2016 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE warning

Breakdown assistanceVehicle features and op‐
tions
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems. The respectively applicable country provi‐
sions must be observed when using the respec‐
tive features and systems.
Hazard warning flash‐
ers
The button is located above the Control Dis‐
play.
Roadside Assistance
Service availability Roadside Assistance can be reached around the
clock in many countries. You can obtain assis‐
tance there in the event of a vehicle break‐
down.
Roadside Assistance
The Roadside Assistance phone number can be
viewed on the onboard monitor or a connec‐
tion to Roadside Assistance can be established
directly.
Warning triangle
The warning triangle is located in the cargo
area.
First-aid kit
The first-aid kit is located in the cargo area.
Some of the articles have a limited service life.
Check the expiration dates of the contents reg‐
ularly and replace any expired items promptly.
Jump-starting
General information If the battery is discharged, the engine can be
started using the battery of another vehicle and
two jumper cables. Only use jumper cables with
fully insulated clamp handles.
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InformationDANGER
Contact with live components can lead to
an electric shock. There is a risk of injury or
danger to life. Do not touch any components
that are under voltage. ◀
To prevent personal injury or damage to both
vehicles, adhere strictly to the following proce‐
dure.
Preparation ATTENTION
In the case of body contact between the
two vehicles, a short circuit can occur during
jump-starting. There is a risk of damage to
property. Make sure that no body contact oc‐
curs. ◀1.Check whether the battery of the other ve‐
hicle has a voltage of 12 volts. The voltage
information can be found on the battery.2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi‐
cle.3.Switch off any electronic systems/power
consumers in both vehicles.
Starting aid terminals
WARNING
If the jumper cables are connected in the
incorrect order, sparks formation can occur.
There is a a risk of injury. Pay attention to the
correct order during connection. ◀
The starting aid terminal in the engine com‐
partment acts as the battery's positive terminal.
Open the cover of the starting aid terminal.
The body ground or a special nut acts as the
battery negative terminal.
Connecting the cables
1.Pull off the lid of the starting aid terminal.2.Attach one terminal clamp of the positive
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery, or to the corresponding starting aid
terminal of the vehicle providing assistance.3.Attach the terminal clamp on the other end
of the cable to the positive terminal of the
battery, or to the corresponding starting aid
terminal of the vehicle to be started.4.Attach one terminal clamp of the negative
jumper cable to the negative terminal of
the battery, or to the corresponding engine
or body ground of assisting vehicle.5.Attach the second terminal clamp to the
negative terminal of the battery, or to the
corresponding engine or body ground of
the vehicle to be started.Seite 221Breakdown assistanceMOBILITY221
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Starting the engineNever use spray fluids to start the engine.1.Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and
let it run for several minutes at an increased
idle speed.2.Start the engine of the vehicle that is to be
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 needed.
Tow-starting and towing
Information WARNING
Due to system limits, individual functions
can malfunction during tow-starting/towing
with the Intelligent Safety systems activated,
e.g., approach control warning with light brak‐
ing function. There is risk of an accident. Switch
all Intelligent Safety systems off prior to tow-
starting/towing. ◀
Switching off Intelligent Safety systems, refer to
page 115.
Steptronic transmission with driven
front axle: transporting the vehicle
Information The vehicle must not be towed if the front
wheels are touching the ground.
CAUTION
The vehicle can be damaged when tow‐
ing the vehicle with a lifted rear axle. There is
arisk of property damage. Have vehicle trans‐
ported only with lifted front axle or on a load‐
ing platform. ◀
Tow truck
Your vehicle should be transported with a tow
truck with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
ATTENTION
When lifting the vehicle by the tow fitting
or body and chassis parts; damage can occur
on vehicle parts. There is a risk of damage to
property. Lift vehicle using suitable means. ◀
Use tow fitting located in the front only for po‐
sitioning the vehicle.
Pushing vehicle
To maneuver vehicle from the danger area,
manually unlock the transmission lock, refer to
page 78, if needed.
