Towing Mini ERA Turbo?
Turbo Mini Forums

Hi from New Zealand and I've got a Japanese spec Rover Mini ERA Turbo sitting on a Japanese Port waiting for shipping.

The car is not running and I'm told that the tow point is inaccesable because of the moulded front bumper.

I can't tell from the photos if there is a small gap in the front bumper (or a tow point) to get a rope through?

The alternative is using a forklift to get the car onto the ship but I am concerned that it may damage the body kit.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Maybe open the Hood and towing in the engine stabiliser. (the end of the cylinder head)

If i have more toys than you when i die, I WIN

he,there is a tow point behind the front bumper.
You first need to take of the licence plate and the japanise spec.licence plate fixation.
Then you will see a hole with the towing point.
I have a englisch spec era,but it is just the same.
I attached some pictures

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Edited by nieuwmvd on 29th Apr, 2014.

amount of cars they ship from japan im supprised they cant deal with it. if it were mine id tell them to hook to the engine steady too(if itll clear the grille?), have pulled plenty of rx7 imports woth moulded on bodykits by the alternator. the guys atthe port can be rather heavy handed dont know if id trust them to remove parts and attach behind the bumper without damaging it :/ but its a better option than fork lifting!

turbo 16v k-series 11.9@118.9 :)

Denis O'Brien.

It wouldn't be just the bodykit getting damaged if they lift it with forks :0

If they remove anything dont expect to get those parts they will just toss them to the side, so if you tell them to remove number plate mount or grill be careful, I will have a look on my japanese spec one in a little while and advise and take some pics for you.

Paul

Shows there isnt a lots of space in there, note there is a star crack in the bottom right image of the number plate holder looks like a hook was used on mine in Japan the tow hook lies just behind the body kit in this position. Under the bonnet there is no way you could tow from the steady, there is an A/C condenser in the way, only possible is probably the alternator mount between one and two cylinder, but if It were my car I wouldnt want to do it. The casting that holds the alterator on is unique to A/C Japanese minis. Probably better to use a rope under kit and through tow hook and risk a little damage under the number plate housing the front of the kit has ussually had/has some damage in any event.

Thanks a lot guys - it's been long journey so far getting the car to the port!

It's pretty frustrating to be stitched up just before it's loaded. The bureaucracy, including from the agents I've used has been pretty challenging.

Luckily I've found some help from Saburo at Turtle Trading in Bath who is currently in Tokyo.

http://www.turtle-trading.co.jp/shopsinfo/uk/index.html

He's going to try get into the port and attach an aftermarket tow hook if he finds it's too tight trying to go under the bodykit.

He's a can-do bloke and no doubt he'll educate the guys at the port on how to deal with it!

Will keep you updated and thank you so much again for your help!

forgot about the a/c on these, thats a seriousl cramped engine bay. good luck lol

turbo 16v k-series 11.9@118.9 :)

Denis O'Brien.