MINI Countryman Cooper S ALL4 (2011), Countryman ONE (2011), Countryman One D (2011), Countryman COOPER D (2011), Countryman Cooper D All4 (2011) Owner's Handbook Manual

OWNER'S

HANDBOOK

MINI COUNTRYMAN

ONE

Cooper

Cooper S

Cooper S ALL4

One D

COOPER D

Cooper D All4

Cooper SD

Cooper SD All4

Congratulations on your new MINI

© 2011 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Not to be reproduced, wholly or in part, without
written permission from BMW AG, Munich.
English II/11
Printed on environmentally friendly paper,
bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.

CONTENTS

The quickest access to a particular topic or item
is by consulting the detailed alphabetical index,
see page 198.

Notes

4 General information

OVERVIEW

8 Driving area
14 Radio MINI CD
15 Radio MINI Boost CD

CONTROLS

20 Opening and closing
32 Adjusting
40 Child safety
46 Driving
58 Everything under control
68 Technical features for driving comfort

and safety

76 Lights
82 Climate
87 Practical interior equipment

MOBILITY

140 Refuelling
142 Wheels and tyres
146 In the engine compartment
151 Maintenance
153 General care
157 Replacing parts
168 Mutual aid
172 Indicator and warning lights

REFERENCE

186 Technical data
193 Maintenance overview
198 From A to Z

DRIVING HINTS

92 Driving precautions

Entertainment

108 Radio MINI CD
114 Radio MINI Boost CD

COMMUNICATION

126 Telephone

Notes General information

General information

About this Owner's
Handbook

We have tried to make all the information in this
Owner's Handbook easy to find. The quickest
way to access a specific topic or item is by con­sulting the detailed alphabetical index at the
end. Consult the first chapter for an overview of
your car.

When the time comes to sell your MINI, remem­ber to hand over this Owner's Handbook; it is an
important part of the vehicle.

Additional sources of information

If you have any queries, your MINI Service Cen­tre will be glad to advise you.

You can find additional MINI-related informa­tion, for example on the engineering features, in
the Internet by visiting 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.<

Symbol for components and assemblies

Recommends that you study the relevant
section of this Owner's Handbook in con-

nection with a particular part or assembly.

Your car

Your MINI is manufactured by Bayerische
Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, BMW AG.

When you ordered your MINI, you chose various
items of equipment. This Owner's Handbook
describes all models and equipment specifica­tions which the manufacturer of your MINI offers
within this particular model line.

This explains why the Owner's Handbook may
also contain details of items which you have not
ordered. The differences can easily be identified
by the asterisk

If your MINI features equipment not described in
this Owner's Handbook, observe the enclosed
Supplementary Owner's Handbooks.

In vehicles with right-hand drive, some of
the controls are arranged differently from

those shown in the illustrations of this Owner's
Handbook.<

* shown against optional extras.

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 informa-

tion.

* Identifies optional extras or specific national-

market items of equipment, as well as equip­ment and functions not yet available at the time
of printing.

4

Built-date*

The production date of your vehicle can be
found at the bottom of the door column of the
driver door.

The 'built-date' is defined as 'the calendar
month and the calendar year in which the body
shell and the powertrain subassemblies are con­joined and the vehicle is driven or moved from
the production line'.

General information Notes

Status at time of printing

The high safety and quality standards of MINI
vehicles are guaranteed by continuous develop­ment. In rare instances, your vehicle may there­fore differ from the information supplied in the
Owner's Handbook.

For your safety

Your vehicle is configured for the operating con­ditions and registration requirements of your
country. If the vehicle is to be operated in
another country, your vehicle must be adapted
to any prevailing different operating conditions
and permit requirements.
Information on possible exclusion of warranty or
warranty restrictions for your vehicle can be
obtained from your MINI Service Centre.

For customers in Australia/New Zealand

As you read this manual, please bear the follow­ing in mind: to ensure that our vehicles continue
to embody the highest quality and safety stand­ards, we at MINI pursue a policy of continuous,
ongoing development. Because modifications in
the design of both vehicles and accessories may
be introduced at any time, your own vehicle's
equipment may vary from that described in this
manual. For the same reason, it is also impossi­ble to guarantee that all descriptions will be
completely accurate in all respects.

We must therefore request your understanding
of the fact that we are unable to recognise legal
claims based on discrepancies between the
data, illustrations and descriptions in this man­ual and your own vehicle's equipment. Please
note, too, that some of the optional equipment
described in this manual is not available on Aus­tralian models due to restrictions imposed by
Australian Design Rules and other requirements.

If you have any queries, your Service Centre will
be glad to advise you.

For your safety

Maintenance and repair

The advanced technology behind this

vehicle, for example the use of modern
materials and high-performance electronics,
means that specially adapted methods of main­tenance and repair are required. You should
therefore have the work this involves carried out
only by a MINI Service Centre or a workshop
employing trained personnel and working to the
specifications issued by the manufacturer of
your MINI. If such work is performed inexpertly,
it could result in consequential damage and thus
constitute a safety risk.<

Parts and accessories

The manufacturer of your MINI

recommends using parts and accessory
products for the car which the manufacturer of
your MINI has approved for this purpose.
MINI Service is the correct source for genuine
MINI parts and accessories, other products
approved by the manufacturer of your MINI, and
competent advice on all related matters.
These parts and products have been tested by
the manufacturer of your MINI for their safety
and functional compatibility with MINI vehicles.
The manufacturer of your MINI accepts product
liability for them.
Conversely, the manufacturer of your MINI can­not accept liability for parts or accessory prod­ucts of any kind which it has not approved.
The manufacturer of your MINI is unable to
assess each individual product of outside origin
as to its suitability for use on MINI vehicles with­out safety risk. This suitability cannot be guaran­teed even if an official permit has been issued
for the particular product in a specific country.
Tests performed for such permits cannot always
cover all operating conditions for MINI vehicles,
and some of them therefore are insufficient.<

5

Watch Me.

OVERVIEW

CONTROLS

DRIVING HINTS

Entertainment

COMMUNICATION

MOBILITY

REFERENCE

OVERVIEW Driving area

Driving area

Around the steering wheel: Controls and displays

1 Adjusting outside mirrors, folding in and

* 37

out

2

Side lights 76

Low-beam headlights 76

Automatic driving lights
control
Adaptive Head Light

* 76

8

* 78

Flashing turn indicators 52

High-beam headlights 79

Headlight flasher 52

Parking lights

Computer

* 79

* 59

Driving area OVERVIEW

3 Revolution counter 10

Instrument lighting 80

Resetting trip distance recorder 58

4

5

6 Ignition lock 46

7 Buttons

Wipers 53

Switching the ignition on/off and
starting/stopping the engine 46

* on steering wheel

Resuming cruise control

On the right:
Memorising speed and accelerating
or decelerating

10 Unlocking the engine compartment 146

Right-hand drive vehicles: front passenger
side

* 55

On the left:
Turn volume up or down

Activating/deactivating cruise
control

Telephone

Accept and end a call, start dial­ling
and redial if no phone number is
selected
Activating/deactivating voice con­trol system

Changing radio stations
Selecting music tracks
Scrolling in the redial list

* 56

*:

* for selected phone numbers,

*

8 Horn, entire surface

9 Adjusting the steering wheel 38

Headlight beam throw adjustment 78

9

OVERVIEW Driving area

Displays

1 Revolution counter 58

with indicator and warning lights 11

2 Display for

> Current vehicle speed 58
> Indicator and warning lights 11

3 Resetting trip distance recorder 58

4 Display for

> Position of automatic transmission
> Computer
> Date of next scheduled service, and

remaining driving distance 63

> Distance recorder – odometer –

and trip distance recorder 58

> Initialising the Run Flat Indicator
> Settings and information 60
> Personal Profile settings 20
> Gearshift point display

* 59

* 59

5 Instrument lighting 80

6 Speedometer

with indicator and warning lights 11

7 Fuel gauge 58

8 Radio display 14 15

9 Radio 14 15

* 50

* 72

10

Indicator and warning
lights

Principle

Indicator and warning lights can come on in var­ious combinations and colours in panel 1 or 2.

Driving area OVERVIEW

Some lights in the panel are checked for proper
functioning and thus light up briefly when the
engine starts or the ignition is switched on.

What to do in the event of a fault

A list of all indicator and warning lights, as well as
notes on the possible cause of a fault and on
what corresponding measures should be taken,
can be found starting on page 172.

11

OVERVIEW Driving area

Around the centre console

12

1 Microphone for voice control system* and

hands-free mode for telephone

*

Driving area OVERVIEW

Rear window heating

2 Indicator/warning light* for front passenger

airbags 41

3

4 Hazard warning flashers

5 Speedometer 10

6 Radio/CD

7 Air conditioning or automatic air

conditioning

Reading lights

Ambient lighting

Glass roof, electric

Interior light 80

* 82

Temperature

* 80

* 81

* 29

Windscreen heating

Air volume

8 Switch panel in the centre console

Seat heating

Window lift, front 30

Window lift, rear 30

Rear fog light 79

Central locking, inside 24

9 Buttons in the centre console

* 35

*

Recirculated-air mode

Air distribution for air conditioner

Air distribution to the windscreen

Air distribution to the upper body

*

area

Air distribution to the footwell*

Automatic air distribution and flow
rate control

Maximum cooling*

Cooling function

Defrosting windows

*

*

*

Fog lights

Rear fog lamp

Safety switch for electric window
lifts in the rear 31

SPORT button

Automatic start/stop function

Driving stability control systems
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 69
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC* 70

10 AUX-IN connection 113

USB audio interface

* 79

* 35

* 71

* 121

* 48

13

OVERVIEW Radio MINI CD

Radio MINI CD

1 On/off, setting volume

2 Setting values, setting time

3 Selecting stations manually

4 Sampling station/title manually

5 Selecting saved stations

6 Display

7 Selecting wavelength range/memory range

8 Selecting audio source

9 TP, traffic programme

10 Selecting a station/track

11 Radio Data System RDS

*

14

12 Setting values

13 Calling up settings

14 CD drive

15 CD ejection

Radio MINI Boost CD OVERVIEW

Radio MINI Boost CD

1 Selecting audio sources

2 On/Off

3 Calling up settings

> Speed-related volume
> Sound adjustment

4 Function buttons for confirming the menu

items displayed above

5 Changing station, track

> Changing stations
> Changing track with CD player

6 Display

*, volume adjustment

7 Selecting functions

> Turn: select menu item or value
> Press: confirm selection or save settings

8 Set up/end voice connections

9 Access settings menu

10 Select frequency manually

11 CD drive

12 Eject CD

15

OVERVIEW Radio MINI Boost CD

Menu guidance

Functions of radio and telephone* can be
accessed via the buttons on the radio and
menus.

Access settings menu

Press the MENU button for:

> Settings
> MINI call numbers
> Telephone

Accessing audio menu

Press the MODE button for:

> Radio
> Digital radio
> CD player
> External audio device, e.g. MP3 player
> USB audio interface

*

*

*

To execute a displayed function, press the but­ton underneath and on the left or right of it.
If only one function is displayed, press button in
centre.

Presentation in the Owner's Handbook

Function buttons that can be pressed on the left
or the right, are equipped with an arrow on the
respective side.

E.g. press the button on the left.

Menu items that should be selected are dis­played in inverted commas, e.g. "CONFIG".

Symbols on display

Symbol Function

Function is selected

Function is activated.

Selecting a menu item

Menu items can be selected via the right-hand
knob or function buttons.

Via the right-hand knob

1. Turn knob, arrow 2, to mark menu item, e.g.

"CONFIG".

2. Press the knob, arrow 1, to confirm a high-

lighted function.

Function is deactivated.

Quit menu, one menu
back

Display other menu items

Scroll display, list contains
more than 2 entries

Change to higher level
directory

Via function buttons

Press the button.

16

Radio MINI Boost CD OVERVIEW

17

Handle Me.

OVERVIEW

CONTROLS

DRIVING HINTS

Entertainment

COMMUNICATION

MOBILITY

REFERENCE

CONTROLS Opening and closing

Opening and closing

Key/remote control

Buttons of remote control

1 Open back hatch

2 Releasing

3 Engaging

General

Every remote control contains a rechargeable
battery that is recharged when it is in the igni­tion lock while the car is being driven. Use the
remote control key at least twice a year to main­tain the battery charge. If your car is fitted with
convenient access
a replaceable battery, page 29.

If several remote controls are used, different set­tings are called up and made in the vehicle,
depending on which remote control is recog­nised when it is unlocked, see Personal Profile
on page 20.

In addition, information about service require­ments is stored in the remote control, see Serv­ice data in the remote control, page 151.

New remote controls

Your MINI Service Centre can supply new
remote controls, as additional units or as
replacements in the event of loss.

*, the remote control contains

Integrated key

Press the button 1 to release the key.

The integrated key fits the following locks:

> Key switch

page 40.

> Driver's door, page 23.

* for front passenger airbags,

Personal Profile

Principle

Many MINI functions can be adjusted to individ­ual needs. With the help of Personal Profile,
most of these settings are stored for the remote
control currently in use. When you unlock the car
the remote control is recognised 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 vehicle
was used by someone else with another remote
control and the corresponding settings.

A maximum of three remote controls for three
different people can be adapted. A requirement
is that each person uses his or her own remote
control.

Personal Profile settings

20

See the pages indicated for more detailed infor­mation about the settings.

Opening and closing CONTROLS

> Response of the central locking system

when the car is unlocked 21

> Automatic locking of the vehicle 25
> Triple turn signal 52
> Settings for the displays in the speedometer

and revolution counter:

> 12h/24h mode of the clock, see Formats

and units of measure 61

> Date format, see Formats and units of

measure 61

> Units of measure for fuel consumption,

distance covered/remaining range, and
temperature, see Formats and units of
measure 61

> Light settings:

> Headlight courtesy delay feature 76
> Daytime driving lights 77

> Automatic air-conditioning system

vating/deactivating AUTO programme, cool­ing function, adjusting temperature, air flow
rate and air distribution 84

> Entertainment:

*: acti-

> With convenient access* by means of the

handles on the driver's and the front passen­ger's door

In addition, if the remote control is used, the
welcome lights and the interior light are
switched on or off. The alarm system
armed or disarmed, page 26.

* is also

Operating from inside

Button for central locking, page 24.

In the event of a sufficiently severe accident, the
central locking system unlocks automatically.
The hazard warning flashers and the interior
light are in addition switched on.

Opening and closing:
from the outside

Persons remaining in the vehicle or pets

left inside can lock the doors from the
inside. You should therefore take the key with
you, so that the car can be opened from the out­side.<

> Adjusting volume, from page 108
> Adjusting tone, from page 109

Central locking system

The principle

The central locking becomes active when the
driver's door is closed.

The following are unlocked or locked in combi­nation:

> Doors
> Tailgate
> Fuel filler flap

Operating from outside

> Via the remote control
> Via the door lock

*

With the remote control

Releasing

Press the button.
Welcome lights and interior light come on.

Characteristics during unlocking

The way in which the car is unlocked can also be
set. The setting is stored for the remote control
in use.

21

CONTROLS Opening and closing

1. Switch on the ignition, see page 46.

2. Press the button in the turn indicator lever

repeatedly until "SET/INFO" appears.

3. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

4. Press the button repeatedly until the symbol

and "SET" appear.

8. Press button to select:

>

Pressing the button only unlocks
the driver's door.
Press it twice to unlock the entire vehicle.

>

Press the button once to unlock
the entire vehicle.

9. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes. The setting is stored for the remote
control currently in use.

Convenient opening

Hold the button pressed.
The electric windows are opened and the glass

* is raised.

roof

Convenient closing via the remote control
is not possible.<

5. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

6. Press the button repeatedly until the indi-

cated symbol, arrow, appears.

Engaging

Press the button.

Do not lock the vehicle from the outside

when there is someone inside it, as some
national-market versions as well as versions
with certain optional equipment cannot then be
unlocked from the inside.<

Setting confirmation signals

To have confirmation signals sound when the
vehicle is locked or unlocked.

1. Switch on the ignition, see page 46.

2. Press the button in the turn indicator lever

repeatedly until "SET/INFO" appears.

7. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

22

Opening and closing CONTROLS

3. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

4. Press the button repeatedly until the symbol

and "SET" appear.

5. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

6. Press button to select, arrow:

> Confirmation signal when the vehicle

is unlocked

Switching on the interior light

When the vehicle is locked:
Press the button.
This function also enables you to locate the car,
for instance in a parking garage.

Unlocking the tailgate

Press button approx. 1 second and then
release.

On certain national-market versions, the

tailgate cannot be unlocked unless the car
has been unlocked.
In order to avoid damage, make sure there is
sufficient clearance in all directions before open­ing the tailgate.
If the tailgate had been locked before it was
opened, it is locked again as soon as it is closed.
Before and after each trip, check that the tail­gate has not been inadvertently unlocked.<

> Confirmation signal when the vehicle

is locked

7. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

8. Press button to select:

>

The hazard warning flashers come on
while the vehicle is being unlocked/
locked.

Malfunctions

The remote control may malfunction as a result
of interference from localised radio signals. If
this occurs, unlock and lock the car at the door
lock with the integrated key.

If the vehicle can no longer be locked with a
remote control, the battery in the remote con­trol is flat. Use this remote control when driving
a relatively long distance to recharge its battery,
page 20.

Via the door lock

>

The function is deactivated.

9. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes. The setting is stored.

Setting the way in which the vehicle is unlocked,
page 21.

23

CONTROLS Opening and closing

Do not lock the vehicle from the outside

when there is someone inside it, as some
national-market versions as well as versions
with certain optional equipment cannot then be
unlocked from the inside.<

In some national-market versions, the

alarm system
unlocked via the door lock.
To end the alarm:
Unlock the car with the remote control, page 21,
or insert the key fully into the ignition lock.<

Alarm system, see page 26.

Without alarm system

access
the door lock.<

To lock all doors, fuel filler flaps and luggage
compartment lids together:

> For closed doors with an inside button for

central locking in the passenger compart­ment, see page 24, lock the vehicle.

> Unlock and open the driver's side or front

passenger door, page 24.

* only the driver's door is locked via

* is triggered when the car is

* or convenient

Manual operation

In the event of an electrical fault, the driver's
door can be locked or unlocked by turning the
integrated key to the limit positions in the door
lock.

Opening and closing:
from the inside

The switch locks or unlocks the doors, tailgate
and fuel filler flap
but does not deadlock them.

* when the doors are closed,

Lock the vehicle.

> Lock the driver's door via the door lock

with the integrated key or

> Press down the locking button on the

front passenger's door and close the
door from outside.

Convenient opening and closing

The alarm system* or convenient access* can
be used to operate side window and glass sun-

* through the door lock.

roof

Opening/closing

Hold the key in the position for unlocking or
locking.

Watch the closing movement to ensure

that no one is trapped. The movement is
stopped when the key is released.<

Unlocking and opening

> Either unlock the doors together using the

central locking switch and then pull the door
handle above the armrest or

> Pull the handle on each individual door

twice: the first time to unlock the door, and
the second time to open it.

Locking

> Press the switch or
> press down the safety lock button of a door.

To prevent that you are shut out of the car
accidentally, the driver's door cannot be
locked with the safety lock button when it is
open.

Persons remaining in the vehicle or pets

left inside can lock the doors from the
inside. You should therefore take the key with
you, so that the car can be opened from the out­side.<

24

Opening and closing CONTROLS

Automatic locking*

The situations in which the vehicle is locked can
also be programmed. The setting is stored for
the remote control in use.

1. Switch on the ignition, see page 46.

2. Press the button in the turn indicator lever

repeatedly until "SET/INFO" appears.

3. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

4. Press the button repeatedly until the symbol

and "SET" appear.

7. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

8. Press button to select:

>

The central locking is engaged automati­cally after a brief moment if no door has
been opened.

>

The central locking is engaged automati­cally as soon as you drive off.

> or

The central locking is engaged automati­cally after a brief moment if no door has
been opened or as soon as you drive off.

>

The central locking system remains
unlocked.

9. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes. The setting is stored.

5. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

6. Press the button repeatedly until the indi-

cated symbol, arrow, appears.

Tailgate

In order to avoid damage, make sure
there is sufficient clearance in all direc-

tions before opening the tailgate.<

Opening

On certain national-market versions, the

tailgate can only be unlocked with the
remote control after the car has been unlocked.
Only drive with the tailgate completely closed,
as otherwise the rear lights are covered and
road safety is impaired.<

Press the top of the MINI badge, arrow, or

25

CONTROLS Opening and closing

Press and hold down the button on the
remote control This will unlock the tailgate.

Closing

To avoid injuries, ensure that the closing
area of the tailgate is unobstructed.<

Recessed handles in the tailgate lining make it
easier to pull the tailgate down.

Alarm system*

Principle

Even when the alarm system is armed, you can
open the tailgate by means of the button
on the remote control, page 23. When you sub­sequently close the luggage compartment lid, it
is again locked and monitored.

Opening certain national-market versions
via the door lock triggers the alarm.<

Panic mode*

In the event of danger, the alarm system can be
triggered.

Press the button for at least two seconds.

To switch off the alarm:
Press any button.

Switching off an alarm

> Unlock the car with the remote control,

page 21.

> Insert the key fully into the ignition lock.
> With convenient access

control,

press the button on the door lock.

* and the remote

The alarm system will respond if:

> A door, the engine compartment or the tail-

gate are opened

> There is movement inside the car
> The vehicle'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

Depending on the national-market version of
the car, the alarm system briefly indicates unau­thorised entry or tampering by means of:

> Audible alarm
> Switching on the hazard warning flashers
> Flashing the high-beam headlight

Arming and disarming

Whenever the car is locked or unlocked, the
alarm system is armed or disarmed.

Display on the revolution counter

When the system is armed, all LEDs pulse in the
rhythm of a heartbeat. After approx. 16 minutes
one LED flashes.

> LEDs pulse or LED flashes:

System is armed.

> One LED flashes at short intervals: the doors,

engine compartment lid or tailgate are not
properly closed.
Even if these are not closed fully, the
remaining items are deadlocked and the
LEDs pulse after approx. 10 seconds for

26

Opening and closing CONTROLS

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.

Tilt alarm sensor

The vehicle's inclination is monitored. The alarm
will be triggered for instance if an attempt is
made to steal the vehicle's wheels or tow it
away.

Interior movement detector

Convenient access*

Convenient access enables you to access the car
without having to take the remote control into
your hand. It is sufficient to have the remote
control on your person, for example in a jacket
pocket. The vehicle automatically recognises the
remote control when it is in the immediate vicin­ity or inside the car.

Operating requirements

> The car or the tailgate can be locked only

when the car ascertains that the remote
control on your person is not inside the car.

> About two seconds have to elapse before

the car can again be unlocked and locked.

> The engine can be started only when the car

ascertains that the remote control is inside
the car.

Before the interior movement detector can
operate correctly, the windows and glass roof
must be closed

*.

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 vehicle-carrying

trains, boats/ships or trailers

> If pets are to remain inside the vehicle

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 interior
movement detector are switched off until the
next time the vehicle is unlocked and locked.

> The doors and tailgate must be closed in

order to operate the windows and the glass

*.

roof

Convenient access supports the following func­tions:

> Unlocking/locking the vehicle
> Comfort closing
> Unlock tailgate individually
> Starting the engine

Comparison to the conventional remote
control

Generally speaking, it makes no difference
whether you control the functions outlined
above by using convenient access or by pressing
the buttons on the remote control.

Instructions for opening and closing begin on
page 20.

The features specific to convenient access are
described below.

A short delay when opening or closing

windows or the glass roof indicates that a
test is being carried out to ascertain whether

27

CONTROLS Opening and closing

there is a remote control inside the car. If neces­sary, repeat the opening or closing operation.<

Unlocking

Press the button 1.
Dependent upon the setting, see Characteristics
during unlocking on page 21, either only the
driver's door or the entire vehicle is unlocked.

Press the button again to lock the vehicle
again.<

If a remote control is detected inside the passen­ger compartment after the car has been
unlocked, the electric steering wheel lock disen­gages, audibly, page 39.

Windows and glass roof, electric*

You can operate the windows and roof while the
engine is switched off as long as no one opens a
door or the tailgate.

If the door or tailgate is closed again and the
remote control is detected inside the vehicle,
the windows or the roof can be operated again.

Insert the remote control into the ignition lock in
order to operate the windows or roof while the
engine is switched off and the doors are open.

Switching on radio readiness

Switch on radio readiness by pressing the start/
stop button, page 46.

Do not depress the brake or 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 the remote
control in the ignition lock, page 46.

Convenience opening with the remote control,
see page 22.

Locking

Press the button 1.

Press and hold down the button 1 for conven-
ient closing.

The windows and the glass roof

* are also closed.

Separate unlocking of the tailgate

Press the top of the MINI badge.

If a remote control inadvertently left

behind is detected inside the locked vehi­cle's luggage area after you close the tailgate,
the tailgate reopens slightly. The hazard warn­ing flashers flash and an acoustic signal
sounds.<

*

Switching off the engine in vehicles with
automatic transmission

The engine can be switched off only when the
selector lever is in position P, page 48.
To switch off the engine with the selector lever 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 the remote control into the ignition

lock.

2. Depress the brake.

3. Move the selector lever to position N.

4. Switch off the engine.

The car will be able to roll.

Malfunction

28

Comfort access may malfunction as a result of
interference from local radio signals.

Opening and closing CONTROLS

In this case, open or close the vehicle using the
buttons on the remote control or with the inte­grated key.
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock in
order to start the engine.

Warning lights

Warning light comes on when you
attempt to start the engine: engine

starting not possible. The remote control
is not inside the vehicle or is faulty. Bring the
remote control inside the vehicle or have it
checked. Try inserting a different remote control
in the ignition lock.

Warning light comes on while the

engine is running: the remote control is

no longer inside the vehicle. If the
engine is switched off, it can be restarted only
within approx. 10 seconds.

Indicator light comes on: change the

battery in the remote control.

Glass roof, electric*

Observe the glass roof during the closing

procedure, to avoid any injuries.
Take the key with you when you leave the car,
otherwise children could operate the roof and
possibly injure themselves.<

Raising

> Press the switch backwards to the pressure

point and hold it there.
Both glass roofs are raised.
The movement is stopped when the switch
is released.

Changing the battery

The battery in the remote control for comfort
access requires replacement from time to time.

1. Remove the cover.

2. Insert a new battery with the plus side up.

3. Press the cover back into position.

Dispose of the old battery only at an
authorised collecting point or hand it in to

your MINI Service Centre.<

> Press the switch towards the rear beyond

the pressure point while the ignition is
switched on.
Both closed glass roofs are fully raised.
Pressing the switch again stops the move­ment.

Opening, closing

> In the raised position, press the switch back-

wards to the pressure point and hold it
there.
The front glass roof is opened.
The rear glass roof is closed.
The movement is stopped when the switch
is released.

> In the raised position and while the ignition

is switched on, push the switch backwards
beyond the pressure point.
The front glass roof opens fully.
The rear glass roof is closed.
Pressing the switch again stops the move­ment.

29

CONTROLS Opening and closing

In the same manner, the glass roof is closed by
pushing the switch forwards.

The front glass roof remains in the raised posi­tion. The rear glass roof is raised. Pushing the
switch again closes both roofs fully.

Convenient operation via remote control, door
lock or convenient access, page 22, 24, 28.

Roller sunblind

The roller sunblind can be opened or closed sep­arately from the glass roof.

After switching off the ignition

The roof can still be operated for approx.
1 minute while the ignition is switched off as
long as no door is opened.

After a power failure

After a power failure, it is possible that the roof
will only move to the raised position. Then have
the system initialised. The manufacturer of your
MINI recommends having this work carried out
by your MINI Service Centre.

Opening, closing

Front windows

> Press the switch downwards.

The window opens until the switch is
released.

> Tap the switch downwards.

The window opens automatically as soon as
radio standby is active. Tap the switch again
to halt the opening movement.

In the same manner, the glass roof is closed by
pushing the switch upwards.

Rear windows

Windows

Watch the windows during the closing

action to avoid injuries.
Take remote control with you when you leave
the car, otherwise children could operate the
electric windows and possibly injure them­selves.<

If a window can only be closed after it has

been opened and closed several times in
short succession, the system has overheated.
Let the system cool down for several minutes
while the ignition is switched on or the engine is
running.<

> Press the switch downwards.

The window opens until the switch is
released.

> Tap the switch downwards.

The window opens automatically as soon as
radio standby is active. Tap the switch again
to halt the opening movement.

In the same manner, the glass roof is closed by
pushing the switch upwards.

30

Opening and closing CONTROLS

After switching off the ignition

The windows can still be operated for approx.
1 minute while the ignition is switched off 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.<

Trap protection

If the closing force of a window exceeds
a specific value as it closes, the closing action is
interrupted and the window reopens slightly.

Despite the trap protection function,

make sure that the windows are not
obstructed as they close; if this precaution is not
taken, the risk remains that thin objects, for
instance, could fail to interrupt the closing
movement.

Do not install any accessories in the movement
range of the windows in order not to impair the
trap protection function.<

Safety switch

This prevents the rear windows being opened
and closed using the switches in the rear seat
area, for instance by children.

Press the button indicated by the arrow.
The LED lights up when the safety function is
switched on.

Press the safety switch when carrying chil­dren on the rear seat, otherwise careless

closing of the windows could result in injury.<

Closing without the trap protection
function

In case of an external hazard, or if ice cover, for
example, does not allow you to close a window
normally, the window can be closed manually.

1. Push the switch upward and hold it there.

The tr ap pr ote ctio n fun ction is re stri cted and
the window opens slightly when the closing
force exceeds a certain value.

2. Within approx. 4 seconds, push the switch

upward again and hold it there. The window
closes without the trap protection function.

31

CONTROLS Adjusting

Adjusting

Safe seated position

A seated position that suitably reflects your
requirements is a vital condition of relaxed driv­ing with a minimum of fatigue. In conjunction
with the seat belts, the head restraints and the
airbags, the seated position has a major influ­ence on your safety in the event of an accident.
You should therefore observe the following
notes in order to maintain the protective func­tion of the vehicle's safety systems.

For additional notes on child safety, see
page 40.

Airbags

Keep your distance from the airbags.

