2010 MINI Convertible towing

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
139
Towing with a tow truck
Have the MINI or MINI Convertible transported
by a tow truck with a so-called lift sling or on a
flatbed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, dam-
age may result.<
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, page136.
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, page44.
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.

Everything from A to Z
160
Everything from A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle21
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control83
Additives
– coolant118
– engine oil118
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner80
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control81
Air conditioner79
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation83
Air distribution
– automatic82
– individual81
– manual81
Air flow rate80,82
– air conditioning system80
– automatic climate control82
– heating, ventilation80
Air outlets, refer to Air vents79
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure104
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,82
Air supply
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation83
Air vents79Airbags71
– sitting safely35
– warning lamp73
Airing, refer to Ventilation83
AKI, refer to Fuel grade103
Alarm system25
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires115
Always Open Timer55
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,82
Ambient lighting78
Antenna, care121
Antifreeze
– coolant118
– washer fluid51
Antilock Brake System ABS64
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system25
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights157
Approved engine oils118
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights157
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest86
Ashtray88
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC64
Audio device, external86
AUTO program for automatic
climate control82
Automatic
– air distribution82
– air flow rate82
– cruise control51
– headlamp control74
Automatic climate control79
– automatic air distribution82Automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– interlock46
– overriding selector lever
lock48
– shiftlock46
– sport program47
AUX-IN, refer to External audio
device86
Average fuel consumption54
– setting the units57
Average speed55
Axle loads, refer to
Weights157
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting78
Backrests, refer to Seats35
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb128,129
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch136
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away138
Battery134
– charging135
– disposal28,135
– jump-starting136
– temporary power failure135
Battery renewal
– remote control28
Being towed138
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts38
Belts, refer to Safety belts38
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders88
Black ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning53
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate80,82

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
161
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders88
Brake Assist64
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements58
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs129
Brake pads, breaking in92
Brake rotors93
– brakes92
– breaking in92
Brake system92
– breaking in92
– disc brakes93
– MINI Maintenance
System119
Brakes
– ABS64
– breaking in92
– MINI Maintenance
System119
– parking brake45
– service requirements58
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely93
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance136
Break-in period92
Breaking in the clutch92
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs125
Button for starting the
engine44
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders88
Capacities158
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery134
Car care121
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest86
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash, care121
Car washes121
Care121
– car washes121
– car-care products121
– CD/DVD drives124
– external121
– high-pressure washers122
– internal123
– leather123
– manual washing122
– upholstery and fabrics123
– windows122
– wiper blades122
Cargo area
– capacity157
Cargo bay94
– Comfort Access27
– cover94
– lamp77
– opening from outside24
Cargo bay, expanding94
Cargo bay lamp77
Cargo bay lid, refer to
Liftgate24
Cargo loading95
– securing cargo96
– stowing cargo96
– vehicle94
Cargo, securing96
Carpets, care123
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system92
Center armrest86
Center brake lamp129
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking system19
– Comfort Access26
– from inside23
– from outside19
Changing bulbs
125
Changing wheels132Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment117
Check Control61
Child restraint systems41
Child seats41
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH42
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire132
Chrome parts, care123
Chrome parts, refer to
Care121
Cigarette lighter88
Cleaning headlamps50
– washer fluid51
Clock53
– 12h/24h mode57
– setting time60
Closing
– from inside23
– from outside19
Clothes hooks87
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine45
Comfort Access26
– replacing the battery28
– what to observe before
entering a car wash27
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock44
Computer54
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked93
Condition Based Service
CBS119
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances88
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption54
Control Display
– settings56
Controls and displays10

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
163
Engine
– breaking in92
– data154
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature53
– speed154
– starting45
– starting, Comfort Access26
– switching off45
Engine compartment117
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant118
Engine oil
– adding118
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils118
– alternative oil types118
– approved engine oils118
– capacity118
– checking level117
– dipstick117
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements58
– MINI Maintenance
System119
Engine oil level, checking117
Engine output, refer to Engine
data154
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine45
Error messages, refer to Check
Control61
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC64
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system92
Exterior mirrors39
– adjusting39
– automatic heating39
– folding in and out39
External audio device86
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away138
– for tying down loads96F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control61
Failure of an electrical
consumer135
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts38
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner81
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control83
Fine wood, care124
First aid pouch136
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock44
Flash when locking/
unlocking21
Flat tire
– run-flat tires114
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM68
Flat Tire Monitor FTM66
– indicating a flat tire67
– initializing the system66
– snow chains66
– system limits66
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition113
Floor mats, care123
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb127,129
Folding rear seat backrest94
Folding roof, refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof30
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely93
Footwell lamps77
For your own safety5
Front airbags71
Front fog lamps77
– indicator lamp140
– replacing bulb127
Front seat adjustment35
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows81,83FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor66
Fuel103
– gauge54
– high-quality brands103
– quality103
– specifications103
– tank capacity158
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge54
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption54
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge
54
Fuel filler flap102
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction102
Fuses135
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control84
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel
consumption54
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge54
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel103
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission46
– manual transmission46
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– manual transmission46
General driving notes92
Glass sunroof, electric28
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing28
– raising28
– remote control20
Glove compartment85
Grills, refer to Air vents79

