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Cooper Convertible 2009
User Manual
172 pgs2.86 Mb0

Mini Cooper Convertible 2009 User Manual

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Contents
A - Z
OWNER'S MANUAL
MINI
MINI CONVERTIBLE
Cooper
Cooper S
John Cooper
Works
Congratulations on your new MINI
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important operating, safety and mainte­nance information.
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
© 2008 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft Munich, Germany Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the written consent of BMW AG, Munich. US English XI/08 Printed on environmentally friendly paper, bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.

CONTENTS

The fastest way to find information on a particu­lar topic or item is by using the index, refer to page 158.
Using this Owner's Manual
4 Notes 6 Reporting safety defects
AT A GLANCE
10 Cockpit
CONTROLS
18 Opening and closing 34 Adjustments 40 Transporting children safely 43 Driving 52 Everything under control 62 Technology for driving comfort and safety 73 Lamps 78 Climate 83 Practical interior accessories
DRIVING TIPS
90 Things to remember when driving
MOBILITY
100 Refueling 102 Wheels and tires 113 Under the bonnet 117 Maintenance 119 Care 123 Replacing components 134 Giving and receiving assistance 138 Indicator and warning lamps
REFERENCE
152 Technical data 158 From A to Z
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
3

Notes

Using this Owner's
Notes
Manual
We have tried to make all the information in this Owner's Manual easy to find. The fastest way to find specific topics is to refer to the detailed index at the back of the manual. If you wish to gain an initial overview of your vehicle, you will find this in the first chapter.
Should you wish to sell your MINI at some time in the future, remember to hand over this Owner's Manual to the new owner; it is an important part of the vehicle.
Additional sources of information
Should you have any other questions, your MINI Dealer will be glad to advise you at any time.
You can find more information about the MINI, for example on its technology, on the Internet at www.MINI.com.

Symbols used

Indicates precautions that must be fol­lowed precisely in order to avoid the pos-
sibility of personal injury and serious damage to the vehicle.<
Indicates information that will assist you in gaining the optimum benefit from your
vehicle and enable you to care more effectively for your vehicle.<
Refers to measures that can be taken to help protect the environment.<
< Marks the end of a specific item of information.
* Indicates special equipment, country-specific
equipment and optional extras, as well as equip­ment and functions not yet available at the time of printing.
Symbols on vehicle components
Indicates that you should consult the rele­vant section of this Owner's Manual for
information on a particular part or assembly.

The individual vehicle

The manufacturer of your MINI is the Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, BMW AG.
When you ordered your MINI, you chose various items of equipment. This Owner's Manual describes the entire array of options and equip­ment that the manufacturer of your MINI makes available with a specific model range.
Bear in mind that the manual may contain infor­mation on accessories and equipment that you have not specified for your own vehicle. Sections describing options and special equipment are marked by asterisks possible differences between the descriptions in this manual and your own vehicle's equipment.
If your MINI features equipment not described in this Owner's Manual, observe the enclosed Sup­plementary Owner's Manuals.
* to assist you in identifying

Editorial notice

The manufacturer pursues a policy of continu­ous, ongoing development that is conceived to ensure that MINI vehicles continue to embody the highest quality and safety standards com­bined with advanced, state-of-the-art technol­ogy. For this reason, it is possible in exceptional cases that features described in this Owner's Manual could differ from those on your vehicle.

For your safety

Maintenance and repair
Advanced technology, e.g. the use of
modern materials and powerful electron­ics, requires specially adapted maintenance and repair methods. Therefore, have the necessary work on your MINI only carried out by a MINI Dealer or a workshop that has specially trained personnel working in accordance with the spec­ifications of the MINI manufacturer. If this work
4
is not carried out properly, there is a danger of
subsequent damage and related safety haz­ards.<
Parts and accessories
For your own safety, use genuine parts and accessories approved by the manu-
facturer of the MINI.
When you purchase accessories tested and approved by the manufacturer of the MINI and Original MINI Parts, you simultaneously acquire the assurance that they have been thor­oughly tested by the manufacturer of the MINI to ensure optimum performance when installed on your vehicle.
The manufacturer of the MINI warrants these parts to be free from defects in material and workmanship.
The manufacturer of the MINI will not accept any liability for damage resulting from installation of parts and accessories not approved by the man­ufacturer of the MINI.
The manufacturer of the MINI cannot test every product made by other manufacturers to verify if it can be used on a MINI safely and without risk to either the vehicle, its operation, or its occu­pants.
Original MINI Parts, MINI Accessories and other products approved by the manufacturer of the MINI, together with professional advice on using these items, are available from all MINI Dealers.
Installation and operation of non-MINI approved accessories such as alarms, radios, amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension components, brake dust shields, telephones, including operation of any mobile phone from within the vehicle without using an externally mounted antenna, or transceiver equipment, for instance, CBs, walkie-talkies, ham radios or sim­ilar accessories, may cause extensive damage to the vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere with the vehicle's electrical system or affect the valid­ity of the MINI Limited Warranty. See your MINI Dealer for additional information.<
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
the emission control devices and systems may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual using any certified automotive part.<
California Proposition 65 warning
California law requires us to issue the following warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts, including components found in the interior fur­nishings in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects and reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other repro­ductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that have caused cancer in laboratory animals. Always protect your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.<

Service and warranty

We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your MINI is covered by the following warran­ties:
> New Vehicle Limited Warranty
> Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
> Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
> Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
> California Emission Control System Limited
Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
5

Reporting safety defects

For US customers
The following applies only to vehicles owned and operated in the US.
Notes
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, in addition to notifying MINI of North America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone 1-800-831-
1117.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or MINI of North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov
For Canadian customers
Canadian customers who wish to report a safety-related defect to Transport Canada, Defect Investigations and Recalls, may call 1-800-333-0510 toll-free from anywhere in Canada or 1-613-993-9851 from the Ottawa region and from other countries, or contact Transport Canada by mail at: Transport Canada, ASFAD, Place de Ville, Tower C, 330 Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0N5.
You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.tc.gc.ca
6
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
7

AT A GLANCE

AT A GLANCE
CONTROLS
DRIVING TIPS
MOBILITY
REFERENCE

Cockpit

Around the steering wheel: Controls and displays

Cockpit
1 Adjusting the exterior mirrors, folding them
in and out
2
10
* 38
Parking lamps 73
Low beams 73
Automatic headlamp control
Turn signals 47
* 73
High beams 75
Headlamp flasher 47
Roadside parking lamps
Computer
* 53
* 75
3 Always Open Timer* 54
4 Tachometer 12
Instrument lighting 76
Resetting the trip odometer 52
5
6
7 Ignition lock 43 8 Buttons* on steering wheel
Wiper system 48
Switching the ignition on/off and starting/stopping the engine 43
Continuing cruise control
Right: Storing speed and accelerating or decelerating
Left: Increase or reduce volume
Activating/deactivating cruise
* 51
control
Telephone
Accepting and ending a call, start­ing dialing number and redialing if no phone number is selected
*:
* of selected phone
* 50
Activating/deactivating voice com­mand system
Changing radio station Selecting music track Scrolling through phone book and lists with stored phone numbers
9 Horn: the entire surface
10 Adjusting the steering wheel 39
11 Releasing the bonnet 113
*
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
11

Displays

Cockpit
1 Tachometer 52
with indicator and warning lamps 13
2 Display for
> Clock 52
> Outside temperature 52
> Current vehicle speed 52
> Indicator and warning lamps 13
3 Resetting the trip odometer 52
4 Display for
> Position of automatic transmission
> Computer
> Date of next scheduled service, and
remaining distance to be driven 57
> Odometer and trip odometer 52
> Initializing the Flat Tire Monitor
> Resetting the Tire Pressure Monitor
> Settings and information 55
> Personal Profile settings 18
5 Instrument lighting 76
6 Speedometer
with indicator and warning lamps 13
7 Fuel gauge 53
8 Radio display, refer to separate Owner's
Manual
9 Radio, refer to separate Owner's Manual
* 53
* 45
* 65
* 67
12
Indicator and warning
lamps
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var­ious combinations and colors in indicator area 1 or 2.
Some lamps are checked for proper functioning and thus come on briefly when the engine is started or the ignition is switched on.
What to do in case of a malfunction
A list of all indicator and warning lamps, as well as notes on possible causes of malfunctions and on how to respond, can be found starting on page 138.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
13

Around the center console

Cockpit
14
1 MINI: Microphone for voice processing sys-
* and for hands-free telephone*
tem MINI Convertible: Microphone in the steering column
2 Indicator/warning lamp
ger airbags 71
3
Reading lamps
* for front passen-
* 77
Air distribution to the footwell* 81
Automatic air distribution and flow rate* 81
Maximum cooling
Cooling function 79, 82
* 81
Color of ambient lighting
Glass sunroof, electric
MINI Convertible: opening and clos­ing the sliding/tilting roof 29
Interior lamps 76
4 Hazard warning flashers
5 Speedometer 12
6 Drive for audio CDs
7 Switching audio sources on/off and adjust-
ing volume
8 Air conditioner or automatic climate con-
*
trol
Temperature 79, 82
Recirculated-air mode 79, 81
Automatic recirculated-air control
* and recirculated-air
AUC mode 81 Air distribution for air conditioner 80
Air distribution to the windshield
Air distribution to the upper body area
* 81
* 81
* 77
* 27
Defrosting windows
Rear window defroster 79, 82
Windshield heating
Air flow rate 79, 81
9 Switches in center console
Seat heating
Power windows 28
MINI Convertible: central power window unit 29
Rear fog lamp
Fog lamps
Central locking system, inside 22
10 AUX-In port, USB-audio interface
11 Driving stability control systems
> Dynamic Stability Control DSC 63
> Dynamic Traction Control
12 Sport button
* 76
* 64
* 80, 82
* 80, 82
* 37
* 76
DTC* 63
* 85
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
15
AT A GLANCE

CONTROLS

CONTROLS
DRIVING TIPS
MOBILITY
REFERENCE

Opening and closing

Keys/remote controls

Remote control
Each remote control contains a rechargeable battery that is recharged when it is in the igni-
Opening and closing
tion lock while the car is being driven. You should therefore use each remote control at least twice a year to maintain the charge status. In vehicles equipped with convenient access the remote control contains a replaceable bat­tery, page 27.
If more than one remote control unit is used, the settings called up and implemented depend on which remote control is recognized when the car is unlocked, refer to Personal Profile, page 18.
In addition, information about service require­ments is stored in the remote control, refer to Service data in the remote control, page 117.
New remote controls
Your MINI Dealer can supply new remote con­trols as additional units or as replacements in the event of loss.
*,
Integrated key
Press button 1 to release the key.
The integrated key fits the following locks:
> Driver's door, page 22.
> MINI Convertible: Glove compartment, refer
to page 85.
> MINI Convertible: Locking the rear seat
backrest 93.

Personal Profile

The concept
The functions of your MINI can be set individu­ally. By means of Personal Profiles, most of these settings are stored for the remote control cur­rently in use. When you unlock the car, the remote control is recognized and the settings stored for it are called up and implemented.
This means that your settings will be activated for you, even if in the meantime your car was used by someone else with another remote con­trol and the corresponding settings.
At most three remote controls can be set for three different people. A prerequisite is that each person uses a separate remote control.
18
Personal Profile settings
For more information on specific settings, refer to the specified pages.
> Response of the central locking system
when the car is being unlocked 19
> Automatic locking of the vehicle 23
> Triple turn signal activation 47
> Settings for the displays on the onboard
monitor, in the speedometer and in the tachometer.
> 12h/24h mode of the clock, refer to For-
mats and units of measure 56
> Date format, refer to Formats and units
of measure 56
> Units of measure for fuel consumption,
distance covered/remaining distances and temperature, refer to Formats and units of measure 56
> Light settings:
> Pathway lighting 73
> Daytime running lamps 74
> Automatic climate control
activating/deactivating cooling function and automatic recirculated-air control, setting temperature, air flow rate and distribution 80
> Entertainment:
> Audio volume, refer to separate Owner's
Manual
> Speed-dependent volume, refer to sepa-
rate Owner's Manual
*: AUTO program,

Central locking system

Operating from outside
> Via the remote control
> Via the door lock > In cars with convenient access*, via the door
handles on the driver's and passenger's sides.
The anti-theft system is also operated at the same time. It prevents the doors from being unlocked using the lock buttons or door han­dles. The remote control can also be used to switch on/off the welcome lamps and interior lamps. The alarm system deactivated, page 24.
*
* is also activated or
Operating from inside
Button for central locking system, page 22.
In the event of a sufficiently severe accident, the central locking system unlocks automatically. In addition, the hazard warning flashers and inte­rior lamps come on.