Always grip the steering wheel on the rim,
with your hands in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock
positions, to minimise the risk of injury to the
hands or arms in the event of the airbag being
triggered off.
No other persons, pets or objects should be held
or permitted to remain between the airbag and
yourself.
Do not use the front airbag cover on the front
passenger's side as a tray. Make sure that the
front passenger adopts a correct seated posi­tion, e.g. does not rest feet or legs on the instru­ment panel; otherwise he/she could sustain leg
injuries in the event of the front airbag being
triggered.
Make sure that passengers keep their head
away from the side airbag and do not lean on
the covers of the head-level airbags, otherwise
they may sustain injuries in the event of the air­bags being triggered.<

Even if all these instructions are complied with,
certain injuries as a result of contact with the air­bag cannot be entirely ruled out, depending on
the circumstances in which an accident occurs.
Occupants with sensitive hearing may be sub­ject to brief and generally temporary impaired

hearing caused by the ignition and inflation
noise.

The locations of the airbags and additional notes
are given on page 74.

Head restraint

Head restraints adjusted to the correct height
reduce the risk of injuries to the neck in the
event of an accident.

Adjust the head restraint in such a way
that its centre is at approximately ear

level; otherwise, there is an increased risk of
injury should an accident occur.<

Head restraints, see page 34.

Seat belt

All occupants should always fasten their seat
belts before you set off. The airbags are a com­plementary safety feature and not a substitute
for the seat belts.

Number of seat belts

For your safety and that of your passengers, the
car is fitted with four or five

However, they can offer protection only when
used correctly.

* seat belts.

Adjustment for automatic
retracting seat belts

> Draw the buckle tongue attached to the seat

belt across the body and press it into the
buckle catch until a 'click' is heard.

> Adjustment of the belt length is very impor-

tant. To adjust the lap belt and check
whether the buckle has locked correctly, pull
upwards on the shoulder strap until the lap
belt fits tightly.

> The length of the diagonal shoulder strap

adjusts itself automatically to allow freedom
of movement.

32

> To release the seat belt, press the button on

the buckle catch unit.

Never restrain more than one person with

each seat belt. Babies or small children
must not travel on the lap of another occupant.
Around the pelvis, make sure that the belt sits
firmly on the hips and does not press down on
the stomach. The seat belt must not be worn
touching the neck, pass over sharp edges or
hard or fragile objects, or become trapped at
any point. Pull the seat belt tight and without
twisting across the pelvis and shoulder and keep
it as close as possible to the body in order to
avoid it slipping over the hips and injuring the
stomach in the event of a frontal collision. Avoid
wearing bulky clothing and regularly pull the
belt in the upper-body area taut, otherwise its
restraining effect could be impaired.<

Seat belts, see page 35.

Adjusting CONTROLS

Forward/back

Pull lever, arrow 1, and slide seat into the
desired position, arrow 2.
After letting go of the lever, move the seat gen­tly forwards and backwards so that it properly
locks into place.

Height

Seats

Note before adjusting

Do not reposition the driver's seat while

the car is in motion. The seat could move
unexpectedly, leading to the driver losing con­trol of the vehicle, and possibly resulting in an
accident.
Do not recline the driver's or front passenger's
seat back too far, otherwise there will be a risk of
sliding under the seat belt in an accident, so that
the belt loses its protective effect.<

Comply with the instructions on head restraint
height on page 34 and on damaged seat belts
on page 37.

Seat adjustment front

Failure to comply with the notes on

page 33 may put your personal safety at
risk.<

Repeatedly pull the lever upwards or push it
downwards, arrow 1, until the desired height is
reached.

Seat back

Pull lever, arrow 1, and load or unload the back­rest as required.

33

CONTROLS Adjusting

Lumbar support*

The seat back contour can be altered to provide
more support to the curved, lumbar section of
the spine.

The upper edge of the pelvis and the spinal col­umn are supported, to encourage an upright but
relaxed seated position.

Turn the wheel to increase or decrease the cur­vature.

Seat back

Adjusting the backrest angle, see page 95.

Head restraints

Correctly adjusted head restraint

Head restraints adjusted to the correct height
reduce the risk of injuries to the neck in the
event of an accident.

Adjust the head restraint to the correct
height at each occupied seats, otherwise

there is an increased risk of injury in the event of
an accident.<

Height

Set the head restraint to the height at which the
midway line is approximately level with the seat
occupant's ears.

Seat adjustment rear

Do not adjust the rear seats whilst the

vehicle is in motion, otherwise there is a
risk of injury to its occupants.
Make sure that the catches on the rear seats
engage properly after they have been adjusted.
Otherwise the restraining effect of the seat belts
could be impaired in the event of an accident.<

Forward/back

Adjusting height

Up: pull.

Down: press the button, arrow 1, and slide the
head restraint down.

Removing

Only remove the head restraint if no one will be
sitting on the seat in question.

1. Pull the lever up and slide the seat to the

preferred position.

2. Release the lever and move the seat forward

or back slightly so that it engages.

34

Adjusting CONTROLS

Refit the head restraint before driving with
passengers, otherwise there is no protec-

tive function.<

Front

1. Pull up all the way.

2. Fold the backrest back slightly.

3. Press the button 1 and pull the head

restraint out as far as it will go.

4. In addition, use a suitable tool to press the

button 2 and pull the head restraint fully
out.

5. Fold back the backrest.

Seat heating*

Switching on

Press once per temperature stage.
Three LEDs indicate the highest temperature.

If you continue driving within 15 minutes, the
seat heating is automatically activated at the
previously set temperature.

The temperature is reduced, if necessary includ­ing switching the heating off, to save the bat­tery.
The LEDs remain lit.

Rear

1. Pull up all the way.

2. Fold the backrest forward slightly.

3. Press the button 1 and pull the head

restraint fully out.

4. In addition, use a suitable tool to press the

button 2 and pull the head restraint fully
out.

5. Fold up the rear seat backrest.

Switching off

Press and do not immediately release the but­ton.

Seat belts

Comply with the instructions on page 33,
or there will be greater risks to personal

safety.<

Seat belts are designed to bear upon the

bony structure of the body and should be
worn low across the front of the pelvis, or the
pelvis, chest and shoulders, as applicable. Wear­ing the lap section of the belt across the abdom­inal area must be avoided.
Seat belts should be adjusted as firmly as possi­ble, consistent with comfort, to provide the pro­tection for which they have been designed. A
slack belt will greatly reduce the protection
afforded to the wearer. Care should be taken to
avoid contamination of the webbing by pol-

35

CONTROLS Adjusting

ishes, oils and chemicals and particularly battery
acid. Cleaning may safely be carried out using
mild soap and water. The belt should be
replaced if webbing becomes frayed, contami­nated or damaged. Belts should not be worn
with straps twisted.
Each seat belt assembly must only be used by
one occupant; it is forbidden to put a belt
around a child being carried on the occupant's
lap.
It is essential to replace the entire assembly after
it has been worn in a severe impact even if dam­age to the assembly is not obvious.<

No modifications or additions should be

made by the user which will either prevent
the seat belt adjusting devices from operating to
remove slack, or prevent the seat belt assembly
from being adjusted to remove slack.<

Before driving off, always make sure that all
occupants have fastened their seat belts. The
airbags are a complementary safety feature and
not a substitute for the seat belts.

Front and rear seats

Height adjustment for seat belt latches,
rear

If no passengers are being carried on the outer
rear seats, the seat belt latches can be pushed
back as far as the luggage compartment trim
panel in order to avoid noise.

Rear seat: centre seat belt*

Belt mounting in the roof lining

The mounting for the seat belt is located in the
roof lining.

1 Opening for belt

2 Mounting for large seat belt latch

Fastening

The seat belt buckle must be heard to engage.

The upper belt anchorage is suitable for adults of
any stature as long as they are sitting correctly,
page 33.

Opening

1. Hold onto the belt.

2. Press the red button on the belt buckle.

3 Mounting for small seat belt latch

Take the small seat belt latch out of the
mounting 3. Pull both seat belt latches down.

Closing

Insert the belt and small seat belt latch 2 into the
small belt buckle 3.

To open, press the red button on the small belt
buckle 3 with seat belt latch 1.

3. Guide the belt back up to the reel.

36

Adjusting CONTROLS

Fastening the belt

5 mph, if the front passenger's seat belt has not
been fastened, if there are objects on the front
passenger seat, or if the driver or front passen­ger unfasten their seat belts.

Damaged seat belts

In the event of stress due to an accident or

damage: replace the belt system, includ­ing the seat-belt tensioner, and have the belt
anchorage checked. Have this work performed
only by your MINI Service Centre or by a work­shop employing trained personnel and working
to the specifications issued by the manufacturer
of your MINI, otherwise correct operation of
these safety systems is not ensured.<

Mirrors

Outside mirrors

1 Large seat belt latch

2 Small seat belt latch

3 Small belt buckle

4 Large belt buckle

Insert the seat belt latch 1 into the belt buckle 4.
The seat belt latch must be heard to engage in
the belt buckle.

Insert the seat belt latch into the belt
buckle so that when a passenger is fas-

tened in, the belt rests against his body and is
not twisted.<

'Fasten seat belts' reminder for driver's
seat and front passenger seat*

Front seats

The indicator light comes on and an
audible signal sounds.Check whether
the seat belt has been fastened cor-

rectly.

The 'Fasten seat belts' reminder is issued when­ever the driver's seat belt has not been fastened.
The 'Fasten seat belts' reminder is also activated
at road speeds above approx. 8 km/h, approx.

The outer section of the driver's side mirror
shows a larger field of vision
section. In this way, the view to the rear is
extended and the blind spot, as it is known, is
reduced in size.

Objects reflected in the mirror are closer

than they appear. Do not gauge your dis­tance from following traffic based on what you
see in the mirror; otherwise there is an increased
risk of accident.<

1 Adjusting the left or right outside mirror

2 Folding mirrors in and out

* than the inner

*

37

CONTROLS Adjusting

Adjusting manually

The mirrors can also be adjusted manually: by
pressing the mirror glass at its edges.

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. 30 km/h, approx. 20 mph.

This can be useful in narrow streets, for instance,
or to fold the mirrors back out into their correct
positions after they were folded in manually.

Automatic heating*

When the engine is running or the ignition is
switched on, the automatic heating for both
exterior mirrors will be switched on when the
outside temperature reaches a certain level.

Interior mirror

Interior and exterior mirrors, automatic­dim*

Two photosensors control the mirrors:

> In the interior mirror, arrow.
> One on the rear of the mirror

To ensure trouble-free operation:

> Keep the photosensors clean.
> Do not cover the area between the interior

mirror and the windscreen.

To reduce the risk of being blinded from behind
while driving at night:

Turn the knob.

> Do not attach any labels or stickers to the

windscreen directly in front of the mirror

Steering wheel

Adjusting

Do not adjust the steering wheel position
while the vehicle is in motion, or an acci-

dent may result from any unexpected move­ment.<

38

1. Fold the lever down.

2. Move the steering wheel to the preferred

height and angle to suit your seated posi­tion.

3. Fold the lever back up.

Do not use force to swing the lever
back up; otherwise the mechanism

will be damaged.<

Electric steering lock*

The steering wheel locks or unlocks automati­cally when the key is removed or inserted.

Adjusting CONTROLS

In cars with convenient access
wheel locks or unlocks automatically when the
vehicle is locked or when the remote control is
detected inside the vehicle.

*, the steering

39

CONTROLS Child safety

Child safety

Important
considerations

Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, as they could otherwise endanger

themselves and/or other persons by opening the
doors, for example.<

Not for Australia/New Zealand:

The front passenger seat and the outer rear
seats of your MINI are suitable for the installa­tion of universal child restraint systems for all
age groups, providing these have been
approved for the age group in question.

Always carry children at the rear

Accident research has shown that the safest
place for children is on the rear seat.

Children under 12 years of age or smaller

than 150 cm, approx. 5 feet, should
always travel on the rear seats and in suitable
child restraint systems, otherwise there is a
greater risk of injury in the event of an acci­dent.<

Your MINI Service Centre will be glad to provide
advice on the selection of suitable child restraint
systems.

Not for Australia/New Zealand:
Exception for the front passenger seat

Seat height

seat, the front and side airbags must be deacti­vated, otherwise a child travelling on that seat
will face an increased risk of injury if the airbags
are triggered off, even if a child restraint system
is used.<

Front passenger airbags can only be deac­tivated with the key switch for front pas-

senger airbags.<

Keyswitch* for front
passenger airbags

You can deactivate and subsequently reactivate
the front and side airbags for the front passen­ger by means of a keyswitch. This is located on
the front passenger side of the instrument
panel.

The front passenger airbags can only be deacti­vated and reactivated when the vehicle is sta­tionary and with the front passenger's door
open.

Only fit universal child restraint systems if

the seat height can be adjusted. Other­wise it will be impossible to optimise the position
of the seat belt and to secure the child restraint
system adequately.<

Front passenger airbags

If you nevertheless need to fit a child

restraint system on the front passenger's

40

Deactivating

Use the integrated key to turn the key switch to
the OFF position.

The airbags for the front passenger are deacti­vated when the switch is in this position. The air­bags for the driver remain fully active.

Once the child restraint system has been
removed, immediately reactivate the air-

Child safety CONTROLS

bags for the front passenger so that they can
deploy correctly in the event of an accident.<

Reactivating

Use the integrated key to turn the keyswitch to
the ON position.

The front passenger airbags are reactivated and
can deploy correctly if the need arises.

Functional status

with the child restraint system, see Rear seat
backrests on page 95.

For selecting, installing and using child

restraint systems, observe the manufac­turer's instructions, otherwise the protective
effect could be impaired.
Following an accident, have all components of
the child restraint system and the seat belt that
was used to secure it checked and renewed if
necessary. Have this work carried out only by
MINI Service or a workshop employing trained
personnel and working to the specifications
issued by the manufacturer of your MINI.<

For Australia/New Zealand: installation
of child restraint systems

Since your car is equipped with a front airbag
system for the front passenger's seat, the follow­ing warning is applicable:

> The indicator light remains on if the front

passenger's airbags have been deactivated.

> The indicator light does not come on if the

front passenger airbags have been acti­vated.
As of radio readiness, page 46, the warning
light comes on briefly.

Child restraint systems,
installation

Your MINI Service Centre can supply suitable
child restraint systems for every age or weight
group.

Before fitting a child restraint system to the
outer rear seats, move the seats as far back as
they will go.

5-seater: adjust the angle of the centre backrest
so that it is the same as that of the outer back­rests.

Once you have fitted the child restraint system
to one of the outer rear seats, move the backrest
forward if necessary so that it just makes contact

We advise against using any type
of child restraint system on the
front passenger's seat.

Extreme Hazard

Never use rear facing child restraint sys­tems on a seat which is protected by an airbag
fitted directly in front of it, otherwise there is an
increased risk of injury should the airbag
deploy.<

Not for Australia/New Zealand: on the
front passenger's seat

Before fitting a child restraint system to

the front passenger's seat, make sure that
the front and side airbags for the front passen­ger are deactivated, otherwise there is an
increased risk of injury should the airbags
deploy.<

Seat position

Before installing a universal child restraint sys­tem, move the front passenger seat into the
rearmost and most upright
the best possible positioning of the seat belt. Do

* position to achieve

41

CONTROLS Child safety

not adjust the position of seat with the child
restraint system fitted.