Manual transmission
Observe before towing your vehicle
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Towing CAUTION
If manual unlocking of the parking brake
is not possible, the vehicle cannot be moved or
towed. There is risk of property damage. The
vehicle should only be transported on a loading
platform. ◀
Follow the following instructions:
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▷Make sure that the ignition is switched on;
otherwise, the low beams, tail lamps, turn
signals, and wipers may be unavailable.▷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.▷The towing vehicle must not be lighter than
the vehicle being towed; otherwise, it will
not be possible to control the vehicle's re‐
sponse.▷Do not exceed a towing speed of
30 mph/50 km/h.▷Do not exceed a towing distance of
30 miles/50 km.
Tow truck
With driven front axle
Have your vehicle transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
ATTENTION
When lifting the vehicle by the tow fitting
or body and chassis parts; damage can occur
on vehicle parts. There is a risk of damage to
property. Lift vehicle using suitable means. ◀
Towing other vehicles
Information WARNING
If the approved gross vehicle weight of
the towing vehicle is lighter than the vehicle to
be towed, the tow fitting can tear off or it will
not be possible to control the vehicle's re‐ sponse. There is risk of an accident! Make sure
that the gross vehicle weight of the towing ve‐
hicle is heavier than the vehicle to be towed. ◀
ATTENTION
If the tow bar or tow rope is attached in‐
correctly, damage to other vehicle parts can oc‐ cur. There is a risk of damage to property. Cor‐
rectly attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow
fitting. ◀▷Switch on the hazard warning system, de‐
pending on local regulations.▷If the electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed by placing
a sign or a warning triangle in the rear win‐
dow.
Tow bar
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:
▷Maneuvering capability is limited going
around corners.▷The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it
is secured with an offset.
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.
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ATTENTION
If the tow bar or tow rope is attached in‐
correctly, damage to other vehicle parts can oc‐
cur. There is a risk of damage to property. Cor‐
rectly attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow
fitting. ◀
Tow fitting
General information
The screw-in tow fitting should always be car‐
ried in the vehicle.
The tow fitting can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the vehicle.
The tow fitting and the onboard vehicle tool kit,
refer to page 208, are together in the cargo
area.
Information ATTENTION
If the tow fitting is not used as intended,
there can be damage to the vehicle or to the
tow fitting. There is a risk of damage to prop‐
erty. Observe the notes on using the tow fit‐ ting. ◀
Use of the tow fitting:
▷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.▷Use tow fitting located in the front only for
positioning the vehicle.▷Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, for
example, do not lift the vehicle by the tow
fitting.
Screw thread for tow fitting
Threaded holes for the tow fitting are located in
the front and rear of the vehicle on the right
side with respect to the direction of travel.
Push out the cover by pressing on the top edge.
Tow-starting
Steptronic transmission Do not tow-start the vehicle.
Tow-starting the engine is not possible due to
the Steptronic transmission.
Have the cause of the starting problems fixed.
Manual transmission
If possible, do not tow-start the vehicle but
start the engine by jump-starting, refer to
page 220. If the vehicle is equipped with a cat‐
alytic converter, only tow-start while the engine
is cold.
1.Switch on the hazard warning system and
comply with local regulations.2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page 66.3.Engage third gear.4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the
clutch pedal pressed and slowly release the
pedal. After the engine starts, immediately
press on the clutch pedal again.Seite 224MOBILITYBreakdown assistance224
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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 225Breakdown assistanceMOBILITY225
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Before driving into a car washIn order to ensure that the vehicle can roll in a
car wash, take the following steps:
Manual transmission:1.Drive into the car wash.2.Shift to neutral.3.Switch the engine off.4.Switch on the ignition.
Steptronic transmission:
1.Drive into the car wash.2.Engage selector lever position N.3.Make sure that the parking brake is re‐
leased.4.Press the Start/Stop button to switch off the
engine.
In this way, the ignition remains switched
on, and two Check-Control messages are
displayed.
A signal sounds when you leave the vehicle
while in selector lever position N.
The vehicle cannot be locked from the outside
when in selector lever position N. A signal is
sounded when an attempt is made to lock the
vehicle.