Opening and closing: from outside

Persons or animals in a parked vehicle
could lock the doors from the inside. Take the key with you when you leave the vehicle so that the vehicle can be opened from the out­side.<
Using the remote control
Unlocking
Press button . The welcome lamps and interior lamps come on.
The concept
The central locking system is ready for operation whenever the driver's door is closed.
The system simultaneously engages and releases the locks on the following:
> Doors
> Tailgate
> Fuel filler door
Unlocking mode
You can also set which parts of the car are unlocked. The setting is stored for the remote control in use.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
19
1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 43.
2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is displayed.
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
Opening and closing
5. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
display shows the illustrated symbol, arrow.
Press the button twice to unlock the entire vehicle.
>
Press the button once to unlock the entire vehicle.
9. Press and hold the button until the display
changes. The setting is stored for the remote control currently in use.
Convenient opening
Hold the button down. The power windows are opened and the glass sunroof* is raised. In the MINI Convertible, the windows and the sliding sunroof are opened.
In order to open the convertible top of your MINI Convertible: release button and push again until the convertible top is completely open. The side window remains open.
Convenient closing is not possible by means of the remote control.<
Locking
Press the button.
Do not lock the vehicle from the outside if there is any person inside, because the
vehicle cannot be unlocked from inside without special knowledge.<
Setting confirmation signals
To have the vehicle confirm when it has been locked or unlocked.
1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 43.
2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis­played.
7. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
8. Briefly press the button to select:
>
Press the button once to unlock only the driver's door and the fuel filler door.
20
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
5. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6. Briefly press the button to select, arrow:
> Confirmation signal during unlocking
> Confirmation signal during locking
Switching on interior lamps
While the car is locked: Press the button. You can also use this function to locate your vehicle in parking garages, etc.
Unlocking the tailgate
Press the button.
When it is opened, the tailgate swings
upward and outward to the rear. Ensure that there is sufficient clearance. To prevent accidentally locking yourself out, do not place the key down in the cargo bay. If the tailgate was locked before opening, it will be locked again after it is closed. Before and after each trip, check that the tail­gate has not been inadvertently unlocked.<
Malfunctions
The remote control may malfunction due to local radio waves. If this occurs, unlock and lock the car at the door lock with the integrated key.
If the car can no longer be locked with a remote control, the battery in the remote control is dis­charged. Use this remote control during an extended drive; this will recharge the battery, page 18.
7. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
8. Briefly press the button to select:
>
The hazard warning flashers light up dur­ing unlocking/locking.
>
An acoustic signal sounds during unlock­ing/locking.
>
The hazard warning flashers light up and an acoustic signal unlocking/locking.
>
The function is deactivated.
9. Press and hold the button until the display
changes. The setting is stored.
* sounds during
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communications Commission regulations. Operation is governed by the following:
FCC ID: LX8766S LX8766E LX8CAS
Compliance statement: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
> This device must not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and
> This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
21
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
Any unauthorized modifications or
changes to these devices could void the
user's authority to operate this equipment.<
Using the door lock
You can set which parts of the car are unlocked, page 19.
When there is no alarm system
Opening and closing
nient access
locked with the door lock.<
To lock all doors, the fuel filler door and the tail­gate together:
With the doors closed, press the interior central locking button, page 22 to lock the vehicle.
Unlocking and opening the driver or passenger door, page 22.
Locking the vehicle.
> Lock the driver's door with the integrated
key via the door lock, or
> press the safety lock button on the pas-
senger's door and close the door from the outside.
*, only the driver's door is
* or conve-
Manual operation
In the event of an electrical malfunction, the driver's door can be unlocked or locked by turn­ing the integrated key in the door lock to the end positions.

Opening and closing: from inside

The switch locks or unlocks the doors and tail­gate when the doors are closed, but the anti­theft system is not activated. The fuel filler door remains unlocked
To unlock and open the doors
> Either unlock the doors together using the
switch for the central locking system and then pull the door handle above the armrest or
> pull on the door handle of either door twice:
the first time unlocks the door, the second time opens it.
*.
Convenient operation
With an alarm system* or convenient access*, the windows and glass sunroof ated via the door lock.
Hold the key in the position for unlocking or locking.
In the MINI Convertible, the convertible top closes first, followed by the folding sunroof, and finally the side windows close.
During the roof closing process (in case of the convertible top also during the open-
ing process) ensure no one gets pinched. Releasing the key stops the operation.<
* can be oper-
22
Locking
> Press the switch or
> press down the safety lock button of a door.
To prevent you from being locked out, the open driver's door cannot be locked using the lock button.
Persons or animals in a parked vehicle
could lock the doors from the inside. Take the key with you when you leave the vehicle so that the vehicle can be opened from the out­side.<
Automatic locking
You can also set the situations in which the car locks. The setting is stored for the remote con­trol in use.
1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 43.
2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis­played.
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
7. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
8. Briefly press the button to select:
>
The central locking system automatically locks the vehicle after some time if no door has been opened.
>
The central locking system automatically locks the vehicle as soon as you drive off.
>
The central locking system automatically locks the vehicle after some time if no door has been opened, or as soon as you drive off.
>
The central locking system remains unlocked.
9. Press and hold the button until the display
changes. The setting is stored.

Trunk lid

To avoid damage, make sure there is suf­ficient clearance before opening the tail-
gate.<
5. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
display shows the illustrated symbol, arrow.
Opening
In some national-market versions, the tail­gate cannot be unlocked using the remote
control unless the vehicle is unlocked first.<
Press the button in the handle, arrow, or the
button of the remote control, for an extended period. The tailgate is unlocked and can be opened.
23
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
MINI Convertible
The maximum load that may be placed on the open trunk lid is 175 lbs/80 kg.<
Closing
Make sure that the closing path of the tail­gate is clear, otherwise injuries may
occur.<
Manual release with the MINI Convertible
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can also unlock the tailgate manually.
Opening and closing
1. Use the integrated key and open the back-
rest 1 lock.
2. Press button 2 and fold down backrest
together with the belt strap.
3. Pull the handle, see arrow. The tailgate is
released.
The handle recesses on the interior trim panel of the tailgate make it easier to pull it down.

Alarm system*

The principle
The alarm system, when activated, reacts if:
> A door, the engine compartment lid or the
tailgate is opened
> There is movement inside the car
> The car's inclination changes, for instance if
an attempt is made to jack it up and steal the wheels or to raise it prior to towing away
> There is an interruption in the power supply
from the battery
The alarm system briefly indicates unauthorized entry or tampering by means of:
> An acoustic alarm
> Switching on the hazard warning flashers
Arming and disarming
Whenever the car is locked or unlocked, the alarm system is armed or disarmed.
Even when the alarm system is armed, you can open the tailgate by means of the button on the remote control. When you subsequently close the tailgate it is again locked and monitored.
24
On certain national-market versions,
unlocking via the door lock triggers off the
alarm.<
Panic mode*
You can activate the alarm system if you find yourself in a dangerous situation.
Press the button for at least two seconds.
Switching off the alarm: Press any button.
Switching off an alarm
> Unlock the car with the remote control.
> Insert the key fully into the ignition lock.
> In cars with convenient access
button on the door lock.
*, press the
Display on the revolution counter
When the system is armed, all LEDs pulse. After approx. 16 minutes one LED flashes.
Tilt alarm sensor
The vehicle's inclination is monitored. The alarm is triggered, for instance, if an attempt is made to steal the car's wheels or tow it away.
Interior movement detector
Before the interior movement detector can operate correctly, the windows and glass roof must be closed.
MINI Convertible
The passenger compartment is monitored up to the height of the seat's surface. This way, the anti-theft alarm system including the interior motion sensor are armed, even if the convertible top is open. Falling objects, e.g. tree leaves, may trigger a false alarm, refer to Avoiding false alarms.
Avoiding false alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and the interior movement detector can be switched off together.
This prevents false alarms, e.g. in the following situations:
> In duplex garages
> When being transported on car-carrying
trains, ferries or trailers
> If pets are to remain inside the car
> LEDs pulse or LED flashes: system is armed.
> One LED flashes at short intervals:
A door, the bonnet or the tailgate is not properly closed. Even if these are not closed fully, the remaining items are deadlocked and the LEDs pulse after approx. 10 seconds for approx. 16 minutes. Afterwards, one LED flashes. The interior movement detector is not acti­vated.
> LEDs go out after the vehicle is unlocked:
No attempt was made to tamper with the car.
> LEDs flash after unlocking until the key is
inserted in the ignition, but for no longer than approx. 5 minutes: an attempt was made to tamper with the car.
Switching off the tilt alarm sensor and interior movement detector
> Press the button on the remote con-
trol twice in succession.
> Lock the vehicle twice with the integrated
key.
LEDs flash in short succession for approx. 2 sec­onds. The tilt alarm sensor and the interior movement detector are switched off until the car is next unlocked and locked.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
25

Convenient access*

Convenient access enables you to enter your vehicle without having to hold the remote con­trol in your hand. All you need to do is wear the remote control close to your body, e.g. in your jacket pocket. The vehicle automatically detects the remote control within the immediate vicinity or in the passenger compartment.
Convenient access supports the following func­tions:
> Unlocking/locking the vehicle > Unlocking the tailgate by itself > Enginestarting > Convenient operation > MINI Convertible: Convertible top operation
Opening and closing
Functional requirements
> The vehicle or the tailgate can only be
locked when the vehicle detects that the remote control currently in use is outside of the vehicle.
> The vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked
again until after approx. 2 seconds.
> The engine can only be started when the
vehicle detects that the remote control is inside the vehicle.
> The doors and tailgate must be closed to be
able to operate the windows and glass sun­roof.
Comparison to standard remote controls
In general, there is no difference between using convenient access or pressing the buttons on the remote control to carry out the functions mentioned above. Instructions on opening and closing are found starting on page 18.
Special features regarding the use of convenient access are described below.
If you notice a brief delay while opening or
closing the windows, the glass sunroof or the convertible top, the system is checking whether a remote control is inside the vehicle. Repeat the opening or closing procedure, if nec­essary.<
To unlock
Press button 1.
Convenient opening with the remote control, refer to page 20.
Locking
Press button 1.
For convenient closing, press and hold button 1. The power windows and the glass sunroof closed.
MINI Convertible: If a remote control is inside the vehicle, windows and convertible top can be opened and closed as soon as the remote is operational.
* are
Unlocking the tailgate separately
Press the button on the outside of the tailgate.
If the vehicle detects that a remote control
has been accidentally left inside the locked vehicle's cargo bay after the tailgate is closed, the tailgate will reopen slightly. The haz­ard warning flashers flash and an acoustic sig-
* sounds.<
nal
Windows and glass sunroof, electric*
If the engine is switched off, you can still operate the windows and glass sunroof so long as a door or the tailgate has not been opened.
If the doors and tailgate are closed again and the remote control is located inside the vehicle, the windows and the glass sunroof can be operated again.
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock to be able to operate the windows or glass sunroof when the engine is switched off and the doors are open.
26
Switching on radio readiness
Switch on radio readiness by briefly pressing the start/stop button, page 43.
Do not depress the brake or the clutch, otherwise the engine will start.<
Starting the engine
The engine can be started or the ignition can be switched on when a remote control is inside the vehicle. It is not necessary to insert a remote control into the ignition lock, page 43.
Switching off the engine in cars with automatic transmission
The engine can only be switched off when the selector lever is in position P, page 44. To switch the engine off when the selector lever is in position N, the remote control must be in the ignition lock.
Before driving a vehicle with automatic transmission into a car wash
1. Insert remote control into ignition lock.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Move the selector lever to position N.
4. Switch off the engine.
The vehicle can roll.
The warning lamp comes on when the engine is running: the remote control is
no longer inside the vehicle. After the engine is switched off, the engine can only be restarted within approx. 10 seconds.
The indicator lamp comes on: replace
the battery in the remote control.
Replacing the battery
The remote control for convenient access con­tains a battery that will need to be replaced from time to time.
1. Remove the cover.
2. Insert the new battery with the plus side fac-
ing up.
3. Press the cover on to close.
Take the old battery to a battery collection point or to your MINI Dealer.<
Malfunction
Convenient access may malfunction due to local radio waves.
If this happens, open or close the vehicle via the buttons on the remote control or using the inte­grated key. Insert the remote control into the ignition lock and start the engine.
Warning lamps
The warning lamp comes on when an attempt is made to start the engine: the
engine cannot be started. The remote control is not inside the vehicle or is malfunction­ing. Take the remote control with you inside the vehicle or have it checked. If necessary, insert another remote control into the ignition lock.

Glass sunroof, electric*

To prevent injuries, exercise care when
closing the glass sunroof and keep it in your field of vision until it is shut. Take the key with you when you leave the car, otherwise children could operate the sunroof and possibly injure themselves.<
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
27
Raising
> Press the switch backward to the resistance
point and hold it there. Both glass sunroofs are raised. Releasing the switch stops the movement.
> With the ignition switched on, press the
switch backward beyond the resistance
Opening and closing
point. Both closed sunroofs are raised fully. Pressing again stops the movement.
Opening, closing
With the ignition switched on and the glass sun­roof raised, press the switch backward and hold it there. The front glass sunroof opens. The rear glass sunroof is closed. Releasing the switch stops the movement.
The glass sunroof can be closed in the same way by pressing the switch forward.
The front glass sunroof remains in a raised posi­tion. The rear glass sunroof is raised. Pressing on the switch again closes both sunroofs com­pletely.
Convenient operation via door lock or conve­nient access, refer to page 20, 22, 26.
your MINI recommends that you have this work done by your MINI Dealer.

Windows

To prevent injuries, exercise care when
closing the windows. Take the remote control with you when you leave the car, otherwise children could operate the electric windows and possibly injure them­selves.<
If, after a window is opened and closed
several times in close succession, the win­dow can only be closed and not opened, the sys­tem is overheated. Let the system cool for sev­eral minutes with the ignition switched on or the engine running.<
Opening
> Press the switch downwards.
The window opens until you release the switch.
> Tap the switch downwards.
As so on as the remote is r eady, the windows will open automatically. Tap the switch again to stop the opening movement.
Roller sun blind
The roller sun blind can be opened and closed independently of the glass sunroof.
Following interruptions in electrical power supply
After a power failure, there is a possibility that the glass sunroof can only be raised. In this case, have the system initialized. The manufacturer of
28
MINI: Closing
The window can be closed in the same way by pressing the switch up.
MINI Convertible: Closing
In order to close the window, press the switch up. The window closes until you release the switch.
Electric power windows
initializing
If the battery was disconnected, e.g. for
changing batteries or vehicle storage, reinitialize the power window switch, otherwise the windows will not be lowered . MINI Convertible: Opening the convertible top is not possible.<
1. Close the doors.
2. Close both windows.
3. Close both windows.
In the event of a system malfunction, please contact your MINI Dealer.
MINI Convertible: Central power window unit
> Press the switch downwards.
First the rear windows, then the front win­dows open until the button is released.
> Tap the switch downwards.
With ignition turned on: rear and front win­dow open automatically. Tap the switch again to stop the opening movement.
To close the window, push the button upward and hold.
Do not close the windows until the closing
procedure for the convertible top is fin­ished. Otherwise it is not ensured that the side windows will close properly against the rubber seals of the convertible top. Convertible top, refer to page 31.<
After switching off the ignition
When the ignition is switched off, the windows can still be operated for approx. 1 minute as long as no door is opened.
Take the key with you when you leave the car, otherwise children could operate the
electric windows and possibly injure them­selves.<
MINI: Pinch protection system
This function does not apply to the MINI Con­vertible.
If the closing force exceeds a specific value as a window closes, the closing action is interrupted and the window reopens slightly.
Even though there is the pinch protection
system, always ensure that the window's travel path is clear, otherwise the safety system might fail to detect certain kinds of obstructions, such as thin objects, and the window would con­tinue closing.
Do not install any accessories that might inter­fere with window movement. Otherwise the pinch protection system could be impaired.<
Closing without pinch protection
If there is an external danger, or if ice on the win­dows, etc., prevents you from closing the win­dows normally, the window can be closed man­ually.
1. Press the switch upward and hold it there.
Pinch protection is limited and the window reopens slightly if the closing force exceeds a certain value.
2. Press the switch upward again within
approx. 4 seconds and hold it there. The window closes without pinch protection.

