BMW 2004 Mini Convertible Cooper User Manual

Page 139

137

TOWING AND TOW-STARTING

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.

Only attach the tow bar to the towing
eyelets. Other parts of the vehicles

could otherwise be damaged.

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 only to
the towing eyelets. Other parts of the vehi-
cles could otherwise be damaged.

With 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 with Continuously
Variable automatic Transmission

(CVT) with the front wheels raised or on a
special transport vehicle, otherwise the
transmission 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 with Con-
tinuously Variable automatic Trans-

mission (CVT).
Jump-starting, refer to page

134

Only tow-start vehicles with catalytic con-
verters if the engine is cold. It is better to
have the engine jump-started, refer to
page

134

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

pedal completely depressed and then
slowly release the clutch pedal. After the
engine has started, immediately depress
the clutch pedal 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.