
MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
172
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 maneuver ing capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
> The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to 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 pa rts 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. <
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, page 169.
Vehicles with a catalyti c 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, page 46.
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 lo cation, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard
warning flashers.
6. Have the vehicle checked.

Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
179
Indication in US models
Vehicle electronics failedYou cannot continue your journey.
Contact your MINI dealer.
Indication
* in Canadian models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in red: Have the system in question checked
without delay.
> Starter failed or The engine cannot be restarted.
> Ignition malfunctioning. Engine
restart only possible when brake
is depressed or
> Lighting system failed. Low
beams/tail lamps and brake
lamps still operational. All other
lamps failed Depress the brake to start the engine
again.
Lights up in yellow:
> Control of the brake lamps failed
or
> Fuel supply malfunctioning You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system in
question checked without delay.
> Drive malfunctioning You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Transmission limp-home
program active with restricted range
of gears. Have the system checked
immediately.
Flashing:
Dynamic Stability Control DSC or
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is
controlling drive an d braking forces,
refer also to page 67
12Cause What to do

Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
183
Lights up in red:
>Transmission limp-home pro-
gram active with restricted range
of gears, possibly with reduced
acceleration You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked without delay.
> Gears can be engaged without
depressing the brake Always depress the brake to engage a
gear.
> Automatic selector lever locked Manually releasing the selector lever
lock, page50.
Lights up in yellow: Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
> Automatic selector lever locked:
Selector lever locked in position P
with engine running and brake
depressed or Manually releasing the selector lever
lock, page
50.
> Brake signal malfunctioning: gear
can be engaged without depress-
ing the brake To engage a gear while the vehicle is
at a standstill, always depress the
brake. Before leaving the vehicle,
move the selector lever to position P
and switch off the engine.
Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and move the
selector lever to position P. Allow the
transmission to cool down. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the system checked if the
situation reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Vehicle not prevented from rolling
12Cause What to do

Technical dataREFERENCE
191
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.
MINI
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 2 ,535/1,150 2,668/1,210 2,668/1,210
> Automatic
transmission lbs./kg 2,612/1,185 2,712/1,230
–
Approved gross weight
> Manual transmission lbs./kg 3 ,384/1,535 3,494/1,585 3,516/1,595
> Automatic
transmission lbs./kg 3,461/1,570 3,538/1,605
–
Approved front axle load
> Manual transmission lbs./k g 1,830/830 1,918/870 1,918/870
> Automatic
transmission lbs./kg 1,907/865 1,962/890
–
Approved rear axle load lb s./kg 1,664/755 1,664/755 1,676/760
Approved roof load
capacity lbs./kg
165/75 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/ liters5.7 - 24.0/
160 - 680 5.7 - 24.0/
160 - 680 5.7 - 24.0/
160 - 680

REFERENCETechnical data
192
MINI Convertible
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
> Manual transmission lbs./kg 2,7 01/1,225 2,811/1,275 2,811/1,275
> Automatic
transmission lbs./kg 2,778/1,260 2,855/1,295
–
Approved gross weight
> Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,5 60/1,615 3,671/1,665 3,693/1,675
> Automatic
transmission lbs./kg 3,638/1,650 3,737/1,695
–
Approved front axle load
> Manual transmission
> Automatic
transmission lbs./kg 1,863/845 1,951/885
1,962/890
lbs./kg 1,940/880 2,017/915 –
Approved rear axle load lb s./kg 1,786/810 1,786/810 1,797/815
Cargo area capacity cu ft/ liters6.0-23.3/
170-660 6.0-23.3/
170-660 6.0-23.3/
170-660

194
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
INDEX
A
ABS Antilock Brake System67
Accessories, refer to Your individual vehicle 4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle 23
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 88
Adaptive Light Control 80
Additives
– coolant 149
– engine oil 149
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 85
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 86
Airbags 75
– sitting safely 37
– warning lamp 77
Air conditioner 84
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 85
– automatic cl imate control86
– ventilation 88
Air distribution
– automatic 87
– individual 86
– manual 86
Air flow rate 85,87
– air conditioning system 85
– automatic cl imate control87
– heating, ventilation 85
Airing, refer to Ventilation88
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 84
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure 134Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 85,87
Air supply
– air conditioner 85
– automatic climate control 86
– ventilation 88
Air vents 84
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 133
Alarm system 27
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 145
Always Open Timer 58
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 85,87
Ambient lighting 83
Antenna, care 153
Antifreeze
– coolant 14
9
– washer fluid 53
Antilock Brake System ABS 67
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system 27
Anti-theft system 21
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights 191
Approved engine oils 149
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights 191
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 92
Ashtray 93
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
Audio device, external 91Automatic
– air distribution
87
– air flow rate 87
– cruise control 54
– headlamp control 78
Automatic climate control 84
– automatic air distribution 87
Automatic station search 107
Automatic station storage 108
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
– interlock 49
– overriding selector lever lock 50
– shiftlock 49
– sport program 49
AUTO program for automatic climate control 87
Auto radio, refer to Radio MINI Boost CD 106
AUX-IN, refer to External audio device 91
AUX In connection 106
Average fuel consumption 57
– setting the units 61
Average speed 57
Axle loads, refer to Weights 191
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 83
Backrests, refer to Seats 38
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 161,162
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 169
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 172

