2010 MINI COOPER tow bar

Technology for driving comfort and safety
64
Technology for driving comfort and
safety
Park Distance
Control PDC*
The concept
PDC assists you with parking backwards. Acous-
tic signals warn you of the presence of an object
behind the vehicle. To measure the distance,
there are four ultrasonic sensors in either
bumper.
However, an acoustic warning does not sound
until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm from the
corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from the
center sensors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached slowly,
as is usually the case when parking. Avoid
approaching an object at high speed; otherwise,
physical circumstances may lead to the system
warning being issued too late.<
Automatic mode
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated automatically after
approx. 1 second when you engage reverse gear
or move the automatic transmission selector
lever to position R. Wait this short period before
driving.
Acoustic signals
As the distance between vehicle and object
decreases, the intervals between the tones
become shorter. If the distance to the nearest
object falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a
continuous tone sounds.
If the distance remains constant, e.g. when driv-
ing parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal stops
after approx. 3 seconds.
Adjustments
The volume of the acoustic signals can be
adjusted, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp comes on: PDC is mal-
functioning. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they will continue to operate effectively.
When using a high-pressure cleaner, do not
direct the jet toward the sensors for lengthy
periods and only spray from a distance of at least
4in/10cm.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for esti-
mating the distance between the vehicle
and any obstructions always remains with the
driver. Sensors, too, have blind spots in which
objects cannot be detected. Moreover, ultra-
sonic detection can reach its physical limits with
objects such as trailer tow bars and couplings,
thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low
objects already indicated, such as curbs, may
enter the sensors' blind spots before or after a
continuous audible signal is given. Higher, pro-
truding objects, such as wall ledges, may not be
detectable. Therefore, always drive cautiously;
otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury or
property damage. Loud sound sources outside
or inside the car can drown out the PDC signal.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your MINI has a number of systems that help to
maintain the vehicle's stability even in adverse
driving conditions.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with driving stability control systems.
An appropriate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore do not
reduce the additional safety margin by engaging

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125
Replacing components
Onboard vehicle tool kit
Your vehicle comes with an onboard vehicle tool
kit that varies with the equipment version; it is
stored underneath the level load floor.
>Mobility System with onboard vehicle tool
kit and tire change set
*130
>Tire change set with onboard vehicle tool kit
for space-saver spare tire132
Wiper blades
Changing the front wiper blades
1.Fold up the wiper arm.
2.Position the wiper blade horizontally.
3.Press the securing spring, arrow.
4.Unhook the wiper blade toward the wind-
shield.
5.Pull the wiper blade past the wiper arm
toward the top.
6.Insert the new wiper blade.7.Press into position until you hear it engage.
8.Fold down the wiper arm.
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the bonnet.<
MINI: Changing the rear wiper blade
1.Fold up the wiper arm.
2.Rotate the wiper blade toward the back as
far as it will go, arrow.
3.Press the wiper blade against the limit and
thus out of the mounting.
4.Press the new wiper blade into the fixture
until it engages audibly.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribution
to vehicle safety. They should, therefore, be
handled carefully. The manufacturer of your
MINI recommends having your MINI dealer per-
f o r m a n y w o r k t h a t y o u d o n o t f e e l c o m p e t e n t t o
perform yourself or that is not described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean tissue, cloth or something similar, or hold
the bulb by its base.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs
at your MINI dealer.

Giving and receiving assistance
138
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 page46; 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 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.<

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
139
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, page46.
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.

From A to Z
160
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control84
Additives
– coolant118
– engine oil118
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner81
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control82
Air conditioner80
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner81
– automatic climate control82
– ventilation84
Air distribution
– automatic83
– individual82
– manual82
Air flow rate81,82
– air conditioning system81
– automatic climate control82
– heating, ventilation81
Air outlets, refer to Air vents80
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure104
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode81,83
Air supply
– air conditioner81
– automatic climate control82
– ventilation84
Air vents80
Airbags72
– sitting safely37
– warning lamp74Airing, refer to Ventilation84
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications103
Alarm system27
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires115
Always Open Timer57
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode81,83
Ambient lighting79
Antenna, care121
Antifreeze
– coolant118
– washer fluid53
Antilock Brake System ABS65
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system27
Anti-theft system21
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights157
Approved engine oils118
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights157
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest87
Ashtray89
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65
Audio device, external87
AUTO program for automatic
climate control83
Automatic
– air distribution83
– air flow rate83
– cruise control53
– headlamp control75
Automatic climate control80
– automatic air distribution83Automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
– interlock48
– overriding selector lever
lock50
– shiftlock48
– sport program49
AUX-IN, refer to External audio
device87
Average fuel consumption56
– setting the units59
Average speed56
Axle loads, refer to
Weights157
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting79
Backrests, refer to Seats37
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb128,129
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch136
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away138
Battery135
– charging135
– disposal30,135
– jump-starting136
– temporary power failure135
Battery renewal
– remote control30
Being towed138
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts40
Belts, refer to Safety belts40
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders89
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate81,82
Bonnet116

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165
Light switch75
Light-alloy wheels, care123
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs126
Lighter89
– socket89
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs125
– of the instruments78
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps75
Limit151
Load95
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo96
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking25
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal23
– from inside25
– from outside22
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access28
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals23
– from inside25
– from outside21
Low beams75
– automatic75
– replacing bulb126
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support38
Luggage compartment
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual release26
– increasing the capacity95
– opening from the inside26
Luggage compartment lid
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual release26
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Tailgate26
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay26
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack97
Lumbar support38M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires115
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system119
Malfunction
– convertible top34
– trunk lid26
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control62
Manual air distribution82
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
Manual operation
– door lock24
– fuel filler flap102
– power convertible top34
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission50
– trunk lid26
Manual transmission48
Manual washing122
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control20
Maximum cooling83
Maximum speed
– with winter tires115
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch136
Microfilter
– for air conditioner82
– for automatic climate
control84
– MINI Maintenance
System119
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System119
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System119
Mirror dimming feature42Mirrors41
– exterior mirrors41
– heating41
– interior rearview mirror41
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest87
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest87
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System130
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor67
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher50
– refer to Wiper system51
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints39
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments88
New tires114
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data154
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope138
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis119
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications103
Odometer55

From A to Z
168
Storage area
– cargo bay94
Storage compartment, front
passenger side88
Storage compartments88
Storage space
– storage compartments88
Storage space, refer to
– Luggage compartment in the
MINI Convertible94
Storing the vehicle124
Storing tires115
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments88
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires104
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine47
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button46
Switching the cooling function
on and off84
Symbols4
T
Tachometer55
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps128
– replacing bulb128
Tail lamps128
Tailgate26
– Comfort Access29
– opening from outside26
– opening/closing26
– unlocking with remote
control23
Tank volume, refer to
Capacities158
Technical data154
Technical modifications5
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest87
– refer to separate Owner's
ManualTelephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature display
– ice warning55
– outside temperature55
– setting the units59
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature55
Temperature setting
– air conditioner81
– automatic climate control83
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo96
The individual vehicle4
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp129
Three-point safety belt40
Through-loading system95
Tightening the lug bolts
– keys132
– torque134,135
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts134
Tire change set
– space-saver spare tire132
Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor68
– indicator/warning lamp68
– MINI Mobility System130
– run-flat tires68
– space-saver spare tire132
– Tire Pressure Monitor69
Tire inflation pressure104
– loss68
– space-saver spare tire104
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM69
– limitations of system69
– resetting system69
– warning lamp70
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor67
Tire Quality Grading112Tires
– age113
– breaking in92
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels132
– condition113
– damage113
– inflation pressure104
– inflation pressure loss70
– minimum tread depth113
– new tires114
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor67
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM69
– puncture68
– run-flat tires114
– size112
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth113
– winter tires115
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-flat tires114
Tools, refer to Onboard vehicle
tool kit125
Torque154
– lug bolts134
Tow bar138
Tow fitting137
– screw thread138
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away137
Tow rope138
Towing137
– car with automatic
transmission138
– methods138
Tow-starting137
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor69
Track width, refer to
Dimension155
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65