Convertible top with integrated sliding sunroof

To conserve battery power, if possible
operate the convertible top only while the engine is running. Prior to closing the convertible top, check for and remove all debris from the windshield frame, otherwise the closing of the top may be hampered.<
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
29
Opening and closing the sliding sunroof
To open: Press the switch backward until the desired posi­tion or the end position is reached.
To close: Press the switch forward.
The sliding sunroof can be operated up to a road speed of 74 mph / 120 km/h.
Opening and closing
Power convertible top
The fully automatic convertible top provides protection from the weather, combined with simple and easy operation.
So that you can get the most enjoyment out of your MINI Convertible, here are some helpful tips:
> It is recommended that you close the con-
vertible top whenever the vehicle is parked. The closed convertible top not only protects the vehicle interior from damage due to unforeseen bad weather, but also provides a certain degree of protection against theft Always keep your valuables inside the locked luggage compartment, even if the convertible top is closed.
> Do not mount any roof rack systems on the
convertible top.
> When opening the wet convertible top, e.g.,
after driving in the rain, water drops may enter the luggage compartment. In order to avoid water stains or soiling, remove all objects from the luggage compartment, if necessary.
If the temperature drops below +10 7/–12 6 , do not operate the
convertible top, otherwise damages may occur.
Do not leave a wet convertible top open for more than one day, since the humidity may cause damages.
Do not place any objects on the convertible top, as they could otherwise fall off while the con­vertible top is being operated and result in prop­erty damage or personal injury.
If the rollover protective system is extended, do not operate the convertible top.
Always completely finish the operation of the convertible top. Driving off before an opening or closing procedure is completely finished can lead to property damage or personal injury.
Do not reach into the moving parts during the opening and closing procedure. Keep children away from the pivoting range of the convertible top.
For safety reasons, only operate the convertible top while the vehicle is standing.<
While opening and closing, the convertible
top pivots upward. If operating the con­vertible top inside a garage or under a bridge, or similar low structure, ensure the minimum clear­ance is 2 m, otherwise the vehicle may be dam­aged.<
Before opening and closing
> Please observe the previous safety instruc-
tions.
> Please ensure the luggage compartment
roll-up cover is in its lowest position, refer to page 93, otherwise the convertible top can­not be opened.
> Ensure the cargo does not push against the
luggage compartment roll-up cover from below.
> Ensure the tailgate is closed.
30
Opening and closing the convertible top
To open: Press the switch backward in order to open the sliding/tilting sunroof. Pressing the button again opens the convertible top.
To close: Press the switch forward.
Operating while driving
The convertible top may be opened or closed while driving not faster than 20 mph/30 km/h.
While operating the convertible top, pay
close attention to the surrounding traffic, otherwise an accident may happen. Try to avoid operating the convertible top while reversing the vehicle since the rear view is very limited during the convertible top's movement. Do not operate the convertible top when driving on winding and rough roads or during windy condi­tions.<
For better control
> The LED lights up during convertible top
operation until the opening or closing pro­cedure is completely finished.
> The LED flashes after releasing the switch.
The opening or closing procedure has not yet been completed. The procedure can be continued in the desired direction by press­ing the appropriate button.
> The indicator lamp Convertible top not
locked, refer to page 141, lights up.
Interruption
A convertible top which is not completely open or closed is hazardous.<
The automatic movement is immediately inter­rupted when the button for the convertible top operation is released. The procedure can be continued in the desired direction by pressing the appropriate button
If the opening or closing procedure is inter­rupted by releasing the respective button, the convertible top stays in its current position for several seconds before it slowly moves into a more stable position. The procedure can be con­tinued by pressing the appropriate button.
The opening and closing procedure is also inter­rupted in case of a mechanical blockage. In this case, in order to operate the convertible top again:
1. Turn off the ignition and then switch it on
again.
2. Press the button to continue the procedure
in the desired direction.
Opening and closing procedure
Do not interrupt and restart the closing procedure several times one after
another, or the convertible top mechanism could be damaged.<
If the convertible top can be moved in only
one direction after several consecutive attempts to operate it, the convertible top sys­tem has overheated. Allow the system to cool down for approx. 4 minutes.<
If the battery was disconnected, e.g. for
changing batteries or vehicle storage, reinitialize the power windows, refer to page 29. Otherwise the windows cannot be lowered or the convertible top cannot be opened.<
Convenient operation
For convenience operation using the remote control refer to page 19, for operation via the door lock refer to page 22.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
31
Manual closing in the event of an
electrical malfunction
Only close the convertible top manually if
it is absolutely necessary. Never open it manually. Improper handling of the convertible top can result in damage. The closing procedure must be completely finished. Otherwise, dam­age or injury could result.<
Before closing
1. Remove allen key and screwdriver from
vehicle tools, refer to page 128.
2. Pry out luggage compartment lamp from
the left side trim using the screwdriver.
Closing the convertible top
1. Place both hands on the convertible top on
the respective side frame.
2. Lift out both sides at the same time, and swing
the convertible top forward onto the cowl.
3. Inside the vehicle, use a screwdriver to pry
out the cover in the center of the roof.
Opening and closing
3. Use the screwdriver and turn the gold-col-
ored screw, see arrow, one and a half turns in the direction of the arrow.
Releasing the convertible top
1. Push cover panel forward, see arrow 1.
2. In order to unlock the convertible top use
the allen key to loosen the screws of the locking devices, see arrows 2.
3. Release the second side frame.
To close the sliding sunroof
1. Insert the hexagon wrench into the recess in
the center of the roof and push upward, see arrow 1.
2. Turn the hexagon wrench in the direction of
arrow 2.
3. Open both locking mechanisms and remove
the locking pieces.
4. Insert the pins into the respective recess in
the cowl, see arrow.
32
To lock the convertible top
Turn hexagon wrench in the opposite direction of arrow 2 until the convertible top is securely locked.
Please contact your MINI Dealer to have the electrical malfunction repaired.<

Wind deflector*

With the convertible top open, the wind deflec­tor keeps air movement in the passenger com­partment to a minimum, thus providing you with a more pleasant drive, even at higher speeds.
3. On the opposite side of the vehicle, insert
the retaining pin 1 into the opening, pushing against the spring load.
4. Push out retaining pin 2 on one side until it
engages.
Before installing
1. Take the wind deflector out of the pouch.
2. Unfold the wind deflector, see arrows 1.
3. Press the locking device together until it
engages, see arrow 2.
Installing and folding up
5. Fold up the upper part of the wind deflector.
If a seat is in its rearmost position, do not recline the backrest too far, otherwise the
wind deflector could be damaged.<
Removing and folding
Remove the deflector following the reverse sequence.
Push the release lever towards the center of the wind deflector and fold both halves together.
1. Push out retaining pin 2 on one side until it
engages.
2. Insert wind deflector with retaining pins into
the openings 1 and 2 on that side of the vehicle.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
33

Adjustments

Sitting safely

The ideal sitting position can make a vital contri­bution to relaxed, fatigue-free driving. In con­junction with the safety belts, the head restraints and the airbags, the seated position has a major influence on your safety in the event of an acci­dent. To ensure that the safety systems operate
Adjustments
with optimal efficiency, we strongly urge you to observe the instructions contained in the follow­ing section.
For additional information on transporting chil­dren safely, refer to page 40.
Airbags
Always maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the airbags. Always grip the steering wheel on the rim, with your hands in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, to minimize the risk of injury to the hands or arms in the event of the airbag being triggered off. No one and nothing is to come between the air­bags and the seat occupant. Do not use the cover of the front airbag on the front passenger side as a storage area. Ensure that the front passenger is correctly seated, e.g. that no feet or legs are propped against the dashboard. Otherwise, leg injury could result if the front airbag suddenly deployed. Make sure that passengers do not lean their heads against the side airbags, otherwise seri­ous injuries could result if the airbags suddenly deployed.<
Even if you follow all the instructions, injuries resulting from contact with airbags cannot be fully excluded, depending on the circumstances. The ignition and inflation noise may provoke a mild hearing loss in extremely sensitive individ­uals. This effect is usually only temporary.
For airbag locations and additional information on airbags, refer to page 70.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way that its center is at approx. ear level. Oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident.<
Head restraints, refer to page 36.
Safety belt
Before every drive, make sure that all occupants wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the safety belt as an additional safety device, but they do not represent a substitute.
Never allow more than one person to wear
a single safety belt. Never allow infants or small children to ride in a passenger's lap. Make sure that the belt in the lap area sits low across the hips and does not press against the abdomen. The safety belt must not rest against the throat, run across sharp edges, pass over hard or fragile objects or be pinched. Fasten the safety belt so that it is pulled taut across the lap and shoulder, fitting the body snugly without any twists. Otherwise the belt could slide over the hips in the event of a frontal collision and injure the abdomen. Avoid wearing bulky clothing and regularly pull the belt in the upper-body area taut, otherwise its restraining effect could be impaired.<
Safety belts, refer to page 37.

Seats

Note before adjusting
Never attempt to adjust your seat while
the vehicle is moving. The seat could respond with unexpected movement, and the ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an accident. On the front passenger seat as well, do not incline the backrest too far to the rear while the
34
vehicle is being driven, otherwise there is a dan-
ger in the event of an accident of sliding under the safety belt, eliminating the protection nor­mally provided by the belt.<
Comply with the instructions on head restraint height on page 36 and on damaged safety belts on page 38.
Seat adjustment
Observe the instructions on page 34 to ensure the best possible personal protec-
tion.<
Longitudinal adjustment
Pull the lever, arrow 1, and slide the seat to the desired position, arrows 2. After releasing the lever, move the seat gently forward or back to make sure it engages prop­erly.
Backrest
Pull the lever, arrow 1, and apply your weight to the backrest or lift it off, as necessary, arrows 2.
Lumbar support*
You can also adjust the contour of the backrest to obtain additional support in the lumbar region.
The upper hips and spinal column receive sup­plementary support to help you maintain a relaxed, upright sitting position.
Height
Pull up or push down the lever repeatedly, arrows 1, until the desired height is reached, arrows 2.
Turn the wheel to increase or decrease the cur­vature.
Entry to the rear
Convenient entry
The convenient entry feature includes a mechanical memory function for the longitudi­nal adjustment and backrest angle.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
35
1. Pull up the lever on the seat backrest,
Adjustments
arrow 1.
The backrest folds forward.
2. Move the seat forward by pushing on the
backrest, arrow 2.
Previous position
1. Push the seat back into its previous position.
Do not fold the backrest up until the
seat is in its previous position. Other­wise, the seat will engage in its current posi­tion. In this case, adjust the longitudinal position manually, page 35.<
2. Fold the backrest back up to lock the seat.
When moving the seat backwards, ensure
that you do not cause personal injury or property damage. Before driving off, engage the front seats and seat backrests. Otherwise there is a risk of acci­dent due to unexpected movement.<

Head restraints

A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way
that its center is at approx. ear level. Oth­erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. Only remove a head restraint if no one will be sitting on the seat in question. Reinstall the head restraint before transporting anyone on that seat. Otherwise, the passenger will be without protection from the head restraint.<
Height adjustment
To raise: pull up.
To lower: press the button, arrow 1, and slide the head restraint down.
Removing
MINI: Front
1. Pull up as far as it will go.
2. Fold the backrest forward slightly.
3. Press button 1 and pull the head restraint
out as far as it will go.
4. Fold back the backrest.
MINI Convertible: Front
1. Pull up as far as it will go.
2. Fold the backrest forward slightly.
3. Press button 1 and pull the head restraint
out as far as it will go.
4. Additionally press button 2 and pull the
head restraint out completely.
5. Fold back the backrest.
36
Rear
1. Pull up as far as it will go.
2. Press button 1 and pull the head restraint
out completely.

Seat heating*

Front and rear seats
Closing
Make sure you hear the lock engage in the belt buckle.
The upper belt anchor is suitable for adults of any stature as long as the seat is adjusted prop­erly, page 34.
Switching on
Press once for each temperature level. Three LEDs indicate the highest temperature.
If you continue driving within the next 15 min­utes, the seat heating is automatically activated at the previously set temperature.
The temperature is lowered or the heating is switched off entirely to save on battery power. The LEDs stay lit.
Switching off
Press button longer.

Safety belts

Observe the instructions on page 34 to ensure the best possible personal protec-
tion.<
Before every drive, make sure that all occupants wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the safety belt as an additional safety device, but they do not represent a substitute.
Opening
1. Grasp the belt firmly.
2. Press the red button in the buckle.
3. Guide the belt into its reel.
MINI Convertible: rear belt guide
Please ensure that the belt guide loop, arrow, is locked when putting on the rear
seat belts.<
Seat belt reminder
Front seats
The indicator lamps come on and an acoustic signal sounds.Check whether the safety belt has been fastened cor-
rectly. The 'Fasten safety belts' reminder is issued when the driver's safety belt has not been fastened. The 'Fasten safety belts'
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
37
reminder is also activated at road speeds above
approx. 5 mph or 8 km/h if the front passenger's safety belt has not been fastened, if objects are placed on the front passenger seat, or if driver or front passenger unfasten their safety belts.
Damage to safety belts
If the safety belts are damaged or stressed
in an accident: have the safety belt system and its seat-belt tensioners replaced and the belt anchors checked. Have this work carried out only by a MINI Dealer or by a workshop that has
Adjustments
specially trained personnel working in accor­dance with the specifications of the MINI manu­facturer, otherwise correct operation of these safety systems is not ensured.<

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors
The front passenger's mirror is more con-
vex than the driver's mirror. The objects seen in the mirror are closer than they appear. Do not gauge your distance from traffic behind you on the basis of what you see in the mirror; otherwise there is an increased risk of an acci­dent.<
Folding mirrors in and out*
Turn the knob beyond the pressure point in direction 2. The mirrors can be folded in at road speeds up to approx. 20 mph/30 km/h.
This can be beneficial in narrow streets, for example, or for moving mirrors that were folded in by hand back out into their correct positions.
Automatic heating*
At outside temperatures below a certain limit, both exterior mirrors are automatically heated while the engine is running or the ignition switched on.
Interior rearview mirror
To reduce glare from vehicles behind you when you are driving at night:
Turn the knob.
1 Adjusting the left or right exterior mirror
2 Folding mirrors in and out
*
Manual adjustment
The mirrors can also be adjusted manually: press the edge of the glass.
38
Interior mirror, automatic dimming*
The automatic dimming feature of the interior rearview mirror in the mirror. One photo cell is in the mirror fram e, arr ow; the othe r is on the back of the m ir­ror.
* is controlled by two photo cells
In order to ensure that the system functions cor-
rectly, keep the photo cells clean, do not cover the area between the interior rearview mirror and windshield, and do not affix adhesive labels or stickers of any kind to the windshield directly in front of the mirror.

