2008 MINI Clubman warning

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
111
Exhaust emission values
The warning lamps come on. The
exhaust emission values have turned
poor and there is a danger of engine
damage. You can continue your jour-
ney, but moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the car checked as soon as possi-
ble.
Under certain circumstances, one of the lamps
will flash or light up continuously. This indicates
excessive misfiring or a malfunction in the
engine. If this happens, reduce your speed and
visit the nearest MINI Dealer as soon as possible.
Severe misfiring can quickly lead to serious dam-
age of emissions-related components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter. In addition,
mechanical engine components can become
damaged.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tightened, the
OBD system may conclude that fuel vapors are
escaping, causing an indicator to light up. If the
filler cap is then tightened, the indicator should
go out within a few days.
Event data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring or diagnostic modules or a
device for recording or sending certain vehicle
data or information.

Care
112
Care
Suitable car-care products
Use the cleaning and car-care products
available at your MINI Dealer.<
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous
or health-damaging substances. Follow
the warning and hazard instructions on the
packaging. For interior cleaning, always open
the doors or windows of the vehicle.
Do not use any products that are not intended
for cleaning the vehicle.<
Washing your vehicle
You can wash your new MINI in an automatic car
wash from the first day. Preference should be
given to cloth car washes. If, due to lack of avail-
ability, brush car washes must be used, modern
systems with soft brushes should be given pref-
erence.
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, ensure that you maintain a suffi-
cient distance to the vehicle and do not exceed a
maximum temperature of 1407/606. If the
jet is too close or the pressure is too high, this
can lead to damage or initial damage that can
develop into more serious damage. Water that
enters vehicle components can lead to damage
over the long term.
After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes
briefly to dry them, otherwise water can reduce
braking efficiency over the short term and the
brake rotors can corrode.
Switch the rain sensor off when passing through
an automatic car wash, page44. Failure to do so
could result in damage caused by undesired
wiper activation.<
Frameless doors
In car washes working with high pressures and
jet positions near the vehicle windows, small
amounts of water may drip into the interior.
Rear window wiper
In automatic car washes, the rear window wip-
ers may be damaged. Ask the car wash operator about measures that can be taken to protect the
wipers.
Rod antenna
If necessary, for example before entering a car
w a s h o r a g a r a g e w i t h a n e l e v a t o r r a m p , r e m o v e
the rod antenna.
Headlamps
Do not wipe dry and do not use abrasive or cor-
rosive cleaning agents. Remove dirt and con-
tamination, such as insects, by soaking with
shampoo and then rinsing with plenty of water.
Do not remove accumulated ice and snow with
an ice scraper; use window de-icers instead.
Vehicle paintwork
Regular care contributes greatly to driving safety
and value retention.
Environmental influences varying from one
region to the next can affect the vehicle paint-
work. Base the frequency and scope of car care
on these various influences.
Care of upholstery
Depressions that come about on the upholstery
material of the seats in daily use can be brushed
out using a slightly damp brush against the
grain.
The fact that velour lays down is not a quality
defect but rather is inevitable, as it is with home
textiles or clothing.
In the case of strong sunlight and longer parking
periods, cover the seats or all windows to pre-
vent discoloration.
Care of special parts
Light-alloy wheels*
Especially in the winter months, care for the
wheel rims with wheel rim cleaner. Do not use
acidic, strongly alkaline and abrasive cleaning

