tow bar MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2007 Owner's Manual

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
53
Technology for driving comfort and
safety
PDC Park Distance Con-
trol*
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.
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
spray the sensors for extended periods of time
and only from a distance of at least 4 in/10 cm.
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. 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.
An appropriate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore, do not
reduce the additional safety margin again by
taking risks.<

Replacing components
102
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard tool kit is stored in a compartment
underneath the cargo area floor panel.
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 wind-
shield.
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.
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the bonnet.<
Changing rear wiper blade
1.Fold up the wiper arm.
2.Rotate the wiper blade toward the back as
far as it will go, arrow.
3.Press the wiper blade against the limit and
thus out of the mounting.
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-
sumer in question, otherwise short circuits could
result. To avoid possible injury or equipment
damage when replacing bulbs, observe any
instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
107
6Wrench, screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver,
towing eyelet
7Compressor, hose with manometer and plug
for cigarette lighter socket
8Package with filling hose, valve remover and
valve core
Use of the MINI Mobility System may be
ineffective if the tire puncture measures
approx. 1/8 in/4 mm or more. Contact the near-
est MINI Dealer if the tire cannot be made driv-
able with the MINI Mobility System.<
Liquid sealant
1Filling hose
2Filling canister
Filling
1.Shake the filling canister.
2.Screw the filling hose onto the filling canis-
ter.
3.Unscrew the dust cap from the valve of the
defective tire.
4.Screw out the valve core with the valve
remover. The valve remover is located in a
package with the filling hose.
5.Remove the cap from the filling hose.
6.Push the filling hose onto the tire valve.
7.Hold the filling canister with the cap down
and squeeze.
8.Squeeze the entire contents of the canister
into the tire.
9.Remove the filling hose.
10.Screw the valve core into the tire valve with
the valve remover.In the event of a lost or dirty valve core
you will find another valve core in the
package with the filling hose.
Remember that the liquid canister must be
replaced every four years if the equipment has
not been used.<
Compressor
1Hose with manometer
2Compressor
3Connector for power supply
Reinflating the tire
1.Screw hose1 with manometer onto the tire
valve.
2.Insert connector 3 into the lighter socket in
the interior of the vehicle, page72.
3.Switch on compressor2.
4.Inflate the tire to at least 26.1 psi/1.8 bar but
to no more than 36.2 psi/2.5 bar.
To check the air pressure, shut off the device
for a short time.
Do not run the compressor for longer
than 6 minutes, otherwise the device
will overheat and possibly be damaged.<
If a pressure of 26.1 psi/1.8 bar is not reached:
1.Unscrew hose 1 and drive the vehicle for-
ward and backward about 30 ft/10 m to dis-
tribute the liquid sealant in the tires evenly.
2.Repeat the procedure.
If a pressure of 26.1 psi/1.8 bar is still not
reached, the tire is too badly damaged.
Please contact the nearest MINI Dealer.<

Replacing components
108
Distributing liquid sealant
Immediately drive for approx. 10 minutes, so
that the liquid sealant is uniformly distributed.
Do not exceed a speed of 35 mph/
60 km/h.
If possible, do not drive at a speed lower than
12 mph/20 km/h.<
Checking tire inflation pressure
1.After driving for approx. 10 minutes, pull
over at a suitable location.
2.Screw the hose with manometer back onto
the tire valve.
3.Check the tire inflation pressure.
The tire inflation pressure must be at
least 18.9 psi/1.3 bar. If it is not, do not
continue driving.<
If at least 18.9 psi/1.3 bar are displayed:
1.Switch on the compressor. Correct the tire
inflation pressure to the specified value,
page86.
2.Replace the tire as soon as possible.
Driving on
Do not exceed the permitted maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h; doing so may
result in an accident.<
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Have the MINI Mobility System refilled.
Tire change set
When changing a tire, always observe the safety
measures and the procedure for changing tires
described below.
In case of a flat tire the tire change set is
not needed due to the availability of the
MINI Mobility System.<
Changing wheels
Tire change set for space-saver spare
tire*
On vehicles with a space-saver spare tire, the
tire change set with onboard tools is stored in
the cargo area under the floor mat.
1Chock, folding
2Wheel stud wrench
3Vehicle jack
4Special wrench for removing the space-
saver spare tire
5Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver
6Towing eyelet
7Adapter for wheel lug lock
8Wrench
9Lifting handle
The onboard tool kit includes a pouch with a
plastic bag in which you can place the damaged
wheel.
Space-saver spare tire*
To change a space-saver spare tire, proceed as
follows:
>Remove space-saver spare tire, page109
>Prepare for tire change, page109
>Jack up vehicle, page110
>Mount space-saver spare tire, page110
>Tighten lug bolts, page110
>Drive with space-saver spare tire, page109

Giving and receiving assistance
114
Front
Rear
Being towed
Check that the car is radio-ready and that
the electric steering wheel lock is not
engaged, otherwise the car would not be steer-
able. If the electrical system fails, do not attempt
to tow-start or tow away the car. The electric
steering wheel lock cannot be disengaged and
the car is not steerable. Jump starting, refer to
page112.<
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 idle 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 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, page112.