Not for Australia/New
Zealand: child seat
mountings, ISOFIX

When you are fitting and using ISOFIX

child seats, comply with the operating and
safety instructions provided by the manufac­turer of the system, as otherwise the protective
effect can be diminished.<

Correct ISOFIX child restraint systems

The following ISOFIX child restraint systems can
be used on the specified seats in your vehicle.
The corresponding classes are indicated on the
child seats themselves.

The mountings for the lower ISOFIX anchorages
are at the points marked by the arrows.

Make sure that the two lower ISOFIX

anchors are correctly locked and that the
child restraint system is positioned fully against
the backrest, otherwise its protective function
may be impaired.<

Mounting point for upper ISOFIX
retaining strap

Rear seats

A - ISO / F3 C - ISO / R3

B - ISO / F2 D - ISO / R2

B1 - ISO / F2X E - ISO / R1

Depending on the size of the child restraint sys­tem, if necessary slide the headrest upwards and
adjust the longitudinal setting of the front seat,
see page 33.

Brackets for lower ISOFIX mountings

Before fitting the child seat, pull the belt away
from the area around the child seat mountings.

Use the attachment points for the upper

ISOFIX retaining strap only for securing
child restraint systems, otherwise the attach­ment points could be damaged.<

For ISOFIX child restraint systems with an upper
retaining strap there are two additional mount­ing points, arrows.

Positioning the upper ISOFIX retaining
strap

42

Make sure that the upper retaining strap

does not pass over sharp edges and is not
twisted on its path to the upper mounting point.
Otherwise the child restraint system cannot pro­tect the child as intended in the event of an acci­dent.<

1 Direction of travel

2 Head restraint

3 Luggage area floor

4 Hook for the upper retaining strap

5 Mounting point

Child safety CONTROLS

AS 1754 – can be attached directly to corre­sponding anchor fitting.

Please refer strictly to the installation instruc­tions supplied with the child restraint system.

Child restraint anchor fittings

6 Seat back

7 Upper retaining strap of the child restraint

system

Clipping the upper retaining strap onto
the mounting point

1. Push the head restraint upwards.

2. Guide the upper retaining strap between the

head restraint posts.

3. Use the hook to clip the upper retaining

strap onto the mounting point.

4. Push the head restraint into its lowermost

position.

5. Pull the retaining strap taut.

For Australia/New
Zealand:

The child restraint anchor fittings, see arrows,
are located behind the back of the rear seats.

Routing the strap

Do not route the strap of the child restraint

system over the head rest or over sharp
edges and do not twist the strap, as otherwise
the protective effect of the child restraint system
is not given.<

1 Forward driving direction

Child restraint systems

4-Seater

In accordance with ADR 34/01, provisions have
been made to allow installation of a child
restraint system at both outer seating positions
in the rear.

The attaching clip which is part of the upper
anchorage strap of a child restraint system –

2 Head rest

3 Load area floor

4 Attaching clip

5 Child restraint anchor fitting

6 Seat back

7 Strap of the child restraint system

43

CONTROLS Child safety

Clipping the upper retaining strap onto
the mounting point

Child restraint anchorages are designed to

withstand only those loads imposed by
correctly fitted child restraints. Under no circum­stances they are to be used for adult seat belts,
harnesses or for attaching other items or equip­ment to the vehicle.<

1. Lift the head rest.

2. Pass the strap of the child restraint system

between the head rest and the seat back
and also between the two supports of the
head rest.

3. Hook in the attaching clip into the anchor fit-

ting.

4. Readjust the head rest into the lowest possi-

ble position.

5. Tighten the strap of the child restraint sys-

tem.

5-Seater

In accordance with ADR 34/01, provisions have
been made to allow installation of a child
restraint system at both outer seating positions
in the rear.

Child restraint anchor fittings

The child restraint anchor fittings for the two
outer seats, see arrows, are located behind the
back of the rear seats.
The child restraint anchor fitting for the centre
seat is located under the luggage-compartment
sill, position 4 in picture centre seat.

Routing the strap

Do not route the strap of the child restraint

system over the head rest or over sharp
edges and do not twist the strap, as otherwise
the protective effect of the child restraint system
is not given.<

Outer seats:

The attaching clip which is part of the upper
anchorage strap of a child restraint system –
AS 1754 – can be attached directly to corre­sponding anchor fitting.

Please refer strictly to the installation instruc­tions supplied with the child restraint system.

1 Forward driving direction

2 Head rest

3 Load area floor

4 Attaching clip

5 Child restraint anchor fitting

6 Seat back

7 Strap of the child restraint system

44

Child safety CONTROLS

Centre seat:

1 Forward driving direction

2 Head rest

3 Attaching clip

4 Child restraint anchor fitting

5 Load area floor

6 Seat back

7 Strap of the child restraint system

Securing doors and
windows

Rear doors

Push down the locking lever on the rear doors.

The door in question can now only be opened
from the outside.

Safety switch for window lifts

Clipping the upper retaining strap onto
the mounting point

Child restraint anchorages are designed to

withstand only those loads imposed by
correctly fitted child restraints. Under no circum­stances they are to be used for adult seat belts,
harnesses or for attaching other items or equip­ment to the vehicle.<

1. Lift the head rest.

2. Centre seat: fold the load area floor back-

wards

3. Pass the strap of the child restraint system

between the head rest and the seat back
and also between the two supports of the
head rest.

4. Hook in the attaching clip into the anchor fit-

ting.

5. Readjust the head rest into the lowest possi-

ble position.

The rear window lifts are locked and cannot be
operated by the occupants of the rear seats.
Press the safety switch, see page 31.

6. Tighten the strap of the child restraint sys-

tem.

45

CONTROLS Driving

Driving

Ignition lock

Inserting the key in the ignition lock

Insert the key fully into the ignition lock.

> Radio readiness

Individual electrical consumers can operate.

> The electric steering wheel lock

audibly.

Insert the key into the ignition lock before
you move the vehicle, otherwise the elec-

tric steering-wheel lock will not disengage and
you will not be able to steer the car.<

Convenient access*

The electrical steering-wheel lock disengages
automatically when the remote control is
detected in the passenger compartment.

Removing the key from the ignition lock

Press the key in briefly; it is ejected a short way.

At the same time:

> The ignition is switched off, if it was on

beforehand.

> The electric steering wheel lock

audibly.

* disengages

* engages

Start/stop button

Press the start/stop button to switch radio read­iness or the ignition on and off. In doing so, do
not depress the brake or clutch.

The engine starts when you press the
start/stop button and depress the brake if

the car has automatic transmission, or the clutch
if the car has a manual gearbox.<

Radio readiness

Individual electrical consumers can operate. The
time and outside temperature are displayed in
the revolution counter.

Radio readiness is switched off automatically:

> When the key is removed from the ignition

lock

> In cars with convenient access

the button on the door handle or the

button on the remote control, see

Locking on page 28

> After a certain period of time

Ignition on

Most indicator and warning lights in panel 1,
page 11, come on for various lengths of time.

*, by pressing

Automatic transmission

You cannot take out the key unless the selector
lever is in the P position: interlock.

46

When the engine is switched off, switch off
the ignition and all electrical consumers

you are not using in order to preserve the bat­tery.<

Radio readiness and ignition off

All indicator lights and warning lights in the dis­plays go out.

The ignition is switched off automatically if the
driver's door is opened. It is switched back on by
pressing the start/stop button again.

The ignition is not switched off for example in
the following situations:

> Clutch or brake depressed
> Low-beam headlights are on
> Automatic start/stop function

* activated

Driving CONTROLS

Manual gearbox

Key in the ignition lock or, with convenient
access, in the vehicle, see page 27.

1. Depress the brake.

Starting the engine

Never run the engine in enclosed spaces,

as inhaling the harmful exhaust gas can
lead to loss of consciousness with fatal conse­quences. The exhaust gas contains carbon mon­oxide, which is colourless and odourless, but
highly toxic. Do not leave the car unattended
with the engine running, as this constitutes a
hazard.
Before leaving the car with the engine running,
place the gearbox in idle or move the selector
lever to position P and fully apply the handbrake
to prevent the car from moving.<

Avoid starting, stopping and restarting the

engine in rapid succession or repeated
attempts to start the engine if it does not fire,
otherwise unburned or only partially combusted
fuel could reach the catalytic converter, which
could overheat and sustain damage as a
result.<

Do not warm up the engine with the car at a
standstill; it is preferable to set off straight away,
driving at moderate engine speeds.

Do not press the accelerator pedal while starting
the engine.

2. Depress the clutch.

3. Press the start/stop button.

Automatic transmission*

Key in the ignition lock or, with convenient
access, in the vehicle, see page 27.

1. Depress the brake.

2. Move selector lever in position P or N.

3. Press the start/stop button.

Starting proceeds automatically for a certain
time, and ceases automatically as soon as the
engine has fired.

Diesel engine

When the engine is cold and the temperature
falls below approx. 06/32 7, starting may be
somewhat delayed by automatic preheating.

The preheat indicator light in the revo­lution counter comes on.

Stopping the engine

Always take the key with you when you

leave the vehicle.
When parking on an incline, fully apply the
handbrake, otherwise the car could begin to
roll.<

47

CONTROLS Driving

Manual gearbox

1. With the car at a standstill, press the start/

stop button.

2. Engage first gear or reverse.

3. Fully apply the handbrake.

Automatic transmission*

1. With the car at a standstill, move the selector

lever to position P.

2. Press the start/stop button.

3. Fully apply the handbrake.

Before entering the car wash

The vehicle will be able to roll if you observe the
following steps:

1. Insert master key with remote control into

ignition lock, even if vehicle is equipped with
convenient access.

2. Depress the brake.

3. Move the selector lever to position N.

4. Switch off the engine.

Stopping the engine

1. Move the vehicle forwards at a speed of at

least 5 km/h, approx. 3 mph, to activate the
function.

2. Shift to neutral when coasting to a stop, for

example at a traffic light, or when the vehi­cle is stationary.

3. Release the clutch.

With the vehicle stationary, the engine
is switched off automatically and the
indicator light lights up.

The air flow rate of the air conditioner/automatic
air-conditioning system is reduced.

Engine is not switched off

Before the engine is switched off, the system
checks whether certain conditions related to
safety and comfort have been met.

In the following situations, the engine is not
switched off:

> Outside temperature below approx. +3 6/

377

Automatic start/stop
function*

The principle

The automatic start/stop function helps to save
fuel and reduce emissions. For this purpose, the
system switches the engine off during a stop, for
example in a traffic queue or at traffic lights, the
ignition remains on. As soon as you depress the
clutch, the engine starts.

Automatic mode

After every engine start, the automatic start/
stop function is active and on standby.

> Inside of vehicle in heat-up or cool-down

phase

> High outside temperature and operation of

the air conditioner

> Engine not yet at operating temperature
> Battery severely depleted, see Vehicle bat-

tery on page 166

> After reversing
> Driver's seat belt not fastened

Starting the engine

With the gear lever in the idle position,
depress the clutch.
The engine is started and the indicator

light goes out.

Engine starts automatically

The shut-down engine starts automatically, for
example in the following cases:

48

Driving CONTROLS

> The inside of the vehicle heats up strongly

and the air conditioner is switched on

> Severely depleted battery, see Vehicle bat-

tery on page 166

> Low brake partial vacuum, for example due

to depressing the brake a number of times in
succession

> The vehicle moves off

Safety function

The engine is not started automatically
if the driver's seat belt or the engine

compartment lid is opened after the
engine has been shut down automatically. The
indicator light lights up. The engine can only be
started using the start/stop button.

Deactivating manually

Handbrake

The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent
a stationary car from rolling away; it acts on the
rear wheels.

Applying

The lever engages automatically.

Releasing

Press the button.
The LED lights up.

With the system disabled, the engine can only be
stopped and started using the start/stop button.

Activating manually

Press the button again.
The LED goes out.

Malfunction

The automatic start/stop function no

longer switches the engine off automat-

ically. The indicator light lights up. You
can continue your journey. Have the system
checked.<

Raise slightly, press the knob and move the lever
down.

In exceptional cases, if the handbrake has

to be used to slow or stop the car, do not
pull the lever up too hard. Keep the knob on the
lever held in all the time.
Otherwise, excessive application of the hand­brake can cause the rear axle to be overbraked
and the rear of the car to swerve as a result.<

Manual gearbox

When shifting in the 5th/6th gear plane,

press the shift lever to the right. Otherwise
the engine could be damaged if you inadvert­ently shift into 3rd or 4th gear.<

49

CONTROLS Driving

Reverse

Engage this gear only when the vehicle is stand­ing still. When the gearshift lever is pressed to
the left, a slight resistance has to be overcome.

Automatic transmission*
with Steptronic

In addition to the fully automatic mode, you can
perform manual gearshifts with the Steptronic,
page 51.

Stopping the car

Before leaving the car with the engine
running, move the selector lever to posi-

tion P and apply the handbrake to prevent the
car from moving.<

Removing the key

Changing selector lever positions

> The selector lever can only be moved out of

position P with the ignition switched on or
the engine running:

> Before moving the lever away from P or N

with the vehicle stationary, first depress the
brake, otherwise the selector lever will
refuse to move: shiftlock.

Apply the brake until you are ready to
move off; this will prevent the vehicle

creeping when a gear is selected.<

A lock prevents the selector lever from acciden­tally being moved to the R or P positions.

Overriding the lock

To remove the key from the ignition lock, move
the selector lever to position P and switch off the
engine: interlock. Removing the key from the
ignition lock, see page 46.

Selector lever positions

P R N D M/S + –

Displays in the revolution counter

P R N D DS M1 to M6

Press the button on the front of the selector
lever, arrow.

P Park

Engage this gear only when the vehicle is stand­ing still. The driven wheels are locked.

R Reverse

Engage this gear only when the vehicle is stand­ing still.

N Neutral

Select in car wash, for example. The vehicle will
be able to roll.

The selector lever position is displayed, or the
current gear in the manual mode.

50

D Drive, automatic position

Use this position for all normal driving. All for­ward gears are selected automatically.

Driving CONTROLS

Kick-down

Kick-down enables you to achieve maximum
performance.
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the
increased resistance at the full-throttle position.

Sport programme and M/S manual-shift
mode

From position D, move the selector lever to the
left into the M/S selection gate:
The Sport program is activated and DS appears.
This position is recommended for a perform­ance-oriented driving style.

To deactivate the Sport programme or manual
operation M/S, move the selector lever to the
right into position D.

Shifting gears using the shift paddles on
the steering wheel*

With the selector lever in automatic-drive posi­tion D, you can shift gears directly via the shift
paddles on the steering wheel. The car automat­ically switches to manual mode.

If for a certain amount of time you neither shift
gears using the shift paddles nor accelerate, the
car automatically switches back to automatic­drive position D.

> Pull one of the two shift paddles.

Transmission shifts up.

> Press one of the two shift paddles.

Transmission shifts down.

M1 to M6 is displayed in the revolution counter.

Shifting gears using the selector lever

Press the selector lever forwards or backwards
to activate manual mode. Steptronic changes
the gear.

> Pull the selector lever in the + direction.

Transmission shifts up.

> Press the selector lever in the – direction.

