Page 171 of 218

MOBILITYReplacing components
170
Rear fog lamps/Reverse lights
Bulbs 16 Watt, W 16W
Access the lamps via the rear or underside of the
bumper.
1.Press fastening clips, arrows, together and
remove the lamp holder.
2. Remove the bulb and replace it.
3. To insert the new bulb and bulb holder,
proceed in reverse order.
4. Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.
John Cooper Works: aerodynamic
bumper
Access the lamps via the rear or underside of the
bumper.
1.Unscrew the bulb holder counterclockwise,
arrow.
2. Remove the bulb and replace it.
3. To insert the new bulb and bulb holder,
proceed in reverse order.
License plate lamps
5 watt bulb, C 5 W
1.Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the
left in the tab of the lamp housing, arrow 1.
2. Remove the lamp, arrow 2 .
3. Replace the bulb.
4. Insert the lamp.
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation. In
the event of a malfunction, contact your MINI
dealer or a workshop that has specially trained
personnel working in accordance with the
specifications of your MINI manufacturer.
Repairing a flat tire
Safety measures in the event of a break-
down:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from moving
traffic and switch on the hazard warning
flashers.
Turn the steering wheel until the front wheels
are in the straight-ahead position and engage
the steering wheel lock. Engage the parking
brake and shift into 1st or reverse gear or place
the selector lever in position P.
All passengers should be outside the vehicle and
in a safe place, e.g. behind a guardrail.
Erect a warning triangle or warning flasher at the
appropriate distance if necessary. Comply with
all safety guidelines and regulations. <
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Page 180 of 218

Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
179
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 toolkit in the cargo area under-
neath the cover on the right-hand side,
page165.
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. <
Access to screw thread
Push out the cover of the towing eye out of the
recess in the bumper.
Front
Rear
John Cooper Works with aerodynamic bumper:
Pull out the bottom of the cover panel of the
towing eye in the bumper, arrow.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page55; otherwise, the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals, 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,
depending 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.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Page 182 of 218

Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
181
Indicator and warning lamps
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or count ry version. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in
various combinations an d colors in indicator
area 1 or 2. Refer to the table for information on
causes and how to react. Note whether a lamp
lights up alone or in co mbination with another.
Some lamps can light up in different colors.
Corresponding distinctions are made in the text.
12Cause What to do
Turn signals
High beams/headlamp flasher
switched on
Fog lamps switched on
Rear fog lamp switched on
Fasten safety belts Fasten your safety belt, refer also to page49.
External temperature wa rningDrive cautiously, refer also to page 66.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Page 183 of 218
MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
182
Lights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gal/8 liters of fuel are
still in the tank
Remains on:
Cruising range is no more than
30 miles/50 km, page65
Engine refuses to start Depress th e brake or clutch in order to
start the engine, page 55.
Ignition switched on and driver's door
open Switch off the ignition, page
55, or
close the driver's door.
Lamps still on
Roadside parking lamps on
Door open
Hood open
Tailgate open
Cargo area cover in the MINI
Convertible Convertible top cannot be activated.
Bring cargo area cover in required
position, re
fer to page 109.
Lights up in red:
Convertible top not locked Convertible top not locked. First
completely open or close the
convertible top, and then continue
the trip, page 35 and 42.
12Cause What to do
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Page 184 of 218

Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
183
Sunroof/Convertible topExcessive vehicle speed, activation
not possible, reduce speed and
continue activation.
Lights up in red:
Control system for convertible top
failed! Position of convertible top and locking
mechanism not recognized. If
convertible top secu
rely locked, drive
may be continued. Manually close
convertible top/sliding roof, refer to
page 36. Have your MINI dealer
inspect the system.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive of convertible top overheated! Let drive of convertible top cool down,
refer to page 36.
Sunroof/Convertible top Control system of convertible top/tilt
roof malfunctioning. Close convertible
top/tilt roof ma
nually, refer to
page 36. Contact your MINI dealer.
Tailgate of MINI Convertible not
closed Close the tailgate.
MINI Roadster: indicator lamp lights
up. Semi-automatic convertible top is
completely open
MINI Roadster: indicator lamp lights
up. Semi-automatic convertible top
movement has ended. Close
convertible top using the handle
Lights up in yellow:
Rear spoiler extended, also see
page 78 Rear spoiler extended. Before driving
into a car wash, retract the rear
spoiler.
Rear spoiler, also see page 78Rear spoiler does not extend
completely. Drive slowly and have it
checked at your ne arest MINI dealer.
12Cause What to do
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Page 185 of 218

MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
184
Fuel cap missing or looseMake sure that the fuel cap is correctly
positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks. Do not jam the strap between
the fuel cap and the vehicle.
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
page 62.
Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements,
page 159.
Lights up in yellow:
The next time that the Start/Stop
button is pressed, the engine starts,
possibly even without a foot on the
brakes or without depressing the
clutch
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with Comfort Access, not
detected The engine cannot be started. Have
the remote control checked, if
necessary.
Remote control battery is discharged Use the remote control for a longer journey or, in cars with Comfort
Access, replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/ or airbag system
failed Have the system checked immedi-
ately. Fasten the safety belts anyway.
Power steering failed You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Steering response will be
markedly different. Have the system
checked without delay.
12Cause What to do
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Page 186 of 218

Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
185
Lights up in red:
Engine malfunctionStop the car and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Full engine power no longer available Y ou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the engine
checked as soon as possible.
Indicator lamp 1 flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load.
High engine load will result in
damage to the catalytic converter You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked without delay.
Indicator lamp 1 comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse
effect on exhaust emissions You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the car checked as
soon as possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop,
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Do not open the hood;
otherwise, there is a risk of injury from
scalding. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked
without delay if the situation reoccurs.
12Cause What to do
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Page 187 of 218
MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
186
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the battery checked
without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connected C h a r g e i t b y t a k i n g a longer drive or by
using an external charger. Possibly
automatic switch-off of power
consuming devices. Have the battery
checked as soon as possible.
Display in US models
Parking brake applied
Display in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
Display in US models
Parking brake applied while driv ing Release the parking brake.
Display in Canadian models
Parking brake applied while driv ing Release the parking brake.
Display in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Braking action is reduced, stop with
care. Contact your nearest MINI
dealer.
12Cause What to do
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG