towing MINI Coupe 2012 Owner's Manual

CONTROLSOpening and closing
30
>The car’s inclination changes, for example if
an attempt is made to ja ck it up and steal the
wheels or to raise it prior to towing it away
> There is an interruption in the power supply
from the battery
The alarm system briefly indicates unauthorized
entry or tampering by means of:
> An acoustic alarm
> Switching on the haza rd warning flashers
Arming and disarming
General information
Whenever the car is locked or unlocked, the
alarm system is armed or disarmed.
Door lock with armed alarm system
Because of the design, un locking the door lock
may trigger the alarm in some countries.
To turn off the alarm, unlock the vehicle using
the remote control or switch on the ignition.
Tailgate with armed alarm system
Even when the alarm syst em is armed, you can
open the tailgate by means of the button
on the remote control.
When you subsequently close the tailgate it is
again locked and monitored.
Panic mode
You can activate the alarm system if you find
yourself in a dangerous situation.
Press the button for at least 2 seconds.
Switching off the alarm:
Press any button.
Switching off an alarm
> Unlock the car with the remote control.
> Insert the key fully into the ignition lock.
> In cars with Comfort Access, press the button
on the door lock.
Display on the revolution counter
When the system is armed, all LEDs pulse. After
approx. 16 minutes one LED flashes.
>LEDs pulse or LED flashes: system is armed.
> One LED flashes at short intervals:
Doors, the hood or the tailgate are not prop-
erly closed. Even if these are not closed fully,
the remaining items ar e deadlocked and the
LEDs pulse after approx. 10 seconds for
approx. 16 minutes. Afterwards, one LED
flashes.
The interior movement detector is not acti-
vated.
> LEDs go out after the vehicle is unlocked:
No attempt was made to tamper with the
car.
> LEDs flash after unlocking until the key is
inserted in the ignition, but for no longer
than approx. 5 minutes: an attempt was
made to tamper with the vehicle.
Tilt alarm sensor
The vehicle's inclination is monitored. The alarm
is triggered, for instance , if an attempt is made
to steal the vehicle's wheels or tow it away.
Interior movement detector
Before the interior movement detector can
operate correctly, the windows and glass roof
must be closed.
MINI Convertible, MINI Roadster
The passenger compartment is monitored up to
the height of the seat's surface. This way, the
anti-theft alarm system including the interior
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CONTROLSOpening and closing
38
Closing the sliding sunroof
1.Insert the hexagon wrench into the recess in
the center of the roof and push upward,
refer to arrow 1.
2. Turn the hexagon wrench in the direction of
arrow 2.
3. Open both locking mechanisms and remove
the locking pieces.
Ensure that the locking pieces do not
fall on the vehicle; otherwise it could
be damaged. <
4. Insert the pins into th e respective recess in
the cowl, refer to arrow.
Locking the convertible top
Turn hexagon wrench in the opposite direction
of arrow 2 until the convertible top is securely
locked.
Please contact your MINI dealer to have
the electrical malfunction repaired. <
MINI Convertible: wind
deflector
With the convertible top open, the wind deflec-
tor keeps air movement in the passenger com-
partment to a minimum, thus providing you with
a more pleasant drive, even at higher speeds.
Do not let the wind deflector come into
contact with pointy objects as these may
damage the net. Do not place objects on the
installed wind deflector. When stowing the wind
deflector, ensure that it is not damaged by
objects. <
Before installing
1.Take the wind deflector out of the pouch.
2. Unfold the wind deflec tor, refer to arrows 1.
3. Press the locking device together until it
engages, refer to arrow 2.
Installing and folding up
1.Push out retaining pin 2 on one side until it
engages.
2. Insert wind deflector wi th retaining pins into
the openings 1 and 2 on that side of the
vehicle.
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
110
Split-folding rear seats
To be able to transport larger objects, the rear
backrest can be folded down.
1.If necessary, use the integrated key to open
the backrest lock 1.
2. Press button 2 and fold down backrest
together with the belt strap.
3. Fold the backrest forward.
When folding the backrest back into its
original position, alwa ys ensure that the
catch engages securely. A loose backrest might
fail to prevent cargo from entering the passen-
ger compartment during sudden braking or
evasive maneuvers, posing a potential hazard to
occupants.
The belt guide loop, refer to page 49, must be
closed. <
Determining cargo limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, this could
damage the vehicle and produce unstable
vehicle operating conditions. <2.
Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX pounds or YYY
kilograms.
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs and there will be four 150 lbs
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs minus 750 lbs = 650 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster:
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
111
MINI Convertible:
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The
greater the weight of the occupants, the less
cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Position heavy objects as low and as far
forward as possible, id eally directly behind
the rear seat backrests.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
> For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
respective opposite buckle.
> Do not stack higher than the top edge of the
backrests.
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster MINI Convertible
Securing cargo
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster:
MINI Convertible:
>
Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining or draw straps.
> Heavy-duty cargo straps for securing larger
and heavier objects ar e available at your
MINI dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided
for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them
are located on the forward wall of the cargo
area.
Comply with the information enclosed with
the load-securing devices.
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
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Replacing componentsMOBILITY
165
Replacing components
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or count ry version. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
Toolkit
Your vehicle comes with a toolkit that varies
with the equipment version; it is stored under-
neath the flat load floor.
With Mobility Kit
1 Sealant bottle
2 Hexagon wrench
3 Extractor hook
4 Vehicle jack
5 Wheel stud wrench
6 Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver, towing
eyelet
7 Compressor
Run-flat tires or space-saver spare tire
The toolkit includes a pouch with a plastic bag in
which you can place the damaged wheel. 1
Folding chock and cove r for defective wheel
2 Extractor hook
3 Wheel stud wrench
4 Vehicle jack
5 Special wrench for removing the space-
saver spare tire
6 Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver
7 Towing eyelet
8 Lifting handle
Wiper blades
Do not place windshield wipers on the
windshield if wiper blades are not
installed; otherwise, the windshield may be
damaged. <
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: wiper blade
replacement
1.Fold out the wiper arm and hold it.
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MOBILITYReplacing components
172
4.Unscrew the dust cap from the valve of the
defective wheel and screw the filling hose 2
of the sealant bottle onto the valve.
5. Ensure that the compre ssor is switched off.
6. Insert the plug 5 into the lighter socket/
power socket in the vehicle interior,
page 102.
7. With the engine running:
Switch on the compressor and let run for
about 3 to 8 minutes in order to add the
sealant and to achieve an inflation pressure
of about 1.8 bar/26 psi.
When adding the sealant, the filling
pressure can temporarily increase up
to about 5 bar/73 psi. Do not switch off the
compressor during this phase. <
Do not run the comp ressor for longer
than 10 minutes; otherwise, the
device will overheat and possibly be
damaged.<
8. Switch off the compressor.
If an inflation pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi is not
reached:
1. Unscrew the filling hose 2 from the wheel
and drive the vehicle forward and backward
approx. 33 ft/10 m to distribute the liquid
sealant in the tire evenly.
2. Inflate the tire again with the compressor.
If an inflation pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi is
not reached, then the tire is too badly
damaged. Please contact the nearest MINI
dealer. <
Stowing Mobility Kit
1.Unscrew filler hose 2 of the sealant bottle
from the wheel.
2. Unscrew connecting hose of the
compressor 6 from the sealant bottle.
3. Connect the filler hose 2 of the sealant
bottle to the unoccupied connection on
the sealant bottle.
This prevents the rest of the sealant from
escaping from the bottle.
4. Wrap the empty sealant bottle in suitable
material to avoid dirtying the cargo area.
5. Stow Mobility Kit back in the vehicle.
Distributing the sealant.
Immediately drive appr ox. 3.1 miles/5 km so
that the sealant evenly distributes itself.
Do not exceed speeds of 50 mph/
80 km/h.
If possible, do not drop below 10 mph/
20 km/h. <
Adjusting the tire pressure
1.After driving approx. 3.1 miles/5 km or
10 minutes, stop at a suitable location.
2. Screw the connection hose 6 of the com-
pressor directly onto the tire valve.
3. Insert the plug 5 into the power socket in
the vehicle interior.
