tow MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2008 Owner's Manual

137
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
REPAIRING A FLAT TIRE SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
Safety measures in the event of a
flat:
Park the vehicle as far away from flowing
traffic as possible, and switch on the haz-
ard warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead wheel position and engage the
steering lock. Engage the parking brake and
shift into 1st or reverse gear – selector lever
in P.
All passengers should be outside the vehi-
cle and well away from your immediate
working area – behind a guardrail, for
instance.
If a portable hazard warning lamp is avail-
able, set it up on the roadside at an appro-
priate distance from the rear of the vehicle.
Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.<
In the event of a flat tire, different proce-
dures should be followed depending on the
equipment included in your vehicle:
>Vehicles with Run-Flat Tires, refer to
page115
>Vehicles with a space-saver spare tire,
refer to the following section
>Vehicles with MINI Mobility System,
refer to page141.
To change a space-saver spare tire, proceed
as follows:
>Remove space-saver spare tire, refer to
the section after the next one
>Prepare for tire change, refer to page139
>Jack up the vehicle, refer to page140
>Mount the space-saver spare tire, refer
to page140
>Tighten the lug bolts, refer to page140
>Drive with space-saver spare tire, refer to
page139.
Tire change setOn vehicles with a space-saver spare tire,
the tire change set with onboard tools is
stored in the luggage compartment under
the floor mat.
1 Chock, folding
2 Hubcap remover
3 Wheel stud wrench
4Jack
5 Special wrench for removing the space-
saver spare tire
6 Towing eyelet
7 Lifting handle
The onboard tool kit includes a pouch with
a plastic bag in which you can place the
damaged wheel.

139
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
CHANGING TIRES
9. Pull out the space-saver spare tire
towards the rear underneath the vehi-
cle
10. Position the space-saver spare tire with
the valve facing upwards
11. Unscrew the valve extension from the
valve of the space-saver spare tire
12. Unscrew the dust cap from the exten-
sion and place it on the valve of the
space-saver spare tire.
Due to its different dimensions, the
damaged wheel cannot be placed in
the recess for the space-saver spare tire.<
Driving with the space-saver spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a speed of
50 mph / 80 km/h.
You must expect changes in vehicle han-
dling such as lower track stability during
braking, longer braking distances and
changes in self-steering properties when
close to the handling limit. These effects
are more pronounced when driving with
winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire may
be mounted at one time. Reinstall a
wheel and tire of the original size as soon
as possible.<
Check the tire inflation pressure at
the earliest opportunity and correct it
if necessary. Replace the defective tire as
soon as possible and have the new wheel/
tire assembly balanced.<
Additional safety measures in the
event of a tire change:
Change tires only on a flat, solid and non-
slippery surface.
The vehicle or the jack could slip sideways
on soft or slippery support surfaces, such as
snow, ice, flagstones, etc..
Do not use a wooden block or similar object
as a support base for the jack, as this would
prevent it from extending to its full support
height and reduce its load-carrying capac-
ity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported by
the jack – risk of fatal injury.<
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions
regarding flat tires on page137.<
1. For vehicles with a space-saver spare
tire:
Place the folding chock behind the front
wheel on the other side of the vehicle;
on downward inclines, place it in front of
this wheel. If the wheel is changed on a
surface with a more severe slope, take
additional precautions to secure the
vehicle from rolling
2. Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.

141
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
MINI MOBILITY SYSTEM
*
MINI Mobility System
The MINI Mobility System is provided to
help you repair a flat tire. With the help of
this system you can apply a liquid sealant
on the inside of the tire, which seals the
damaged area and enables you to continue
to drive.Preparing for tire repair
Before using the MINI Mobility Sys-
tem read the warning and danger
precautions on the equipment.<
If possible, leave objects in which have
been forced into the tire.
Take off the tag regarding speed limits and
stick it onto the steering wheel.
Using the MINI Mobility SystemIn order to repair a flat tire with the MINI
Mobility System, proceed as follows:
>Pump in liquid sealant, refer to page142
>Reinflate the tire, refer to page142
>Distribute liquid sealant, refer to
page143
>Check tire inflation pressure, refer to
page143
>Drive on, refer to page143.
MINI Mobility System with onboard
tools The MINI Mobility System with tire change
set and onboard tools is located in the lug-
gage compartment under the floor mat:
1Jack
2 Wheel stud wrench
3 Hubcap remover
4 Wrench, screwdriver/Phillips screw-
driver, towing eyelet
5 Compressor, hose with manometer and
plug for cigarette lighter socket
6 Package with filling hose, valve remover
and valve core
7 Filling canister
8 Hex wrench/screwdriver
9 Adapter for wheel lug lock

