tow bar MINI Clubman 2009 Owner's Manual

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
55
Technology for driving comfort
and safety
Park Distance
Control PDC*
The concept
PDC assists you with parking backwards. Acous-
tic signals warn you of the presence of an object
behind the vehicle. To measure the distance,
there are four ultrasonic sensors in either
bumper.
However, an acoustic warning does not sound
until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm from the
corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from the
center sensors.
. PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached slowly,
as is usually the case when parking. Avoid
approaching an object at high speed, otherwise
physical circumstances
may lead to the system warning being issued
too late.<
Automatic mode
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated automatically after
approx. 1 second when you engage reverse gear
or move the automatic transmission selector
lever to position R. Wait this short period before
driving.
Acoustic signals
As the distance between vehicle and object
decreases, the intervals between the tones
become shorter. If the distance to the nearest
object falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a
continuous tone sounds.
If the distance remains constant, e.g. when driv-
ing parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal stops
after approx. 3 seconds.
Adjustments
The volume of the acoustic signals can be
adjusted, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp comes on: PDC is mal-
functioning. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they will continue to operate effectively.
When using a high-pressure cleaner, do not
direct the jet toward the sensors for lengthy
periods and only spray from a distance of at least
4in/10cm.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for esti-
mating the distance between the vehicle
and any obstructions always remains with the
driver. Sensors, too, have blind spots in which
objects cannot be detected. Moreover, ultra-
sonic detection can reach its physical limits with
objects such as trailer tow bars and couplings,
thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low
objects already indicated, such as curbs, may
enter the sensors' blind spots before or after a
continuous audible signal is given. Higher, pro-
truding objects, such as wall ledges, may not be
detectable. Therefore, always drive cautiously,
otherwise there is a risk of personal injury or
property damage. Loud sound sources outside
or inside the car can drown out the PDC signal.<
Driving stability
control systems
Your MINI has a number of systems that help to
maintain the vehicle's stability even in adverse
driving conditions.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with driving stability control systems.

Replacing components
112
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
Your vehicle comes with an onboard tool kit that
varies with the equipment version; it is stored
underneath the level load floor.
>Mobility System with onboard tool kit and
tire change set
*116
>Tire change set with onboard tool kit for
space-saver spare tire118
Wiper blades
Changing the front wiper blades
1.Fold up the wiper arm.
2.Position the wiper blade horizontally.
3.Press the securing spring, arrow.
4.Unhook the wiper blade toward the
windshield.
5.Pull the wiper blade past the wiper arm
toward the top.
6.Insert the new wiper blade.
7.Press into position until you hear it engage.8.Fold down the wiper arm.
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the bonnet.<
Changing the rear wiper blade
1.Fold out the wiper arm and hold it.
2.Press together the locking spring, arrow 1,
and fold out the wiper blade.
3.Pull the wiper blade away from and out of
the catch mechanism, arrow 2.
4.Press the new wiper blade into the fixture
until it engages audibly.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribution
to vehicle safety. They should, therefore, be
handled carefully. The manufacturer of your
MINI recommends having your MINI Dealer per-
form any work that you do not feel competent to
perform yourself or that is not described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean tissue, cloth or something similar, or hold
the bulb by its base.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs
at your MINI Dealer.
When working on electrical systems,
always begin by switching off the con-

Giving and receiving assistance
124
Access to screw thread
Push out the cover of the towing eye out of the
recess in the bumper.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page37, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signal indicators 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, depend-
ing 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.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in 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 parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
Towing with a tow truck
Have the MINI Clubman transported with a tow
truck with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise damage
may result.<
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, page122.

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125
Vehicles with a catalytic 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, page37.
3.Shift into 3
rd 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 location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.

From A to Z
144
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control74
Additives
– coolant105
– engine oil104
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner71
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control72
Air conditioner70
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner71
– automatic climate control72
– ventilation74
Air distribution
– automatic73
– individual72
– manual72
Air flow rate71,72
– air conditioning system71
– automatic climate control72
– heating, ventilation71
Air outlets, refer to Air vents70
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure94
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode71,73
Air supply
– air conditioner71
– automatic climate control72
– ventilation74
Air vents70
Airbags63
– sitting safely29
– warning lamp64
Airing, refer to Ventilation74AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications93
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires101
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode71,73
Ambient lighting69
Antenna, care108
Antifreeze
– coolant105
– washer fluid44
Antilock Brake System ABS56
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system
19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights142
Approved engine oils104
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights142
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest77
Ashtray79
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC56
Audio device, external77
AUTO program for automatic
climate control73
Automatic
– air distribution73
– air flow rate73
– cruise control44
– headlamp control65
Automatic climate control70
– automatic air distribution73Automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– interlock39
– overriding selector lever
lock41
– shiftlock39
– sport program40
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device77
Average fuel consumption47
– setting the units49
Average speed48
Axle loads, refer to
Weights142B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting69
Backrests, refer to Seats29
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb115
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch122
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away124
Battery120
– charging120
– disposal27,120
– jump starting122
– temporary power failure120
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed124
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts32
Belts, refer to Safety belts32
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders79
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate71,72
Bonnet102

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Lighter79
– socket79
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs112
– of the instruments68
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps65
Limit137
Load85
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo86
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking22
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal20
– from inside22
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access25
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals20
– from inside22
– from outside19
Low beams65
– automatic65
– replacing bulb113
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support30
Luggage compartment doors,
refer to Splitdoor23
Luggage compartment
partition net, refer to
Partition net85
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack87
Lumbar support30
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires101
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system106
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control53
Manual air distribution72Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission41
Manual transmission39
Manual washing109
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling73
Maximum speed
– with winter tires101
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch122
Microfilter
– for air conditioner72
– for automatic climate
control74
– MINI Maintenance
System106
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System106
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System106
Mirror dimming feature33
Mirrors32
– exterior mirrors32
– heating33
– interior rearview mirror33
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest77
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest77
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System116
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety4Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor58
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher41
– refer to Wiper system42
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints31
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments78
New tires100
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data140
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope124
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis106
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications93
Odometer46
Oil consumption103
Oil level103
Oil, refer to Engine oil103
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal120
Onboard tool kit112
Opening and closing
– convenient access25
– from inside22
– from outside19
– using the door lock21
– via the remote control19
Opening and unlocking
– from inside22
Opening/closing the splitdoor
– 24
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation74
Outlets, refer to Air vents70

From A to Z
152
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires94
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine38
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button37
Switching the cooling function
on and off74
Symbols4
T
Tachometer46
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps115
– replacing bulb115
Tail lamps115
Tailgate
– convenient access26
Tailgate, see splitdoor21
Tank volume, refer to
Capacities142
Technical data140
Technical modifications4
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest77
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature display
– ice warning46
– outside temperature46
– setting the units49
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature46
Temperature setting
– air conditioner71
– automatic climate control73
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo86
The individual vehicle4
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp116
Three-point safety belt32Tightening the lug bolts
– keys119
– torque120
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts120
Tire change set
– MINI Mobility System118
– space-saver spare tire118
Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor59
– indicator/warning lamp59
– MINI Mobility System116
– Run-Flat Tires59
– space-saver spare tire118
– Tire Pressure Monitor60
Tire inflation pressure94
– loss59
– space-saver spare tire94
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM60
– limitations of system60
– resetting system60
– warning lamp61
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor58
Tire Quality Grading98
Tires
– age99
– breaking in82
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels118
– condition99
– damage99
– inflation pressure94
– inflation pressure loss61
– minimum tread depth99
– new tires100
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor58
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM60
– puncture59
– Run-Flat Tires100
– size98
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth99
– winter tires101
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-Flat Tires100Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit112
Torque140
– lug bolts120
Tow bar124
Tow fitting123
– screw thread124
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away123
Tow rope124
Towing123
– car with automatic
transmission124
– methods124
Tow-starting123
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor60
Track width, refer to
Dimension141
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC56
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– manual transmission39
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic41
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo86
Transporting children safely34
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread99
Trip odometer
46
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer46
Triple turn signal activation41
Turn signal indicator41
– front, replacing bulb114
– indicator lamp12
– rear, replacing bulb115
– side, replacing bulb115
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions141
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading86