towing MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2010 Owner's Manual (Mini Connected)

Opening and closing
32
The handle recesses on the interior trim panel of
the tailgate make it easier to pull it down.
Alarm system*
The concept
The alarm system, when activated, reacts if:
>A door, the engine compartment lid or the
tailgate is opened
>There is movement inside the car
>The car's inclination changes, for instance if
an attempt is made to jack it up and steal the
wheels or to raise it prior to towing 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 hazard warning flashers
Arming and disarming
Whenever the car is locked or unlocked, the
alarm system is armed or disarmed.
Even when the alarm system 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.
In certain market-specific versions,
unlocking via the door lock triggers the
alarm.<
Panic mode*
You can activate the alarm system if you find
yourself in a dangerous situation.
Press the button for at least two 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 but-
ton 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:
A door, the bonnet or the tailgate is not
properly closed. Even if these are not closed
fully, the remaining items are 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 car.

Opening and closing
40
3.Release the second side frame.
Closing the convertible top
1.Place both hands on the convertible top on
the respective side frame.
2.Lift out both sides at the same time, and
swing the convertible top forward onto
the cowl.
3.Inside the vehicle, use a screwdriver to pry
out the cover in the center of the roof.
To close the sliding sunroof
1.Insert the hexagon wrench into the recess in
the center of the roof and push upward, see
arrow1.
2.Turn the hexagon wrench in the direction of
arrow 2.3.Open both locking mechanisms and remove
the locking pieces.
4.Insert the pins into the respective recess in
the cowl, see arrow.
To lock 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.<
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 deflector, see arrows 1.

Things to remember when driving
106
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 kilograms or YYY
pounds.
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. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able 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.I f y o u r v e h icl e w i ll be t o w i n g a t r a il e r , pa r t o f
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
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 for-
ward as possible, ideally 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
MINI Convertible
Securing cargo
>Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining or draw straps
*.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing larger
and heavier objects are 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 bay.

Replacing components
190
Repairing a flat tire
Safety measures in the event of a break-
down:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from moving
traffic and switch on the hazard warning
flashers.
Turn the steering wheel until the front wheels
are in the straight-ahead position and engage
the steering wheel lock. Engage the parking
brake and shift into 1st or reverse gear or place
the selector lever in position P.
All passengers should be outside the vehicle and
in a safe place, e.g. behind a guardrail.
Erect a warning triangle or warning flasher at the
appropriate distance if necessary. Comply with
all safety guidelines and regulations.<
In the event of a flat tire, different procedures
should be followed depending on the equip-
ment included in your vehicle:
>MINI Mobility System, refer to the following
section
>Run-flat tires, page174
>Tire change with space-saver spare tire,
page192
MINI Mobility System with onboard
vehicle tool kit and tire change set*
Preparations
Use of the MINI Mobility System may be ineffec-
tive if the tire puncture measures approx. 1/8 in/
4 mm or more. Contact the nearest MINI dealer
if the tire cannot be made drivable with the
Mobility System.
Do not remove foreign bodies which have pen-
etrated the tire if possible.
Follow the instructions on using the Mobil-
ity System found on the compressor and
the sealant bottle.<
Remove the adhesive label for the speed limit
from the sealant bottle and affix it to the steer-
ing wheel.The Mobility System with onboard vehicle tool
kit and tire change set
* is located under the
floor mat in the cargo bay.
1Sealant bottle
2Hexagon wrench
*
3Vehicle jack*
4Wheel stud wrench
5Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver, towing
eyelet
6Compressor
7Package with valve removal tool
Sealant and compressor
1Sealant bottle and adhesive label with speed
limit
2Filling hose
Note the use-by date on the sealant
bottle.<