147
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
JUMP-STARTING TOWING AND TOW-STARTING
Flip open the cover of the auxiliary
jump-starting terminal, arrow 1
2. Connect one terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive bat-
tery terminal or to an auxiliary jump-
starting terminal of the support vehicle
3. Connect the other terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive bat-
tery terminal or to an auxiliary jump-
starting terminal of the vehicle to be
started
Engine or body ground in your MINI or MINI
Convertible: arrow 2.
4. Connect one terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative
battery terminal or to an engine or body
ground of the support vehicle
5. Connect the second terminal clamp of
the minus/– jumper cable to the nega-
tive terminal of the battery or to the
engine or body ground of the vehicle to
be started.
Performing the jump-start1. Start the engine of the support vehicle
and allow it to run at increased idle
speed for several minutes
2. Start the engine of the other vehicle in
the usual manner.
If the first start attempt is not success-
ful, wait a few minutes before another
attempt in order to allow the discharged
battery to recharge
3. Allow the engines of both vehicles to run
for several minutes.
On the MINI or MINI Convertible:
Before disconnecting the jumper
cables, switch on the lighting, the rear
window defroster and the highest
blower speed to prevent a voltage surge
from the regulator to the electrical sys-
tems and components.<
4. Then disconnect the jumper cables in
the reverse order.
If necessary have the battery checked and
completely charged at a MINI Dealer.
Do not use spray starter fluids to start
the engine.<
Observe all applicable laws and regu-
lations for towing and tow-start-
ing.<
Do not transport any occupant other
than the driver in a vehicle that is
being towed.<
Using the towing eyelet The screw-in towing eyelet is stored in the
onboard tool kit, refer to page132; be sure
that it remains with the vehicle at all times.
It can be attached at the front or rear of
your vehicle.
Use only the towing eyelet supplied
with the vehicle and screw it in firmly
until it stops. Use the towing eyelet for
towing on paved roads only. Avoid subject-
ing the towing eyelet to lateral loads, e.g.
do not lift the vehicle using the towing eye-
let. Otherwise, the towing eyelet and the
vehicle could be damaged.<

148
TOWING AND TOW-STARTINGAccess to the threaded socket The illustration shows by way of example
the MINI COOPER and the MINI COOPER
Convertible.
Pry out the cover in the front or rear
bumper by inserting a screwdriver into the
recess.Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in
position 1; otherwise the steering
lock could engage and prevent the vehicle
from being steered. There is no power
assist while the engine is off. Therefore,
you will need to exert more force to brake
and steer the vehicle.<
Turn on the hazard warning flashers, if
required by national regulations. If the
electrical system has failed, clearly identify
the vehicle being towed, e.g. by placing a
sign or a warning triangle in the rear win-
dow.
MINI or MINI Convertible with manual
transmission:
Put the gearshift lever in idle position.
MINI or MINI Convertible featuring auto-
matic transmission with Steptronic:
Only tow vehicles featuring auto-
matic transmission with Steptronic
with a tow truck; otherwise the transmis-
sion can be damaged, refer to page149.<
Overriding the selector lever lock, refer to
page59.Towing methodsIn some countries, it is not permitted to
tow the vehicle with a tow bar or tow rope
on public roads.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable
towing regulations for the country in which
you are driving.
With a tow bar:
The towing vehicle must not be
lighter than the vehicle being towed;
otherwise, vehicle handling can no longer
be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles should
be on the same side. If the tow bar can only
be used in a diagonal position, please note
the following:
>Clearance and maneuverability will be
strictly limited in corners
>The inclination of the tow bar produces
lateral force.
Attach the tow bar to the towing eye-
let only. Attaching it to other parts of
the vehicle can result in damage.<
With a tow rope:
When the towing vehicle is driving off,
make sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for towing
because they prevent sudden jerking
movements. Attach the tow rope to the
towing eyelet only. Attaching it to other
parts of the vehicle can result in damage.<

149
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
TOWING AND TOW-STARTINGWith a tow truck:
Have the MINI or MINI Convertible trans-
ported by a tow truck with a lift sling, or on
a flatbed.
Only tow vehicles featuring auto-
matic transmission with Steptronic
with the front wheels raised or on a special
transport vehicle; otherwise the transmis-
sion can be damaged.
Do not lift the vehicle by the towing eyelet,
nor by parts of the body or chassis. Other-
wise damage could result.<
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles featuring
automatic transmission with Step-
tronic.
Jump-starting, refer to page146.<
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever
possible. Jump-start the engine instead,
refer to page146. Vehicles with a catalytic
converter should only be tow-started if the
engine is cold. Vehicles with an automatic
transmission cannot be tow-started.
1. Turn on the hazard warning flashers;
comply with national regulations
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Engage the 3rd gear
4. Have the vehicle towed with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. After the engine has
started, immediately depress the clutch
again completely
5. Pull over at a suitable location, remove
the tow bar or tow rope, and turn off the
hazard warning flashers
6. Have the vehicle checked.

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
160
A
ABS Antilock Brake System72
indicator lamp17
,18
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle6
Activated-charcoal filter87
Adjusting interior
temperature83
,86
Airbags79
passenger airbag status
lamp80
safe seating position42
warning lamp18
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air mode83
,86
Air conditioning system82
Air distribution
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
individual87
manual83
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation84
,87
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure108
Air volume
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
AKI, refer to Fuel quality105
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires117All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
indicator lamps17
,18
Antenna127
Antifreeze
coolant122
washer fluid64
Antilock Brake System (ABS)72
indicator lamp17,18
Anti-theft system24
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights155
,156
Approved engine oils122
Approved gross vehicle weight,
refer to Weights155
,156
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest89
ASC All Season traction
Control72
indicator lamps17
,18
Assistant systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
Automatic
air distribution86
air volume86
cruise control65
Automatic car washes126
Automatic climate control85Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
ignition53
indicator lamp57
interlock53
selector lever lock56
shiftlock56
towing148
tow-starting149
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution86
Aux-In socket88
Average consumption71
setting units71
Average speed71
setting units71
Axle loads, refer to
Weights155
,156
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats44
Backup lamp
bulb replacement135
Bar, towing148
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone89Battery144
charging144
disposal144
indicator lamp16
jump-starting146
power failure144
Battery care69
,125
Being towed148
Belts, refer to Safety belts46
Beverage holders89
Black ice, refer to Temperature
warning70
Blower
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
Blower, refer to Air volume83
Blowers, refer to Draft-free
ventilation84,87
Bonnet118
indicator lamp17
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders89
Brake discs
brake system103
break-in procedures102
Brake fluid124
level124
warning lamp16
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement135

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
163
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Driving downhill103
Driving hints, refer to Driving
notes102
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams60
Driving notes102
Driving stability control
systems72
Driving through water104
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function83
,86
Drying air,
refer to Cooling
function83,86
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control72
indicator lamp17
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
indicator lamp17
E
Easy entry to the rear45
EBD Electronic Brake Force
Distribution72Electrical malfunction
automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
convertible top37
door lock27
driver's door27
fuel filler door106
,107
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
Electric glass sunroof33
Electric power windows31
initializing32
Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD)72
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
convertible top37
driver's door27
fuel filler door106,107
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
transmission lock, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56Engine
break-in procedures102
data152
electronics18
indicator lamp18
overheated, refer to
Coolant temperature
gauge68
speed69
starting53
switching off54
Engine compartment
MINI COOPER and MINI
COOPER Convertible119
MINI COOPER S and MINI
COOPER S Convertible120
Engine coolant122
Engine data152
Engine oil121
adding121
dipstick121
indicator/warning lamp16
recommended oils122
specified oil grades122
Engine oil level121
indicator/warning lamp16
Engine oil level, checking121
Engine oil pressure, indicator/
warning lamp16
Engine output, refer to Engine
data152Entry to the rear45
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)72
Exhaust system, refer to
Hot exhaust system104
Exterior mirrors48
adjusting48
automatic heating48
folding in and out48
External audio device88
Eyelet, for towing and tow-
starting147
F
Failure of an electrical
consumer144
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts46
Filling canister, refer to MINI
Mobility System142
Filling hose, refer to MINI
Mobility System142
Filter, refer to
Microfilter84
Microfilter/Activated-
charcoal filter
87
Flat
Run Flat tires77