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
119
The illustration shows the fog lamp in the
bumper of the MINI Cooper.
1.Screw out the bulb holder counterclockwise.
2.Screw out and replace the bulb.
3.To insert the new bulb and bulb holder, pro-
ceed in reverse order.
In the MINI Clubman, the rear fog lamp is
located in the left tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps, page118.<
License plate lamps in MINI
5 watt bulb, C 5 W
1.Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the
left in the tab of the lamp housing, arrow1.
2.Remove the lamp, arrow 2.
3.Replace the bulb.
4.Insert the lamp.
License plate lamps in MINI Clubman
5watt bulb, C5W
1.Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the
left in the tab of the lamp housing, arrow1.
2.Remove the lamp, arrow 2.
3.Replace the bulb.
4.Insert the lamp.
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation. In
the event of a malfunction, contact your MINI
Dealer or a workshop that has specially trained
personnel working in accordance with the spec-
ifications of your MINI manufacturer.
Repairing a flat tire
Safety measures in the event of a break-
down:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from moving
traffic and switch on the hazard warning flash-
ers.
Turn the steering wheel until the front wheels
are in the straight-ahead position and engage
the steering wheel lock. Engage the parking
brake and shift into 1st or reverse gear or place
the selector lever in position P.
All passengers should be outside the vehicle and
in a safe place, e.g. behind a guardrail.
Erect a warning triangle or warning flasher at the
appropriate distance if necessary. Comply with
all safety guidelines and regulations.<
In the event of a flat tire, different procedures
should be followed depending on the equip-
ment included in your vehicle:

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
127
Giving and receiving assistance
Roadside Assistance
The Roadside Assistance service is there to assist
you around the clock in the event of a break-
down, including on weekends and public holi-
days.
The phone numbers of the Roadside Assistance
in your home country can be found in the Con-
tact brochure.
First aid pouch*
Some of the articles contained in the first aid
pouch have a limited service life. Therefore,
check the expiration dates of the contents regu-
larly and replace any items in good time, if nec-
essary.
MINI
The first aid pouch is located on the cargo bay
floor by the left side trim panel.
MINI Clubman
The first aid pouch is located on the cargo bay
floor by the left side trim panel or under the level
load floor.
Warning triangle*
MINI
On the inside of the tailgate.
Press the tab to take it out.
MINI Clubman
In the cargo bay under the loading sill.
Open the center lock to take it out.

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
129
Tow-starting, towing
away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the MINI.
It is stored in the onboard tool kit in the cargo
bay underneath the cover on the right-hand
side, page114.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Push out the rectangular cover panel in the
bumper at the recesses.
Front
Rear
Being towed
M a k e s u r e t h a t t h e i g n it i o n is s w it c h e d o n ,
refer to page39, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable. Do not
tow the vehicle with just the rear axle raised, as
this would allow the steering to turn. There is no
power assist while the engine is off. Thus, brak-
ing and steering will require increased effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Tow vehicles with automatic transmission
only with a tow truck or with the front
wheels lifted; otherwise the transmission can be
damaged.<
Towing with a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<

Giving and receiving assistance
130
The tow fittings used should be on the same side
on both vehicles. Should it prove impossible to
avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please
observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
Towing with a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
Towing with a tow truck
Have the MINI transported with a tow truck with
a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise damage
may result.<
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, page128.
Vehicles with a catalytic converter should only
be tow-started when the engine is cold, vehicles
with an automatic transmission cannot be tow-
started at all.1.Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, page39.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. After the engine starts,
immediately depress the clutch completely
again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
131
Indicator and warning lamps
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var-
ious combinations and colors in indicator area 1 or2. See the table for information on causes and
how to react. Note whether a lamp comes on
alone or in combination with another. Some
lamps can light up in different colors. Corre-
sponding distinctions are made in the text.
12Cause What to do
Turn signals
High beams/headlamp flasher
switched on
Fog lamps switched on
Rear fog lamp switched on
Fasten safety belts Fasten your safety belt, refer also to
page33.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Danger of icy roads Drive cautiously, refer also to page48.

Indicator and warning lamps
132
Lights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gallons/8 l of fuel
remain in the tank
Remains on:
Cruising range is no more than
30 miles/50 km, page49
Engine refuses to start Depress the brake or clutch in order to
start the engine, page39.
Ignition switched on and driver's door
openSwitch off the ignition, page39, or
close the driver's door.
Lamps still on
Roadside parking lamps on
Door open
Clubdoor open
Splitdoor open
Bonnet open
Tailgate open
Gas cap missing or loose Make sure that the gas cap is correctly
positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks. Do not jam the strap between
the gas cap and the vehicle.
12Cause What to do