Transmission shifts down.

The selected gear, for example M1, is displayed
in the revolution counter.

To return to the automatic mode, move the
selector lever to the right into position D.

Upshifts and downshifts are performed only at a
suitable engine or road speed; for example, the
transmission will not shift down if the resulting
engine speed would be too high. The gear
selected is briefly shown, followed by the gear
currently in use.

Manually unlock selector lever interlock

The selector lever interlock can be overridden if
the selector lever is stuck in position P, in spite of
the ignition being switched on, the brake being
depressed and the button on the selector lever
being pressed:

51

CONTROLS Driving

1. Unclip the gaiter of the selector lever.

2. Pull the gaiter up over the selector lever until

the gaiter is inside out. If necessary, unplug
the cable connector.

3. Insert the puller 1 into the loop on the pas-

senger's side.

4. Pull the strap upwards.

5. To move the selector lever into the desired

position, press the button on the front of the
selector lever knob.

Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator
light indicates that a flashing turn indica-

tor bulb has failed.<

Indicating a turn briefly

Press and hold the lever as far as the pressure
point for as long as you wish to indicate a turn.

Triple turn signal

Press the lever as far as the pressure point.

It can be programmed whether the turn indica­tors flash once or three times.

1. Switch on the ignition, see page 46.

2. Press the button in the turn indicator lever

repeatedly until "SET/INFO" appears.

Before manually unlocking the selector
lever interlock, strongly apply the hand-

brake to prevent the vehicle rolling away.<

Flashing turn indicators/
headlight flasher

1 Flashing turn indicators

2 Headlight flasher

Indicating a turn

3. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

4. Press the button repeatedly until the symbol

and "SET" appear.

5. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

Press the lever beyond the pressure point.

To cancel it manually, press the lever as far as
the pressure point.

52

Driving CONTROLS

6. Press the button repeatedly until the indi-

cated symbol, arrow, appears.

7. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

8. Press button to select:

>

Indicating a turn briefly.

>

Triple turn signal.

9. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes. The setting is stored.

The lever returns to the home position when
released.

Normal wiper speed

Press once.
The wipers switch to intermittent wipe when the
vehicle is stationary.

Fast wiper speed

Press twice or press beyond the pressure point.
The wipers switch to normal speed when the
vehicle is stationary.

Intermittent wipe or rain sensor*

If the car is not fitted with a rain sensor, the
intermittent-wipe time is a preset.

The rain sensor automatically regulates the
windscreen wipers in accordance with the rain
intensity. The rain sensor is located on the wind­screen, directly in front of the interior mirror.

Activating intermittent operation or rain
sensor

Wiper system

1 Switching on wipers

2 Switching off wipers or flick-wipe

3 Activating/deactivating intermittent wipe or

rain sensor

4 Cleaning windscreen and headlights*

Switching on wipers

Press the lever upwards, arrow 1.

*

Press the button, arrow 3.

The symbol is displayed in the revolu­tion counter.

Deactivate the rain sensor in an automatic
vehicle wash, to prevent the vehicle's wip-

ers being activated inadvertently and dam­aged.<

53

CONTROLS Driving

Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity

1. Switch on the ignition, see page 46.

2. Press the button in the turn indicator lever

repeatedly until "SET/INFO" appears.

3. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

4. Press the button repeatedly until the symbol

and "SET" appear.

Deactivating intermittent operation or
rain sensor

Press the button again, arrow 3.

Flick wipe

Press the lever downwards once, arrow 2.

Cleaning windscreen and headlights*

Pull the lever, arrow 4.

Fluid from the washer fluid reservoir is sprayed
on to the windscreen and the wipers are oper­ated briefly.

When the vehicle's lights are switched on, the
headlights are cleaned simultaneously at practi­cal intervals.

In cars fitted with an alarm system, the head­lights cannot be cleaned when the engine com­partment lid is open.

5. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

Do not run the washer systems if the res-

ervoir for washer fluid is empty, or the
washer pump will be damaged.
Only use the washer systems if the engine com­partment lid is completely locked. Otherwise the
headlight cleaning system
Only operate the washer systems and cleaning
equipment if you are certain that the fluid will
not freeze to the windscreen and interfere with
the view ahead. Screenwash should therefore
be added to the fluid.<

* could be damaged.

Windscreen washer jets

The windscreen washer jets are heated auto­matically
ignition switched on.

* while the engine is running or the

6. Press the button to select the desired sensi-

tivity.

7. Wait or keep the button pressed until the

display changes.
The settings are stored.

54

Driving CONTROLS

Rear window wiper

0 Rest position of the rear wiper

1 To switch on intermittent wipe :

Turn the end of the lever to position 1.
In reverse gear, continuous operation is acti­vated.

The rear window washer does not move if the
cap is in position 1 prior to the ignition being
switched on.

there is a risk of fire and personal safety is
endangered.<

When filling with water, to which screenwash
has been added if required, always follow the
manufacturer's instructions.

Mix the water and screenwash additive
before filling the washer fluid reservoir, to

make sure the correct concentration is main­tained.<

Rear window washer

2 To clean the rear window with intermittent

wipe :
Turn the cap to position 2 and hold it there.

3 To clean the rear window from the rest posi-

tion :
Turn the cap to position 3 and hold it there.

Do not run the washer systems if the res­ervoir for washer fluid is empty, or the

washer pump will be damaged.<

Washer fluid

Screenwash for the washer fluid is highly

flammable. Therefore, to avoid the risk of
injury, it has to be kept away from ignition
sources and stored only in the sealed original
container out of the reach of children. Comply
with the instructions on the container.<

Capacity

Approx. 4 litres, approx. 7 pints.

Cruise control*

The principle

You can activate the cruise control from a speed
of approx. 30 km/h or 20 mph. The car then
memorises and maintains the speed that you
specify using the button on the steering wheel.

Do not use the cruise control when unfa-

vourable conditions preclude driving at
steady speeds, for example winding roads,
heavy traffic or a poor road surface such as
snow, rain, ice, or loose material. Otherwise you
could lose control of the vehicle and cause an
accident as a result.<

Washer fluid reservoir

Only top up washer fluid with anti-freeze

protection when the engine has cooled
down. This prevents contact with hot engine
components. Otherwise, if the fluid is spilled,

55

CONTROLS Driving

Activating

1 Resuming cruise control

2 Activating/deactivating cruise control

3 Maintaining speed, memorising speed, and

accelerating

4 Maintaining speed, memorising speed, and

decelerating

The indicator light in the speedometer comes
on. The cruise control is on standby and can be
activated.

Activating/deactivating cruise control

Press the button 2.

maintain speed on uphill gradients if current
engine power output is insufficient.

Increasing speed

Press the button 3 repeatedly until the desired
speed is reached. Each time the button is
pressed, road speed is increased by approx.
2 km/h or approx. 1 mph.

Accelerating with the button

Hold button 3 down.

The vehicle accelerates without the accelerator
pedal being touched. After you release the but­ton, the speed the vehicle has reached will be
maintained and memorised.

Reducing speed

Press button 4 repeatedly until the desired
speed is reached.

Functions analogous to increasing speed or
accelerating, except that the speed is
decreased.

The system is automatically deactivated, during:

> braking
> gear changes
> in selector lever position N
> when the driving stability control system is

intervening

Cruise control is not deactivated by pressing the
accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator pedal is
released, the memorised speed is regained and
maintained.

The memorised speed is deleted when the igni­tion is switched off.

Maintaining current speed

Press the button 3.

The vehicle's current speed is maintained and
memorised.

If engine braking alone is insufficient on a down­hill gradient, the controlled speed may be
exceeded. It may in turn prove impossible to

Calling up memorised speed

Press button 1.

The speed last memorised is regained and main­tained.

The memorised speed is deleted when the igni­tion is switched off.

Display in the revolution counter*

The selected speed is displayed briefly.

If --- km/h (--- mph) appears temporarily
in the revolution counter, it is possible that

56

the system prerequisites for operation have not
been met.<

Malfunction

The warning light comes on in the revo­lution counter when the system has
failed.

Driving CONTROLS

57

CONTROLS Everything under control

Everything under control

Revolution counter

Never force engine speed up into the red warn­ing field. In this zone the fuel supply is inter­rupted to protect the engine.

Displays in the
revolution counter

Units of measure

To select the respective units of measure, km or
miles for the odometer as well as 6 or 7 for
the outside temperature, page 61.

Fuel gauge

Fuel tank capacity

For notes on refuelling, see page 140.

1 Current vehicle speed

2 Odometer, trip distance recorder and out-

side temperature display

3 Resetting trip distance recorder

*

Odometer and trip distance recorder

Resetting trip distance recorder

With the ignition switched on, press knob 3 in
the revolution counter.

If the vehicle is at an angle for some time, for
example on a long mountain road, the value in
the display may fluctuate to some extent.

Approx. 47 litres, approx. 99 pints.

Reserve

When the reserve volume of approx. 8 litres,
approx. 1.8 gal, is reached, the remaining LEDs
switch from orange to red, arrow. The revolution
counter
range of approx. 50 km, approx. 30 miles, a
warning light comes on.

the engine's functions are not assured and dam­age may occur.<

shows the remaining range. Below a

If the remaining range is below 50 km,
approx. 30 miles, refuel the car, otherwise

58

Everything under control CONTROLS

Computer*

Displays in the revolution counter

Press the button on the flashing turn indicator
lever to call up items of information one after
the other.

The following items of information are displayed
in the order listed:

> Range

Average fuel consumption

Calculated for the period since the engine was
last started.

To reset the average consumption reading:
press the button in the flashing turn indicator
lever for approx. 2 seconds.

Current fuel consumption

Enables you to check how economical you are
driving.

Average speed

The calculation of average speed ignores any
stationary periods where the engine was
switched off.

To reset the average speed reading: press the
button in the flashing turn indicator lever for
approx. 2 seconds.

> Average fuel consumption
> Current fuel consumption
> Average speed
> External temperature display

In parallel, gearshift recommendations to
reduce fuel consumption can be displayed, see
Gearshift point display

To set the corresponding units of measure, see
Formats and units of measure on page 61.

* on page 59.

Range

This display indicates how far the vehicle can
probably be driven on the fuel remaining in the
tank. The range is calculated on the basis of the
way the car has been driven over the past
30 km, approx. 20 miles, and the amount of fuel
currently in the tank.

If the range is below 50 km, approx.

30 miles, refuel the vehicle, otherwise the
engine's functions are not assured and damage
may occur.<

Outside temperature warning

If the temperature reading falls to approx.
+36/377, a signal sounds and a warning light
comes on. There is an increased risk of ice.

Sheet ice can also form at temperatures
above +36/37 7. You should therefore

drive carefully over bridges and shaded roads;
otherwise there is an increased risk of acci­dent.<

Gearshift point display*

Principle

This system recommends the gear that allows
optimal fuel economy in the current driving situ­ation. Whenever that gear differs from the one
currently engaged, you are prompted to shift up
or down, respectively.

59

CONTROLS Everything under control

Enabling/disabling the system

If the range is displayed in the computer, see
page 59, press the button on the flashing turn
indicator lever for approx. 3 seconds.

1 Button for:

> Selecting display
> Setting values
> Confirming selected display or set values

Displays

1 Gear with most favourable fuel consumption

2 Shift up to the displayed gear to enhance

fuel economy

3 Shift down to the displayed gear to enhance

fuel economy

In parallel, you can call up any information from
the computer as usual.

> Calling up computer information 59

Symbol Function

Setting rain sensor* 54

Calling up Check
Control 66

Displaying vehicle
check 66

Settings and information

Operating principle

Some settings and information can only be
made or called up when the ignition is switched
on, the vehicle is stationary and the doors are
closed.

60

Initialising the Run Flat
Indicator 72

Everything under control CONTROLS

Symbol Function

Setting formats and units
of measure, resetting to
factory settings 62

Adjusting settings

> Confirmation sig-

> Characteristics

> Automatic

> Headlight cour-

nals for locking
and unlocking of
the vehicle 22

during
unlocking 21

locking 25

tesy delay
feature 76

Exiting displays

1. Press the button in the turn indicator lever

repeatedly until "HOME" appears.

2. Press and hold down the button.

The system also exits the displays if no entry is
made within approx. 8 seconds.

Next setting or item of information

> Daytime driving

lights 77

> Triple turn

signal 52

Setting the clock

Setting the date

Exiting a menu

* 64

* 65

1. Within a setting or item of information, press

the button in the turn indicator lever repeat­edly until "NEXT" appears.

2. Press and hold down the button.

Direct switch to next setting or item of informa­tion.

Formats and units of
measure

To set formats and units of measure. The set­tings are stored for the remote control in use,
see also Personal Profile on page 20.

61

CONTROLS Everything under control

1. Switch on the ignition, see page 46.

2. Press the button in the turn indicator lever

repeatedly until "SET/INFO" appears.

> Fuel consumption: l/100 km, mpg,

*

km/l

> Distance covered: km, mls

3. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

4. Press the button repeatedly until the symbol

and "SET" appear.

5. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

6. Press the button repeatedly until the indi-

cated symbol, arrow, appears.

> Time
> Date

month/day mm/dd

> Temperature: 6, 7

7. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

8. Press the button in order to change the for-

mat or unit of measure

9. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.
The settings are stored.

*: 24h, 12h
*: day.month dd.mm,

Resetting to factory settings

The settings for formats and units of measure
can be reset to factory settings. The settings are
stored for the remote control in use, see also
Personal Profile on page 20.

1. Press the button in the turn indicator lever

repeatedly until "SET/INFO" appears.

62

2. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

Everything under control CONTROLS

3. Press the button repeatedly until the symbol

and "SET" appear.

4. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

5. Press the button repeatedly until "RESET" is

displayed.

The extent of service work required can be
read out from the remote control by your

MINI Service Advisor.<

Displaying vehicle check

For certain maintenance operations, you can
view the respective distance remaining or due
date individually in the revolution counter.

1. Switch on the ignition, see page 46.

2. Press the button in the turn indicator lever

repeatedly until "SET/INFO" appears.

6. Press and hold down the button until the

display switches to the first setting option.
The settings are reset.

Next Service indicator

3. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

4. Press the button repeatedly until the corre-

sponding symbol and "SERVICE-INFO"
appear.

5. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

6. Press the button to display the individual

service requirements, see below.

The remaining driving distance and the date of
the next scheduled service are displayed briefly
immediately after you start the engine or switch
on the ignition.

63

CONTROLS Everything under control

Possible displays

1 Button for selecting information

Symbol Function

Engine oil*

Symbol Function

Brake fluid

Exiting a display 61

Next setting or item of
information 61

Front brakes

Rear brakes

Roadworthiness test

Vehicle check

More information on the MINI Maintenance Sys­tem can be found on page 151.

Clock

Setting the clock

Radio MINI CD:

To set the 12h/24h mode, see Formats and units
of measure on page 61.

1. Press the button in the turn indicator lever

repeatedly until "SET/INFO" appears.

64

2. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

Everything under control CONTROLS

3. Press the button repeatedly until the symbol

and "SET" appear.

4. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

5. Press the button to set the hours.

6. Wait until the display switches to the min-

utes setting.

7. Press the button to set the minutes.

8. Wait until the display switches.

The settings are stored.

1. Press the button in the turn indicator lever

repeatedly until "SET/INFO" appears.

2. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

3. Press the button repeatedly until the symbol

and "SET" appear.

Radio MINI Boost CD:

1. Press MENU button.

2.

Press the button.

3.

Press the button.

4. Select the desired menu item "FORMAT",

"STD" or "MIN" and press the respective but­ton.

5. Turn the right-hand knob to set values.

6. Press the right-hand knob to save values.

7.

Press the button to leave settings.

Date

Setting date

Radio MINI CD:

To set the dd/mm or mm/dd date format, see
Formats and units of measure on page 61.

4. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

5. Press the button to set the day.

6. Wait until the display switches to the month

setting.

7. Set the month and year in the same manner.

8. Wait until the display switches.

The settings are stored.

Radio MINI Boost CD:

1. Press MENU button.

2.

Press the button.

3.

Press the button.

4. Select desired menu item "TT", "MM" or

"JJ".

5. Turn the right-hand knob to set values.

65

CONTROLS Everything under control

6. Press the right-hand knob to save values.

7.

Press the button to leave settings.

Check Control

Principle

The Check Control monitors vehicle functions
and alerts you to any faults in the systems mon­itored. Such a Check Control alert involves indi­cator or warning lights in the displays and, if
applicable, an acoustic signal.

> Some Check Control messages are displayed

until the faults have been rectified. These
messages cannot be hidden. If several faults
occur at the same time, the Check Control
messages are displayed in succession.

> Other Check Control messages are automat-

ically hidden after approx. 20 seconds, but
are not deleted.

Symbol indicates that Check Control mes­sages are stored. Check Control messages can
be shown later on.

Indicator and warning lights can come on in var­ious combinations and colours in panel 1 or 2.

What to do in the event of a fault

See the list starting on page 172 to determine
what each light means in the event of a malfunc­tion and what measures should be taken.

Hiding Check Control messages

Displaying memorised Check Control
messages

Stored Check Control messages can only be
shown when the driver's door is closed.

1. Press the button in the turn indicator lever

repeatedly until "SET/INFO" appears.

2. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

Press the button in the flashing turn indicator
lever.

66

Everything under control CONTROLS

3. Press the button repeatedly until the corre-

sponding symbol and "CHECK INFO"
appear.

4. Hold the button pressed.

"CHECK OK" appears if there are no Check
Control messages.
If a Check Control message has been stored,
the corresponding message is displayed.

5. Press the button to check for other mes-

sages.

67

CONTROLS Technical features for driving comfort and safety

Technical features for driving
comfort and safety

Park Distance Control
PDC*

Principle

PDC assists you with manoeuvring into a parking
space. Acoustic signals warn you of the presence
of an object behind the car. Four ultrasonic sen­sors in the rear bumper perform the measure­ments.

An acoustic signal sounds once an object

is approx. 60 cm, approx. 24 in, from the
rear corner sensors, or approx. 1.50 m, approx.
5 ft, from the rear centre sensors. PDC is a park­ing aid which is capable of registering objects
approached at low speed, as is usually the case
when the car is being parked. Avoid approach­ing an object rapidly, otherwise the system may
be unable to alert you in sufficient time due to
the physical principles involved.<

If the car is towing a trailer, the rear sensors will
be unable to supply meaningful signals. They
therefore do not light up.

Automatic mode

With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated after approx. one
second when reverse gear or selector lever
position R is engaged. Wait for a brief moment
before driving off.

Audible warning signals

The closer the car approaches the object, the
more rapid the sequence of signals. When the
distance to a detected object is less than approx.
30 cm, approx. 12 in, the signal becomes con­tinuous.

Adjusting

The volume of the signal tones can be adjusted,
see Radio MINI CD, page 108 or Radio MINI
Boost CD, page 114.

Malfunction

Indicator light comes on. PDC has failed.
Have the system checked.

As a precautionary measure, keep the
sensors clean and free from ice, so that they
always operate reliably. When using a high­pressure cleaner, do not spray the sensors for
extended periods of time and only from a dis­tance of at least 10 cm, approx. 4 in.

System limitations

PDC is no substitute for your personal

assessment of obstructions. The sensors
have certain dead areas in which objects cannot
be detected. In addition, the identification of
objects may not be possible if the physical limits
of the ultrasonic measuring principle are
exceeded, for instance with trailer noses and
hitches, and thin or wedge-shaped objects. Low
objects already indicated, such as kerbs, may
enter the sensors' dead areas before or after a
continuous audible signal is given. Higher, pro­truding objects such as ledges may not be
detectable. For this reason, drive prudently, as
otherwise there is a risk of personal injury or
damage to property. Loud sound sources out­side or inside the vehicle can drown out the PDC
signal.<

If the distance remains constant, e.g. if you are
driving parallel to a wall, the signal is interrupted
after approx. 3 seconds.

68

Technical features for driving comfort and safety CONTROLS

Driving stability control
systems

Your MINI has a number of systems that help to
maintain the vehicle's stability even in adverse
driving conditions.

Not even driving stability control systems

can overcome the laws of physics. It is
therefore the driver's responsibility to adopt a
suitable driving style in every situation. The
added safety this provides should not be under­mined by taking risks while driving, otherwise
there is a risk of accidents.<

Anti-lock Brake System ABS

ABS prevents the wheels locking when the
brakes are applied. The vehicle can conse­quently still be steered even when the brakes
are applied hard. This increases active driving
safety.

Dynamic Stability Control DSC

Principle

DSC prevents the driving wheels losing traction
when you pull away from rest or accelerate.

DSC also recognises 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 such instances, DSC
helps to keep the car on a stable course, subject
to the limits imposed by the basic laws of
dynamics, by reducing the engine output and
applying the brakes to individual wheels.

DSC is ready to operate each time the engine is
started.

Deactivating DSC

Safe braking, see page 93.

ABS is ready to operate each time the engine is
started.

Cornering Brake Control CBC

Driving stability and steering characteristics are
further enhanced while you are braking in bends
or during a lane change.

Electronic Brake Force Distribution EBV

The system regulates the braking pressure on
the rear wheels in order to stabilise the braking
behaviour.

Brake assist

When the brake is depressed quickly, this sys­tem automatically applies maximum braking
power assistance. The system thus helps keep
braking distance to a minimum. It also makes
full use of the advantages offered by ABS.

Maintain pressure on the brake as long as full
braking is required.

Press button until the DSC OFF indicator light in
the revolution counter lights up and DSC OFF is
displayed in the revolution counter. DSC is deac­tivated. Stabilising and the traction-improving
effects are no longer available.

When driving with snow chains or if the vehicle
has to be rocked out of deep snow, it may be
advisable to switch off DSC (dynamic stability
control) temporarily.

In the interests of dynamic stability, activate DSC
again as soon as possible.

Activating DSC

Press the button again, the indicator lights for
DSC in the display elements go out.

69

CONTROLS Technical features for driving comfort and safety

As a check

Indicator light in revolution counter
flashes:
DSC is regulating the propulsive and

braking forces.

Indicator light DSC OFF in speedometer
lights up and DSC OFF is displayed in
revolution counter:

DSC is deactivated.

Dynamic Traction Control DTC*

Principle

DTC is a version of DSC that has been traction­optimised for particular operating conditions,
e.g. driving on roads where the snow has not
been cleared. The system assures maximum
traction, but with reduced dynamic stability. You
should therefore drive with caution.

Activating DTC*

Press button until the DSC OFF indicator light in
the speedometer lights up and TRACTION is dis­played in the revolution counter.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC is deactivated,
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is activated.

As a check

Indicator light in revolution counter
flashes:
DTC is regulating the propulsive and

braking forces.

The indicator light in speedometer
comes on and TRACTION is displayed in
the revolution counter:

DTC is activated.

In the following exceptional situations it may be
best to activate DTC for a short time:

> When driving on snowed slopes, in slush or

on uncleared snowed surfaces.

> When rocking out or driving off from deep

snow or loose surface.

> When snow chains are fitted.

70

Deactivating DTC*

Press button again, the DSC OFF indicator light
in the speedometer and TRACTION in the revo­lution counter go out.

Technical features for driving comfort and safety CONTROLS

Jointly deactivating DTC* and DSC

Press button for at least 3 seconds, the DSC OFF
indicator light in the speedometer lights up and
DSC OFF is displayed in the revolution counter.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC and Dynamic Sta­bility Control DSC are deactivated together. No
stabilising intervention will now take place.

Brake intervention, in the form of a differential

* is used for better drive characteristics,

lock
even with deactivated DSC and unevenly spin­ning drive wheels.

ALL4 four-wheel drive system*

ALL4 is your MINI's four-wheel drive system. The
combined effect of ALL4 and DSC further opti­mises traction and driving dynamics. The ALL4
four-wheel drive system distributes the torque
flow variably to the front and rear wheels in
accordance with the driving situation and the
condition of the road surface.

Sport button*

When you press this button, your MINI reacts in
an even sportier manner.

> Engine responds more spontaneously to

accelerator pedal movements.

> Steering responds more directly.
> Cooper S engine sounds more sporty in

coasting mode.

With automatic transmission:

Activating DSC

Press the button again, the indicator lights for in
the display elements go out.

Hill Start Assist

The Hill Start Assist enables comfortable driving
off on upward inclines. It is not necessary to use
the handbrake for this.

1. Hold the MINI in place by depressing the

brake.

2. Release the brake and drive off immediately

without delay.

The Hill Start Assist holds the vehicle in place for
approx. 2 seconds after the brake is released.

Depending on the vehicle's load or if tow-

ing a trailer, the vehicle might roll back­wards a little during this time. After releasing the
brake, drive off immediately without delay. After
approx. 2 seconds the Hill Start Assist assistant
will no longer hold the vehicle in place and the
car will start to roll backwards.<

> Gears are shifted more quickly in the Sport

programme.

Activating the system

Press the SPORT button.
The LED lights up.

SPORT is displayed briefly in the revolution
counter.

Deactivating the system

> Press the SPORT button again.
> Switch off the engine.

71

CONTROLS Technical features for driving comfort and safety

Run Flat Indicator RPA

Principle

The system does not measure the tyre pressures
as such.

The system detects a pressure loss on the basis
of a comparison between the speeds at which
the individual wheels rotate while the vehicle is
in motion.

In the event of a pressure drop, the diameter
and therefore the rotational speed of the wheel
in question change. This is detected and
reported as a flat tyre.

Operating requirements

The system requires initialisation with the cor­rect tyre pressure to ensure a reliable reporting
of the flat tyre.

The system must be reinitialised every time tyre
pressures are corrected, after each change of a
wheel or tyre, and after a trailer has been
attached or detached.

System limits

Initialisation is started by confirming the correct
inflation pressures.

Do not initialise the system while snow chains
are fitted.

Using the button in the flashing turn
indicator lever

1. Start the engine, but do not drive off yet.

2. Press the button in the turn indicator lever

repeatedly until "SET/INFO" appears.

3. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

4. Press button repeatedly until the corre-

sponding symbol and "RESET" appear.

No warning can be given of extreme, sud­den tyre failure caused by external fac-

tors.<

A natural, uniform loss of pressure in all four
tyres is not detected. Consequently, check the
tyre pressures at regular intervals.

In the following situations, the system could be
slow to respond or operate incorrectly:

> If the system has not been initialised
> When driving on snow-covered or slippery

surfaces

> Sporty style of driving: causing the driven

wheels to spin, high lateral acceleration

> Snow chains are fitted

Initialising the system

On initialisation, the current tyre pressures are
stored as a reference for detection of a flat tyre.

5. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

6. Drive off.

Initialisation is completed while the car is on
the move, without any feedback.

Initialising is completed by driving the
vehicle; this process can be interrupted at

any time. Initialising resumes automatically
when you continue your journey.<

72

Technical features for driving comfort and safety CONTROLS

Indication of a flat tyre

The warning lights come on in red. In
addition a warning signal is heard.

There is a flat tyre or substantial loss of
tyre pressure.

1. Reduce your speed and cautiously stop the

car. Avoid violent or sudden braking and
steering manoeuvres.

2. Check whether your vehicle is equipped

with normal tyres or with run-flat tyres

The symbol identifying run-flat tyres, see
page 143, is a circle with the letters RSC on
the sidewall.

If the car is not fitted with run-flat tyres do
not continue driving. Any attempt to drive

on can result in a serious accident.<

Dynamic Stability Control DSC is switched on
when a flat tyre is reported.

*.

What to do in the event of a flat tyre

Normal tyres*

1. Identify the damaged tyres.

To do this, check the inflation pressure in all
four tyres.
You can do this using the inflation pressure
display in the mobility system, page 161.

If all four tyres are inflated to the correct
pressures, the Run Flat Indicator might not
have been initialised. Initialise the system.

If you cannot tell which wheel is damaged,
please contact Service.

2. Repair the damaged tyre with the mobility

system, see page 161.

Run-flat tyres*

If a tyre has punctured you can continue your
journey, driving at speeds up to a maximum of
80 km/h, approx. 50 mph.

Continuing to drive with a puncture

If you continue a journey with a flat tyre:

1. Avoid violent or sudden braking and steer-

ing manoeuvres.

2. Do not exceed a speed of 80 km/h, approx.

50 mph, after this.

3. Check the pressure in all four tyres at the

next opportunity.

If all four tyres are inflated to the correct
pressures, the Run Flat Indicator might not
have been initialised. Initialise the system.

Maximum possible distance with tyres entirely
deflated:

The maximum possible distance is determined
by load and stress to which the vehicle is
exposed during travel.

In the case of average load, the possible dis­tance is approx. 80 km, approx. 50 miles.

The vehicle's handling characteristics change
when driving with damaged tyres. Examples
include the vehicle swerving more when brak­ing, braking distances increasing and modified
self-steering response. Modify your driving style
accordingly. Avoid sudden steering movements
or driving over obstacles such as kerbs, holes in
the road, etc.

As the stress to which the vehicle is exposed is
an essential factor in the possible distance that
can be travelled with deflated tyres, this dis­tance can be reduced dependent upon speed,
road conditions, outside temperature, stress,
etc. Conversely, it can be increased by adopting
a more conservative driving style.

Drive with caution and do not exceed a

speed of 80 km/h, approx. 50 mph.
In the event of a loss of tyre inflation pressure
driving characteristics change, e.g. reduced
track stability during braking, longer braking dis­tance and different self-steering properties.<

When towing a trailer, heavy trailers in

particular may start to snake. Therefore do
not exceed a speed of 60 km/h, approx.
35 mph, otherwise there is a risk of accident.<

Vibration or loud noises while driving may

be an indication that the tyre has finally
failed. Reduce speed and stop, otherwise parts

73

CONTROLS Technical features for driving comfort and safety

of the tyre could come loose and cause an acci­dent. Do not drive the car any further and con­tact Service.<

Dynamic brake lights*

On the left: normal braking.

Airbags

On the right: hard braking.

When you apply the brakes hard, the brake
lights of your MINI flash. If the vehicle has been
braked in this way, the hazard warning flashers
are activated and the brake lights remain lit
without flashing.
The hazard warning flashers are only deacti­vated when you accelerate again, or can be can­celled manually.

There are the following airbags beneath the cov­ers indicated:

1 Front airbags

2 Side airbags in the backrest

Protective effect

Failure to comply with the notes on
page 32 may put your personal safety at

risk.<

The front airbags protect the driver and front
passenger in the event of a head-on collision, if
the protective action of the seat belts alone
would be insufficient. The head-level and side
airbags provide protection in the event of a side-

74

3 Head airbags in the front and rear passenger

compartment

on collision. The side airbag has the effect of
supporting the upper body from the side. The
head-level airbag supports the head of the
seat's occupant.
The airbags will purposely not be activated by
every collision, e.g. not by more minor acci­dents, certain rollover situations and rear-end
collisions.

Technical features for driving comfort and safety CONTROLS

Never attach any material to the airbag

covers with adhesive, place material over
them or modify them in any other way.
Keep the instrument panel and windscreen on
the driver's side clear, i.e. do not affix adhesive
films or coverings, nor mount holders e.g. for a
navigation device or mobile phone, in that area.
Do not fit any protective covers, seat cushions or
other objects to the front seats unless they have
specifically been approved for use on seats with
integral side airbags. Do not hang items of cloth­ing such as coats or jackets over the backrests.
Do not dismantle the airbag occupant restraint
system. 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
remove the steering wheel.<

Avoid touching the system's components

immediately after it has been triggered
off, as there is a risk of sustaining burns.

Airbag system faulty

> Warning light does not light up from radio

readiness.

> Warning light remains permanently on.

In the event of a fault in the airbag system,

have it checked without delay, as there is
otherwise the risk that the system will not func­tion as intended even if a sufficiently severe
accident occurs.<

Only have testing, repairing or removing or
scrapping of airbag generators performed by
your Service or a workshop that has the required
licences under explosives regulations.

Any careless or unskilled interference with the
system could otherwise lead to its failure or to
accidental triggering with the risk of injury.<

Operational status of airbag system

As of radio readiness, page 46, the warning light
comes on briefly, indicating the operational
readiness of the entire airbag system and the
belt tensioners.

75

CONTROLS Lights

Lights

Side lights/low-beam
headlights

0 Lights off

1 Side lights

2 Low-beam headlights and welcome lights

3 Automatic driving lights control

driving lights
Head Light

If you open the driver's door with the ignition
switched off, the exterior lighting is switched off
automatically if the light switch is in position 0, 2
or 3.

If required, switch on the side lights, switch
position 1.

*, welcome lights and Adaptive

*

Side lights

Turn switch to position 1.
The lights come on all round the car.

For the additional option of parking lights on
one side of the vehicle only, page 79.

The side lights will discharge the battery.
Do not leave them switched on for too

long, otherwise the engine may fail to start.<

*, daytime

Automatic driving lights control*

When the switch is in position 3, the low-beam
headlights are switched on and off automatically
depending on ambient light conditions, e.g. in a
tunnel, in twilight and precipitation. Adaptive
Head Light

The headlights may also switch on when the sun
is sitting low on a blue sky.

When driving into brightly illuminated tunnels,
there may be a delay before the headlights
come on.

Irrespective of the ambient light level, the low­beam headlights remain on if you switch on the
fog lights

When the daytime driving lights are activated,
page 77, the low-beam headlights always come
on in switch position 3 when the ignition is
switched on. The car's exterior lights are auto­matically switched off after the car is parked.

of when it is necessary to switch on the lights.
The sensors are unable, for instance, to recog­nise fog or hazy weather. In such situations,
switch on the lights manually to avoid any safety
risk.<

* is active.

*.

The driving lights control function is no
substitute for your individual judgement

Welcome lights

If you leave the light switch in the position for
low-beam headlights or automatic driving lights
control when you park the vehicle, the side
lights and interior light come on for a certain
time when you unlock your car.

Headlight courtesy delay feature

Low-beam headlights

Turn switch to position 2.
The low-beam headlights come on when the
ignition is on.

76

If you activate the headlight flasher after the
ignition has been switched off, the low-beam
headlights will remain on for a certain time.

The setting is stored for the remote control in
use, see Personal Profile, page 20.

Lights CONTROLS

Adjusting the duration or deactivating
the function

1. Switch on the ignition, see page 46.

2. Press the button in the turn indicator lever

repeatedly until "SET/INFO" appears.

3. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

4. Press the button repeatedly until the symbol

and "SET" appear.

8. Press button to select:

>

The function is deactivated.

> …

Select the corresponding duration, e.g.
40 seconds.

9. Press the button for longer.

The setting is stored.

Daytime driving lights*

The daytime driving lights come on when the
light switch is in position 3 and the ignition is
switched on.
The car's exterior lights are automatically
switched off after the car is parked.

Switch on the side lights separately, if necessary.

Activating/deactivating daytime driving
lights

5. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

6. Press the button repeatedly until the indi-

cated symbol appears.

The setting is stored for the remote control in
use, see Personal Profile, page 20.

1. Switch on the ignition, see page 46.

2. Press the button in the turn indicator lever

repeatedly until "SET/INFO" appears.

3. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

7. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

77

CONTROLS Lights

4. Press the button repeatedly until the symbol

and "SET" appear.

5. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

6. Press the button repeatedly until the indi-

cated symbol, arrow, appears.

the road ahead on the basis of steering angle
and other parameters.

Variable light distribution
surface even more effectively in accordance
with the vehicle's speed.

The light distribution is automatically adapted to
the speed. The town light is active at a speed less
than 45 km/h, approx. 30 mph. The motorway
light is switched on at a speed higher than
110 km/h, approx. 68 mph after approx.
30 seconds or above of a speed 140 km/h,
approx. 87 mph.

* illuminates the road

Activating Adaptive Head Light

With the ignition switched on, turn the light
switch to position 3, see page 76.

Standstill function
oncoming vehicles, Adaptive Head Light points
towards the front passenger's side when the
vehicle is stationary.

*: to avoid dazzling drivers of

7. Keep the button pressed until the display

changes.

8. Press button to select:

>

Daytime driving lights activated.

>

Daytime driving lights deactivated.

9. Press the button for longer.

The setting is stored.

Adaptive Head Light*

Principle

Malfunction

A message is displayed.

The Adaptive Head Light is faulty or has failed.
Have the system checked as soon as possible.

Headlight beam throw
adjustment

Halogen lights

Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlight con­trol system that makes it possible to illuminate
the road surface more effectively. The light
cones from the headlights are directed to suit

78

The beam throw of the low-beam headlights
must be adjusted manually to suit the load car-

Lights CONTROLS

ried in the car, otherwise the drivers of oncom­ing vehicles could be dazzled.

The second value in each case applies when
towing a trailer.

0 / 1 = 1 to 2 persons without luggage

1 / 1 = 4/5 persons without luggage

1 / 2 =4/5 persons with luggage

2 / 2 = 1 person, luggage area full

Comply with rear axle load limit, page 187.

Xenon headlights*

Beam throw is regulated automatically, e.g.
when you accelerate or brake, as well as for dif­ferent loads.

High-beam headlights/
parking lights

The parking lights will drain the battery.
Do not leave them switched on for too

long, otherwise the engine may fail to start.<

Switching off

Press the lever upwards or downwards to the
pressure point.

Fog lights*

1 Flashing turn indicators/parking lights*

2 Switching on the high-beam headlights

3 Switching off the high-beam headlights/

headlight flasher

Right or left parking lights*

The vehicle can be lit on one side for parking
purposes. Observe all country-specific regula­tions.

Switching on

1 Fog lights*
2 Rear fog light*

To switch on or off, press the respective switch.

Fog lights*

The side lights or low-beam headlights must be
switched on. The green indicator light comes on
while the fog lights are switched on.

If automatic driving lights control has
been activated, the low-beam headlights

come on automatically when the front fog lights
are switched on.<

Front fog lights*

In the switch position 3 the low-beam head­lights are adjusted to lighting conditions in con­junction with the variable light distribution
when the fog lamps are switched on.

The leading foglight provides wider illumination
up to a speed of 110 km/h, approx. 68 mph.

*

After parking the car, hold the lever up or down,
arrow 1.

Rear fog light*

Low-beam headlights or parking lights with fog
lights must be switched on. The yellow indicator

79

CONTROLS Lights

light comes on while the rear fog light is
switched on.

Instrument lighting

You can adjust the brightness of the instrument
lighting only when the side lights or the low­beam headlights are switched on.

Increasing brightness

Keep the button pressed until the desired
brightness is achieved.

Switching the interior light on/off
manually

Interior light on/off.

Press the switch.

To switch off the light permanently, press the
switch for about 3 seconds.

Reading lights*

There are reading lights at the front next to the
interior lights and in the rear*.

Decreasing brightness

Press button briefly.

Brightness is reduced each time the button is
pressed.

Interior light

The interior light, the footwell lights*, the kerb

* and the luggage area light are controlled

lights
automatically.

To preserve the battery, all lights inside
the car are switched off a short time after

the ignition is switched off, see Start/stop button
on page 46.<

Reading lights on/off.

Front: press the switch.

Rear: press the button.

80

Ambient lighting*

The colour and brightness of the ambient light­ing can be changed.

> Press the switch forwards.

Colour changes in increments.

> Press the switch backwards.

Brightness changes in increments.

Lights CONTROLS

Intermediate settings or colours are possible.

To change the colour of the ambient light­ing permanently, press the switch for-

wards and hold it there for more than
10 seconds.<

81

CONTROLS Climate

Climate

Equipment versions

Depending on the equipment version, your MINI
will have air conditioning or automatic air condi­tioning

1 Air conditioner 83

2 Automatic air-conditioning system

*.

82

Air outlets

3 Air to windscreen and side windows

4 Air to the upper body area, draught-free

ventilation

5 Air to footwells

* 84

Air conditioner

Climate CONTROLS

1 Air volume

2 Cooling function

3 Recirculated-air mode

4 Temperature

Air flow rate

Adjust the air flow. The higher the rate,
the more effective the heating or cooling
will be.

The air volume may be reduced or the sys­tem may even shut down entirely, to preserve
the battery.

Switching the system on/off

Turn the air flow rotary switch to 0. Blower and
air conditioner are completely switched off and
the air supply is cut off.

To switch on the air conditioner, set any desired
air flow.

Cooling function

When the cooling function is on, air
is cooled and dried, then reheated

according to the temperature set­ting. The function is only available with the
engine running.

The air conditioning function helps avoid or
quickly remove condensation.

5 Rear window heating

6 Air distribution

7 Windscreen heating

Switch on recirculated-air mode to speed
up and intensify air cooling at high tem-

peratures.<

*

Recirculated-air mode

If the air outside the car has an
unpleasant odour or contains pol-

lutants, shut off the supply to the
interior of the car temporarily. The air inside the
vehicle is then recirculated.

If the windows mist over in recirculated-

air mode, switch off recirculated-air mode
and increase the air volume if necessary.
Recirculated-air mode should not be used con­tinuously for lengthy periods, as the quality of
the air inside the vehicle will otherwise deterio­rate gradually.<

Temperature

Turn upwards towards red to increase the
temperature.
Turn downwards towards blue to
decrease the temperature.

Depending on weather conditions, the wind­screen may fog over momentarily when the
engine is started.

Rear window heating

The rear window heater switches
off automatically after a certain
time.

83

CONTROLS Climate

The rear window heating may be reduced or the
system may even shut down entirely, to pre­serve the battery.

Air distribution

Direct the flow of air to the
windows , to the upper body
area or to the footwell .
Intermediate settings are possible.

Windscreen heating*

The windscreen heating is switched
off automatically after a certain
time.

The windscreen heating may be reduced or the
system may even shut down entirely, to pre­serve the battery.

Defrosting windows

1. Set the maximum air flow rate.

2. Air distribution in position .

Switching on the cooling function
clear the mist from the windows more rap­idly.

3. Set the highest temperature, red.

4. Deactivate recirculated-air mode.

5. If necessary, switch on the windscreen heat-

ing.

6. If necessary, switch on the rear window

heating.

* helps

Microfilter

The micro-filter traps dust and pollen. The
micro-filter is changed by your MINI Service Cen­tre during routine maintenance work.

Automatic air-conditioning system*

1 Adjusting air volume manually

2 AUTO program

3 Recirculated-air mode

4 Maximum cooling effect

5 Manual air distribution

Preferred interior climate

The AUTO programme 2 offers optimal air distri­bution and air flow rate for almost all conditions,
see AUTO program below. All you need to do is
select an inside temperature you find comforta­ble.

6 Temperature

7 Defrosting windows and removing mist

8 Cooling function

9 Rear window heating

10 Windscreen heating

The following sections inform you in detail about
how to adjust the settings.

Most settings are stored for the remote control
in use, see also Personal Profile settings on
page 20.

*

84

Climate CONTROLS

Adjusting air volume manually

Press the – button to reduce the air flow
rate. Press the + button to increase it.

You can switch the automatic function for
the air volume back on by pressing the

AUTO button.

The air volume may be reduced or the system
may even shut down entirely, to preserve the
battery. The display remains unchanged.

Switching the system on/off

Decrease air flow by pressing the – button until
the system is switched off. All indicators go out.

Press the AUTO button to switch the automatic
air-conditioning system back on.

AUTO program

The AUTO program adjusts the air

distribution to the windscreen 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 as a result of seasonal
changes, e.g. sunlight.

The cooling function is switched on automati­cally in the AUTO program.

Recirculated-air mode

running, you obtain a maximum cooling effect
as soon as possible.

The automatic air conditioning enters the recir­culated-air mode at the lowest temperature
possible. Air flows at maximum rate from the
outlets for the upper body area. You should
therefore open these outlets for maximum cool­ing.

Adjusting air distribution manually

Depending on the selection, the
flow of air is directed to the win­dows, to the upper body area or to
the footwell.

You can switch the automatic air distribution
back on by pressing the AUTO button.

Temperature

Set the desired temperature individually.

The automatic air conditioning attains this
temperature as quickly as possible

regardless of the season by using maxi­mum cooling or heating power if necessary. The
temperature is then maintained.

The automatic air conditioning does not
have sufficient time to establish the set

temperature when temperature settings are
changed quickly in succession.<

Recirculated-air mode: the ambi­ent air supply is permanently shut
off. The air inside the vehicle is then

recirculated.

If the windows mist over in the recircu-

lated-air mode, press the AUTO button or
switch off the recirculated-air mode and
increase the air volume if necessary.
Recirculated-air mode should not be used con­tinuously for lengthy periods, as the quality of
the air inside the vehicle will otherwise deterio­rate gradually.<

Maximum cooling effect

At outside temperatures above
06/327 and when the engine is

Rear window heating

The rear window heater switches
off automatically after a certain
time. Depending on the equipment

specification, the top wires serve as
the antenna and are not part of the rear window
heating.

Defrosting windows

Remove ice and condensation

quickly from the windscreen and

from the front side windows.

Also switch on the cooling function.
The windscreen heating
matically.

* is switched on auto-

85

CONTROLS Climate

Windscreen heating*

The windscreen heating is switched
off automatically after a certain
time.

Cooling function

The passenger compartment can only be cooled
if the engine is running.

Air is cooled and dried when the
cooling function is switched on,
then reheated to suit the tempera­ture setting.

The cooling function helps to avoid mist forming
on the windows or to remove it rapidly.

Depending on weather conditions, the wind­screen may fog over momentarily when the
engine is started. If necessary, the recirculated­air mode is switched on automatically.

