2008 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE tow bar

81
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
PARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC)
*
The concept
The PDC assists you when you back into a
parking space. A signal tone tells you the
current distance to an object behind your
vehicle. To do this, four ultrasonic sensors
in the rear bumper measure the distance to
the nearest object.
The sensors on each side have a range of
approx. 2 ft/60 cm, the middle sensors one
of approx. 5 ft/1.5 m.
PDC is a parking aid that can identify
objects if they are approached slowly,
as is generally the case when parking.
Avoid driving towards objects rapidly; due
to underlying physical principles, the sys-
tem may otherwise alert you too late for
you to take evasive steps. tem starts to operate automatically about
one second after you select reverse gear or
place the selector lever in position R.
Wait for this one second before you
drive backwards.<
The system is deactivated when you shift
away from Reverse.
You can have a signal tone set as a
confirmation that PDC has been acti-
vated.<
Acoustical signalsThe distance to an object is indicated by a
tone sounding at intervals. As the distance
between vehicle and object decreases, the
intervals between the tones become
shorter. A continuous tone indicates the
presence of an object less than 12 in/30 cm
away.
The warning signal is canceled after
approx. three seconds if the distance to the
object remains constant during this time,
for instance if you are moving parallel to a
wall.MalfunctionA continuous high-pitched tone will sound
during initial activation. The system is mal-
functioning. Have the system checked.Volume controlThe volume of the Park Distance Control
signal can be adjusted from level 1, soft, to
level 6, loud.
You can have this function set.<
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any objects always remains
with the driver.
Even when sensors are involved, there is a
blind spot in which objects cannot be
detected. Recognition of some objects can
be beyond the limits of physical ultrasonic
measurement, for example with towing
bars or hitches or with thin or wedge-
shaped objects. It is also possible that low
objects already detected, such as a curb
edge, can disappear in the blind spot of the
sensors before a continuous tone is
sounded, or that protruding objects higher
above the ground, such as ledges, are not
detected.
Loud sources of sound outside and inside
your vehicle can drown the PDC signal
tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice
or snow in order to ensure that they
will continue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Always maintain a distance which is
greater than 4 in/10 cm.<

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
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
170
Tire puncture
Run-Flat Tires75
Run Flat tires77
Tires
age112
air loss77
break-in procedures102
changing139
condition113
damage114
flat tire115
,137
inflation pressure108
pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM76
replacement116
size, refer to New wheels and
tires116
storage117
tread113
wear indicator, refer to Tire
tread113
winter tires117
Tires with emergency
properties, refer to Run-Flat
Tires115
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit132
Torque
engine152
lug bolts140Tow bar148
Towing147
with automatic
transmission148
,149
Towing eyelet147
Tow rope148
Tow-starting149
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor76
Track width, refer to
Dimensions153,154
Traction grades113
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 load97
Trash container, refer to
Ashtray89
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread113
Treadwear grade112
Trip odometer67Trunk, refer to Luggage
compartment in the MINI
Convertible94
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions153
,154
Turn signal indicators61
indicator lamp19
Turn signal indicators on the
side, bulb replacement135
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading112
Units
average consumption71
average speed71
temperature70
Universal garage door
opener91
Universal remote control91
Unlocking
bonnet118
from inside28
from outside26
Used batteries, refer to
Disposal144
Using antifreeze64,122V
Vacuum cleaner, connecting,
refer to Cigarette lighter
socket90
Valve
core141
dust cap139
remover141
spare141
Valve remover, refer to
Onboard tool kit141
Valve stem and replacement
valve, refer to Onboard tool
kit141
Vanity mirror, illuminated48
Vehicle
battery144
break-in procedures102
care126
dimensions153
loading cargo95
parking104
storage129
washing126
weight155
,156
Vehicle battery144
Vehicle identification number,
refer to Engine
compartment119
,120
Vehicle illumination, refer to
Lamps60