Replacing components
192
Wrap the empty sealant bottle in suitable mate-
rial to avoid dirtying the cargo bay. Stow the
Mobility System back in the vehicle.
Distributing the sealant
Immediately drive approx. 3 mls/5 km to evenly
distribute the sealant.
Do not exceed speeds of 50 mph/
80 km/h.
If possible, do not drop below 10 mph/
20 km/h.<
Correcting the tire inflation pressure
1.After driving approx. 3 mls/5 km or ten min-
utes, stop at a suitable location.
2.Screw the connection hose 2 of the com-
pressor directly onto the tire valve.
3.Insert the plug 3 into the power socket in the
vehicle interior.
4.Correct the inflation pressure to 26 psi/
180 kPa. With the engine running:
>To increase the inflation pressure: switch on
the compressor. To check 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 inflation pressure: press the
release button 5.
If the tire cannot maintain the inflation
pressure, drive the vehicle again, refer to
Distributing the sealant. Then repeat steps
1to4.
If an inflation pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa still
cannot be reached, the tire is too heavily dam-
aged. Contact the nearest MINI dealer.<
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 Mobility System refilled.
Changing wheels
Space-saver spare tire*
To change a space-saver spare tire, proceed as
follows:
>Remove the space-saver spare tire,
page193
>Prepare for tire change, page193
>Jack up vehicle, page194
>Mount space-saver spare tire, page194
>Tighten lug bolts, page194
>Drive with space-saver spare tire, page193
Tire change set for a space-saver
spare tire*
On vehicles with a space-saver spare tire, the
tire change set with onboard tools is stored
under the floor mat in the cargo bay.
1Chock, folding
2Hub cover remover
3Wheel stud wrench
4Vehicle jack
5Special wrench for removing the space-
saver spare tire
6Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver
7Towing eyelet
8Lifting handle
The onboard vehicle tool kit includes a pouch
with a plastic bag in which you can place the
damaged wheel.

MOBILITYAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS ENTERTAINMENT
197
NAVIGATION REFERENCE
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles; otherwise,
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order, so that no sparks which could cause
injury occur.<
1.Open the battery cover in the engine com-
partment to access the positive terminal of
your MINI.
2.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.
3.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.
4.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:
5.Attach the second terminal 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 regu-
lations for tow-starting and towing
vehicles.<
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 car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the MINI.
It is stored in the onboard vehicle tool kit in the
cargo bay underneath the cover on the right-
hand side, page185.
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.<

Giving and receiving assistance
198
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 page51; 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 or MINI Convertible transported
by a tow truck with a so-called lift sling or on a
flatbed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, dam-
age may result.<

213
MOBILITYAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS ENTERTAINMENT NAVIGATION REFERENCE
"Avoid highways" in
navigation124
Avoid highways in
navigation124
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation124
Axle loads, refer to
Weights205
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting90
Backrests, refer to Seats42
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb188,189
Balance, tone control139
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch196
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away198
Bass sounds, refer to Tone
control139
Bass sounds, refer to Treble
and bass139
Bass, tone control139
Battery195
– charging195
– disposal35,195
– jump-starting196
– temporary power failure195
Battery renewal
– remote control35
Being towed198
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts45
Belts, refer to Safety belts45
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders97
Blower, refer to Air flow rate92
Bonnet176
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders97
Brake Assist76
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements65Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs189
Brake pads, breaking in102
Brake rotors103
– brakes102
– breaking in102
Brake system102
– breaking in102
– disc brakes103
– MINI Maintenance
System179
Brakes
– ABS76
– breaking in102
– MINI Maintenance
System179
– parking brake52
– service requirements65
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely103
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance196
Break-in period
102
Breaking in the clutch102
"Brightness"on the Control
Display74
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs185
Button for starting the
engine51
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders97
Capacities206
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery195
Car care181
"Car Data"63
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls26Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest96
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car radio, refer to Radio141
Car wash, care181
Car washes181
Care181
– car washes181
– car-care products181
– CD/DVD drives184
– external181
– high-pressure washers182
– internal183
– leather183
– manual washing182
– upholstery and fabrics183
– windows182
– wiper blades182
Cargo area
– capacity205
Cargo bay104
– Comfort Access34
– cover104
– lamp89
– opening from outside31
Cargo bay, expanding104
Cargo bay lamp89
Cargo bay lid, refer to
Tailgate31
Cargo loading105
– securing cargo106
– stowing cargo106
– vehicle104
Cargo, securing106
Carpets, care183
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system102
"Categories"147
"CD"138,149

