Towing and tow-starting – BMW 2004 Mini Convertible Cooper User Manual

Page 138

136

TOWING AND TOW-STARTING

Using the towing eyelet

The screw-in towing eyelet is stored in the
onboard tool kit, refer to page

120

; be sure

that it remains with the vehicle at all times.
It can be attached at the front or rear of
your vehicle.

To prevent damage to the towing
eyelet and the vehicle, please observe

the following instructions:
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 subjecting the
towing eyelet to lateral loads, e.g. do not
lift the vehicle using the towing eyelet.

Access 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 manual gearshift lever in Neutral.

MINI or MINI Convertible with Continu-
ously Variable automatic Transmission
(CVT):

Only tow vehicles with Continuously
Variable automatic Transmission

(CVT) with a tow truck, otherwise the trans-
mission can be damaged, refer to
page

137

Towing methods

In 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.