To start the engine with manual transmission:
1.Press on the clutch pedal.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
To start the engine with Steptronic transmis‐
sion:
1.Depress the brake pedal.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
Headlights
▷Do not rub dry and do not use abrasive or
acidic cleansers.▷Soak areas that have been dirtied e. g.,
from insects, with shampoo and wash off
with water.▷Thaw ice with de-icing spray; do not use an
ice scraper.
After washing the vehicle
After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes
briefly to dry them; otherwise, braking action
can be reduced and corrosion of the brake
discs can occur.
Completely remove all residues on the win‐
dows, to minimize loss of visibility due to
smearing and to reduce wiper noises and wiper
blade wear.
Vehicle care Vehicle care products
The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
using care and cleaning products from MINI.
WARNING
Cleansers can contain substances that are
dangerous and harmful to your health. There is
a risk of injury. When cleaning the interior,
open the doors or windows. Only use products
intended for cleaning vehicles. Follow the in‐
structions on the container. ◀
Vehicle paint Regular care contributes to driving safety and
value retention. Environmental influences in
areas with elevated air pollution or natural con‐
taminants, such as tree resin or pollen can af‐
fect the vehicle's paintwork. Tailor the fre‐
quency and extent of your vehicle care to these
influences.
Aggressive substances such as spilled fuel, oil,
grease or bird droppings, must be removed im‐
mediately to prevent the finish from being al‐
tered or discolored.
Caring for the convertible top
The appearance and life of the convertible top
depend on correct care and operation.
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ATTENTION
Open Velcro® fasteners on articles of
clothing can damage the seat covers. There is a
risk of damage to property. Ensure that any
Velcro® fasteners are closed. ◀
Caring for special components Light-alloy wheels
When cleaning the vehicle, use only neutral
wheel cleaners having a pH value from 5 to 9.
Do not use abrasive cleaning agents or steam
jets above 140 ℉/60 ℃. Follow the manufac‐
turer's instructions.
Aggressive, acidic or alkaline cleaning agents
can destroy the protective layer of adjacent
components, such as the brake disk.
Chrome surfaces
Carefully clean components such as the radia‐
tor grille or door handles with an ample supply
of water, possibly with shampoo added, partic‐
ularly when they have been exposed to road
salt.
Rubber components Environmental influences can cause surface
soiling of rubber parts and a loss of gloss. For
cleaning, use only water and suitable care
products, the manufacturer of your vehicle rec‐
ommends original MINI care products.
Treat especially worn rubber parts with rubber
care agents at regular intervals. When cleaning
rubber seals, do not use any silicon-containing
car care products in order to avoid damage or
noises.
Fine wood parts Clean fine wood facing and fine wood compo‐
nents only with a moist rag. Then dry with a
soft cloth.
Plastic components
These include:▷Imitation leather surfaces.▷Roofliner.▷Lamp lenses.▷Instrument cluster cover.▷Matt black spray-coated components.▷Painted parts in the interior.
Clean with a microfiber cloth.
Dampen cloth lightly with water.
Do not soak the roofliner.
ATTENTION
Cleansers that contain alcohol or solvents,
such as lacquer thinners, heavy-duty grease re‐
movers, fuel, or such, can damage plastic parts.
There is a risk of damage to property. Clean
with a microfiber cloth. Dampen cloth lightly
with water. ◀
Safety belts Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and
thus have a negative impact on safety.
WARNING
Chemical cleansers can destroy the safety
belt webbing. Missing protective effect of the
safety belts. There is a risk of injury or danger to
life. Use only a mild soapy solution for cleaning
the safety belts. ◀
Use only a mild soapy solution, with the safety
belts clipped into their buckles.
Do not allow the switchs to retract the safety
belts until they are dry.
Carpets and floor mats WARNING
Objects in the driver's floor area can limit
the pedal distance or block a depressed pedal.
There is risk of an accident. Stow objects in the
vehicle such that they are secured and cannot
enter into the driver's floor area. Use floor mats
that are suitable for the vehicle and can be
safely attached to the floor. Do not use loose
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