2008 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE towing

148
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 page149.<
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.<

149
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 page146.<
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever
possible. Jump-start the engine instead,
refer to page146. 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
160
A
ABS Antilock Brake System72
indicator lamp17
,18
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle6
Activated-charcoal filter87
Adjusting interior
temperature83
,86
Airbags79
passenger airbag status
lamp80
safe seating position42
warning lamp18
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air mode83
,86
Air conditioning system82
Air distribution
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
individual87
manual83
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation84
,87
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure108
Air volume
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
AKI, refer to Fuel quality105
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires117All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
indicator lamps17
,18
Antenna127
Antifreeze
coolant122
washer fluid64
Antilock Brake System (ABS)72
indicator lamp17,18
Anti-theft system24
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights155
,156
Approved engine oils122
Approved gross vehicle weight,
refer to Weights155
,156
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest89
ASC All Season traction
Control72
indicator lamps17
,18
Assistant systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
Automatic
air distribution86
air volume86
cruise control65
Automatic car washes126
Automatic climate control85Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
ignition53
indicator lamp57
interlock53
selector lever lock56
shiftlock56
towing148
tow-starting149
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution86
Aux-In socket88
Average consumption71
setting units71
Average speed71
setting units71
Axle loads, refer to
Weights155
,156
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats44
Backup lamp
bulb replacement135
Bar, towing148
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone89Battery144
charging144
disposal144
indicator lamp16
jump-starting146
power failure144
Battery care69
,125
Being towed148
Belts, refer to Safety belts46
Beverage holders89
Black ice, refer to Temperature
warning70
Blower
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
Blower, refer to Air volume83
Blowers, refer to Draft-free
ventilation84,87
Bonnet118
indicator lamp17
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders89
Brake discs
brake system103
break-in procedures102
Brake fluid124
level124
warning lamp16
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement135

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
163
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Driving downhill103
Driving hints, refer to Driving
notes102
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams60
Driving notes102
Driving stability control
systems72
Driving through water104
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function83
,86
Drying air,
refer to Cooling
function83,86
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control72
indicator lamp17
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
indicator lamp17
E
Easy entry to the rear45
EBD Electronic Brake Force
Distribution72Electrical malfunction
automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
convertible top37
door lock27
driver's door27
fuel filler door106
,107
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
Electric glass sunroof33
Electric power windows31
initializing32
Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD)72
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
convertible top37
driver's door27
fuel filler door106,107
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
transmission lock, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56Engine
break-in procedures102
data152
electronics18
indicator lamp18
overheated, refer to
Coolant temperature
gauge68
speed69
starting53
switching off54
Engine compartment
MINI COOPER and MINI
COOPER Convertible119
MINI COOPER S and MINI
COOPER S Convertible120
Engine coolant122
Engine data152
Engine oil121
adding121
dipstick121
indicator/warning lamp16
recommended oils122
specified oil grades122
Engine oil level121
indicator/warning lamp16
Engine oil level, checking121
Engine oil pressure, indicator/
warning lamp16
Engine output, refer to Engine
data152Entry to the rear45
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)72
Exhaust system, refer to
Hot exhaust system104
Exterior mirrors48
adjusting48
automatic heating48
folding in and out48
External audio device88
Eyelet, for towing and tow-
starting147
F
Failure of an electrical
consumer144
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts46
Filling canister, refer to MINI
Mobility System142
Filling hose, refer to MINI
Mobility System142
Filter, refer to
Microfilter84
Microfilter/Activated-
charcoal filter
87
Flat
Run Flat tires77

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
165
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 leather127
Imprint2
Index160
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags80
ASC73
brakes124
coolant temperature68
DSC73
fasten safety belts46
Flat Tire Monitor75
fog lamps62
reserve fuel capacity67
,68
Indicator and warning lamps
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM77
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview16
Individual air distribution87
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory49Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure108
Inflation pressure monitor,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor74
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM76
Inspection69
Instrument cluster, refer to
Display elements13
Instrument lighting62
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit12
Integrated universal remote
control91
Interior lamp, remote
control26
Interior lamps62
Interior rearview mirror48
automatic dimming102
Interlock, refer to Steering
locked53
Intermittent operation of the
wipers63
Interval
display, service125
J
Jack137
,141
points140Jack, refer to Tire change set
MINI Mobility System141
Run-Flat Tires115
space-saver spare tire137
Jacking points140
Jets, refer to Ventilation84
,87
Jets, refer to Windshield
washer jets64
John Cooper Works Kit152
Jump-starting146
K
Keys24
Kickdown57
Knock control105
L
Lamp defect133
Lamp replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs133
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams60
Lamps and bulbs133
Lashing eyelets, refer to
Securing the load97
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system52
Leather care128
LEDs light-emitting diodes136
Length, refer to
Dimensions153
,154License plate lamp, bulb
replacement136
Lifting handle, space-saver
spare tire137
Light-alloy wheels, care127
Light-emitting diodes
(LEDs)136
Lighter90
Lighting
lamps and bulbs133
Lighting of the instruments62
Lights on warning61
Light switch60
Loading
securing cargo97
stowing cargo97
Loading the vehicle95
Loads, refer to Loading cargo95
Load securing devices, refer to
Securing the load97
Locking
from inside28
from outside26
Locking/unlocking the vehicle,
acknowledgment
signals26
,27
Low beams60
bulb replacement134
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support44

