BMW MINI Countryman Cooper, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 101 / 214

Driving precautions
DRIVING HINTS
99
Roof rack*
A special roof rack system is available as an
accessory for your MINI. Your MINI Service Cen-
tre will gladly provide details. Follow the installa-
tion instructions for the roof rack system.
Loading the roof rack
A loaded roof rack alters the car's road behav-
iour and steering response quite considerably,
by shifting its centre of gravity.
When loading the roof rack, ensure that the
specified roof load limit, the vehicle's gross
weight limit and the axle loads are not
exceeded.
The relevant figures are shown in the Weights
section on page
187 .
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and
should not be too large in area. Heavy items
should always be placed at the bottom.
When loading, see that there is sufficient free
space for free movement for the glass sunroof.
Correct, secure loading of the roof rack will pre-
vent items from shifting or falling off during the
journey.
Drive smoothly. Avoid violent acceleration,
braking or cornering.
Rear luggage rack*
A special rear luggage rack is available as an
optional accessory. It does not require a tow
hitch.
Follow the assembly instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are located underneath
the sealing caps on the bumper.
Removing the sealing caps, see page
170 .
Loading rear luggage rack
Do not exceed the permissible total weight and
axle weights when loading.
The relevant figures are shown in the Weights
section on page
187 .
Towing a trailer
Vehicles built with a factory-installed trailer tow
hitch come with the standard equipment of rein-
forced springs at the rear axle and, depending
on the vehicle model, with a more powerful
engine cooling system.
The trailer load limit is given on page
190 .
Trailer tow hitch with detachable ball
head*
General
The detachable ball end is stowed in a bag under
the flat floor in the luggage compartment.