Everything from A to Z
164
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights157
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb126
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake45
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags71
Head restraints37
– sitting safely35
Headlamp control,
automatic74
Headlamp flasher48
– indicator lamp11,140
Headlamps
– replacing bulb126
Headlamps, care122
Headlight glass lens126
Heated
– mirrors39
– rear window80,82
– seats38
Heating79
– mirrors39
– rear window80,82
– seats38
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo96
Height adjustment
– seats36
– steering wheel40
Height, refer to
Dimensions155
High beams76
– headlamp flasher76
– indicator lamp140
– replacing bulb126
High water, refer to Driving
through water93
Hill Assist65
Hills93
Holders for cups88
Homepage4Hood116
Horn10
Hot exhaust system92
Hydroplaning92I
Ice warning53
Ignition44
– switched off44
– switched on44
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness44
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on44
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Ignition lock44
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,140
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM69
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting77
Individual air distribution81
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM66
– glass sunroof, electric29
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting77
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remote
control84
Interior lamps77
– remote control21Interior rearview mirror39
– automatic dimming
feature40
Interlock46
Intermittent mode of the
wipers49
Internet page4
J
Jacking points134
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles51
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting136
Jump-starting136
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile18
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access26
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
Access26
Kickdown47
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
Knock control103
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs125
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams74
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo96
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system42
Leather care123
LEDs light-emitting diodes126
Length, refer to
Dimensions155
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement129

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
167
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away138
RSC Run-flat System
Component, refer to Run-flat
tires114
Rubber parts, care123
Run-flat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires114
Run-flat tires114
– flat tire67
– tire inflation pressure104
– tire replacement114
– winter tires115
S
Safety belt
– number35
Safety Belt Reminder39
Safety belts38
– damage39
– indicator lamp39
– reminder39
– sitting safely35
Safety belts, care124
Safety systems
– airbags71
– Antilock Brake System
ABS64
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC64
– safety belts38
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires114
Screw thread for tow
fitting138
Seat adjustment
– mechanical36
Seats35
– adjusting the seats36
– heating38
– sitting safely35
Securing the vehicle
– from inside23
– from outside19Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock46
– overriding manually48
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance136
Service data in the remote
control119
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS119
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance136
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS119
Service requirements58
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode57
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– manual transmission46
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions46
Side airbags71
Side turn signal indicator
– replacing bulb128
Side windows, refer to
Windows29
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely35
– airbags35
– safety belts35
– with head restraint35
Size, refer to Dimensions155
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric28Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector33
Slot for remote control44
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray88
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment86
Snow chains115
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
OBD119
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances88
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires132
– inflation pressure104
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire132
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils118
Speed154
– with winter tires115
Speedometer12
Split rear backrest, refer to
Through-loading system95
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo bay94
Sport button65
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems63
Start/stop button44
– starting the engine45
– switching off the engine45
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump-starting136
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine45
Starting the engine
– start/stop button44
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC64
– Hill Assist65
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing4

Everything from A to Z
168
Steering wheel40
– adjustment40
– buttons on steering wheel11
– lock44
– shift paddles47
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic46
Storage area
– cargo bay94
Storage compartment, front
passenger side87
Storage compartments87
Storage space
– storage compartments87
Storage space, refer to
– Luggage compartment in the
MINI Convertible94
Storing the vehicle124
Storing tires115
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments87
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires104
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine45
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button44
Switching the cooling function
on and off83
Symbols4
T
Tachometer53
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps128
– replacing bulb128
Tail lamps128
Tank volume, refer to
Capacities158
Technical data154
Technical modifications5
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest86
– refer to separate Owner's
ManualTelephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature display
– ice warning53
– outside temperature53
– setting the units57
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature53
Temperature setting
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control82
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control51
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo96
The individual vehicle4
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp129
Three-point safety belt38
Through-loading system95
Tightening the lug bolts
– keys132
– torque134
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening lug bolts134
Tire change set
– space-saver spare tire132
Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor67
– indicator/warning lamp67
– MINI Mobility System130
– run-flat tires67
– space-saver spare tire132
– Tire Pressure Monitor68
Tire inflation pressure104
– loss67
– space-saver spare tire104
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM68
– limitations of system68
– resetting system68
– warning lamp69
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor66
Tire Quality Grading112Tires
– age113
– breaking in92
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels132
– condition113
– damage113
– inflation pressure104
– inflation pressure loss69
– minimum tread depth113
– new tires114
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor66
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
– puncture67
– size112
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth113
– winter tires115
– with emergency operation
properties114
Tires with emergency
operation properties, refer to
Run-flat tires114
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-flat tires114
Tools, refer to Onboard vehicle
tool kit125
Torque154
– lug bolts134
Tow bar138
Tow fitting138
– screw thread138
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away138
Tow rope138
Towing137
– car with automatic
transmission138
– methods138
Tow-starting137
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor68
Track width, refer to
Dimension155