Steering wheel

Adjustments
Do not adjust the steering wheel position while the car is in motion, otherwise there
is a risk of accident due to an unexpected move­ment.<
1. Fold the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel to the preferred
distance and angle to suit your seated posi­tion.
3. Swing the lever back up.
Do not use force to swing the lever back up, otherwise the mechanism
will be damaged.<
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
39

Transporting children safely

The right place for children

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, otherwise they could endanger
themselves and/or other persons by opening the doors, for example.<
Children should always sit in the rear
Accident research has shown that the safest place for children is on the rear seat.
Only transport children under the age of
13 or smaller than 5 ft/150 cm in the rear in a child-restraint system suitable for their age, weight and size. Otherwise there is an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident.<
Children 13 years of age or older must be buck­led in with a safety belt as soon as there no longer is any child-restraint system that is appropriate for their age, size and weight.
Only install child seats in the rear when the
Transporting children safely
rear seat backrest is folded all the way back and engaged. Otherwise there will be an increased risk of injury in the event of an acci­dent.<
Exception for front passenger seat
Front passenger airbags
Should it be necessary to use a child-
restraint system on the front passenger seat, the front and side airbags must be deacti­vated. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of injury to the child if the airbags deploy, even if the child is seated in a child-restraint system.<
For more information on automatic deactivation of the front passenger airbags, refer to page 71.

Child-restraint systems, installation

Observe the child-restraint system manu­facturer's instructions when selecting,
installing and using child-restraint systems. Other­wise the protective effect may be diminished.<
On the front passenger seat
After installing a child-restraint system on
the front passenger seat, make sure that the front and side airbags for the front passen­ger are deactivated, otherwise there is an increased risk of injury if the airbags deploy.<
Child seat security
All rear safety belts and the safety belt for the front passenger can be prevented from being pulled out in order to secure child-restraint sys­tems.
To lock the safety belt
1. Secure the child-restraint system with the belt.
2. Pull the belt strap all the way out.
3. Allow the belt strap to retract and pull it taut
against the child-restraint system.
The safety belt is locked.
40
To unlock the safety belt
1. Open the belt buckle.
2. Remove the child-restraint system.
3. Allow the safety belt strap to retract all the
way.
LATCH child-restraint
fixing system
LATCH: Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren.
To install and use the LATCH child-
restraint system, follow the operating and safety instructions provided by the manufac­turer of the system, otherwise the protective function of the seat may be compromised.<
Anchor points for LATCH anchors
Before installing the child's seat, pull the belt out of the area for the child-restraint fixing system.
The anchor points for the lower LATCH anchors are located behind the labeled protective caps.
Make sure that both lower LATCH anchors
are properly engaged and that the child­restraint system rests firmly against the seat backrest, otherwise the protective function of the seat may be compromised.<
Child-restraint system with tether strap
Use the tether strap anchors to secure
child-restraint systems only, otherwise the anchors could be damaged.<
Placement of the tether strap
Make sure the upper retaining strap does
not run over sharp edges and is not twisted as it passes to the top anchor. Otherwise the strap will not properly secure the child­restraint system in the event of an accident.<
MINI
1 Direction of travel
2 Head restraint
3 Tether strap hook
4 Cargo bay floor
5 Anchor
6 Seat backrest
7 Tether strap of the child-restraint system
1. Push the head restraint upward.
2. Guide the tether strap between the head
restraint holders.
3. Attach the tether strap to the anchor using
the hook.
4. Push the head restraint into its lowermost
position.
5. Attach the tether strap to the anchor using
the hook.
6. Pull the retaining strap tight.
There are two additional anchors for child­restraint systems with tether straps, arrows.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
41
MINI Convertible
1 Direction of travel
2 Head restraint
3 Rollover protection system
4 Tether strap hook
5 Cargo bay floor
6 Anchor
7 Seat backrest
8 Tether strap of the child-restraint system
1. Push the head restraint upward.
2. Unlock backrest and slightly fold forward,
see page 93.
3. Guide the tether strap between the head
restraint holders.
Transporting children safely
4. Attach the tether strap to the anchor using
the hook.
5. Fold backrest back and lock in place. Push
headrest down as far as possible.
6. Pull the retaining strap tight.
Ensure to guide the upper retaining strap
between the backrest and rollover protec­tion system, otherwise the belt will not secure the child-restraining system in accordance with the law.<
42

Driving

Ignition lock

Inserting the key into the ignition lock
Insert the key all the way into the ignition lock.
Radio readiness Individual electrical consumers can operate.
Removing the key from the ignition lock
Press in the key briefly. It is ejected slightly.
At the same time:
> The ignition is switched off if it was on
beforehand.
Automatic transmission
You cannot take out the key unless the selector lever is in the P position: interlock.

Start/stop button

When you press the start/stop button and depress the clutch if the car has manual
transmission or the brake if the car has auto­matic transmission, the engine starts.<
Radio readiness
Individual electrical consumers can operate. The time and outside temperature are displayed in the tachometer.
Radio readiness is switched off automatically:
> When the key is removed from the ignition
lock
> When using convenient access
the button on the door handle or the button on the remote control, refer to Lock­ing on page 26
> after a certain has elapsed
* by pushing
Ignition on
Most indicator and warning lamps in indicator area 1, page 13, light up for varying lengths of time.
When the engine is off, switch off the igni­tion and any unnecessary electrical con-
sumers in order to preserve the battery.<
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps in the displays go out.
The ignition automatically turns off driver's door is opened. Pressing the start/stop button again switches the ignition back on.
The ignition is not switched off in situations such as the following:
> The clutch or brake is depressed
> The low beams are switched on
* when the
Press the start/stop button to switch radio readi­ness or the ignition on and off. Do not depress the brake or clutch while doing so.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
43

Starting the engine

Do not allow the engine to run in enclosed
spaces; otherwise inhalation of the nox­ious exhaust gases can lead to unconsciousness and death. Exhaust gases contain carbon mon­oxide, an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic
Driving
gas. Never leave an unattended vehicle with the engine running, otherwise such a vehicle repre­sents a potential safety hazard. Before leaving the car while the engine is run­ning, place the transmission in neutral or move the selector lever to position P and forcefully apply the parking brake to prevent the car from moving.<
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated start attempts in which the engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel is not burned or inadequately burned and there is a danger of overheating and damaging the cat­alytic converter.<
Do not let the engine warm up with the vehicle at a standstill. Move off immediately at a moder­ate engine speed.
When starting the engine, do not depress the accelerator pedal.
Automatic transmission
Key in ignition lock or inside vehicle with conve­nient access, refer to page 26.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Shift the selector lever into position P or N.
3. Press the start/stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain time, and stops automatically as soon as the engine has started.

Engineswitching off

Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle.
When parking, apply the parking brake force­fully, otherwise the vehicle could begin to roll.<
Manual transmission
1. With the car at a standstill, press the
start/stop button.
2. Shift into first gear or reverse.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
Automatic transmission
1. With the car at a standstill, move the selector
lever to position P.
2. Press the start/stop button.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
Manual transmission
Key in ignition lock or inside vehicle with conve­nient access, refer to page 26.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Depress the clutch.
3. Press the start/stop button.
44
Before driving into a car wash
By following these steps, the vehicle is able to roll:
1. Place the remote control, even with conve-
nient access, in the ignition lock.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Move the selector lever to position N.
4. Switch off the engine.

Parking brake

The parking brake is primarily intended to pre­vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes the rear wheels.
Reverse gear
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary. When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a slight resistance has to be overcome.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and lower the lever.
In exceptional cases, if the parking brake
has to be used to slow or stop the car, do not pull the lever up too hard. In doing so, con­tinuously press the button of the parking brake lever. Otherwise, excessive force could lead to over­braking and loss of traction, i.e. fishtailing, at the rear axle.<

Automatic transmission* with Steptronic

In addition to the fully automatic mode, you can shift gears manually using Steptronic, page 46.
Parking the vehicle
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always select position P and apply the parking
brake before leaving the vehicle with the engine running.<
Removing the key
1. Move the selector lever to position P.
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Remove the key.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Displays in the tachometer

Manual transmission

When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press
the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise the engine could be damaged if you inadvert­ently shift into 3rd or 4th gear.<
P R N D DS M1 to M6
The selector lever position is displayed, or the current gear in the manual mode.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
45
Changing selector lever positions
> The selector lever can only be moved out of
position P if the ignition is sw itche d on o r the engine is running: interlock.
> Before moving the lever away from P or N
Driving
with the vehicle stationary, first depress the brake; otherwise the selector lever will refuse to move: shiftlock.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you select a driving position,
depress the brake until you are ready to start.<
A lock prevents accidental shifting into selector lever positions R and P.
Overriding the selector lever lock
Press the button on the front of the selector lever, arrow.
P Park
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary. The transmission locks to prevent the drive wheels from turning.
R Reverse
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
Select this when you are in a car wash, for exam­ple. The vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for­ward gears are selected automatically.
Under normal operation conditions, fuel con­sumption is lowest when you drive in position D.
Kick-down
Kick-down enables you to achieve maximum performance. Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the full­throttle resistance point.
Sport program and manual operation M/S
Move the selector lever from position D to the left into the M/S shifting slot: The Sport program is activated and DS is dis­played.
Shifting with the selector lever
Push the selector lever forward or pull it back to activate manual operation. Steptronic shifts the gear.
> Pull the selector lever in the + direction.
Transmission shifts up.
> Push the selector lever in the – direction.
Transmission shifts down.
The tachometer displays M1 to M6.
To use the automatic mode again, move the selector lever to the right into position D.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only when they will result in a plausible combination of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example, a downshift that would cause the engine to over­rev will not be executed by the system. The selected gear is displayed briefly, followed by the actual gear.
Shifting on the steering wheel
With the selector lever in position D, automatic drive, you can shift gears using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The transmission auto­matically switches to manual mode.
46
If you do not shift gears with the shift paddles or
accelerate for a certain amount of time, the transmission automatically returns to D, auto­matic drive.
> Pull one of the shift paddles.
Transmission shifts up.
> Push one of the shift paddles.
Transmission shifts down.
M1 to M6 is displayed in the gear indicator.
Manually unlock the selector lever lock
If the power supply is interrupted, e.g., if
the battery is dead or disconnected, or due to an electrical malfunction, the selector lever lock must be unlocked manually, other­wise the front wheels are locked-up and the vehicle cannot be towed.<
Only unlock the selector lever lock manually when the vehicle is to be towed. Do not forget to firmly apply the parking brake prior to the tow, otherwise the vehicle may roll away.
1. Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2. Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever un-
til the sleeve is inside out. Disconnect the ca­ble connector if necessary.
3. Take the hub cover remover 1 out of the on-
board tool kit and insert it in the loop on the front passenger side.
4. Pull the loop up.
5. Move the selector lever into the desired po-
sition by pressing the button on the front of the selector lever.

Turn signals/ headlamp flasher

1 Turn signal indicator
2 Headlamp flasher
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To turn off manually, press the lever to the resis­tance point.
Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator lamp indicates that an indicator bulb has
failed.<
Indicating a turn briefly
Press the lever as far as the resistance point for as long as you wish to indicate a turn.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever as far as the resistance point.
You can set whether the turn signal is to flash once or three times.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
47
1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 43.
2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis­played.
Driving
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
8. Briefly press the button to select:
>
Brief indication of a turn.
>
Triple turn signal.
9. Press and hold the button until the display
changes. The setting is stored.

Wiper system

1 Switching on wipers
2 Switching off wipers or brief wipe
3 Activating/deactivating intermittent mode
or rain sensor
4 Cleaning windshield and headlamps*
*
5. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
display shows the illustrated symbol, arrow.
7. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
48
Switching on wipers
Press the lever upward, arrow 1.
The lever automatically returns to its initial posi­tion when released.
Normal wiper speed
Press once. The system switches to intermittent operation when the vehicle is stationary.
Fast wiper speed
Press twice or press beyond the resistance point. The system switches to normal speed when the vehicle is stationary.
Intermittent wipe or rain sensor*
If the car is not equipped with a rain sensor, the intermittent-wipe time is preset.
If the car is equipped with a rain sensor, the time between wipes is controlled automatically and depends on the intensity of the rainfall. The rain sensor is mounted on the windshield, directly in front of the interior rearview mirror.
Activating intermittent wipe or rain sensor
Press button, arrow 3.
Deactivate the rain sensor before entering an automatic car wash. Failure to do so
could result in damage caused by undesired wiper activation.<
5. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6. Press the button to select the desired sensi-
tivity.
7. Wait, or press and hold the button until the
display changes. The settings are stored.
Adjusting the sensitivity of the rain sensor
1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 43.
2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis­played.
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
Deactivating intermittent wipe or rain sensor
Press the button again, arrow 3.
Brief wipe
Press the lever downward once, arrow 2.
Cleaning windshield and headlamps*
Pull the lever, arrow 4.
Washer fluid is sprayed onto the windshield and the wipers are operated briefly.
When the vehicle lighting system is switched on, the headlamps are cleaned at regular and appropriate intervals.
In cars equipped with an alarm system, the headlamps cannot be cleaned when the bonnet is open.
Do not use the washers when the washer
fluid reservoir is empty, otherwise you will damage the washer pump. Only use the washers if the bonnet has been completely closed, otherwise the headlamp washer system the washers if there is any danger that the fluid will freeze on the windshield. If you do, your vision could be obscured. For this reason, use antifreeze.<
* may be damaged. Do not use
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
49
Window washer nozzles
The window washer nozzles are heated auto­matically ignition is switched on.
* while the engine is running or the
MINI: Rear window wiper
Driving
Washer fluid reservoir
Only refill washer fluid that contains anti-
freeze when the engine is cool, to avoid contact with hot engine parts. Otherwise, fluid spills constitute a fire hazard and a risk to per­sonal safety.<
0 Rear wipers parked
1 To switch on intermittent wipe :
Turn the cap to level 1. Operation is continuous in reverse gear.
Cleaning the rear window
2 To clean the rear window during intermit-
tent wipe : Turn the cap further to level 2 and hold it there.
3 To clean the rear window when wipers are
parked : Turn the cap to level 3 and hold it there.
Do not use the washers when the washer fluid reservoir is empty, otherwise you will
damage the washer pump.<

Washer fluid

Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
Therefore, keep it away from ignition sources, store it only in the closed original con­tainer and keep it out of reach of children, oth­erwise there is a risk of personal injury. Comply with the instructions on the container.<
Fill with water and, if required, with a washer antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom­mendations.
Mix the water and antifreeze before filling the washer fluid reservoir to make sure
the correct concentration is maintained.<
Capacity
Approx. 2.6 US quarts/2.5 liters.
With headlamp washer system: Approx. 4.8 US quarts/4.5 liters.

