2006 MINI Hardtop 2 Door towing

142
TOWING AND TOW-STARTING
Access to the threaded socket
The illustration shows by way of example
the MINI COOPER and the MINI COOPER
Convertible.
Pry out the cover in the front or rear
bumper by inserting a screwdriver into the
recess.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in
position 1; otherwise the steering
lock could engage and prevent the vehicle
from being steered. There is no power
assist while the engine is off. Therefore,
you will need to exert more force to brake
and steer the vehicle.<
Turn on the hazard warning flashers, if
required by national regulations. If the
electrical system has failed, clearly identify
the vehicle being towed, e.g. by placing a
sign or a warning triangle in the rear win-
dow.
MINI or MINI Convertible with manual
transmission:
Put the gearshift lever in idle position.
MINI or MINI Convertible featuring auto-
matic transmission with Steptronic:
Only tow vehicles featuring auto-
matic transmission with Steptronic
with a tow truck; otherwise the transmis-
sion can be damaged, refer to page143.<
Towing methods
In some countries, it is not permitted to
tow the vehicle with a tow bar or tow rope
on public roads.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable
towing regulations for the country in which
you are driving.
With a tow bar:
The towing vehicle must not be
lighter than the vehicle being towed;
otherwise, vehicle handling can no longer
be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles should
be on the same side. If the tow bar can only
be used in a diagonal position, please note
the following:
>Clearance and maneuverability will be
strictly limited in corners
>The inclination of the tow bar produces
lateral force.
Attach the tow bar to the towing eye-
let only. Attaching it to other parts of
the vehicle can result in damage.<
With a tow rope:
When the towing vehicle is driving off,
make sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for towing
because they prevent sudden jerking
movements. Attach the tow rope to the
towing eyelet only. Attaching it to other
parts of the vehicle can result in damage.<

143
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
TOWING AND TOW-STARTING
With a tow truck:
Have the MINI or MINI Convertible trans-
ported by a tow truck with a lift sling, or on
a flatbed.
Only tow vehicles featuring auto-
matic transmission with Steptronic
with the front wheels raised or on a special
transport vehicle; otherwise the transmis-
sion can be damaged.
Do not lift the vehicle by the towing eyelet,
nor by parts of the body or chassis. Other-
wise damage could result.<
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles featuring
automatic transmission with Step-
tronic.
Jump-starting, refer to page140.<
Only tow-start vehicles with catalytic con-
verters if the engine is cold. It is better to
have the engine jump-started, refer to
page140.
1. Turn on the hazard warning flashers;
comply with national regulations
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Engage the 3rd gear
4. Have the vehicle towed with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. After the engine has
started, immediately depress the clutch
again completely
5. Pull over at a suitable location, remove
the tow bar or tow rope, and turn off the
hazard warning flashers
6. Have the vehicle checked.

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
154
A
ABS Antilock Brake System71
indicator lamp17,18
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle6
Activated-charcoal filter83
Adjusting interior
temperature79,82
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air mode79,82
Air conditioning system78
Air distribution
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation80,83
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure101
Air volume
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Airbags75
passenger airbag status
lamp76
safe seating position42
warning lamp18
AKI, refer to Fuel quality99
All Season traction Control
(ASC)71
indicator lamps17,18 All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires110
Antenna120
Antifreeze
coolant115
washer fluid63
Antilock Brake System (ABS)71
indicator lamp17,
18
Anti-theft system24
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights149,150
Approved engine oils115
Approved gross vehicle weight,
refer to Weights149,150
ASC All Season traction
Control71
indicator lamps17,18
Ashtray85
Assistant systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC)71
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)71
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution82
Automatic
air distribution82
air volume82
cruise control64
Automatic car washes119
Automatic climate control81 Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
ignition53
indicator lamp57
interlock53
selector lever lock56
shiftlock56
towing142
tow-starting143
Average consumption70
setting units70
Average speed70
setting units70
Axle loads, refer to
Weights149,150
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats44
Backup lamp
bulb replacement129
Bar, towing142
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone84
Battery138
charging138
disposal138
indicator lamp16
jump-starting140
power failure138
Battery care68,118 Belts, refer to Safety belts46
Beverage holders85
Black ice, refer to Temperature
warning69
Blower
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Blower, refer to Air volume79
Blowers, refer to Draft-free
ventilation80,83
Bonnet111
indicator lamp17
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders85
Brake discs
brake system97
break-in procedures96
Brake fluid117
level117
warning lamp16
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement129
Brake pads117
break-in procedures96

warning lamp18
Brake system117
brake fluid117
brake pads117
break-in procedures96
disc brakes97
warning lamp17

