the battery, or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Body ground:
Starting the engine
Never use spray fluids to start the engine.
1.Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and
let it run for several minutes at a slightly in‐
creased idle speed.2.Start the engine of the vehicle being started
in the usual way.
If the first starting attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before making another
attempt in order to allow the discharged
battery to recharge.3.Let both engines run for several minutes.4.Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse
order.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Tow-starting and towing
Notes Observe applicable laws and regulations
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing. ◀
No additional passengers
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 vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front
or rear of the MINI.
Tow fitting, information on use▷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, damage to the tow fitting and the
vehicle can occur. ◀
Access to the screw thread Push out the tow fitting cover at the appropri‐
ate recess in the bumper.
Front
Rear
John Cooper Works with aerodynamic bumper:
Pull out the tow fitting cover in the bumper in
the lower section, arrow.
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Being towedFollow the towing instructions
Follow all towing instructions, or vehicle
damage or accidents may occur. ◀
▷Make sure that the ignition is switched on;
otherwise, the low beams, tail lamps, turn
signals, and windshield wipers may be un‐
available.▷Do not tow the vehicle with the rear axle
tilted, as the front wheels could turn.▷When the engine is stopped, there is no
power assist. Consequently, more force
needs to be applied when braking and
steering.▷Larger steering wheel movements are re‐
quired.▷Switch on the hazard warning system, de‐
pending on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission Towing vehicles with an automatic trans‐
mission
Only transport vehicles with an automatic
transmission on tow trucks or with raised front
wheels; otherwise, the transmission may be
damaged. ◀
Towing with a tow bar
Light towing vehicle
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than your vehicle, or it will not be possible to
control vehicle response. ◀
Correctly attach the tow bar
Only secure the tow bar on the tow fit‐
tings; damage can occur when it is secured on
other parts of the vehicle. ◀
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 offset 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.
Towing with a tow rope
When starting to tow the vehicle, make sure
that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated stresses on
the vehicle components when towing, always
use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attaching the tow rope correctly
Only secure the tow rope on the tow fit‐
ting; otherwise, damage can occur when it is
secured on other parts of the vehicle. ◀
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Towing with a tow truck
Have the MINI transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result. ◀
Tow-starting
If possible, do not tow-start the vehicle but
start the engine by jump-starting, refer to
page 186. Vehicles with a catalytic converter
should only be tow-started when the engine is
cold; vehicles with an automatic transmission
cannot be tow-started.
1.Switch on the hazard warning system and
comply with local regulations.2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page 55.3.Shift into 3rd gear.4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the
clutch is depressed and then slowly release
the clutch. After the engine starts, immedi‐
ately depress the clutch completely again.5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope, and switch off the hazard
warning system.6.Have the vehicle checked.Seite 190MobilityBreakdown assistance190
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▷Remove additional attachments, for in‐
stance a spoiler or telephone antenna, if
there is a risk that these may be damaged.▷Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, note the fol‐
lowing to ensure that the vehicle can roll:
1.Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock, even with Comfort Access.2.Move the selector lever to position N.3.Release the handbrake.4.Switch the engine off.5.Leave the remote control in the ignition
lock so that the vehicle can roll.
Hand car wash
If washing the vehicle by hand, use copious
quantities of water and car shampoo if neces‐
sary. Clean the vehicle with a sponge or a
washing brush by applying gentle pressure.
Before cleaning the windshield, deactivate the
rain sensor to avoid unintentional wiper activa‐
tion or switch off the ignition.
Adhere to the local regulations regarding
washing cars by hand.
Headlamps
Do not rub dry and do not use abrasive or caus‐
tic cleansers. Soak areas that have been soiled,
e.g., due to insects, with shampoo and rinse off
with copious quantities of water.
Thaw ice with a window deicer; do not use an
ice scraper.
Windows Clean the outside and inside surfaces of the
windows and the mirror glasses with window
cleaner.
Do not clean mirror glass with cleaners contain‐
ing quartz.
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and replace regularly to
avoid streaking.
Wax and preservative residue and soiling on
the windows cause streaking during window
wiping and lead to premature wear on the
wiper blades and malfunctions of the rain sen‐
sor.
Vehicle care Car care products
Regular cleaning and care contributes signifi‐
cantly to vehicle value retention.
The manufacturer recommends using cleaning
and care products from MINI, since these have
been tested and approved.
Original MINI CareProducts have been tested
on materials, in the laboratory, and in the field,
and offer optimum care and protection for MINI
vehicles.
Do not use cleansers that contain alcohol
or solvents
Do not use cleansers that contain alcohol or
solvents, such as lacquer thinners, heavy-duty
grease removers, fuel, or such; this could lead
to surface damage. ◀
Car care and cleaning products
Follow the instructions on the container.
When cleaning the interior, open the doors or
windows.
Only use products intended for cleaning vehi‐
cles.
Cleansers can contain substances that are dan‐
gerous and harmful to your health. ◀Seite 192MobilityCare192
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12CauseHow to respondThe engine refuses to start.Depress the brake or clutch to start
the engine, refer to page 56.The ignition is switched on and driver's
door is open.Switch off the ignition, refer to
page 55, or close the driver's door.The lights are still switched on.Switch off the lights, refer to
page 74.The roadside parking lamps are still on.Switch off the roadside parking
lamps, refer to page 75.A door is open.The hood is open.The tailgate is open.Trunk cover in the MINI ConvertibleThe convertible top cannot be oper‐
ated. Move the trunk cover into the
required position, refer to page 104.Lights up in red:The convertible top is not locked.The convertible top is not locked.
Fully open or close the convertible
top before continuing to drive, refer
to page 34.Sliding sunroof/convertible top.Permissible speed for operation ex‐
ceeded; slow the vehicle and con‐
tinue operating.Lights up in red:Seite 197Indicator/warning lampsMobility197
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12CauseHow to respondThe windshield washer fluid level is too
low.Add washer fluid, refer to page 61,
as soon as possible.Lights up in red:Service is due.Arrange a service appointment.
Check the service requirements, re‐
fer to page 173.Lights up in yellow:The engine will start the next time the
Start/Stop button is touched, possibly with‐
out the brake or clutch being depressedThe remote control is malfunctioning or, in
cars with Comfort Access, was not de‐
tected.The engine cannot be started. Have
the remote control checked, if nec‐
essary.The battery in the remote control is dis‐
charged.Use the remote control for a longer
journey or, in cars with Comfort Ac‐
cess, replace the battery.The belt tensioners and/or airbag system
has failed.Have the system checked immedi‐
ately.
Fasten the safety belts anyway.Steering assistance has failed.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Markedly different
steering response. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.Lights up in red:Engine malfunctionStop the car and switch off the en‐
gine. You cannot continue your jour‐
ney. Contact your service center.Lights up in yellow:Full engine power is no longer available.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the engine
checked as soon as possible.Seite 199Indicator/warning lampsMobility199
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12CauseHow to respondIndicator 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 immediately.Indicator lamp 1 lights up:Engine malfunction with adverse effect on
emissions.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked as soon as possible.Lights up in red:The engine is 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 would be a risk of
injury due to scalding. Contact your
service center.Lights up in yellow:The engine is too hot.Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked
without delay if the situation reoc‐
curs.Lights up in red:Battery is no longer being charged. Alter‐
nator malfunction.Switch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the power supply
system checked without delay.Lights up in yellow:The battery charge level is very low, the
battery is old or is not securely connected.Charge the battery by taking a long
drive or using an external charger. If
necessary, switch off automatic
power consumers. Have the battery
checked as soon as possible.Seite 200MobilityIndicator/warning lamps200
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12CauseHow to respondIndication in US modelsThe vehicle electronics have failed.You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your service center.Indication in Canadian modelsThe vehicle electronics have failed.You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your service center.Lights up in red:Have the system in question checked
immediately.The starter has failed orThe engine cannot be restarted.Ignition malfunctioning. The engine can
only be restarted when the brake is de‐
pressed or
Lighting system failed. Low beams/tail
lamps and brake lights still operational. All
other lamps failed.Depress the brake to restart the en‐
gine.Lights up in yellow:Brake light control failed or
The fuel supply is malfunctioning.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system in
question checked immediately.Drive malfunctioning.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Transmission limp-
home program with reduced accel‐
eration is active. Have the system
checked immediately.Flashing:
Dynamic Stability Control DSC or Dynamic
Traction Control DTC is controlling drive
and braking forces, refer to page 89.Seite 202MobilityIndicator/warning lamps202
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