Forum Discussion

Hiram25's avatar
Hiram25
Explorer
Apr 23, 2017

TOWING A MINI COOPER

I am planning on towing my 2003 Mini Cooper, manual transmission, behind my Fleetwood Bounder, 31W motorhome with a Blue Ox faceplate and hitch.

Does anyone else tow a Mini Cooper? Have you had any issues?

Thanks!
  • When I looked at towable vehicles I do not see the Mini Cooper on the list. Be very careful, you can ruin the transmission and worse.
  • 2003 Mini Cooper ALL FWD I4 1.6L cyl 5-Speed Manual Manual

    No formal testing has been done on the 5-Speed Manual Transmission or the 6-Speed Manual Transmission. Remco has never heard of a problem towing these vehicles. Please confirm in your owner's manual, and follow the outlined procedures for towing. Remco accepts no responsibility for Transmission damage.

    Cut and paste from Remco web page. http://www.remcoindustries.com/Towing/Store.php

    Good Luck:)

    http://www.technomadia.com/2011/11/a-mini-adventure/

    http://www.miniusa.com/content/dam/mini/PDF/archiveownermanuals/MY02-07/2003_Owners_Manual_Hardtop.pdf
  • Did you check your owner's manual? Did you check MC's website? Where have you looked? I am willing to look but don't want to duplicate your efforts.
  • A good friend tows an older Mini 5 spd.manual all over the country. Had a blowout on the last trip but that's not related to the towability question.
  • When I considered one a few years ago I found out automatics were not towable and manual could be but wasn't "rated" as such by the manufacturer. There are two couples I know who do 4 down pull older manual trans minis without issue . DW demanded a automatic so I crossed it off the list. I should have kept it on the list because I ended up trailering , for other reasons.
  • I've just completed installing the Blue Ox baseplate on our 2013 S Roadster. It's a 6-speed. You may have to leave the key in your car to unlock the steering while towing. I'm likely going with the wireless remote lights so I don't have to wire all the way back to the housings with wire. I'm not even sure I'd really need them other than for markers as you will still be able to see all the lights on the coach with the Mini back there.


  • We tow a 2014 MINI 6 speed with no issues whatsoever. It's so light behind our 06 Monaco Cayman 34' DP you don't even know it's there!
  • We have towed a 2015 MINI Cooper Roadster for over 8000 miles with no issues. In fact, we have the round key, and that system has no steering wheel lock, so you just put it neutral, brake off, remove key and "GO". No problems. To the best of our knowledge, the reason it isn't listed as towable is that BMW never tested it. Just enjoy it!!

    Ed Headington
  • We will be towing our 2016 Clubman, manual. Our very trusted mechanic said in manual it's not an issue.