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
157
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control71
indicator lamp17
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)71
indicator lamp17
E
Easy entry to the rear45
EBD Electronic Brake Force
Distribution71
Electric glass sunroof33
Electric power windows31
initializing32
Electrical malfunction
automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
convertible top38
door lock27
driver's door27
fuel filler door100
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD)71
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)71 Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
convertible top38
driver's door27
fuel filler door100
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
transmission lock, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56
Engine
break-in procedures96
data146
electronics18
indicator lamp18
speed68
starting53
switching off54
Engine compartment
MINI COOPER and MINI
COOPER Convertible112
MINI COOPER S and MINI
COOPER S Convertible113
Engine coolant115
Engine data146
Engine oil114
capacity151
indicator/warning lamp16
recommended oils115
specified oil grades115 Engine oil level114
indicator/warning lamp16
Engine oil level, checking114
Engine oil pressure, indicator/
warning lamp16
Engine output, refer to Engine
data146
Entry to the rear45
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)71
Exhaust system, refer to
Hot exhaust system98
Exterior mirrors48
folding in and out48
Eyelet, for towing and tow-
starting141
F
Failure of an electrical
consumer138
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts46
Filling canister, refer to MINI
Mobility System136
Filling hose, refer to MINI
Mobility System136
Filter, refer to
Microfilter80
Microfilter/Activated-
charcoal filter83 Flat
Run Flat tires
74
Flat tire
Flat Tire Monitor73,74
MINI Mobility System135
space-saver spare tire131
Flat Tire Monitor73
indicator lamp17
Flat tire, refer to Changing
tires133
Flat tire, refer to Tire
condition106
Floor mats121
Fog lamps61
indicator lamp61
Foldable rear backrest88,89
Folding roof, refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof35
Foot braking, refer to General
driving notes97
Front airbags75
Front turn signal indicators,
bulb replacement128
Fuel99
average consumption70
gauge66,67
quality99
tank capacity151

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
160
Manual operation
door lock27
driver's door27
fuel filler door100
glass sunroof, electric34
power convertible top38
tailgate30
transmission lock, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56
Manual transmission55
Master keys with remote
control24
Maximum cooling82
Maximum speed, with winter
tires110
MC operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Mechanical keys, refer to
Master keys24
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory49
Microfilter
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
MINI Maintenance System118
MINI manufacturer6
MINI Mobility System135
compressor136
liquid sealant136 Mirrors48
heating48
Mobile telephone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System135
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety7
Multifunction steering
wheel20
Multifunction steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on the
steering wheel20
Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/
headlamp flasher60
washer/wiper system62

N
Navigation system, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Neck restraints, refer to Head
restraints44
New tires109
Non-smoker's equipment
package, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket85
Nylon rope, refer to Towing and
tow-starting142
O
OBD interface socket119 Octane number, refer to Fuel
quality99
Odometer66
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil115
capacity151
dipstick114
Oil change intervals, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil consumption114
Oil filter change151
Oil level114
indicator lamp16
Oil pressure, indicator lamp16
Oil service68
Onboard computer69
Onboard tool kit126
MINI Mobility System135
Run Flat tires126
space-saver spare tire131
Opening and closing
from inside28
from outside25
via remote control26
via the door lock27 Outlets, refer to
Ventilation78,81
Outside air79

air conditioning system79
Outside air mode, automatic
climate control82
Outside temperature
display69
changing units69
in the onboard computer69
P
Paintwork care, refer to Vehicle
paintwork120
Park Distance Control (PDC)77
Parking
the vehicle98
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC)77
Parking brake54
warning lamp17
Parking lamps59
bulb replacement128
Parking lamps/Low beams59
Parking lock, refer to
PParking56
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle6
Pathway lighting59
PDC Park Distance Control77
Plastic120

