2009 MINI Clubman towing

Opening and closing
24
Opening
In some national-market versions, the
splitdoor cannot be unlocked using the
remote control unless the vehicle is unlocked
first.
Only drive with the splitdoor fully closed, other-
wise the tail lamps will be obscured and driving
safety will be compromised.<
Press the button in the handle or the but-
ton of the remote control for an extended time.
The splitdoor is unlocked.
Using the button in the handle, fully open first
the right side, arrow1, and then the left side of
the splitdoor, arrow2.
Closing
Make sure that the closing path of the
splitdoor is clear, otherwise injuries
may occur.<
Close the left side, arrow1, and then the right
side of the splitdoor, arrow2.
Alarm system*
The principle
The alarm system, when activated, reacts if:>A door, the engine compartment lid or the
tailgate is opened
>There is movement inside the car
>The car's inclination changes, for instance if
an attempt is made to jack it up and steal the
wheels or to raise it prior to towing away
>There is an interruption in the power supply
from the battery
The alarm system briefly indicates unauthorized
entry or tampering by means of:
>An acoustic alarm
>Switching on the hazard warning flashers
Arming and disarming
Whenever the car is locked or unlocked, the
alarm system is armed or disarmed.
Even when the alarm system is armed, you can
open the tailgate by means of the button
on the remote control.
When you subsequently close the tailgate it is
again locked and monitored.
On certain national-market versions,
unlocking via the door lock triggers off
the alarm.<
Panic mode*
You can activate the alarm system if you find
yourself in a dangerous situation.
Press the button for at least two seconds.
Switching off the alarm:
Press any button.
Switching off an alarm
>Unlock the car with the remote control.
>Insert the key fully into the ignition lock.
>In cars with convenient access
*, press the
button on the door lock.
Display on the revolution counter
When the system is armed, all LEDs pulse. After
approx. 16 minutes one LED flashes.

Things to remember when driving
86
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be four 150 lbs. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The
greater the weight of the occupants, the less
cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
rear seat backrests.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
respective opposite buckle.
>Do not stack higher than the top edge of the
backrests.
>Use the partition net, refer to page85. En-
sure that no objects can penetrate through
the net.
Securing cargo
By way of example, the illustration shows the
cargo compartment in the MINI.
>Secure smaller and lighter items using re-
taining or draw straps
*.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing larger
and heavier objects are available at your
MINI Dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided
for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them
are located on the forward wall of the
cargo bay.
Comply with the information enclosed with
the load-securing devices.
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerves are necessary.
Do not exceed the approved gross weight and
axle loads, page142; otherwise the vehicle's

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
117
1Compressor
2Filling hose, value remover, speed restric-
tion label
3Wheel stud wrench
*
4Vehicle jack*
5Torx insert bit for screwdriver
6Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver, towing
eyelet
7Hub cover remover
8Filling canister
Use of the Mobility System may be ineffec-
tive if the tire puncture measures approx.
1/8 in/4 mm or more. Contact the nearest MINI
Dealer if the tire cannot be made drivable with
the Mobility System.<
Liquid sealant
1Filling hose
2Filling canister
Filling
1.Shake the filling canister.
2.Screw the filling hose onto the filling
canister.
3.Unscrew the dust cap from the valve of the
defective tire.4.Screw out the valve core with the valve
remover. The valve remover is located in a
package with the filling hose.
5.Remove the cap from the filling hose.
6.Push the filling hose onto the tire valve.
7.Hold the filling canister with the cap down
and squeeze.
8.Squeeze the entire contents of the canister
into the tire.
9.Remove the filling hose.
10.Screw the valve core into the tire valve with
the valve remover.
In the event of a lost or dirty valve core
you will find another valve core in the
package with the filling hose.
Remember that the liquid canister must be
replaced every four years if the equipment has
not been used.<
Compressor
Connector, cable and connection hose are
stored in the compressor housing.
1Connector and cable for lighter socket
2Connection hose for connecting the com-
pressor and tire valve
3On/off switch
4Pressure gauge for indicating the tire infla-
tion pressure
5Release button for reducing the tire inflation
pressure
Reinflating the tire
1.Unscrew the dust cap from the tire valve of
the defective tire.
2.Screw connection hose2 onto the tire valve.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
119
located beneath the floor mat or level load floor
in the cargo bay.
1Folding chock and cover for defective wheel
2Vehicle jack
3Wheel stud wrench
4Hub cover remover
5Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver
6Torx insert bit for screwdriver
7Towing eyelet
The onboard tool kit includes a pouch with
a plastic bag in which you can place the dam-
aged wheel.
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The space-saver spare tire is located under the
tire change set in the cargo bay.
1.Fold up the floor mat.
2.Unscrew the nut, arrow, and remove the
space-saver spare tire.
Driving with the space-saver spare tire
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. Changes may
occur in vehicle handling such as lower track sta-
bility during braking, longer braking distances
and changes in self-steering properties when
close to the handling limit. These properties are
more noticeable with winter tires.<
Only one space-saver spare tire may be
mounted at one time. Mount a wheel and
tire of the original size as soon as possible, to
avoid any safety risks.<
Check the tire inflation pressure at the ear-
liest opportunity and correct it if neces-
sary. Replace the defective tire as soon as possi-ble and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced.<
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page116.<
Additional safety measures when chang-
ing tires:
Only change the tire when parked on a surface
that is level, firm and not slippery.
The vehicle or the jack could slip sideways on
soft or slippery support surfaces, such as snow,
ice, flagstones, etc.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the engine
when the vehicle is supported by the jack; other-
wise there is a risk of fatal injury.<
1.Place the foldable chock
* behind the front
wheel on the other side of the vehicle or in
front of the wheel if the vehicle is on an in-
cline. If the wheel is changed on a surface
with a more severe slope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from
rolling.
2.Uncover the lug bolts if necessary.
If the wheel is equipped with a hub cover,
pry it off using the screwdriver from the tire
change kit.
3.Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.
Jacking up the vehicle
The vehicle jack is designed for changing
wheels only. Do not attempt to raise
another vehicle model with it or to raise any load

