Can You Flat Tow a MINI Cooper?

Officially, MINI does not endorse flat towing any MINI Cooper model. At etrailer, we strongly encourage you to roll with the manufacturer’s ruling on this.

That said, you can easily find half a dozen examples online of people who have been flat towing a MINI Cooper behind their RV for years without an issue. So what gives?

Technically you shouldn’t do it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. Manual transmission MINI Coopers can typically be flat towed by putting the gearshift lever in the “idle” or “neutral” position. (Since 2005, MINI has offered manual transmission models with the exception of a brief time in 2020 due to supply issues.)

However, flat towing an automatic or electric MINI Cooper model will ruin its transmission.

With all this said, there are liability issues that come into play when flat towing against the manufacturer’s advice. If you choose to flat tow a MINI Cooper, you’re taking on a certain level of risk:

You’ll void your warranty - If your vehicle is under warranty, you’ll need to determine if flat towing is worth losing your coverage.
Insurance might not cover accident claims - If the worst happens while flat towing your vehicle, your insurance company may choose not to cover your claim, since you are not using the vehicle the way the manufacturer intended.
Lawsuits - This is an extreme example, but if your flat-towed vehicle is responsible for loss of life or property damage, you could be held legally liable.

Alternative Options

Some models may be towable with a tow dolly. Other models must be transported via flatbed trailer or tow truck. Check your owner’s manual for specific advice for your particular MINI model.

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Written by: Amber S.

Updated on: 12/27/22

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