Cruise control*

The concept
Cruise control is available at vehicle speeds of at least approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h. The car then stores and maintains the speed that you specify using the button on the steering wheel.
Do not use cruise control when driving at
constant speed is prevented by adverse conditions, e.g. winding roads, dense traffic or poor road conditions due to, e.g., snow, rain, ice or loose surfaces. Otherwise you could lose con­trol of the vehicle and cause an accident as a result.<
50
Activating
1 Resuming cruise control
2 Activating/deactivating cruise control
3 Maintaining, storing and increasing speed
4 Maintaining, storing and decreasing speed
Indicator lamp in the speedometer lights up. The cruise control system is ready and can be acti­vated.
Increasing speed
Press button 3 repeatedly until the desired speed is reached. Every time you press the but­ton, the speed increases by approx. 1 mph or approx. 2 km/h.
Accelerating using the button
Press and hold button 3.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on the accelerator pedal. After the button is released, the driving speed is maintained and stored.
Decreasing speed
Press button 4 repeatedly until the desired speed is reached.
The functions here are the same as for increas­ing the speed or accelerating, except that the speed will be decreased.
Activating/deactivating cruise control
Press button 2.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti­vated:
> When the brakes are applied
> When the clutch is depressed
> When the automatic transmission is in selec-
tion lever position N
> When the driving stability control system is
active
Cruise control is not deactivated by depressing the accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator pedal is released, the stored speed is achieved again and maintained.
The stored speed is cleared when the ignition is switched off.
Maintaining current speed
Press button 3.
The system maintains and stores the current vehicle speed.
If, on a downhill grade, the engine braking effect is not sufficient, the controlled speed may be exceeded. On uphill grades vehicle speed may drop if the engine output is insufficient.
Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Press button 1.
The last speed stored is achieved again and maintained.
The stored speed is cleared when the ignition is switched off.
Display in tachometer*
Selected speed is displayed briefly.
If --- mph or --- km/h is displayed briefly in the tachometer, the conditions neces-
sary for operation may not be fulfilled.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp in the tachometer lights up if the system fails.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
51

Everything under control

Odometer, outside temperature display, clock

1. Press the button in the turn indicator lever
repeatedly until the current speed appears in the lower display.
2. Wait for the speed display to automatically
move to the upper display.
The outside temperature then appears in the lower display.
Odometer and trip odometer
Resetting the trip odometer
With the ignition switched on, press knob 3 in the tachometer.
1 Outside temperature display and clock or
current speed
2 Odometer and trip odometer
3 Resetting the trip odometer
Units of measure
Everything under control
Select the respective units of measure, miles or km for the odometer as well as 7 or 6 for the outside temperature, page 56.
When the vehicle is parked
To display the time, outside temperature and odometer briefly after the key is removed from the ignition lock: Press knob 3 in the tachometer.

Tachometer

Outside temperature display, time
Setting the time, refer to page 59.
Outside temperature warning
When the displayed temperature sinks to approx. +377/+36, a signal sounds and a warning lamp lights up. There is an increased risk of black ice.
Black ice can also form at temperatures above +37 7/+36. You should therefore
drive carefully on bridges and shaded roads, for example, otherwise there is an increased risk of an accident.<
Current vehicle speed
To have the current speed shown in the upper display otherwise serving for the outside tem­perature display and clock.
52
Never operate the engine with the needle in the red overspeed zone of the gauge. In this range, the fuel supply is interrupted to protect the engine.

Coolant temperature

A warning lamp will come on if the coolant, and therefore the engine, becomes too hot.
Check coolant level, refer to page 115.

Fuel gauge

Fuel tank capacity
You can find information on refueling on page 101.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period, when you are driving in mountainous areas, for example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S
Approx. 13.2 US gallons/50 liters.
Reserve
Once the fuel level has fallen to the reserve zone of approx. 2.1 gallons/8 liters, the remaining indicator lamps change from orange to red, arrow. The tachometer cruising range. An indicator lamp comes on when the remaining range is less than approx. 30 miles/50 km.
If the range displayed is less than 30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other-
wise engine functions are not guaranteed and damage could occur.<
displays the remaining

Computer*

Displays in tachometer
Press the button in the turn indicator lever repeatedly to call up various items of informa­tion.
The following items of information are displayed in the order listed:
> Cruising range
> Average fuel consumption
> Current fuel consumption
> Average speed
> Current vehicle speed
> MINI Convertible: Always Open Timer
To set the corresponding units of measure, refer to Formats and units of measure on page 56.
Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range available with the remaining fuel. The range is calculated on the basis of the way the car has been driven over the last 18 miles/30 km and the amount of fuel currently in the tank.
If the range displayed is less than 30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other-
wise engine functions are not guaranteed and damage could occur.<
Average fuel consumption
Calculated for the time the engine has been run­ning.
To reset average fuel consumption: press the button in the turn indicator lever for approx. 2seconds.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
53
Current fuel consumption
Displays the current fuel consumption to allow you to see whether your current driving style is conducive to fuel economy with minimum exhaust emissions.
Similar to Always Open Timer
The Always Open Timer measures the time while driving with the soft top down.
Average speed
Periods with the vehicle parked and the engine switched off are not included in the calculations of average speed.
To reset average speed: press the button in the turn indicator lever for approx. 2 seconds.
Current vehicle speed
To have the current speed shown in the upper display otherwise serving for the outside tem­perature display and clock.
1. Press the button in the turn indicator lever
repeatedly until the current speed appears in the lower display.
2. Wait for the speed display to automatically
move to the upper display.
The outside temperature then appears in the
Everything under control
lower display of the computer.
1 LED hour display
2 Minute dispaly
Always Open Timer*
If driving the MINI Convertible with its soft top down, the driving times are displayed digitally on the tachometer.
The following driving times are displayed:
> "Trip": actual driving time
> Total driving time
Reset "Trip" display: push button on turn signal lever or "Resetting the trip odometer" for approx. 2 seconds, refer to page 12.
54

Settings and information

Operating principle
Certain settings and information are only avail­able when the ignition is switched on, the vehi­cle is at a standstill and the doors are closed.
1 Button for:
> Selecting display
> Setting values
> Confirming selected display or set values
> Calling up computer information 53
2 Calling up Check Control 60
3 Displaying vehicle check 60
4 Initializing the Flat Tire Monitor 65
Resetting the Tire Pressure Monitor 67
5 Setting formats and units of measure, reset-
ting to factory settings 57
6 Adjusting settings
> Confirmation signals when locking and
unlocking the vehicle 20
> Response during unlocking
procedure 19
> Automatic locking 23
> Pathway lighting 73
> Daytime running lamps 74
> Triple turn signal activation 47
7 Setting the time 59
8 Setting the date 59
9 Exiting the menu
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
55
Exiting displays
1. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "HOME" is displayed.
2. Press the button for a longer period.
The display again shows the outside tempera­ture and the time.
Displays are also exited if no entries are made for approx. 8 seconds.
Next setting or item of information
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
Everything under control
1. Within a setting or item of information,
briefly press the button in the turn indicator lever repeatedly until "NEXT" is displayed.
2. Press the button for a longer period.
The display changes directly to the next setting or item of information.

Formats and units of measure

To set the formats and units of measure. The set­tings are stored for the remote control currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile on page 18.
1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 43.
2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is displayed.
5. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
display shows the illustrated symbol, arrow.
> Fuel consumption: l/100 km, mpg,
km/l
> Distance covered: mls, km
> Time: 12h, 24h mode
> Date: day.month dd.mm,
month/day mm/dd
> Temperature: 7, 6
7. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
*
56
8. Press the button briefly to change the for-
mat or unit of measure.
9. Press and hold the button until the display
changes. The settings are stored.
Resetting to factory settings
The settings for formats and units of measure can be reset to the factory settings. The settings are stored for the remote control currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile on page 18.
1. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis­played.
2. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
3. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
5. Briefly press the button repeatedly until
"RESET" is displayed.
6. Press and hold the button until the display
changes to the first setting. The settings are reset.

Service requirements

The remaining driving distance and the date of the next scheduled service are briefly displayed immediately after you start the engine or switch on the ignition.
The extent of service work required can be read out from the remote control by your
MINI Dealer.<
4. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
Displaying vehicle check
For certain maintenance operations, you can view the respective distance remaining or due date individually in the tachometer.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
57
1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 43.
2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis­played.
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
corresponding symbol and "SERVICE-INFO" are displayed.
5. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6. Briefly press the button to display the indi-
vidual service items, refer to the following information.
Possible displays
Everything under control
1 Button for selecting information
2 Engine oil
3 Front brakes
4 Rear brakes
5 Vehicle check
6 Roadworthiness test
7 Brake fluid
58
8 Exit display 56
9 Next setting or item of information 56
More information on the MINI Maintenance Sys-
tem can be found on page 117.

Clock

Setting the time
To set the 12h/24h mode, refer to Formats and units of measure on page 56.
1. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis­played.
2. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
3. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
8. Wait for the display to change.
The settings are stored.

Date

Setting the date
To set the dd/mm or mm/dd date format, refer to Formats and units of measure on page 56.
1. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis­played.
2. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
3. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
4. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
5. Press the button to set the hours.
6. Wait for the display to change to minutes.
7. Press the button to set the minutes.
4. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
5. Press the button to set the day of the month.
59
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
6. Wait for the display to change to month.
7. Set the month and year in the same way.
8. Wait for the display to change.
The settings are stored.

Check Control

Some Check Control messages are displayed until the malfunctions have been rectified. They cannot be hidden. If several malfunctions occur at the same time, they are displayed in succes­sion.
Other Check Control messages are automatically hidden after approx. 20 seconds, but remain stored.
The concept
The Check Control monitors vehicle functions and alerts you to any malfunctions in the sys­tems monitored. Check Control messages involve indicator or warning lamps in the dis­plays and, in some circumstances, an acoustic signal. To adjust the volume of the signal, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio.
This symbol indicates that Check Control messages have been stored. Check Control mes­sages can be viewed whenever it is convenient.
Viewing stored Check Control messages
Everything under control
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var­ious combinations and colors in the indicator areas 1 and 2.
Stored Check Control messages can only be dis­played if the driver's door is closed.
1. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis­played.
What to do in case of a malfunction
The meaning of each lamp in the event of a mal­function and tips on how to respond are listed starting on page 138.
Hiding Check Control messages
Press the button in the turn indicator lever.
60
2. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
3. Press the button repeatedly until the display
shows the corresponding symbol and "CHECK INFO".
4. Hold the button down.
"CHECK OK" appears if there are no Check Control messages. If a Check Control message has been stored, the corresponding message is displayed.
5. Briefly press the button to check for other
messages.
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61
Technology for driving comfort
and safety

Park Distance Control PDC*

The concept
PDC assists you with parking backwards. Acous­tic signals warn you of the presence of an object behind the vehicle. To measure the distance, there are four ultrasonic sensors in either bumper.
However, an acoustic warning does not sound until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm from the corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from the center sensors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached slowly, as is usually the case when parking. Avoid approaching an object at high speed, otherwise physical circumstances may lead to the system warning being issued too late.<
Automatic mode
With the engine running or the ignition switched on, the system is activated automatically after approx. 1 second when you engage reverse gear or move the automatic transmission selector lever to position R. Wait this short period before driving.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp comes on: PDC is mal­functioning. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that they will continue to operate effectively. When using a high-pressure cleaner, do not direct the jet toward the sensors for lengthy periods and only spray from a distance of at least 4in/10cm.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for esti-
mating the distance between the vehicle and any obstructions always remains with the driver. Sensors, too, have blind spots in which objects cannot be detected. Moreover, ultra­sonic detection can reach its physical limits with objects such as trailer tow bars and couplings, thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects already indicated, such as curbs, may enter the sensors' blind spots before or after a continuous audible signal is given. Higher, pro­truding objects, such as wall ledges, may not be detectable. Therefore, always drive cautiously, otherwise there is a risk of personal injury or property damage. Loud sound sources outside or inside the car can drown out the PDC signal.<
Acoustic signals
As the distance between vehicle and object decreases, the intervals between the tones become shorter. If the distance to the nearest object falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a continuous tone sounds.

Technology for driving comfort and safety

If the distance remains constant, e.g. when driv­ing parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal stops after approx. 3 seconds.
Adjustments
The volume of the acoustic signals can be adjusted, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio.
62

Driving stability control systems

Your MINI has a number of systems that help to maintain the vehicle's stability even in adverse driving conditions.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with driving stability control systems. An appropriate driving style always remains the responsibility of the driver. Therefore do not reduce the additional safety margin by engaging in hazardous driving thereby running the risk of an accident.<
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during brak­ing. Safe steering response is maintained even during full braking. Active safety is thus increased.
Braking safely, refer to page 91.
Among others, ABS includes the following func­tions:
> Cornering Brake Control CBC
> Electronic brake-force distribution EBV
> Brake Assist
Cornering Brake Control CBC
Driving stability and steering characteristics are further enhanced while braking in turns or dur­ing a lane change.
Electronic brake-force distribution EBV
The system controls the brake pressure in the rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake Assist
Rapidly depressing the brake causes this system to automatically develop maximum braking force. Thus, the system helps keep braking dis­tance to a minimum. At the same time, all the benefits provided by ABS are exploited.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the duration of the full braking application.
> Antilock Brake System ABS
> Electronic brake-force distribution EBV
> Brake Assist
> Cornering Brake Control CBC
> Hill Start Assist
Deactivating DSC
Press the button repeatedly until the DSC indica­tor lamps come on. DSC is deactivated. Stabiliz­ing and propulsion promoting actions are no longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free' in snow, it can be helpful to switch off DSC for a brief period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps go out.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing traction when you pull away from rest or accel­erate. The system also recognizes unstable driv­ing conditions, for example if the rear of the car is about to swerve or if momentum is acting at an angle past the front wheels. In these cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe course within physical limits by reducing engine output and through braking actions at the individual wheels.
DSC also encompasses the following functions:
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes: The DSC controls the driving and break­ing forces.
If the indicator lamps are on: DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC*
DTC is a type of DSC that is propulsion optimized for special road conditions such as uncleared snowy roads. The system ensures maximum pro­pulsion though with restricted driving stability. You therefore need to drive with suitable caution.
63
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
In the following exceptional situations, it can be
useful to briefly activate DTC:
> when driving on snow-covered inclines, in
slush, or on uncleared snowy roads
> when rocking the vehicle free, driving out of
deep snow or on loose surfaces
> when driving with snow chains
Activating DTC
Press the button: the DTC indicator lamps come on.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes: DTC controls the driving and breaking forces.
If the indicator lamps are on: DTC is activated.
Press the button for at least 3 seconds: the DSC indicator lamps in the display elements come on. The Dynamic Traction Control DTC and Dynamic Stability Control DSC are both deacti­vated. There will be no more stabilizing inter­ventions.
Interventions (differential lock) in braking occur to improve propulsion when drive wheels are rotating unevenly, even when the DSC is deacti­vated.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the indicator lamps go out.
Hill Start Assist*
Hill Start Assist aids you in comfortably driving off on inclines. It is not necessary to use the parking brake for this.
1. Hold the MINI with the brake.
2. Release the brake and immediately drive
off.
Hill Start Assist holds the car in place for approx. 2 seconds after the brake is released.
Depending on the load and gradient, the
vehicle can roll backward slightly during this period. After you release the brake, immedi­ately start driving since the hill start assist only holds the vehicle for about 2 seconds, and it will start to roll backwards.<
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps go out.
Deactivating both DTC and DSC
Technology for driving comfort and safety
64

Sport button*

Pressing the button causes your MINI to respond even more sportily.
> Engine responds more spontaneously to
movements of the accelerator.
> Steering response is more direct.
With automatic transmission:
> More rapid gear shifting in Sport program.
Activating the system
Press the SPORT button. The LED lights up.
SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
> Press the SPORT button again.
> Switch off the engine.

Flat Tire Monitor FTM*

The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor detects pressure loss in a tire by comparing the rotating speeds of the individual tires while moving.
If a tire loses pressure, its rolling circumference changes, and this in turn alters the speed of rotation. This change is detected and is reported as a flat tire.
In the following situations, the system could be delayed or malfunction:
> System has not been initialized
> Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
> Performance-oriented style of driving: slip in
the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration
> Snow chains are attached
When the vehicle is driven with a space-saver spare tire not function.
*, page 131, the Flat Tire Monitor can-
Initializing the system
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time. When driving resumes, the initialization is con­tinued automatically. Do not initialize the system if you are driving with snow chains or a space-saver spare tire
1. Start the engine, but do not start driving.
2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis­played.
*.<
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat tire, the system must be initialized for the cor­rect tire inflation pressure.
Each time you correct the pressure in a tire, or change a wheel or tire, the system
must be reinitialized.<
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor is unable to warn the driver of sudden, severe tire damage caused by exter­nal factors, nor can it identify the gradual loss of pressure that will inevitably occur in all four tires over a lengthy period of time.
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
corresponding symbol and "RESET" are dis­played.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
65
5. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6. Start driving.
Initialization is completed while the car is on the move, without any feedback.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamps come on in yellow and red. An acoustic signal also sounds. There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire pressure.
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with cau-
tion. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers.
2. Check whether your vehicle is equipped
with normal tires or Run-Flat Tires.
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle with the letters RSC on the
sidewall, refer to Run-Flat Tires, page 111.<
Normal tires
1. Determine which tire is damaged.
If this cannot be determined, contact your MINI Dealer.<
2. Repair the flat tire, refer to page 127, or
change the damaged tire, refer to page 129.
Run-Flat Tires*
1. Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph
or 80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph or 80 km/h.
Do not continue driving if the vehicle is not equipped with Run-Flat Tires,
page 111, otherwise a serious accident could result.<
2. At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
Technology for driving comfort and safety
sure in all four tires.
If all four tires are inflated to the cor­rect pressures, the Flat Tire Monitor
might not have been initialized. The system must then be initialized.<
3. In the event of complete tire pressure loss,
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible distance for continued driving on the basis of the following guidelines:
> With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage: approx. 155 miles/250 km
> With a medium load:
2 persons, cargo bay full, or 4 persons without luggage: approx. 94 miles/150 km
> With a full load:
4 persons, load compartment full: approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph or 80 km/h , otherwise an accident may occur. In the event of pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This includes reduced tracking stability in braking, extended braking distance and altered natural steering characteristics. If unusual vibration or loud noises occur during the journey, this may be an indication that the damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce the vehi­cle speed and stop as soon as possible. Other­wise, sections of the tire may come loose and cause accidents. Do not continue driving and contact your MINI Dealer.<
Malfunction
The warning lamps light up in yellow. There is a malfunction in the Flat Tire Monitor or the system has failed. Have the system checked as soon as possible.

Tire Pressure Monitor TPM*

The concept
TPM checks the inflation pressures of the four mounted tires. The system notifies you if there is a significant loss of pressure in one or more tires.
66
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat tire, the system must be reset while all tire infla­tion pressures are correct.
Always use wheels with TPM electronics. Other­wise, the system may malfunction.
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been corrected or a wheel or tire has been
changed, reset the system.<
System limitations
TPM cannot warn you in advance of sud­den severe tire damage caused by outside
influences.<
The system does not work correctly if it has not been reset; for example, a flat tire may be indi­cated even though the tire inflation pressures are correct.
The system is inactive and cannot indicate a flat tire if a wheel without TPM electronics, such as a compact spare wheel TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to other systems or devices using the same radio fre­quency.
*, has been mounted, or if
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4. Repeatedly press the button briefly until the
symbol for Tire Pressure Monitor and "ACTIVE" are displayed. The Tire Pressure Monitor can be reset using "RESET".
5. Press and hold the button until "RESETTING"
appears.
Resetting the system
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been corrected or a wheel or tire has been
changed, reset the system.<
Using the button in the turn indicator lever
1. Start the engine, but do not start driving.
2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis­played.
6. Start driving.
After driving a few minutes, the set inflation pressures in the tires are accepted as the tar­get values to be monitored. The system reset is completed during your drive, and can be interrupted at any time. When driving resumes, the reset is continued automati­cally. The indicator lamp goes out after the system reset is completed.
Message for low tire inflation pressure
The warning lamps come on in yellow and red. An acoustic signal also sounds. There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire pressure.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
67
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with cau-
tion. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers.
2. Check whether your vehicle is equipped
with normal tires or Run-Flat Tires.
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle with the letters RSC on the
sidewall, refer to the Owner's Manual for Vehicle.<
Normal tires
1. Determine which tire is damaged.
If this cannot be determined, contact your MINI Dealer.<
2. Repair the flat tire or change the damaged
tire, refer to page 129.
Run-Flat Tires*
1. Cautiously reduce speed to below
50 mph/80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
Do not continue driving if the vehicle is not equipped with Run-Flat Tires, oth-
erwise a serious accident could result.<
2. In the event of complete tire pressure loss,
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible distance for continued driving on the basis of the following guidelines:
> With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage: approx. 155 miles/250 km
> With a medium load:
2 persons, cargo bay full, or 4 persons without luggage: approx. 94 miles/150 km
> With a full load:
Technology for driving comfort and safety
4 persons, load compartment full: approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h, otherwise an accident may occur. In the event of pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This includes reduced tracking stability in braking, extended braking distance and altered natural steering characteristics. If unusual vibration or loud noises occur during the journey, this may be an indication that the damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce the vehi­cle speed and stop as soon as possible. Other­wise, sections of the tire may come loose and cause accidents. Do not continue driving and contact your MINI Dealer.<
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in yel­low and then lights up continuously; the larger warning lamp comes on in yel-
low. On the onboard monitor, the tires are shown in gray and a message appears. No punctures can be detected.
This type of message is shown in the following situations:
> If there is a malfunction.
Have the system checked.
> If a wheel without TPM electronics has been
mounted.
> If TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to
other systems or devices using the same radio frequency.
Message for unsuccessful system reset
Both warning lamps come on in yellow.
The system is not reset after a tire has
been changed, for example.
Check the tire inflation pressure and reset the system, refer to the Owner's Manual for Vehicle.
68
Declaration according to NHTSA/FMVSS
138 Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Each tire, including the spare, should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla­tion pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehi­cle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pres­sure for those tires. As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pres­sure monitoring system TPMS that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires are significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substi­tute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level at which the TPMS low tire pressure tell­tale illuminates.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys­tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously lit. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indi­cator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replace­ment or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning prop­erly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
69

Airbags

The following airbags are located under the marked covers:
MINI:
1 Front airbags
2 Side airbags in backrests
3 Head airbags at the front and rear
Protective effect
Observe the instructions on page 34 to ensure the best possible personal protec-
tion.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and front passenger by responding to frontal impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro­vide adequate restraint. When needed, the head and side airbags help provide protection in the event of side impact. The relevant side airbag supports the side upper body area. The head air bag supports the head. The side/head airbag in the MINI Convertible protects the head during impact.
The airbags are designed to not be triggered in every type of collision, e.g. not in minor acci­dents, certain rollover situations or rear impacts.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way.
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Keep the dashboard and window on the passen­ge r s ide fr ee from ob st ru cti on , i.e . d o n ot c ov er it with adhesive film or coverings, and do not affix any holders such as for a navigation device or a mobile phone. Do not attach seat covers, cushions or other objects not specifically approved for seats with integral side airbags to the front seats. Do not
MINI Convertible:
1 Front airbags
2 Side/head airbags in the backrests
hang items of clothing such as coats or jackets over the backrests. Do not attempt to remove the airbag retention system from the vehicle. Do not modify the individual components of the system or its wiring in any way. This includes the upholstered covers on the steering wheel, instrument panel, seats and roof posts, as well as the sides of the roof lining. Do not attempt to remove or dismantle the steering wheel. Do not touch the individual components imme­diately after the system has been triggered, because there is a danger of burns. In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or triggering of the airbag restraint system, have the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air­bag generators executed only by a MINI Dealer or a workshop that works according to repair procedures of the manufacturer of your MINI with correspondingly trained personnel and has the required explosives licenses. Otherwise, unprofessional attempts to service the system could lead to failure in an emergency or undes­ired airbag activation, either of which could result in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air­bags can also be found on the sun visors.
70
Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the front pas­senger seat cushion determines whether and how the seat is occupied. The front and side air­bags for the front passenger are activated or deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior rear-
view mirror shows the current status of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or acti­vated, refer to Status of front passenger airbags below.<
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau­tions and handling instructions under Transport­ing children safely, page 40. The front and side airbags can also be deacti­vated by adolescents and adults sitting in certain positions; the indicator lamp for the front pas­senger airbags comes on. In such cases, the pas­senger should change his or her sitting position so that the front passenger airbags are activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the desired airbag status cannot be achieved by changing the sitting position, transport the relevant pas­senger on a rear seat. Do not attach covers, cushions, ball mats or other items to the front passenger seat unless they are specifically rec­ommended by the manufacturer of your MINI. Do not place any items under the seat which could press against the seat from below. Other­wise a correct analysis of the seat cushion is not ensured.<
Status of front passenger airbags
MINI:
MINI Convertible:
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air­bags shows the functional status of the front passenger's front and side airbags in accordance with whether and how the front passenger seat is occupied. The indicator lamp shows whether the front passenger airbags are activated or deactivated.
> The indicator lamp comes on as intended
when a child in a specially designated child­restraint system is detected on the seat. The front and side airbags for the front pas­senger are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the
system. This particularly applies to child seats that were required by the NHTSA at the time of manufacture of the vehicle. After installing a child's seat, check that the indicator lamp for the front passenger air­bags comes on. It indicates that the child's seat has been detected and that the front passenger airbags are deactivated.<
> The indicator lamp doe s not come on as lo ng
as a person of sufficient size and in a correct sitting position is detected on the seat. The front and side airbags for the front pas­senger are activated.
> The indicator lamp does not come on if the
seat is empty. The front and side airbags for the front pas­senger are not activated.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
71
Operational readiness of airbag system
As of radio readiness, page 43, the warning lamp comes on briefly to indicate that the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners are oper­ational.
Airbag system malfunction
> The warning lamp does not come on when
radio readiness or the ignition is switched on.
> The warning lamp stays lit continuously.
In the event of a fault in the airbag system,
have it checked without delay, otherwise there is the risk that the system will not function as intended even if a sufficiently severe accident occurs.<
Never block the travel path of the rollover
protection system with any objects. Always wear your safety belt, it protects you in a minor car accident and, depending on the severity of the accident, the seat belt tensioner and the multilevel airbag system will protect you.<
Lowering
If the rollover protection system releases acci­dentally, have your MINI Service check it.
If the rollover protective system is
extended, do not operate the convertible top. Never attempt to modify the individual compo­nents or the electrical wiring of the rollover pro­tective system. Have the necessary work on the rollover protec­tion system of your MINI only carried out by an authorized MINI Dealer. Faulty repair may lead to the failure of the sys­tem or malfunctions. Check the system regularly and in order to ensure a long service life of all functions, it is mandatory to maintain the service intervals, refer to page 57.<

MINI Convertible: Rollover protection system

The rollover system is automatically activated during an accident or dangerous driving situa­tion, during extreme tilt of the longitudinal axis, or during loss of ground contact. The roll bar located behind the rear seat headrest is pro­jected within a fraction of a second.
In addition to the reinforced windshield frame,
Technology for driving comfort and safety
the rollover protection system ensures the nec­essary head clearance for all occupants of the vehicle.
72