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
123
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order, so that no sparks which could cause
injury occur.<
1.Open the battery cover in the engine com-
partment to access the positive terminal of
your MINI.
2.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or to a starting-aid terminal of the
vehicle providing assistance.
3.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of
the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the
battery or to an engine or body ground of
the assisting vehicle.
Body ground in MINI:
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine of the other vehicle in the
usual manner.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
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, page112.
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.<

Giving and receiving assistance
124
Access to screw thread
Push out the cover of the towing eye out of the
recess in the bumper.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page37, 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, braking 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.<
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 Clubman 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, page122.

From A to Z
144
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control74
Additives
– coolant105
– engine oil104
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner71
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control72
Air conditioner70
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner71
– automatic climate control72
– ventilation74
Air distribution
– automatic73
– individual72
– manual72
Air flow rate71,72
– air conditioning system71
– automatic climate control72
– heating, ventilation71
Air outlets, refer to Air vents70
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure94
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode71,73
Air supply
– air conditioner71
– automatic climate control72
– ventilation74
Air vents70
Airbags63
– sitting safely29
– warning lamp64
Airing, refer to Ventilation74AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications93
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires101
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode71,73
Ambient lighting69
Antenna, care108
Antifreeze
– coolant105
– washer fluid44
Antilock Brake System ABS56
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system
19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights142
Approved engine oils104
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights142
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest77
Ashtray79
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC56
Audio device, external77
AUTO program for automatic
climate control73
Automatic
– air distribution73
– air flow rate73
– cruise control44
– headlamp control65
Automatic climate control70
– automatic air distribution73Automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– interlock39
– overriding selector lever
lock41
– shiftlock39
– sport program40
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device77
Average fuel consumption47
– setting the units49
Average speed48
Axle loads, refer to
Weights142B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting69
Backrests, refer to Seats29
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb115
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch122
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away124
Battery120
– charging120
– disposal27,120
– jump starting122
– temporary power failure120
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed124
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts32
Belts, refer to Safety belts32
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders79
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate71,72
Bonnet102

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
145
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders79
Brake Assist56
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements51
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs115
Brake pads, breaking in82
Brake rotors83
– brakes82
– breaking in82
Brake system82
– breaking in82
– disc brakes83
– MINI Maintenance
System106
Brakes
– ABS56
– breaking in82
– MINI Maintenance
System106
– parking brake38
– service requirements51
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely83
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance122
Break-in period82
Breaking in the clutch82
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs112
Button for starting the
engine37
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders79
Capacities142
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery120
Car care108
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest77
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash, care108
Car washes108
Care108
– car washes108
– car-care products108
– CD/DVD drives111
– external108
– high-pressure washers108
– internal110
– leather110
– manual washing109
– upholstery and fabrics110
– windows109
– wiper blades109
Cargo area
– capacity142
Cargo bay84
– convenient access26
– doors, refer to Splitdoor23
– lamp68
– opening from outside24
– trunk lid, refer to Splitdoor23
Cargo bay doors, refer to
Splitdoor23
Cargo bay, expanding84
Cargo bay lamp68
Cargo bay partition net, refer
to Partition net85
Cargo loading85
– securing cargo86
– stowing cargo86
– vehicle84
Cargo, securing86
Carpets, care110
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system82
Center armrest77
Center brake lamp116
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14Central locking system19
– convenient access25
– from inside22
– from outside19
Changing bulbs112
Changing wheels118
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment103
Check Control53
Child's seats34
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH35
Child-restraint systems34
Chrome parts, care109
Chrome parts, refer to
Care108
Cigarette lighter79
Cleaning headlamps43
– washer fluid44
Clock46
– 12h/24h mode49
– setting time52
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks78
Clubdoor23
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine37
Comfort access
– what to observe before
entering a car wash26
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access25
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock37
Computer47
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked83
Condition Based Service
CBS106
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking/unlocking20