
can also be shifted manually, refer to
page 58, using Steptronic.
Parking the vehicle Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that se‐
lector lever position P is set. Otherwise, the ve‐
hicle may begin to roll.
Disengaging the remote control
To remove the remote control from the ignition
lock, first move the selector lever to position P
and switch off the engine: interlock. Remove
the remote control from the ignition lock, refer
to page 50.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Seite 57DrivingCONTROLS57
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Knee airbagThe knee airbag supports the legs in a frontal
impact.
Protective action Airbags are not triggered in every impact situa‐
tion, e.g., in less severe accidents or rear-end
collisions.
Information for optimum effect of the
airbags
WARNING
If the seat position is incorrect or the de‐
ployment area of the airbags is impacted, the
airbag system cannot protect as intended or
cause additional injuries due to triggering.
There is risk of injuries or danger to life. Follow
the information on optimum protective effect
of the airbag system. ◀▷Keep at a distance from the airbags.▷Always grasp the steering wheel on the
steering wheel rim, holding your hands at
the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, to
keep the danger of injury to your hands or
arms as low as possible if the airbag is trig‐
gered.▷There should be no people, animals, or ob‐
jects between an airbag and a person.▷Do not use the cover of the front airbag on
the front passenger side as a storage area.▷Keep the dashboard and window on the
front passenger side clear, i.e., do not cover
with adhesive labels or coverings, and do
not attach holders or cables such as for
navigation instruments and mobile phones.▷Make sure that the front passenger is sitting
correctly, i.e., keeps his or her feet and legs
in the footwell; otherwise, leg injuries can
occur if the front airbag is triggered.▷Do not attach covers, cushions, ball mats or
other items to the front passenger seat un‐less they are specifically determined to be
safe for use on the front passenger seat.▷Do not hang pieces of clothing, such as
jackets, over the backrests.▷Make sure that occupants keep their heads
away from the side airbag and do not rest
against the head airbag; otherwise, injuries
can occur if the airbags are triggered.▷Do not remove the airbag restraint system.▷Do not remove the steering wheel.▷Do not apply adhesive materials to the air‐
bag cover panels, cover them or modify
them in any way.▷Never modify either the individual compo‐
nents or the wiring in the airbag system.
This also applies to steering wheel covers,
the dashboard, the seats, the roof pillars
and the sides of the headliner.
Even when all instructions are followed closely,
injury from contact with the airbags cannot be
ruled out in certain situations.
The ignition and inflation noise may lead to
short-term and, in most cases, temporary hear‐
ing impairment in sensitive individuals.
Warning notices and information about the air‐
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger airbags
The system determines whether the front pas‐
senger seat is occupied by measuring the elec‐
trical resistance of the human body.
The front, side, and knee airbags on the front
passenger side are activated or deactivated ac‐
cordingly by the system.
The indicator lamp above the interior rearview
mirror, refer to page 76, shows the current
status of the front passenger airbags, deacti‐
vated or activated.
Before transporting a child on the front passen‐
ger seat, read the safety and operating instruc‐
tions under Transporting children safely, refer
to page 45.
Seite 75SafetyCONTROLS75
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