4. Adjust tire pressure to 1.8 bar/26 psi. With
the engine running:
> To increase the inflatio n pressure: switch on
the compressor. To ch eck the current infla-
tion pressure, switch off the compressor.
Do not run the compressor for longer
than 10 minutes; otherwise, the
device will overheat and possibly be
damaged. <
> To decrease the inflat ion pressure: press the
release button 9.
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MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
178
1.Open the battery cover in the engine
compartment to access the positive terminal
of your MINI.
2. Release the tabs on the left and right sides of
the positive terminal cover, arrows 1, and lift
the cover to open, arrow 2.
3. Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or to a starting-aid terminal of the
vehicle providing assistance.
4. Attach the second terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of
the vehicle to be started.
5. Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the
battery or to an engine or body ground of
the assisting vehicle. Body ground in MINI:
6.
Attach the second te rminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1. Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2. Start the engine of the other vehicle in the
usual manner.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3. Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4. Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged. Never use spray fluids to start the
engine. <
Tow-starting, towing
away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing
vehicles. <
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed. <
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Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
179
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the MINI.
It is stored in the toolkit in the cargo area under-
neath the cover on the right-hand side,
page165.
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, the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged. <
Access to screw thread
Push out the cover of the towing eye out of the
recess in the bumper.
Front
Rear
John Cooper Works with aerodynamic bumper:
Pull out the bottom of the cover panel of the
towing eye in the bumper, arrow.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page55; otherwise, the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals, 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,
depending 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.
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MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
180
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to 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 pa rts of the vehicle could
result in damage. <
Towing with a tow truck
Have the MINI transported by a tow truck with a
so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift vehicle by 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, page 177.
Vehicles with a catalyti c 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, page 55.
3. Shift into 3rd gear.
4. Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. Afte r the engine starts, immediately depress the clutch completely
again.
5. Stop at a suitable lo cation, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard
warning flashers.
6. Have the vehicle checked.
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
207
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 179
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 136
Battery 175
– disposal 33,176
– jump-starting 177
– temporary power failure 176
Battery renewal
– remote control 33
Being towed 179
Belts, refer to Safety belts 48
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety belts 48
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders 101
Black ice, refer to External temperature warning 66
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 95,97
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating 130
Bottle holders, refer to Cupholders 101
Brake Assist 76
Brake fluid, refer to Service requirements 71
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 169
Brake pads, breaking in 106
Brake rotors 108
– brakes 106
– breaking in 106
Brakes
– ABS 76
– breaking in 106
– MINI Maintenance System 159
– parking brake 57
– refer to Braking safely 107
– service requirements 71
Brake system 106
– breaking in 106
– disc brakes 108
– MINI Maintenance System 159 Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance 177
Breaking in the clutch 106
Break-in period 106
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 166
Button for starting the
engine 55
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call ending 134
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 134
Calling, refer to Telephone 100
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 101
Capacities 205
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 175
Car care 161
Care 161
– car-care products 161
– car washes 161
– CD/DVD drives 164
– high-pressure washers 162
– leather 164
– manual washing 162
– upholstery and fabrics 163
– windows 162
– wiper blades 162
Cargo, securing 111
Cargo area 108
– capacity 203
– Comfort Access 32
– emergency operation, see manual unlocking 28
– lamp 92
– opening from outside 28
Cargo area lid, refer to Tailgate 28 Cargo loading
110
– securing cargo 111
– stowing cargo 111
– vehicle 108
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 22
Carpets, care 164
Car phone
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 100
– refer to Telephone 100,128
Car radio, refer to Radio 16
Car wash, care 161
Car washes 161
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 107
CD player 121
– changing the track 121
– fast forward/reverse 121
– playing a track 122
– random order 121
– volume 116
Center armrest 100
Ce

nter brake lamp 170
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console 14
Central locking system 23
– Comfort Access 31
– from inside 27
– from outside 23
Changing bulbs 166
Changing wheels 173
Charging the battery 175
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 155
Check Control 73
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 52
Child restraint systems 51
Child seats 51
Chrome parts, care 163
Chrome parts, refer to Care 161
Cigarette lighter 101
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