2007 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE tow

144
TOWING AND TOW-STARTINGAccess 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 page145.<
Overriding the selector lever lock, refer to
page59.Towing methodsIn 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.<

145
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
TOWING AND TOW-STARTINGWith 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 page142.<
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever
possible. Jump-start the engine instead,
refer to page142. Vehicles with a catalytic
converter should only be tow-started if the
engine is cold. Vehicles with an automatic
transmission cannot be tow-started.
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
156
A
ABS Antilock Brake System72
indicator lamp17,18
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle6
Activated-charcoal filter84
Adjusting interior
temperature80,83
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air mode80,83
Air conditioning system79
Air distribution
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
individual84
manual80
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation81,84
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure104
Air volume
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
Airbags76
passenger airbag status
lamp77
safe seating position42
warning lamp18
AKI, refer to Fuel quality101 All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
indicator lamps17,18
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires113
Antenna123
Antifreeze
coolant118
washer fluid64
Antilock Brake System (ABS)72
indicator lamp17,18
Anti-theft system24
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights151,152
Approved engine oils118
Approved gross vehicle weight,
refer to Weights151,152
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest86
ASC All Season traction
Control72
indicator lamps17,18
Assistant systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution83 Automatic
air distribution83
air volume83
cruise control65
Automatic car washes122
Automatic climate control82
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
ignition53
indicator lamp57
interlock53
selector lever lock56
shiftlock56
towing144
tow-starting145
Aux-In socket85
Average consumption71
setting units71
Average speed71

setting units71
Axle loads, refer to
Weights151,152
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats44
Backup lamp
bulb replacement131
Bar, towing144
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone86 Battery140
charging140
disposal140
indicator lamp16
jump-starting142
power failure140
Battery care69,121
Being towed144
Belts, refer to Safety belts46
Beverage holders86
Black ice, refer to Temperature
warning70
Blower
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
Blower, refer to Air volume80
Blowers, refer to Draft-free
ventilation81,84
Bonnet114
indicator lamp17
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders86
Brake discs
brake system99
break-in procedures98
Brake fluid120
level120

warning lamp16
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement131

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
159
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Driving downhill99
Driving hints, refer to Driving
notes98
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams60
Driving notes98
Driving stability control
systems72
Driving through water100
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function80,83
Drying air,
refer to Cooling
function80,83
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control72
indicator lamp17
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
indicator lamp17
E
Easy entry to the rear45
EBD Electronic Brake Force
Distribution72
Electric glass sunroof33
Electric power windows31
initializing32 Electrical malfunction
automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
convertible top38
door lock27
driver's door27
fuel filler door102,103
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD)72
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
convertible top38
driver's door27
fuel filler door102,103
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
transmission lock, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56 Engine
break-in procedures98
data148
electronics18
indicator lamp18
overheated, refer to
Coolant temperature
gauge68
speed69
starting53
switching off54
Engine compartment
MINI COOPER and MINI
COOPER Convertible115
MINI COOPER S and MINI
COOPER S Convertible116
Engine coolant118
Engine data148
Engine oil117
adding117
dipstick117
indicator/warning lamp16
recommended oils118
specified oil grades118
Engine oil level117
indicator/warning lamp16
Engine oil level, checking117
Engine oil pressure, indicator/
warning lamp16
Engine output, refer to Engine
data148 Entry to the rear45
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)72
Exhaust system, refer to
Hot exhaust system100
Exterior mirrors48
adjusting48
automatic heating48
folding in and out48
External audio device85
Eyelet, for towing and tow-
starting143
F
Failure of an electrical
consumer140
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts46
Filling canister, refer to MINI
Mobility System138
Filling hose, refer to MINI
Mobility System138
Filter, refer to
Microfilter81
Microfilter/Activated-
charcoal filter84

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
161
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
I
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature warning70
Ignition53
Ignition key24
Ignition key positions, refer to
Ignition lock53
Ignition lock53
Illuminated vanity mirror48
Imitation leather123
Imprint2
Index156
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview16
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags77
ASC73
brakes120
coolant temperature68
DSC73
fasten safety belts46
Flat Tire Monitor75
fog lamps62
reserve fuel capacity67,68
Individual air distribution84
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory49
Inflation pressure monitor,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor74
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure104 Inspection69
Instrument cluster, refer to
Display elements13
Instrument lighting62
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit12
Integrated universal remote
control88
Interior lamp, remote
control26

Interior lamps62
Interior rearview mirror48
automatic dimming98
Interlock, refer to Steering
locked53
Intermittent operation of the
wipers63
Interval
display, service121
J
Jack133,137
points136
Jack, refer to Tire change set
MINI Mobility System137
Run-Flat Tires111
space-saver spare tire133
Jacking points136
Jets, refer to Ventilation81,84
Jets, refer to Windshield
washer jets64 John Cooper Works Kit148
Jump-starting142
K
Keys24
Kickdown57
Knock control101
L
Lamp defect129
Lamp replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs129
Lamps and bulbs129
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams60
Lashing eyelets, refer to
Securing the load94
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system52
Leather care124
LEDs light-emitting diodes132
Length, refer to
Dimensions149,150
License plate lamp, bulb
replacement132
Lifting handle, space-saver
spare tire133
Light switch60
Light-alloy wheels, care123
Light-emitting diodes
(LEDs)132 Lighter87
Lighting
lamps and bulbs129
Lighting of the instruments62
Lights on warning61
Load securing devices, refer to
Securing the load94
Loading
securing cargo94
stowing cargo94
Loading the vehicle92
Loads, refer to Loading cargo92
Locking
from inside28
from outside26
Locking/unlocking the vehicle,
acknowledgment
signals26,27
Low beams60
bulb replacement130
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support44