Lamps

Parking lamps/low beams

0 Lamps off and daytime running lamps
1 Parking lamps and daytime running lamps
2 Low-beam headlamps and welcome lamps
3 Automatic headlamp control
ning lamps and welcome lamps
When you open the driver's door with the igni­tion switched off, the exterior lighting is auto­matically switched off if the light switch is in position 0, 2 or 3.
Switch on the parking lamps if necessary, switch position 1.
Parking lamps
Turn the light switch to position 1. The front, rear and side vehicle lighting is switched on.
Activation of lights on one side of the vehicle for parking, page 75.
The parking lamps will discharge the bat-
tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for unduly long periods of time, otherwise the bat­tery might not have enough power to start the engine.<
Low beams
Turn the light switch to position 2. The low beams come on when the ignition is on.
*, daytime run-
Automatic headlamp control*
When the switch is in position 3, the low beams are switched on and off automatically depend­ing on ambient light conditions, e.g. in a tunnel, in twilight, or if there is precipitation.
The headlamps may also come on when the sun is sitting low on a blue sky.
When driving into tunnels with bright overhead lights, there may be a delay before the head­lamps come on.
The low beams remain switched on indepen­dent of the ambient lighting conditions when you switch on the fog lamps
If the daytime running lamps are activated, page 74, the low beams are always switched on with the light switch in position 3 and the igni­tion on. The exterior lamps are automatically switched off after the vehicle is parked.
The automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for your personal judgment in determining when the lamps should be switched on in response to ambient lighting conditions. For example, the system cannot detect fog or hazy weather. To avoid safety risks, you should respond to these kinds of low-visibility situations by switching the head­lamps on manually.<
*.
Welcome lamps
If you leave the light switch in the low beam or automatic headlamp control position when you switch off the ignition, the parking lamps and interior lamps come on for a certain time as soon as the vehicle is unlocked.
Pathway lighting
If you activate the headlamp flasher after park­ing the car, with the lights switched off, the low beams come on and remain on for a certain time.
The setting is stored for the remote control in use, refer to Personal Profile, page 18.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
73
Setting the duration or deactivating the
function
1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 43.
2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
Lamps
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis­played.
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
5. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
display shows the illustrated symbol.
8. Briefly press the button to select:
>
The function is deactivated.
> ...
Select the corresponding duration, e.g. 40 seconds.
9. Press the button for a longer period.
The setting is stored.
Daytime running lamps*
The light switch can remain in the lamps off, parking lamps or automatic headlamp control position. In the lamps off position, the exterior lighting is automatically switched off after the vehicle is parked. In the parking lamps position, the park­ing lamps will stay on after the ignition is switched off.
Switch on the parking lamps separately if needed.
Activating/deactivating daytime running lamps
The setting is stored for the remote control in use, refer to Personal Profile, page 18.
1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 43.
2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis­played.
*
7. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
74
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
symbol and "SET" are displayed.
5. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
display shows the illustrated symbol, arrow.
7. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
8. Briefly press the button to select:
>
Daytime running lamps activated.
>
Daytime running lamps deactivated.
9. Press the button for a longer period.
The setting is stored.

High beams/roadside parking lamps

1 Turn signal indicators/roadside parking
*
lamps
2 Switching on high beams
3 Switching off high beams/headlamp flasher
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
The vehicle can be illuminated on one side for parking. Comply with local regulations when doing so.
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or down, arrow 1.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for unduly long periods of time, otherwise the bat­tery might not have enough power to start the engine.<
Switching off
Press the lever up or down to the pressure point.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
75

Fog lamps*

MINI
Lamps
1 Fog lamps* 2 Rear fog lamp*
Press the respective switch to turn the lamps on/off.
MINI Convertible
> Turn on fog lamps:
Press the button upwards.
> Turn on rear fog lamp:
Press the button downwards.
When turning the lamps off, push the respective button again upwards or downwards.
Fog lamps*
The parking lamps or low beams must be switched on for the fog lamps to operate. The green indicator lamp comes on when the fog lamps are switched on.
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the fog lamps are switched off when you activate the headlamp flasher or switch on the high beams.
If the automatic headlamp control is acti­vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps.<
Rear fog lamp*
The low beams or parking lamps with fog lamps must be switched on. The yellow indicator lamp comes on when the rear fog lamp is switched on.

Instrument lighting

You can adjust the brightness of the instrument lighting only when the parking lamps or the low beams are on.
Increasing brightness
Press and hold the button until the desired brightness is reached.
Reducing brightness
Press the button briefly.
The brightness decreases every time the button is pressed briefly.

Interior lamps

The interior lamps, the footwell lamps* and the cargo bay lamp are controlled automatically.
To avoid draining the battery, all lamps inside the car are switched off about
8 minutes after the ignition is switched off, refer to Start/stop button on page 43.<
76
Switching interior lamps on/off manually
To switch the interior lamps on/off.
Press the switch.
To switch off the interior lamps permanently, press the button for about 3 seconds.
Reading lamps*
> Press the switch toward the rear.
The color changes in stages, ultimately to blue.
Intermediate settings and colors are possible.
To switch the reading lamps on and off.
Press the switch.
Ambient lighting*
The color of the ambient lighting can be changed.
> Press the switch forward.
The color changes in stages, ultimately to orange.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
77

Climate

Climate
Equipment versions
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, your MINI contains an air conditioner climate control
1 Air conditioner
2 Automatic climate control
*.
or an automatic
*
78
Air vents
3 Airflow directed toward the windshield and
side windows
4 Air to the upper body area
5 Air to the footwell

Air conditioner

1 Air flow rate
2 Cooling function
3 Recirculated-air mode
4 Temperature
Air flow rate
Adjust the air flow rate. The higher the rate, the more effective the heating or cooling will be.
The air flow rate is lowered or switched off
entirely to save on battery power.
Switching the system on/off
Turn the air flow rate rotary switch to 0. Blower and air conditioner are completely switched off and the air supply is cut off.
Set any desired air flow rate to switch on the air conditioner.
Cooling function
When the cooling function is on, the air is cooled, dried, then
reheated according to the temper­ature setting. The recirculated-air mode may be switched on automatically. This function is only available while the engine is running.
The cooling function helps prevent condensa­tion on the windows or removes it quickly.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may fog over briefly when the engine is started.
5 Rear window defroster
6 Air distribution
7 Windshield heating
*
Recirculated-air mode
If the air outside the car has an unpleasant odor or contains pollut-
ants, shut off the supply to the inte­rior of the car temporarily. The system then recirculates the air currently within the vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces, switch off the recirculated-air mode and, if necessary, switch on the cooling function rate.<
To prevent the air quality inside the vehi-
cle from deteriorating during extended use of the recirculated-air mode, fresh air is added briefly at regular intervals.<
or increase the air flow
Temperature
Turn upward, red, to increase the temper­ature. Turn downward, blue, to decrease the temperature.
Rear window defroster
The defroster is switched off auto­matically after a certain time.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
79
Air distribution
Direct the flow of air to the win­dows , to the upper body area
or to the footwell . Interme-
diate settings are possible.
Windshield heating*
Climate
The windshield heating is switched off automatically after a short time.

Automatic climate control*

Defrosting windows and removing condensation
1. Set air flow rate to the maximum level.
2. Set air distribution to position .
Condensation is removed from the windows more quickly when the cooling function also activated.
3. Set to the highest temperature, red.
4. Deactivate recirculated-air mode.
5. Turn on windshield heating if necessary.
6. Turn on rear window defroster if necessary.
* is
Microfilter
The microfilter captures dust and pollen. The microfilter is changed by your MINI Dealer dur­ing routine maintenance work.
1 Air flow rate, manual
2 AUTO program
3 Automatic recirculated-air control
*/Recirculated-air mode
AUC
4 Maximum cooling
5 Air distribution, manual
Comfortable interior climate
AUTO program 2 offers the ideal air distribution and air flow rate for almost all conditions, refer to AUTO program below. All you need to do is select an interior temperature which is comfort­able for you.
The following sections inform you in detail about how to adjust the settings.
80
6 Temperature
7 Defrosting windows and removing conden-
sation
8 Cooling function
9 Rear window defroster
10 Windshield heating
Most settings are stored for the remote control currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile set­tings on page 19.
*
Air flow rate, manual
Press the – button to reduce air flow. Press the + button to increase it.
You can reactivate the automatic mode for the air flow rate with the AUTO button.
The air flow rate is lowered or switched off entirely to save on battery power. The display remains the same.
Switching the system on/off
Reduce the air flow by pressing the – button repeatedly until the system is switched off. All indicators go out.
Press the AUTO button to switch the automatic climate control back on.
AUTO program
The AUTO program adjusts the air
distribution to the windshield and side windows, towards the upper body area and into the footwell for you. The air flow rate and your temperature specifications will be adapted to outside influences in accordance with sea­sonal changes, e.g. sunlight.
The cooling function is automatically switched on along with the AUTO program.
Convertible Program
If the soft top is open, the Convertible Program is activated.During the Convertible Program, the automatic climate control is optimized for driv­ing with the soft top down. Furthermore, with increasing vehicle speed, the airflow is also increased.
If attaching the wind reflector, the perfor­mance of the Convertible Program can be
significantly improved.<
Automatic recirculated-air control AUC*/Recirculated-air mode
Switch on the desired operating
mode by pressing the button
repeatedly.
Display of operating modes
No display: outside air flows in continuously.
AUC mode: a sensor detects pollutants in the outside air. If necessary, the sys-
tem blocks the supply of outside air and recirculates the inside air. As soon as the con­centration of pollutants in the outside air has decreased sufficiently, the system automatically switches back to outside air supply.
At outside temperatures below approx. 417/+5 6, the AUC mode may be restricted due to the increased risk of window condensa­tion.
Recirculated-air mode: the supply of
outside air is permanently shut off. The
system then recirculates the air cur­rently within the vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces, press the AUTO button or switch off the recirculated-air mode and, if necessary, increase the air flow rate. The recirculated-air mode should not be used over an extended period of time, otherwise the air quality inside the car will deteriorate contin­uously.<
Maximum cooling
At outside temperatures above 32 7/0 6 and when the engine is running, you obtain a maximum
cooling effect as soon as possible.
The automatic climate control goes into recircu­lated-air mode at the lowest temperature. Air flows at maximum rate from the vents for the upper body area. You should therefore open them for maximum cooling.
Air distribution, manual
The flow of air is directed to the windows, to the upper body area or to the footwell as selected.
You can switch the automatic air distribution back on by pressing the AUTO but­ton.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
81
Temperature
Set the desired temperature individually.
The automatic climate control achieves this temperature as quickly as possible regardless of the season, using maximum
cooling or heating power if necessary, and then
Climate
maintains it.
If you switch between different tempera­ture settings in quick succession, the auto-
matic climate control does not have enough time to achieve the set temperature.<
Rear window defroster
The defroster is switched off auto­matically after a certain time. Depending on your vehicle's equip-
ment, the upper wires serve as an antenna and are not part of the rear window defroster.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may fog over briefly when the engine is started. The recirculated-air mode may be switched on auto­matically.
The cooling function is automatically switched on along with the AUTO program. The passenger compartment can only be cooled while the engine is running.
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
The microfilter captures dust and pollen. The activated-charcoal filter provides additional pro­tection by filtering gaseous pollutants from the outside air. Your MINI Dealer replaces this com­bined filter as a standard part of your scheduled maintenance. You can call up further information in the service requirements display, page 57.
Defrosting windows and removing condensation
Quickly removes ice and condensa-
tion from the windshield and front
side windows.
For this purpose, also switch on the cooling function. The windshield heating matically.
* is switched on auto-
Windshield heating*
The windshield heating is switched
off automatically after a certain
time.
Cooling function
When the cooling function is on,
the air is cooled, dried, then
reheated according to the temper-
ature setting. This function is only available while the engine is running.
The cooling function helps prevent condensa­tion on the windows or removes it quickly.

Ventilation

1 Knob for continuous opening and closing
2 Jet for direction of air flow
Opening/closing
Turn the knob.
Direction of air flow
Swivel the entire jet.
82

Practical interior accessories

Integrated universal remote control*

The concept
The integrated universal remote control can replace as many as three hand-held transmitters for various remote-controlled devices, such as garage and gate openers and lighting systems. The integrated universal remote control regis­ters and stores signals from the original hand­held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter can be programmed on one of the three mem­ory buttons 1. The system in question can then be operated by means of the programmed memory button 1. The LED 2 flashes to confirm transmission of the signal.
If you decide to sell your vehicle one day, in the interest of your own security, remember to clear the stored programs before the vehicle leaves your possession, page 84.
To prevent possible damage or injury,
before programming or using the inte­grated universal remote control, always inspect the immediate area to make certain that no people, animals or objects are within the pivot­ing or travel range of the device being operated. Comply also with the safety instructions supplied with the original hand-held transmitter.<
Checking compatibility
If this symbol appears on the package or in the instructions supplied with the
original hand-held transmitter, you can assume that the radio remote control device will be compatible with the integrated universal remote control.
For additional information, please contact your MINI Dealer or call: 1-800-355-3515.
You can also obtain information on the Internet at: www.MINI.com or www.homelink.com HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls, Inc.
Programming
1 Memory buttons
2 LED
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1. Switch on the ignition, page 43.
2. When starting operation for the first time:
press both outer memory buttons 1 for approx. 20 seconds until the LED 2 flashes rapidly. All stored programs are cleared.
3. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at
a distance of approx. 2 to 12 in/5 to 30 cm from the memory buttons 1.
The required distance between the
hand-held transmitter and the mem­ory buttons 1 depends on the system of the respective original hand-held transmitter used.<
4. Simultaneously press the transmit key on
the original hand-held transmitter and the desired memory button 1 on the integrated universal remote control. The LED 2 flashes slowly at first. As soon as the LED 2 flashes rapidly, release both buttons. If the LED 2 does not flash rapidly after approx. 15 sec­onds, alter the distance.
5. To program other original hand-held trans-
mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
83
The corresponding memory button 1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original hand-held transmitter.
You can operate the system with the engine running or with the ignition switched on.
If the system fails to function even after
repeated programming, check whether the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter­nating-code system. To do so, either read the instructions for the original hand-held transmit­ter or hold down the programmed memory button 1 of the integrated universal remote con­trol. If the LED 2 on the integrated universal remote control flashes rapidly and then remains lit for about two seconds, the original hand-held transmitter uses an alternating-code system. If it uses an alternating-code system, program the memory buttons 1 as described under Alternat­ing-code hand-held transmitters.<
Alternating-code hand-held transmitters
To program the integrated universal remote control, consult the operating instructions for the device to be set. You will find information there on the possibilities for synchronization or programming of additional hand-held transmit-
Practical interior accessories
ters. When programming hand-held transmitters that employ an alternating code, please observe the following supplementary instructions:
Programming will be easier with the aid of
a second person.<
1. Park your vehicle within the range of the
remote-controlled device.
2. Program the integrated universal remote
control as described above in the section Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.
3. Locate the button on the receiver of the
device to be set, e.g. on the drive unit.
4. Press the button on the receiver of the
device to be set. After step 4, you have approx. 30 seconds for the next step 5.
5. Press the programmed memory button 1 of
the integrated universal remote control three times.
The corresponding memory button 1 is now programmed with the signal of the original hand-held transmitter.
Clearing stored programs
Press both outer memory buttons 1 for approx. 20 seconds until the LED 2 flashes: All stored programs are cleared.
It is not possible to clear individual programs.
Reassigning individual programs
1. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a
distance of approx. 2 to 12 in/5 to 30 cm from the memory buttons 1.
The required distance between the
hand-held transmitter and the mem­ory buttons 1 depends on the system of the respective original hand-held transmitter used.<
2. Press the desired memory button 1 of the
integrated universal remote control.
3. If the LED 2 flashes slowly after approx.
20 seconds, press the transmit key of the original hand-held transmitter and release both buttons as soon as the LED 2 flashes rapidly. If the LED 2 does not flash rapidly after approx. 15 seconds, alter the distance and repeat this step.
84

Glove compartment

Opening
Press the button to open the cover. The light in the glove compartment comes on.
Closing
Fold cover up.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci­dent, close the glove compartment after
use while the vehicle is being driven.<
MINI Convertible: Locking
Use the integrated key to lock the remote con­trol system, refer to page 18.
Closing
Rotate switch in the opposite direction of the arrow until it is in the horizontal position.
Depending on the temperature setting of the air conditioning or the automatic climate control, high temperatures may result in the glove com­partment.