From A to Z
216
Electric power windows
– initializing36
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top39
– door lock30
– fuel filler flap162
– trunk lid31
Electronic brake-force
distribution76
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC76
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top39
– door lock30
– fuel filler flap162
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission55
– trunk lid31
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance196
Engine
– breaking in102
– data202
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature61
– speed202
– starting52
– starting, Comfort Access33
– switching off52
Engine compartment177
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant178
Engine malfunction
– indicator lamp13Engine oil
– adding178
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils178
– alternative oil types178
– approved engine oils178
– capacity178
– checking level177
– dipstick177
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements65
– MINI Maintenance
System179
Engine oil level, checking177
Engine output, refer to Engine
data202
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine52
Entering address117
Entering destination115
Entering intersection116
Error messages, refer to Check
Control70
"ESN"145,146,147
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC76
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system102
Exterior mirrors46
– adjusting46
– automatic heating46
– folding in and out46
External audio device96
External audio device, refer to
AUX-IN port155
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away197
– for tying down loads106
F
Fader, tone control139
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control70
Failure of an electrical
consumer195Fast forward
– CD changer152
– CD player152
"Fast route" in navigation124
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder46
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts45
Fastest route for
navigation124
Filter
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control93
Fine wood, care184
First aid pouch196
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock51
Flash when locking/
unlocking28
Flat tire
– run-flat tires174
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM80
Flat Tire Monitor FTM78
– indicating a flat tire79
– initializing the system79
– snow chains79
– system limits79
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition173
Floor mats, care183
"FM", waveband138,141
FM, waveband141
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb187,189
Folding rear seat backrest104
Folding roof, refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof37
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely103
Footwell lamps89
For your own safety5
Frequency, selecting
manually142
Front airbags84
Front fog lamps89
– replacing bulb187

217
MOBILITYAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS ENTERTAINMENT NAVIGATION REFERENCE
Front seat adjustment42
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows93
"FTM"81
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor78
Fuel163
– gauge61
– high-quality brands163
– quality163
– specifications163
– tank capacity206
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge61
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge61
Fuel filler flap162
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction162
Fuses195
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control94
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption61
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge61
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel163
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic53
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission53
– manual transmission53
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic53
– manual transmission53
General driving notes102
Glass sunroof, electric35
– convenient operation28,30
– opening, closing35
– raising35
– remote control28Glove compartment95
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system112
Grills91
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights205
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb186
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake52
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
"HD radio"144
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio144
Head airbags84
Head restraints44
– sitting safely42
Headlamp control,
automatic87
Headlamp flasher55
– indicator lamp11,13
Headlamps
– replacing bulb186
Headlamps, care182
Heated
– mirrors46
– rear window93
– seats45
Heating
– mirrors46
– rear window93
– seats45
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo106
Height adjustment
– seats43
– steering wheel47
Height, refer to
Dimensions203
High beams88
– headlamp flasher88
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulb186
High Definition Radio, refer to
HD Radio144High water, refer to Driving
through water103
Highways, refer to Route
criteria124
Hill Assist78
Hills103
Holders for cups97
Home address123
"Home address" in
navigation124
Homepage4
Horn10
Hot exhaust system102
"Hour memo"69
"House number" in
destination entry117
Hydroplaning102
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio144
Ice warning60
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning60
ID3 tag, refer to Information
about the track150
Ignition51
– switched off51
– switched on51
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness51
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on51
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control26
Ignition lock51
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM82
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting89
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile26
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM80