or body ground of the vehicle providing as‐
sistance.6.Attach the second clamp of the negative
jumper cable to the negative terminal of
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
Information Warning
There is an increased danger of accidents
when towing vehicles. There is a risk of per‐
sonal injury. 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.
The tow fitting is stowed in the following loca‐
tion, depending on the equipment:▷Under the right or left front seat.▷In the pouch of the wheel change set in the
cargo area.
CAUTION
If the tow fitting is not used as intended,
there can be damage to the vehicle or to the
tow fitting. There is risk of property damage.
Observe the notes on using the tow fitting. ◀
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.▷Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g.,
do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting.
Access to the screw thread
Push out the tow fitting cover at the appropri‐
ate recess in the bumper.
Front
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Rear
Being towed
Adhere to the following information:
▷Make sure that the ignition is switched on;
otherwise, the low beams, tail lights, 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.
Steptronic transmission CAUTION
The vehicle can be damaged when tow‐
ing the vehicle with a lifted rear axle. There is
risk of property damage. Have vehicle trans‐
ported only with lifted front axle or on a load‐
ing platform. ◀
Towing with a tow bar
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. ◀
CAUTION
If the tow bar or tow rope is attached in‐
correctly, damage to other vehicle parts can oc‐
cur. There is risk of property damage. Correctly
attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow fit‐
ting. ◀
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.
CAUTION
If the tow bar or tow rope is attached in‐
correctly, damage to other vehicle parts can oc‐ cur. There is risk of property damage. Correctly
attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow fit‐ ting. ◀
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With a tow truck: vehicles without ALL4all-wheel drive
CAUTION
When lifting the vehicle by the tow fitting
or body and chassis parts; damage can occur
on vehicle parts. There is risk of property dam‐
age. Lift vehicle using suitable means. ◀
MINI Countryman:
MINI Paceman:
Have the vehicle transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
With a tow truck: vehicle with ALL4 all-wheel drive
CAUTION
When lifting the vehicle by the tow fitting
or body and chassis parts; damage can occur
on vehicle parts. There is risk of property dam‐
age. Lift vehicle using suitable means. ◀
CAUTION
The vehicle can be damaged when tow‐
ing the vehicle with a single lifted axle. There is
risk of property damage. Only transport the ve‐
hicle on a flat-bed. ◀
MINI Countryman:
MINI Paceman:
Only transport the vehicle on a flat-bed.
Tow-starting
If possible, start the engine by jump-starting,
refer to page 184, it rather than tow-starting
the vehicle. 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 50.3.Engage third gear.4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the
clutch is depressed and then slowly releaseSeite 188MOBILITYBreakdown assistance188
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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 189Breakdown assistanceMOBILITY189
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CareVehicle 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.
When using the features and systems described
here, adhere to local regulations.
Car washes General information
Wash your vehicle frequently, particularly in
winter. Intense soiling and road salt can dam‐
age the vehicle.
Information CAUTION
When cleaning with high-pressure wash‐
ers, components can be damaged due to the
pressure or temperatures being too high. There
is risk of property damage. Maintain sufficient
distance and do not spray too long continu‐
ously. Follow the operating instructions for the
high-pressure washer. ◀
Do not direct steam or high-pressure washers
toward the labels applied by the manufacturer;
otherwise, damage may result.
Distances and temperature▷Maximum temperature: 140 ℉/60 ℃.▷Minimum distance from sensors, cameras,
seals: 12 inches/30 cm.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.
Regularly remove foreign bodies, such as
leaves, from the area of the windshield when
the hood is open.
Washing in automatic car washes Give preference to cloth car washes or those
that use soft brushes in order to avoid paint
damage.
Do not use automatic high-pressure washers;
otherwise, water may drip into the interior in
the area of the windows.
Before driving into the car wash, check whether
the system is suitable for your MINI. Note the
following points:▷Vehicle dimensions, refer to page 208.▷If necessary: fold in the exterior mirrors, re‐
fer to page 42.▷Maximum permissible tire width.
CAUTION
Too high guide rails in car washes can
damage body parts. There is risk of property
damage. Avoid car washes with guide rails
higher than 4 in/10 cm. ◀
Preparations before driving into the car wash:
▷Unscrew the road antenna.▷Deactivate the rain sensor to avoid unin‐
tentional wiper activation.▷Deactivate the rear window wiper and pro‐
tect it from damage. Ask the car wash oper‐
ator about any suitable protective meas‐
ures.▷Remove additional attachments, for in‐
stance a spoiler or telephone antenna, if
there is a risk that these may be damaged.Seite 190MOBILITYCare190
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Do not use abrasive cleaners or a steam jet hot‐
ter than 140 ℉/60 ℃; otherwise, damage may
result. Adhere to the manufacturer instructions.
Aggressive, acidic, or alkaline cleaners may de‐
stroy the protective coating of neighboring
components such as the brake disc.
Exterior sensors The sensors on the outside of the vehicle, such
as for Park Distance Control, must be kept clean
and free of ice to ensure that they remain fully
functional.
Decorative trim
Clean decorative trims and fine wood compo‐
nents with a moist cloth only. Then dry with a
soft cloth.
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 risk of injuries or danger to
life. Use only a mild soapy solution for cleaning
the safety belts. ◀
Carpets/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
floor mats and do not layer several floor mats.
Make sure that there is sufficient clearance for
the pedals. Ensure that the floor mats are se‐
curely fastened again after they were removed,
e.g. for cleaning. ◀
Floor mats can be removed for cleaning.If they are very dirty, clean with a microfiber
cloth and water or an interior cleaner. To pre‐
vent matting of the carpet, rub back and forth
in the direction of travel only.
Displays
To clean the displays, such as the radio or dis‐
play elements, use an antistatic microfiber
cloth.
CAUTION
Chemical cleansers, moisture or fluids of
any kind can damage the surface of displays
and screens. There is risk of property damage.
Clean with a clean, antistatic microfiber cloth. ◀
CD/DVD drives CAUTION
The use of cleaning CDs may damage
parts of the drive. There is risk of property dam‐
age. Do not use cleaning CDs. ◀
Long-term vehicle storage
A dealer's service center or another qualified
service center or repair shop can advise you on
what to consider when storing the vehicle for
longer than three months.Seite 193CareMOBILITY193
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Tank gauge, refer to Fuelgauge 62
Technical changes, refer to Own Safety 6
Telephone 138
Temperature, air condi‐ tioner 92
Temperature, automatic cli‐ mate control 94
Temperature, coolant, refer to Coolant temperature 62
Temperature display, external temperature 61
Temperature display, external temperature warning 61
Temperature display, setting the units 64
Temperature warning 61
Theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 30
Tilt alarm sensor 31
Time, setting the time 65
Tire age 160
Tire, flat tire 78
Tire identification marks 158
Tire inflation pressure 154
Tire inflation pressure, pres‐ sure loss, FTM 78
Tire pressure loss, RDC 80
Tire, pressure monitoring, re‐ fer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 79
Tire pressure monitor, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 77
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 79
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM, system limits 82
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM, system reset 80
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM, warning lamp 80
Tire Quality Grading 158
Tires, breaking in 112
Tires, changing 160
Tires, condition 159
Tires, damage 160 Tire size 158
Tires, minimum tread 160
Tires, retreaded tires 161
Tires, storage 162
Tire tread 159
Towing another vehicle 186
Towing, being towed 186
Tow-starting 186
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor 79
Traction control 85
Transmission lock, refer to Changing the selector lever
positions 58
Transmission, overriding the selector lever lock with Step‐
tronic transmission 59
Transmission, refer to Manual transmission 57
Transmission, see Steptronic transmission 57
Transporting children safely 45
Trip-distance counter, refer to Trip odometer 61
Triple turn signal activa‐ tion 53
Trip odometer 61
Trunk lid, refer to Tailgate 27
Trunk, refer to Cargo area 27
Turning lights, refer to Adap‐ tive Light Control 71
Turn signal, bulb replace‐ ment 177
Turn signal indicator lamp 14
Turn signals 53
Turn signals, triple turn signal activation 53
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/ UTQG 158
Unintentional alarms, avoid‐ ing 32 Units, average fuel consump‐
tion 64
Units, temperature 64
Universal remote control 96
Unlocking from the inside 26
Unlocking, from the out‐ side 22
Unlocking, tailgate 29
Unlocking, without remote control, refer to Comfort Ac‐
cess 28
Upholstery care 192
Upholstery material care 192
USB audio interface 133
V Vanity mirror 98
Vehicle battery 182
Vehicle, breaking in 112
Vehicle care 191
Vehicle care, refer to Care 190
Vehicle equipment 6
Vehicle paintwork, care 191
Vehicle storage 193
Vehicle, switching off 52
Vehicle wash 190
Ventilation, air condition‐ ing 95
W Warning and indicator lamps 15
Warning and indicator lamps, overview 194
Warning messages, refer to Check Control 67
Warning triangle 184
Washer/wiper system 54
Washer/wiper system, rain sensor 55
Washer/wiper system, washer fluid 56
Washer fluid 56 Seite 220REFERENCEEverything from A to Z220
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