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
166
Luggage compartment
cover93
emergency operation, refer
to Manual release30
expanding93
lid, refer to Tailgate29
opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate29
opening from the outside29
opening with the remote
control26
volume155
,156
Luggage compartment in the
MINI93
Luggage compartment lid
emergency operation, refer
to Manual release30
opening with the remote
control26
Luggage compartment lid, refer
to Tailgate29
Luggage compartment net97
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack98
Lumbar support44
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires117Maintenance, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models125
Maintenance system125
Malfunction
automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
convertible top37
door lock27
fuel filler door106
,107
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
tire116
Manual air distribution83
Manual operation
door lock27
driver's door27
fuel filler door106,107
glass sunroof, electric34
power convertible top37
tailgate30
transmission lock, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56
Manual transmission55
Master keys with remote
control24
Maximum cooling86Maximum speed, with winter
tires117
MC operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Mechanical keys, refer to
Master keys24
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory49
Microfilter
air conditioning system84
automatic climate control87
MINI homepage6
MINI Maintenance System125
MINI manufacturer6
MINI Mobility System141
compressor142
liquid sealant142
Mirrors48
exterior48
heating48
interior rearview48
Mobile telephone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System141
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety7
Multifunction steering
wheel20Multifunction 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 tires116
Non-smoker's equipment
package, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket90
Nylon rope, refer to Towing and
tow-starting148
O
OBD interface socket126
Octane number, refer to Fuel
quality105
Odometer67
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil122
dipstick121

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
168
Remote control key, refer to
Master keys with remote
control24
Replacement key24
Replacement of tires
changing tires137
new wheels and tires116
Reporting safety defects9
Reserve indicator light, refer to
Fuel gauge67
,68
Reservoir, washing systems64
Reservoir for washer fluid64
Restraint systems
for children50
refer to Safety belts46
Retaining straps97
Reverse
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
manual transmission55
Rod antenna127
Roller sun blind34
Roof load, refer to
Weights155,156
Roof-mounted luggage rack98
Rope, refer to Towing and Tow-
starting148
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to
Run-Flat Tires115Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires115
Run-Flat Tires115
puncture114
replacing116
tire inflation pressure109
winter tires116
S
Safety belt height
adjustment46
Safety belts46
care128
height adjustment46
indicator lamp17
,46
reminder46
safe seating position42
Safety lock buttons, doors,
refer to Locking28
Safety systems, refer to
Airbags79
All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)72
Brake system72
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
Safety tires, refer to
Run-Flat Tires115Seat adjustment43
Seat-belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts47
Seat heating47
Seats
heating47
safe seating position42
Securing loads, refer to Loading
cargo95
Securing the load97
Securing the vehicle
from inside28
from outside26
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56
Selector lever positions,
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
Selector lever shiftlock, refer to
Shiftlock56
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models125
Service interval display69
,125
Shifting gears in the automatic
transmission with
Steptronic58Shiftlock, refer to Range
selection56
Shift paddles58
Side airbags79
Side turn signal indicators, bulb
replacement135
Signal horn, refer to Horn12
Sitting safely42
with airbags42
with head restraints42
with safety belt42
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector39
Smoker's equipment package,
refer to Ashtray89
Snow chains117
Socket 12 V90
Socket for
onboard diagnostics126
Socket in the luggage
compartment90
Space-saver spare tire
changing tires137
inflation pressure109
Spare key24
Spare tire, refer to Space-saver
spare tire137
Special oils, refer to Specified
engine oils122
Special wash program126
Specified oils122

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
169
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Speed152
with Run-Flat Tires75
with Run Flat tires77
with the space-saver spare
tire139
with winter tires117
Speedometer13
,14
Speedometer, refer to Display
elements13
,14
Split rear backrest, refer to
Foldable rear backrest93
Through-loading system94
Sport program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic57
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems72
Standing lamps60
bulb replacement134
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine53
Starting aid, refer to Jump-
starting146
Starting problems
at very low temperatures54
jump-starting146
Starting the engine53
Start-off assistance, refer to
ASC72Start-off assistance, refer to
DSC72
Steering lock53
Steering wheel12
buttons on the steering
wheel20
settings47
Steering wheel lock53
Steptronic, refer to Manual
mode57
Storage compartments88
Storage space, refer to
Luggage compartment in the
MINI93
Luggage compartment in the
MINI Convertible94
Storing the tires117
Storing the vehicle129
Sun blind, refer to Roller sun
blind34
Sun visors48
Switches, refer to Cockpit12
Switching off
the engine54
Switching the cooling function
on and off manually83
,86
Symbols6T
Tachometer69
Tailgate29
emergency operation30
indicator lamp17
opening from the outside29
releasing manually30
remote control26
Tail lamps, bulb
replacement135
Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps135
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel tank
capacity157
Tank gauge, refer to Fuel
gauge67
,68
Technical data152
Technical modifications7
Technical modifications, refer
to For your own safety7
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
Temperature display
ice warning70
outside temperature70
setting units70
Temperature grades113Temperature warning70
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control65
Threaded hole for towing
eyelet148
Three-point safety belt46
Through-loading system93
,94
Tightening the lug bolts
keys137
,141
torque140
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts140
Tire change set
MINI Mobility System143
Run-Flat Tires115
space-saver spare tire137
Tire failure137
MINI Mobility System141
space-saver spare tire137
Tire inflation pressure108
reinflation142
Tire pressure monitor, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor74
Tire pressure monitoring, Flat
Tire Monitor74
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM76
resetting the system76
system limitations76
warning lamp77