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
162
Luggage compartment
cover90
emergency operation, refer
to Manual release30
expanding90
lid, refer to Tailgate29
opening from the outside29
opening with the remote
control26
opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate29
volume151,152
Luggage compartment in the
MINI90
Luggage compartment lid
emergency operation, refer
to Manual release30
opening with the remote
control26
Luggage compartment lid, refer
to Tailgate29
Luggage compartment net94
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack95
Lumbar support44
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires113
Maintenance system121 Maintenance, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models121
Malfunction
automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
convertible top38
door lock27
fuel filler door102,103
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
tire112
Manual air distribution80
Manual operation
door lock27
driver's door27
fuel filler door102,103
glass sunroof, electric34
power convertible top38
tailgate30
transmission lock, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56
Manual transmission55
Master keys with remote
control24
Maximum cooling83 Maximum speed, with winter
tires113
MC operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Mechanical keys, refer to
Master keys24
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory49
Microfilter
air conditioning system81
automatic climate control84
MINI homepage6
MINI Maintenance System121
MINI manufacturer6
MINI Mobility System137
compressor138
liquid sealant138
Mirrors48
exterior48
heating48
interior rearview48
Mobile telephone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System137
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety7
Multifunction steering
wheel20 Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/
headlamp flasher61
washer/wiper system63
N
Navigation system, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Neck restraints, refer to Head
restraints44
New tires112
Non-smoker's equipment
package, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket87
Nylon rope, refer to Towing and
tow-starting144
O
OBD interface socket122
Octane number, refer to Fuel
quality101
Odometer67
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil118
dipstick117
Oil change intervals, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
164
Replacement of tires
changing tires133
new wheels and tires112
Reporting safety defects9
Reserve indicator light, refer to
Fuel gauge67,68
Reservoir for washer fluid64
Reservoir, washing systems64
Restraint systems
for children50
refer to Safety belts46
Retaining straps94
Reverse
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
manual transmission55
Rod antenna123
Roller sun blind34
Roof load, refer to
Weights151,152
Roof-mounted luggage rack95
Rope, refer to Towing and Tow-
starting144
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to
Run-Flat Tires111
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires111 Run-Flat Tires111
puncture110
replacing112
tire inflation pressure105
winter tires112
S
Safety belt height
adjustment46
Safety belts46
care124
height adjustment46
indicator lamp17,
46
reminder46
safe seating position42
Safety lock buttons, doors,
refer to Locking28
Safety systems, refer to
Airbags76
All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)72
Brake system72
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
Safety tires, refer to
Run-Flat Tires111
Seat adjustment43
Seat heating47 Seat-belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts47
Seats
heating47
safe seating position42
Securing loads, refer to Loading
cargo92
Securing the load94
Securing the vehicle
from inside28
from outside26
Selector lever positions,
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
Selector lever shiftlock, refer to
Shiftlock56
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models121
Service interval display69,121
Shift paddles58
Shifting gears in the automatic
transmission with
Steptronic58
Shiftlock, refer to Range
selection56
Side airbags76
Side turn signal indicators, bulb
replacement131
Signal horn, refer to Horn12
Sitting safely42
with airbags42
with head restraints42
with safety belt42
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector40
Smoker's equipment package,
refer to Ashtray86
Snow chains113
Socket 12 V87
Socket for
onboard diagnostics122
Socket in the luggage
compartment87
Space-saver spare tire
changing tires133
inflation pressure105
Spare key24
Spare tire, refer to Space-saver
spare tire133
Special oils, refer to Specified
engine oils118
Special wash program122
Specified oils118

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
165
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Speed148
with Run-Flat Tires75
with the space-saver spare
tire135
with winter tires113
Speedometer13,14
Speedometer, refer to Display
elements13,14
Split rear backrest, refer to
Foldable rear backrest90
Through-loading system91
Sport program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic57
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems72
Standing lamps60
bulb replacement130
Starting aid, refer to Jump-
starting142
Starting problems
at very low temperatures54
jump-starting142
Starting the engine53
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine53
Start-off assistance, refer to
ASC72
Start-off assistance, refer to
DSC72 Steering lock53
Steering wheel12
buttons on the steering
wheel20
settings47
Steering wheel lock53
Steptronic, refer to Manual
mode57
Storage compartments85
Storage space, refer to
Luggage compartment in the
MINI90
Luggage compartment in the
MINI Convertible
91
Storing the tires113
Storing the vehicle125
Sun blind, refer to Roller sun
blind34
Sun visors48
Switches, refer to Cockpit12
Switching off
the engine54
Switching the cooling function
on and off manually80,83
Symbols6
T
Tachometer69
Tail lamps, bulb
replacement131 Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps131
Tailgate29
emergency operation30
indicator lamp17
opening from the outside29
releasing manually30
remote control26
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel tank
capacity153
Tank gauge, refer to Fuel
gauge67,68
Technical data148
Technical modifications7
Technical modifications, refer
to For your own safety7
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
Temperature display
ice warning70
outside temperature70
setting units70

Temperature grades109
Temperature warning70
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control65 Threaded hole for towing
eyelet144
Three-point safety belt46
Through-loading system90,91
Tightening the lug bolts
keys133,137
torque136
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts136
Tire change set
MINI Mobility System139
Run-Flat Tires111
space-saver spare tire133
Tire failure133
MINI Mobility System137
space-saver spare tire133
Tire inflation pressure104
reinflation138
Tire pressure monitor, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor74
Tire pressure monitoring, Flat
Tire Monitor74
Tire puncture
Run-Flat Tires75