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
161
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Pollen, refer to
Microfilter80
Microfilter/Activated-
charcoal filter83
Power convertible top35
Power failure138
Power output, refer to Engine
data146
Power supply, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket85
Power windows31
Pressure, tires101
reinflation using MINI
Mobility System136
Protective function, electric
glass sunroof34
Pumping in liquid sealant136
Q
Quality grades, refer to
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading105
R
Radiator, refer to Coolant115
Radio, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Rain sensor62
Range69
Reading lamps62
Rear backrest, foldable88,89 Rear fog lamp61
bulb replacement130
indicator lamp61
Rear lamps, bulb
replacement129
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps129
Rear seats, adjusting head
restraints44
Rear shelf, refer to Luggage
compartment cover88
Rear turn signal indicators, bulb
replacement129
Rear window wiper63,64
replacement
127
Rearview mirror48
Recirculated air mode
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Reclining seat, refer to Backrest
tilt44
Refueling99
fuel filler door99
Remaining distance for
service68
Remaining distance, refer to
Range69
Remote control25,26
garage door opener86
malfunction27 Remote control key, refer to
Master keys with remote
control24
Replacement key24
Replacement of tires
changing tires131
new wheels and tires109
Reporting safety defects9
Reserve indicator light, refer to
Fuel gauge66,67
Reservoir, washing systems63
Restraint systems
for children50
refer to Safety belts46
Retaining straps92
Reverse
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
manual transmission55
Roller sun blind34
Roof load, refer to
Weights149,150
Roof-mounted luggage rack93
Rope, refer to Towing and Tow-
starting142

RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to
Run Flat tires108 Run Flat tires108
puncture107
replacing109
tire inflation pressure102
winter tires109
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run Flat
tires108
S
Safety belt height
adjustment46
Safety belts46
care121
height adjustment46
indicator lamp17,46
safe seating position42
Safety lock buttons, doors,
refer to Locking28
Safety systems, refer to
Airbags75
All Season traction Control
(ASC)71
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)71
Brake system71
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)71
Safety tires, refer to
Run Flat tires108
Seat adjustment43

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
163
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps129
Tailgate29
emergency operation30
indicator lamp17
opening from the outside29
releasing manually30
remote control26
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel tank
capacity151
Tank gauge, refer to Fuel
gauge66,67
Technical data146
Technical modifications7
Technical modifications, refer
to For your own safety7
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Temperature display
ice warning69
outside temperature69
setting units69
Temperature grades106
Temperature warning69
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control64 Threaded hole for towing
eyelet142
Three-point safety belt46
Through-loading system88,89
Tightening the lug bolts
keys131,135
torque134
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts134
Tire change set
MINI Mobility System137
Run Flat tires108
space-saver spare tire131
Tire failure131
MINI Mobility System135
space-saver spare tire131
Tire inflation pressure101
reinflation136
Tire pressure monitor, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor73
Tire pressure monitoring, Flat
Tire Monitor73
Tire puncture
Run Flat tires74 Tires
age105
break-in procedures96
changing133
condition106
damage107
flat tire108,131
inflation pressure101
replacement109
size, refer to New wheels and
tires109
storage110
tread106
wear indicator, refer to Tire
tread106
winter tires110
Tires with emergency
properties, refer to Run Flat
tires108
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit126
Torque
engine146
lug bolts134
Tow bar142
Tow rope142
Towing141
with automatic
transmission142,143
Towing eyelet141
Tow-starting143 Track width, refer to
Dimensions147,148
Traction grades106
Transmission
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
manual transmission55
Transmission lock, refer to
Range selection56
Transmission malfunction,
refer to Malfunction58
Transporting children safely50
Transporting securely, refer to
Securing the load92
Trap protection,
glass sunroof, electric34
Trash container, refer to
Ashtray85
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread106
Treadwear grade105
Trip odometer66
Trunk, refer to Luggage
compartment in the MINI
Convertible89
Turn signal indicators60
indicator lamp19
Turn signal indicators on the
side, bulb replacement129
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions147,148