Center armrest*

Storage compartment
The center armrest between the front seats con­tains either a compartment or the cover for the mobile phone base plate
*.
adapter
* or the snap-in
Ventilation*
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, it may be possible to ventilate the glove compartment.
Opening
Rotate the switch in the direction of the arrow.
Opening
The cover slides along guide rails and can be opened fully by pushing it back and lifting it.
Closing
Push the cover forwards.

Connection for external audio device

> iPods/iPhones or USB devices such as MP3
players and USB memory sticks: Connect via the USB audio interface.
> iPhone/mobile phone music players: Con-
nect via the snap-in adapter separate Owner's Manual. Playback is only possible if there is no device connected to the USB audio interface.
*, refer to the
85
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
Connecting via the USB audio interface
> Do not connect devices such as fans or
lamps to the USB-audio interface.
> Do not connect USB hard disks.
> Do not use the USB-audio interface to
charge external devices.

Storage compartments

In the vehicle interior
1 Connection for audio playback:
TRS connector 1/8 in/3.5 mm
2 USB interface
*
iPod/iPhone
To connect the iPod/iPhone, use the cable adapter for the Apple iPod. For additional information, contact your MINI Dealer or visit the Internet at www.MINI.com
To play audio tracks over the vehicle's loud­speaker system, connect the iPod to ports 1 and 2.
The iPod/iPhone's menu structure is supported by the USB audio interface.
USB device
Practical interior accessories
To play audio tracks over the vehicle's loud­speaker system, connect the USB device to port 2.
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you will find storage compartments in the doors, next to the rear seats and in the center console The map compartments in the MINI Convertible are located next to the rear seats.
* are located in the passenger footwell and
Nets on the backs of the front seat backrests.
Storage compartment on the front passenger side*
*.
Notes
Do not expose the audio device to
extreme environmental conditions, e. g. very high temperatures, refer to the operating instructions of the audio device. Otherwise the audio device may become damaged, which could compromise safety while driving.<
> The USB-audio interface supplies the con-
nected audio devices with power, provided that this is supported by the audio device. Therefore, do not connect the USB audio device to the power socket in the vehicle during operation.
> Do not forcibly connect the plug to the USB
interface.
86
Opening
Briefly press the bottom edge of the cover.
Closing
Push the cover back into its original position.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci­dent, close the storage compartment after
use while the vehicle is being driven.<
MINI Convertible
The storage compartment cannot be locked.
Clothes hooks
There are clothes hooks on the grab handles in the rear passenger compartment.
Items of clothing hung from the hooks
must not obstruct the driver's view. Do not hang heavy objects from the hooks, otherwise they could endanger the car's occupants, e.g. in case of heavy braking or sudden swerving.<

Cup holders and ashtray*

Cup holders
Two cup holders are located in the front of the center console, another is in the rear at the back of the center console.
Do not place glass containers in the cup
holders, as this increases the risk of injury in the event of an accident.<
Ashtray*
The ashtray is located in one of the cup holders in the center console.
When leaving the car, always remove the key so that children cannot operate the cigarette lighter and burn themselves.<

Connecting electrical appliances

In your MINI, you can use electrical devices such as a flashlight, car vacuum cleaner, etc., up to approx. 200 watts at 12 volts, as long as one of the following sockets is available. Avoid damag­ing the sockets by attempting to insert plugs of unsuitable shape or size.
Cigarette lighter socket
Remove the lighter* or cover from the socket.
Power socket in cargo bay
MINI
Pull out the cover.
MINI Convertible
Emptying
Remove the entire ashtray.
Lighter
With the engine running or the ignition switched on, press in the cigarette lighter.
The lighter can be pulled out as soon as it pops back out.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by
the knob only. Holding or touching it in other areas could result in burns.
Pull out the cover.
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87
AT A GLANCE
CONTROLS

DRIVING TIPS

DRIVING TIPS
MOBILITY
REFERENCE

Things to remember when driving

Break-in period

Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to each other. Please follow the instructions below in order to achieve the optimal service life and economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do not exceed the following:
> Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the transmission's kick-down mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac­tion potential until after an initial break-in
Things to remember when driving
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized contact and wear patterns between brake pads and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in period.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be observed if any of the components mentioned above have to be renewed in the course of the vehicle's operating life.

General driving notes

Close the tailgate
Drive the vehicle only when the tailgate is closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could
penetrate the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec­essary to drive with the tailgate open:
1. Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2. Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig-
nificantly increase the air flow rate of the air conditioner or automatic climate control, page 79 or 81.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust system. Do not remove the heat shields installed adjacent to various sections of the exhaust system, and never apply undercoating to them. When driving, standing at idle and while parking, take care to avoid possible contact between the hot exhaust system and any highly flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the risk of serious personal injuries and property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust tail pipes. Otherwise there is a risk of burns.<
Hydroplaning
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal level only after a distance driven of approx. 300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, engage the clutch gently.
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge of water can form between tires and road sur­face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can cause partial or complete loss of tire contact with the road surface, so that the car cannot be steered or braked properly.<
90
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread depth on page 110.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the transmission may be damaged.<
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other­wise greater clutch wear will result.<
For information on driving off using Hill Start
*, refer to page 64.
Assist
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a situation which requires full braking, it is best to brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini­mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that ABS is actively taking effect.
You can increase the engine's braking effect by shifting down, all the way to first gear if necessary. This strategy helps you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake system. Downshifting in man­ual mode of the automatic transmission, page 46.
Never drive with the clutch held down, with
the transmission in neutral or with the engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking action will not be present or there will be no power assistance to the brakes or steering. Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other objects to protrude into the area around the ped­als, otherwise pedal function could be impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, during extended periods when the vehicle is not used at all, and in operating conditions where brake applications are less frequent, there is an increased tendency for corrosion to form on rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the brake pads. This occurs because the minimum pressure which must be exerted by the pads during brake applications to clean the rotors is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating effect that even extended application will fail to cure.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that this maneuver does not endanger other road users. The heat generated in this process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that Then full braking force will be immediately avail­able when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system, drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear in which the least braking is required. Even light but consistent brake pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic climate control is in operation, and then exits under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the vehicle are therefore normal.
In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may continue to run for some time after the engine is switched off. This will generate noise in the engine compartment.
Before driving into a car wash
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than 4 in/10 cm, otherwise the chassis could be
damaged.<
Additional information about the wash/wipe system as well as general care instructions for your MINI start on page 119.
91
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
With convenient access and automatic
transmission
Insert the key into the ignition lock. The engine can be switched off when the selec­tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page 27.
Expanding the cargo bay
The rear set backrest is split. Both sides can be folded separately to expand the cargo bay.

Cargo loading

To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over­load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over­heating and increases the rate at which damage develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo bay as they
could damage the vehicle.<
MINI: Cargo bay
Cargo bay cover
Do not place any objects on the cover,
otherwise they could endanger the car's occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden swerving, or they may damage the cover.<
When you open the tailgate, the cargo bay cover is raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be removed.
Things to remember when driving
1. Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate.
2. Pull the cover out of the holders toward the
rear.
1. Pull the lever.
2. Fold rear seat backrests forward.
When folding the backrest back up, make
sure that the seat's locking mechanisms engage properly. Otherwise, cargo could be thrown around in the event of sharp braking or swerving and endanger the occupants.<
Adjusting rear seat backrest*
Expand the cargo bay by raising the split rear seat backrests to a steeper angle.
92
1. Pull the lever, arrow 1, and fold the rear seat
backrest forward.
2. Fold up the lever of the backrest lock until it
audibly engages, arrow 2.
3. Fold back the backrest until it engages.
If the rear seat backrests are positioned at
a steeper angle, do not install child­restraint systems in the rear of the vehicle as their protective features may be ineffective.<
MINI Convertible: Luggage
compartment
Do not place any objects on the luggage compartment roll-up cover, as it may
damage the cover or the convertible top.<
3. Push cover into the upper storage areas, see
arrows 2 and place down horizontally.
To operate the convertible top, move the luggage compartment cover back to its
lower position.<
Loading aid
When the convertible top is closed, you can load the vehicle more easily by releasing the convert­ible top and folding it up.
1. Release the convertible top using the han-
dles, see arrows 1.
2. Lift the convertible top, see arrow 2.
3. Fold back the handles and place them on
holders 3.
Expanding the luggage compartment volume
You can enlarge the luggage compartment vol­ume when the convertible top is closed.
1. Fold the convertible top upwards, refer to
Loading aid
Through-loading system
To be able to transport larger objects, the rear backrest can be folded down.
1. If necessary, use the integrated key and
open the backrest lock 1.
2. Press button 2 and fold down backrest
together with the belt strap.
3. Fold the backrest forward.
When folding the backrest back into its
original position, always ensure that the catch engages securely. A loose backrest might fail to prevent cargo from entering the passen­ger compartment during sudden braking or eva­sive maneuvers, posing a potential hazard to occupants. The belt guide loop, see page 37, must be closed.<
2. Pull the luggage compartment's roll-up
cover from its lower storage area and towards the rear, then swing upward, see arrows 1.
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93
Determining cargo limit
Load
1. Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading can result in damage to the vehicle and un­stable driving conditions.<
2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the XXX amount equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be four 150 lbs. pas­sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
Things to remember when driving
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs: 1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult the manual for transporting a trailer to determine how this may reduce the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
*:
The permissible load is the sum of the occu­pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The greater the weight of the occupants, the less cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
> Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the rear seat backrests.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
> For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the respective opposite buckle.
> Do not stack higher than the top edge of the
backrests.
MINI
94
MINI Convertible
Securing cargo

MINI: Roof-mounted luggage rack*

A special rack system is available as an option for your MINI. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to advise you. Comply with the installation instruc­tions supplied with the rack system.
Mounting points
Remove the cover panel.
> Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining or draw straps
> Heavy-duty cargo straps
and heavier objects are available at your MINI Dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them are located on the forward wall of the cargo bay. Comply with the information enclosed with the load-securing devices.
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan­ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden braking or swerves are necessary. Do not exceed the approved gross weight and axle loads, page 155; otherwise the vehicle's operating safety is no longer assured and it will not be in compliance with the certification regu­lations. Heavy or hard objects should not be carried loose inside the car, since they could be thrown around, for example as a result of heavy braking, sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu­pants. Do not secure cargo using the fastening points for the tether strap, page 41; they may become damaged.<
*.
* for securing larger
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on vehicle handling and steering response. You should therefore always remember not to exceed the approved roof load capacity, the approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads when loading the rack.
You can find the applicable data under Weights on page 155.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and should not be too large in area. Heavy items should always be placed at the bottom.
When loading, make sure that there is sufficient space for the movement of the glass sunroof and that no objects protrude into the swiveling area of the tailgate; otherwise damage can occur.
Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking maneuvers, and take corners gently.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
95

Rear luggage rack*

A specially designed rear luggage rack is avail­able for your MINI/MINI Convertible as optional accessory. Please read the in information pro­vided in the assembly instructions.
Mounting points
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct tire inflation pressure at least twice a month and before start­ing on a long trip.
Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis­tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump­tion and tire wear.
Drive off immediately
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right away, but at moderate engine speeds. This is the fastest way for the cold engine to reach its oper­ating temperature.
Think ahead while driving
The mounting points can be found under the covers inside the bumper.Push out the covers from the respective recesses.
Loading the rear luggage rack
When loading the rack, please ensure not to exceed the permissible roof load, the permissi­ble gross vehicle weight, and the axle weight.
You can find the applicable data under Weights on page 155.
Things to remember when driving

Saving fuel

Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif­ferent factors. The implementation of certain measures, your driving style and regular mainte­nance can have an influence on fuel consump­tion and on the environmental impact.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts no longer in use
Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof- or rear-mounted luggage racks whenever you are not using them.
Attached parts on the vehicle affect its aerody­namics and increase fuel consumption.
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle driving ahead.
Driving smoothly and anticipating impending traffic situations reduces fuel consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for driving off. In second and higher gears, accelerate smoothly to a suitable engine and road speed. In doing so, avoid high engine speeds and shift up early.
When you reach your desired traveling speed, shift to the highest suitable gear and drive at constant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red traffic light, take your foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a halt in the highest suitable gear.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast in a suitable gear.
Fuel supply is shut off automatically when the vehicle is coasting.
96
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in traffic congestions.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to achieve good economy and a long vehicle life. The man­ufacturer of your MINI recommends having the vehicle serviced by a MINI Dealer. Also note the MINI Maintenance System, page 117.
REFERENCE AT A GLANCECONTROLSDRIVING TIPSMOBILITY
97
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