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
165
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
I
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature warning70
Ignition53
Ignition key24
Ignition key positions, refer to
Ignition lock53
Ignition lock53
Illuminated vanity mirror48
Imitation leather127
Imprint2
Index160
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags80
ASC73
brakes124
coolant temperature68
DSC73
fasten safety belts46
Flat Tire Monitor75
fog lamps62
reserve fuel capacity67
,68
Indicator and warning lamps
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM77
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview16
Individual air distribution87
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory49Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure108
Inflation pressure monitor,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor74
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM76
Inspection69
Instrument cluster, refer to
Display elements13
Instrument lighting62
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit12
Integrated universal remote
control91
Interior lamp, remote
control26
Interior lamps62
Interior rearview mirror48
automatic dimming102
Interlock, refer to Steering
locked53
Intermittent operation of the
wipers63
Interval
display, service125
J
Jack137
,141
points140Jack, refer to Tire change set
MINI Mobility System141
Run-Flat Tires115
space-saver spare tire137
Jacking points140
Jets, refer to Ventilation84
,87
Jets, refer to Windshield
washer jets64
John Cooper Works Kit152
Jump-starting146
K
Keys24
Kickdown57
Knock control105
L
Lamp defect133
Lamp replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs133
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams60
Lamps and bulbs133
Lashing eyelets, refer to
Securing the load97
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system52
Leather care128
LEDs light-emitting diodes136
Length, refer to
Dimensions153
,154License plate lamp, bulb
replacement136
Lifting handle, space-saver
spare tire137
Light-alloy wheels, care127
Light-emitting diodes
(LEDs)136
Lighter90
Lighting
lamps and bulbs133
Lighting of the instruments62
Lights on warning61
Light switch60
Loading
securing cargo97
stowing cargo97
Loading the vehicle95
Loads, refer to Loading cargo95
Load securing devices, refer to
Securing the load97
Locking
from inside28
from outside26
Locking/unlocking the vehicle,
acknowledgment
signals26
,27
Low beams60
bulb replacement134
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support44

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
166
Luggage compartment
cover93
emergency operation, refer
to Manual release30
expanding93
lid, refer to Tailgate29
opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate29
opening from the outside29
opening with the remote
control26
volume155
,156
Luggage compartment in the
MINI93
Luggage compartment lid
emergency operation, refer
to Manual release30
opening with the remote
control26
Luggage compartment lid, refer
to Tailgate29
Luggage compartment net97
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack98
Lumbar support44
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires117Maintenance, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models125
Maintenance system125
Malfunction
automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
convertible top37
door lock27
fuel filler door106
,107
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
tire116
Manual air distribution83
Manual operation
door lock27
driver's door27
fuel filler door106,107
glass sunroof, electric34
power convertible top37
tailgate30
transmission lock, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56
Manual transmission55
Master keys with remote
control24
Maximum cooling86Maximum speed, with winter
tires117
MC operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Mechanical keys, refer to
Master keys24
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory49
Microfilter
air conditioning system84
automatic climate control87
MINI homepage6
MINI Maintenance System125
MINI manufacturer6
MINI Mobility System141
compressor142
liquid sealant142
Mirrors48
exterior48
heating48
interior rearview48
Mobile telephone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System141
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety7
Multifunction steering
wheel20Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/
headlamp flasher61
washer/wiper system63
N
Navigation system, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Neck restraints, refer to Head
restraints44
New tires116
Non-smoker's equipment
package, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket90
Nylon rope, refer to Towing and
tow-starting148
O
OBD interface socket126
Octane number, refer to Fuel
quality105
Odometer67
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil122
dipstick121