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
197
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 93
Drive-off assistan t, refer to Hill
Assist 69
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 69
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams 78
Driving notes 96
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Assist 69
Driving stability control systems 67
Driving through water 97
Driving tips, refer to Driving notes 96
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 88
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 67
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 68
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 67
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 68
E
Eject button 112
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top 34
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
– liftgate 26
Electric power windows
– initializing 31
Electronic brake-force distribution 67
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 67Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top 34
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
– liftgate 26
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 50
Emergency services, refer to Roadside Assistance 169
Engine
– breaking in 96
– data 188
– overheated, refer to Coolant temperature 149
– speed 188
– starting 47
– starting, Comfort Access 28
– switching off 47
Engine compartment 147
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 149
Engine oil
– adding 148
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils 149
– alternative oil types 149
– approved engine oils 149
– capacity 148
– checking level 147
– dipstick 147
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 62
– MINI Maintenance System 151
Engine oil level, checking 147
Engine output, refer to Engine data 188
Engine starting, refer to Starting the engine 47
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 67
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system 96 Exterior mirrors
41
– adjusting 41
– automatic heating 41
– folding in and out 41
External audio
device91,106
External temperature display
– change units of measure 61
– in the on-board computer 61
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away 171
– for tying down loads 101
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 64
Failure of an electrical consumer 168
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 40
Fast forward
– CD 112
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 64
Filter
– microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 88
– microfilter for air
conditioner 86
Fine wood, care 156
First aid pouch 169
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 46
Flash when locking/
unlocking 23
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 144
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 72
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 69
– indicating a flat tire 71
– initializing the system 70
– snow chains 70
– system limits 70
Flat tires, refer to Tire condition 143

REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
198
Floor mats, care156
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 160,162
Folding rear seat backrest 98
Folding roof , refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof 32
Footbrake, refer to Braking safely 97
Footwell lamps 82
For your own safety 5
Front airbags 75
Front fog lamps 81
– indicator lamp 173
– replacing bulb 160
Front seat adjustment 38
Frost on windows, refer to Defrosting windows 86,88
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 69
Fuel 133
– gauge 56
– high-quality brands 133
– quality 133
– specifications 133
– tank volume 193
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 56
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption 57
Fuel display, refer to Fuel gauge 56
Fuel filler flap 132
– releasing in the event of electrical malfunction 132
Fuses 168
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 89
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel consumption 57 Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel 133
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel gauge 56
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission 49
– manual transmission 48
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 49
– manual transmission 48
General driving notes 96
Glass roof, electric 30
– convenient operation 22,24
– opening, closing 30
– remote control 22
– tilting 30
Glove compartment 91
Grills, refer to Air vents 84
Gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 191
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb 159
Handbrake, refe r to Parking
brake 48
Hands-free system 14,126
Hazard warning flashers 14
HD Radio 109
Head airbags 75
Headlamp control,
automatic 78
Headlamp flasher 51
– indicator lamp 11,173
Headlamp glass lens 159
Headlamps
– replacing bulb 159
Headlamps, care 154
Head Light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 80
Head restraints 39
– sitting safely 37 Heated
– mirrors
41
– rear window 85,88
– seats 40
Heating 84
– mirrors 41
– rear window 85,88
– seats 40
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing cargo 101
Height, refer to Dimensions 189
Height adjustment
– seats 38
– steering wheel 42
High beams 81
– headlamp flasher 81
– indicator lamp 173
– replacing bulb 159
High water, refer to Driving through water 97
Hill Assist 69
Hills 97
Holders for cups 93
Homepage 4
Hood 146
Horn 10
Hot exhaust system 96
Hydroplaning 97
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio 109
Ignition 46
– switched off 47
– switched on 46
Ignition key, refer to Integrated key/remote
control 20
Ignition key position 1, refer to Radio readiness 46
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on 46
Ignition lock 46
Imprint 2
Incoming call 124