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
115
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.
If the electrical system fails, do not tow or
tow-start the vehicle, as it would be
impossible to release the electric steering-wheel
lock and the vehicle could not be steered.<
1.Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, page35.
3.Shift into 3rd 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
134
From A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System54
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle5
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control68
Additives
– coolant96
– engine oil96
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner65
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control66
Airbags57
– sitting safely28
– warning lamp58
Air conditioner64
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner65
– automatic climate control66
– ventilation68
Air distribution
– automatic67
– individual65
– manual65
Air flow rate65,66
– air conditioning system65
– automatic climate control66
– heating, ventilation65
Airing, refer to Ventilation68
Air outlets, refer to Air vents64
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure86
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode65,67
Air supply
– air conditioner65
– automatic climate control66
– ventilation68Air vents64
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications85
Alarm system, preparation
package24
Alarm system preparation
package24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires93
All-Season Traction Control
ASC54
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode65,67
Âmbient lighting63
Antenna, care100
Antifreeze
– coolant96
– washer fluid
42
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights132
Approved engine oils96
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights132
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest71
Arrival time
– computer46
ASC All-Season Traction
Control54
Ashtray72
Assistant systems, refer to
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC54
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC54
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control67
Audio device, external71Automatic
– air distribution67
– air flow rate67
– cruise control42
– headlamp control59
Automatic climate control64
– automatic air distribution67
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC67
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
– interlock37
– overriding selector lever
lock39
– shiftlock38
– sport program38
AUTO program for automatic
climate control67
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device71
Average fuel consumption45
– setting the units47
Average speed46
Axle loads, refer to
Weights132
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting63
Backrests, refer to Seats28
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb105
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps105
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch112
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away114

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
139
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals20
– from inside22
– from outside19
Low beams59
– automatic59
– replacing bulb103
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support29
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo area23
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Tailgate23
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack80
Lumbar support29
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires93
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system98
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control51
Manual air distribution65
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
Manual operation
– door lock21
– fuel filler door84
– tailgate23
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission39
Manual transmission37
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling67
Maximum speed
– with winter tires93
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch112
Microfilter
– for air conditioner66
– for automatic climate
control68
– MINI Maintenance System98Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance System98
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System98
Mirror dimming feature32
Mirrors31
– exterior mirrors31
– heating31
– interior rearview mirror32
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest71
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest71
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobile phones in the
vehicle76
Mobility System106
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor55
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher39
– refer to Wiper system40
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints30
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments71
New tires92
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data130
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope114
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis98
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications85
Odometer44
Oil, refer to Engine oil95
Oil consumption95
Oil level95
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal111
Onboard tool kit102
Opening and closing
– convenient access24
– from inside22
– from outside19
– using the door lock21
– via the remote control19
Opening and unlocking
– from inside22
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation68
Outlets, refer to Air vents64
Output, refer to Engine
data130
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control67
Outside temperature
display44
– changing the unit of
measure47
– on computer47
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature44
P
Paintwork, care100
Parking
– vehicle36
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
Distance Control53
Parking brake37
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb104
Parking lamps/low beams59
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle5

From A to Z
142
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature44
Temperature setting
– air conditioner65
– automatic climate control67
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo80
The individual vehicle5
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp106
Three-point safety belt30
Tightening the lug bolts
– keys108
– torque110
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts110
Tire change set
– MINI Mobility System108
– space-saver spare tire108
Tire failure
– MINI Mobility System106
– space-saver spare tire108
Tire inflation pressure86
– loss56
– space-saver spare tire86
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor55
Tire Quality Grading90
Tires
– age91
– breaking in76
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels108
– condition91
– damage91
– flat tire92
– inflation pressure86
– minimum tread depth91
– new tires92
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor55
– puncture56
– size90
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth91
– winter tires93
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-Flat Tires92Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit102
Torque130
– lug bolts110
Tow bar114
Tow fitting113
– screw thread113
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away113
Towing113
– car with automatic
transmission114
– methods
114
Tow rope114
Tow-starting113
Track width, refer to
Dimensions131
Traction control, refer to
– DSC Dynamic Stability
Control54
Trailer towing
– trailer load and gross
weight132
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
– manual transmission37
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic39
Transporting children safely33
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo80
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread91
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer44
Triple turn signal activation40
Trip odometer44
Trunk lamp, refer to Cargo area
lamp62
Trunk lid, refer to Tailgate23
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions131
Turn signal indicator
– front, replacing bulb104
– rear, replacing bulb105
– side, replacing bulb105Turn signal indicators39
– indicator lamp12
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading80
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
UTQR90
Units
– average consumption47
– temperature47
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control69
Universal remote control69
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking24
Unlocking
– from inside22
– from outside19
– tailgate24
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access24
Upholstery, care100
V
Valve
– dust cap109
Vehicle
– battery111
– breaking in76
– cargo loading78
– dimensions131
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment95
– parking36
– storage101
– weight132
Vehicle jack108
Ventilation
– air conditioner68
Vents, refer to Air vents64
Vents, refer to Ventilation68
Volume of cargo area132