8For your own safety
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
containing up to and including
10 % ethanol or other oxygenates with up
to 2.8 % oxygen by weight (i.e. 15 % MTBE or
3 % methanol plus an equivalent amount
of co-solvent) will not void the applicable
warranties with respect to defects in mate-
rials or workmanship. Field experience has
indicated significant differences in fuel
quality (volatility, composition, additives,
others) among gasolines offered for sale in
the United States and Canada. The use of
poor-quality fuels may result in driveability,
starting and stalling problems especially
under certain environmental conditions,
such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be related to
the fuel you are using, we recommend that
you respond by switching to a recognized
high-quality brand.
Failure to comply with these recommenda-
tions may result in unscheduled mainte-
nance.
Obey pertinent safety rules when you are
handling gasoline.
<
Important safety information.
For your own safety, use genuine parts and
accessories approved by the manufacturer
of the MINI.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by the manufacturer of the
MINI and Original MINI Parts, you simulta-
neously acquire the assurance that they
have been thoroughly tested by the manu-
facturer of the MINI to ensure optimum
performance when installed on your
vehicle.
The manufacturer of the MINI warrants
these parts to be free from defects in mate-
rial and workmanship.
The manufacturer of the MINI will not
accept any liability for damages resulting
from installation of parts and accessories
not approved by the manufacturer of the
MINI.
The manufacturer of the MINI cannot test
every product from other manufacturers to
verify if it can be used on a MINI safely and
without risk to either the vehicle, its opera-
tion, or its occupants.
Original MINI Parts, MINI Accessories and
other products approved by the manufac-
turer of the MINI, together with profes-
sional advice on using these items, are
available from all MINI centers.
Installation and operation of non-MINI
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels,
suspension components, brake dust
shields, telephones (including operation
of any portable cellular phone from within
the vehicle without using an externally
mounted antenna) or transceiver equip-
ment (e.g. CB, walkie-talkie, ham radio or
similar) may cause extensive damage to
the vehicle, compromise its safety, inter-
fere with the vehicleÕs electrical system
or affect the validity of the MINI Limited
Warranty. See your MINI center for addi-
tional information.
<
Maintenance, replacement, or repair
of the emission control devices and
systems may be performed by any automo-
tive repair establishment or individual
using any certified automotive part.
<
115
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
TOW-STARTING AND TOWINGFor towing, use either a tow bar or a nylon
rope or nylon belts that prevent sudden
jerking movements.Tow fittingThe screw-in tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains in
the vehicle at all times. This fitting is
designed for installation in the tow sockets
located at the front and rear of the vehicle.
It is intended for towing on paved road
surfaces only. Access to tow socketsUse a suitable object (e.g. credit card,
screwdriver) to press out the covers from
the recess.
Screw the tow fitting in until it
bottoms firmly. If this is not done, the
threads could be damaged.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control
arms, or any other part of the vehicle
suspension, as severe damage to these
components will occur, leading to possible
accidents.<
Tow barsIf the tow fittings of the two vehicles are
not directly opposite one another, please
note:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability
will be strictly limited in corners
>The inclination of the tow bar generates
lateral force (critical above all if the road
surface is slippery).
Do not tow a vehicle that is heavier
than the towing vehicle, otherwise it
will no longer be possible to control vehicle
response.<