The cooling function is activated automatically
when the AUTO button is pressed.

Ventilation

1 Knob to open and close continuously

2 Nozzle for direction of air flow

Opening/closing

Turn the knob.

Directing the air flow

Swivel the entire nozzle.

Micro-filter/activated charcoal filter

The micro-filter traps dust and pollen. The acti­vated charcoal filter in addition removes gase­ous pollutants from the air entering the vehicle.
This combined filter is changed by your MINI
Service Centre during routine maintenance
work.
You can call up further information in the Next
Service indicator, page 63.

86

Practical interior equipment CONTROLS

Practical interior equipment

Glove compartment

Opening

To open the cover, take hold of the handle.
The light in the glove compartment comes on.

Closing

Swing lid up.

After using the glove compartment while
the car is moving, close its lid so that it

cannot cause injury in the event of an acci­dent.<

Ventilation*

Depending on the vehicle's equipment version,
the glove compartment can be ventilated; When
the cooling function is on

*, it can be cooled.

Closing

Turn the switch in the opposite direction of the
arrow into a vertical position.

Depending on the temperature setting for the
air conditioner or automatic air-conditioning
system, high temperatures could result in the
glove compartment.

Connection for external
audio device

You can connect an item of external audio
equipment, e.g. a CD or MP3 player, and play
back music via the vehicle's loudspeakers: see
section Entertainment, page 113 or 121.

Centre armrest*

Storage compartment

Depending on the version, the centre armrest
between the front seats contains either a com­partment or a cover for the mobile phone
bracket

Opening

* or the snap-in adapter*.

Opening

Turn switch in the direction of the arrow.

Press the button, arrow, and pull the cover up.

87

CONTROLS Practical interior equipment

Storage compartments

2 Fitting the base plate

For fitting move the lever to position 2.

Moving and securing

1. Press lever 3 into position 1.

2. Slide base plate.

3. Press lever 3 down, into position 0 and fix

base plate.

Before driving off, secure the base plate to
prevent the risk of injury in the event of an

accident.<

In the passenger compartment

Depending on your vehicle's equipment version,
storage compartments can be found in the front
and rear doors as well as in the centre console
Pockets
of the front seats.

* are located in the backrest rear panels

*.

Centre rail

Various accessories can be attached to a special
base plate on the centre rail and positioned at
various points. These include cup holders
mobile phone holders*.

Do not mount accessories in vicinity of
hand brake as otherwise this may be dam-

aged when the hand brake is actuated.<

* and

An example: cup holders

Fitting the base plate

Adding cup holders

1. Fix base plate if required, see Moving and

securing.

2. Pull lever 6 upwards to unlock mounting.

3. Start by locking cup holders into the front

mountings 4 and then lock them in the rear
mountings 5.

Make sure that the lever 6 is opposite
the mounting 4.<

The lever 3 can be locked in three positions.

0 Fixing

1 Sliding in the rail

88

Coat hooks

There are coat hooks on the grab handles in the
rear seating area.

Items of clothing hung from the hooks

must not obstruct the driver's view. Do not
hang heavy objects from the hooks, as they
could endanger the vehicle's occupants, e.g. in
case of heavy braking or sudden swerving.<

In the luggage compartment

Depending on your vehicle's equipment version,
there are the following storage options:

Practical interior equipment CONTROLS

> Storage compartment under the level load

platform

> Multi-function hook on the facing for the

roller cover for luggage compartment

*

Drinks holders and
ashtray*

Drinks holder*

When leaving the car, always remove the key so
that children cannot operate the cigarette
lighter and burn themselves.<

Connecting electrical
appliances

You can use electrical devices such as a hand
lamp, car vacuum cleaner, etc., up to approx.
140 watts at 12 volts if at least one of the follow­ing sockets is provided. Do not damage the
sockets by attempting to insert plugs of the
wrong pattern.

Cigarette lighter socket

Pull the cigarette lighter* or cover out of the
socket.

Power sockets*

Use lightweight break-proof containers
and do not carry hot drinks. Otherwise

there is an increased risk of injury in the event of
an accident.<

Do not force unsuitable containers into
the drinks holders. Otherwise, damage

may result.<

Other drink holders can be mounted in the rear
on the centre rail.

Ashtray*

The ashtray is located in one of the drinks hold­ers at the front in the centre console.

Emptying

Take out the entire ashtray.

Lighter

With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, press in the cigarette lighter.

In the rear

Pull out the cover.

In the luggage compartment

The cigarette lighter can be removed when it
pops back out.

Hold the hot cigarette lighter only by its
knob, otherwise you may suffer burns.

Pull out the cover.

89

Drive Me.

OVERVIEW

CONTROLS

DRIVING HINTS

Entertainment

COMMUNICATION

MOBILITY

REFERENCE

DRIVING HINTS Driving precautions

Driving precautions

Running in

Moving parts need a certain time to achieve
maximum operating efficiency as a unit. Comply
with the following instructions, which are
intended to ensure that your car achieves its
optimum operating life and economy.

Engine and final drive

Observe the speed limits in the country where
you are driving.

Up to 2000 km, approx. 1200 miles

Drive at varying road and engine speeds, but do
not exceed the following values:

> Petrol engine

4500 rpm, or 160 km/h, approx. 100 mph

> Diesel engine

3500 rpm, or 150 km/h, approx. 90 mph

Avoid full throttle and do not use the automatic
transmission kick-down.

From 2000 km, approx. 1200 miles,
onwards

Engine and road speeds can be gradually
increased.

Clutch

The clutch needs to be run in for about 500 km,
approx. 300 miles, before it will operate with
maximum efficiency. Operate the clutch gently
while running it in.

After fitting new parts

The same running in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
car's operating life.

General driving notes

Closing the tailgate

Drive only with the tailgate closed. If the

tailgate is not closed, in the event of an
accident or during braking or when taking eva­sive action, the safety of passengers and other
road users could be put at risk and the vehicle
may sustain damage. Furthermore, exhaust
gases could enter the passenger compart­ment.<

If it is nevertheless necessary to travel with the
tailgate open, observe the following precau­tions:

Tyres

New tyres do not achieve their full road
grip immediately, for production reasons. You
should therefore drive in a restrained manner
for the first 300 km, approx. 200 miles.

Brake system

Brake pads and discs do not achieve a favoura­ble wear and contact pattern until the car has
covered about 500 km, approx. 300 miles. Drive
with caution during this running in period.

92

1. Close all windows and the glass roof

2. Switch off recirculated-air mode and signifi-

cantly increase the air flow rate of the air
conditioning or automatic air conditioning,
page 83 or 85.

*.

Hot exhaust system

High temperatures occur in the exhaust

system of all vehicles. Never remove the
heat shields protecting the exhaust system, nor
apply underseal to them. Make sure that when
the vehicle is driven or parked and when the
engine is idling, no easily flammable material
such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. comes into con-

Driving precautions DRIVING HINTS

tact with the hot exhaust pipe. It could ignite
and cause a fire, with the risk of severe injuries
or damage. Do not touch hot exhaust tail pipes;
otherwise there is a risk of burns.<

Diesel particle filter*

The diesel particle filter collects soot particles
and burns them periodically at high tempera­tures. This cleaning procedure takes several
minutes. During that time, the engine may
sound slightly different and require slightly
higher engine speeds for normal power devel­opment. In that case, the engine fan can be
switched on even at low ambient temperatures.
In addition, the exhaust may emit a small
amount of smoke, even after the engine has
been switched off.

For Australia/New Zealand: radio signals

The vehicle's performance may be

affected by interference from high fre­quency radio signals. Such signals are emitted
by certain transmitting devices, for example, air­craft navigation beacons or mobile phone relay
stations.
Should you encounter problems of this nature,
we recommend seeking advice from your MINI
Service Centre.<

The manufacturer of your MINI does not recom­mend or support the installation and use of a
Weight Distribution Hitch or Load Levelling
Device on any MINI vehicle. The use of such
devices may affect the vehicle's warranty status.

We recommend you consult your Authorised
MINI Dealer for any further advice or clarifica­tion.

Aquaplaning

When driving on wet or slushy surfaces,

reduce speed to prevent a wedge of water
from forming between the tyre and the road.
This situation, known as aquaplaning, means
that the tyre can actually lose contact com­pletely with the road surface, so that neither the
car can be steered nor the brake be properly
applied.<

The risk of aquaplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tyres, see also Tread depth
on page 142.

Driving through water

Drive through water only to a max. depth

of 30 cm, approx. 1 ft, and no faster than
walking pace, otherwise the engine, electrical
system and transmission may be damaged.<

For Australia/New Zealand: towing

The Australian/New Zealand Standards
AS 4177.1 - 2004 Caravan and light trailer tow­ing components - Towbars and towing brackets
includes the following statement which the
manufacturer of your MINI herewith adopts:
"FOR TRAILER TOWING ONLY". The towbar sup­plied with your MINI vehicle should only be used
for towing purposes, the towbar assembly
should not be used in conjunction with any tow­bar-mounted carrying device, such as, for exam­ple, a bicycle carrying rack.

As all MINI towbar assemblies are designed,
tested and approved as a single unit, the prac­tice of modifying or replacing the MINI supplied
towball mount assembly is not approved. Use
only the genuine MINI towball mount assembly.

Handbrake on uphill gradients

Never try to prevent the car from rolling

back on an uphill gradient by slipping the
clutch; always apply the handbrake. The clutch
will otherwise wear rapidly.<

Support by Hill Start Assist, see page 71.

Safe braking

Your MINI is equipped with ABS. Applying the
brakes fully is the most effective way of braking
in situations in which this is necessary. Since the
vehicle remains steerable, you can avoid obsta­cles by turning the steering wheel as smoothly
as possible.

93

DRIVING HINTS Driving precautions

The pulsating sensation at the brake pedal,
combined with the sound of the hydraulic sys­tem operating, indicates that ABS is intervening.

Objects in the movement range of the
pedals

Make sure that pedal functions are not

impaired during travel by floor mats, car­pets or other objects. Do not place additional
floor mats on top of existing floor mats or other
objects. Only use floor mats which have been
approved for use with the vehicle and can be
securely fastened in place. If you remove floor
mats, for cleaning for example, make sure that
you fasten them securely back in place.<

Wet roads

In wet conditions or heavy rain, apply the brakes
briefly with slight pedal pressure every few kilo­metres or miles. When doing so, make sure that
no other road user is endangered. The resulting
heat dries the brake discs and pads. The full
braking force will then be available immediately
if needed.

Corrosion of brake discs

If the vehicle is used only for short distances, is
not used for lengthy periods or is subjected to
only minor loads, the brake discs will be particu­larly susceptible to corrosion and the brake pads
will collect dirt; this is because the necessary
brake pressure for a self-cleaning effect has not
been generated.

When the brakes are applied, corroded discs
tend to judder, and even lengthy brake applica­tions usually fail to eliminate this effect entirely.

When vehicle is parked

Moisture condensate forms in the automatic air
conditioning and is discharged underneath the
vehicle. Traces of water on the ground are there­fore normal.

After stopping the engine, the coolant pump in
the MINI Cooper S can continue running for a
certain time. This leads to noises in the engine
compartment.

Rule of the road

Downhill gradients

To avoid impairing the efficiency of the

brake system as a result of overheating,
drive down long or steep descents in the gear
that allows you to keep brake applications to a
minimum. Otherwise even slight continuous
pressure on the brake could cause overheating,
brake pad wear or even brake system failure.<

You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down through the gears all the way to
first gear, if necessary. This avoids overburden­ing the brakes. Downshifting in manual mode of
the automatic transmission, page 51.

Never drive with the clutch held down,

with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; engine breaking action
will not be present, or there will be no power
assistance to the brakes or steering.
Make sure that pedal functions are not impaired
by floor mats, carpets or other objects.<

When entering countries where the traffic drives
on the opposite side of the road to the country in
which your car is registered, certain measures
are necessary to avoid dazzling the drivers of
oncoming vehicles.

Halogen headlights

Masking film is available from your MINI Service
Centre. Apply it according to the instructions
enclosed with the film.

Xenon headlights

The light distribution of the xenon headlights
has been designed so that additional measures
do not need to be taken to avoid dazzling the
drivers of oncoming vehicles.
Low-beam headlights, switch position 2, turn
on.

94

Driving precautions DRIVING HINTS

Load

Avoid overloading the vehicle, as this

could cause the tyres' load capacity limit
to be exceeded. The tyres could then overheat
and sustain internal damage. This could lead to
sudden pressure loss.<

Make sure that no fluids are leaking in the

luggage compartment. Otherwise the
vehicle could be damaged.<

Expanding the luggage
compartment

Luggage compartment cover

Do not place any items on the cover, as

they may be dislodged by braking or
avoidance manoeuvres and endanger the occu­pants or damage the cover.<

In the MINI, the luggage area cover is raised
when the tailgate is opened.

The cover can be removed to facilitate trans­porting bulky items.

Comply with the notes on seat belts on
page 35, or there may be a risk to your

personal safety.<

5-seater: the rear seat backrest is divided 40-20-

40.

When the outer rear seat backrests are
folded down, you must not carry any pas-

sengers on the seat in the centre.<

Remove the third head restraint if necessary, see
Removing head restraints on page 34.
Undo the centre seat belt and insert it into the
mounting in the roof lining, see page 36.

Enlarge the luggage area by setting the rear seat
backs at a steeper angle.

There are 10 possible settings for adjusting and
folding down the backrests between comfort
position and transport position.

In the comfort position, the backrests are set as
far back as they will go. In the transport position
they are more or less vertical.

Before fitting a child restraint system, please
read and follow the instructions starting on
page 40.

1. Unhook retaining straps from the tailgate.

2. Lift the cover slightly, arrow 1, and pull it

towards the rear out of the holder, arrow 2.

Rear seat backrests

Before folding back the backrests, make

sure that the movement range of the
backrests is free. Especially when the middle
section is folded over, make sure that no-one is
in or reaches into the movement range. As oth­erwise injuries or damage can be caused.<

1. Hold backrest in the upper range, e.g. on the

headrest and pull the loop, arrow.

2. Lock the backrest in or fold it down to the

required position.

Folding up backrests

When folding back, make sure that the

lock has properly snapped into place. Oth­erwise loads in the vehicle interior can shift dur­ing braking and avoidance manoeuvres and
occupants can be endangered.<

95

DRIVING HINTS Driving precautions

Do not use any child restraint systems in
the rear when the rear seat backs have

been raised to a steeper angle; otherwise their
protective effect may be impaired.<

The backrests lock in the transport position
when folded up from the folded-down position.

Hold the backrest to set the required backrest
angle or backrest comfort position, pull the loop
forwards and set the backrest.

Luggage compartment cargo cover*

There is a cargo cover between the luggage
compartment and the rear seat backrest. This
can be folded down and used as the loading
floor.

When the backrests are folded over, do
not make the sight protection upright. In

the case of an accident, the load could fold over
the sight protection and damage it.<

Folding the cargo cover forward

1. Fold down the rear seat backrests.

2. Unlock the cargo cover, see above.

3. Take hold of the cargo cover on either side

and pull it forward over the folded-down
rear seat backrests.

Removal

1. Remove the roller cover for luggage com-

partment, page 95.

2. Fold the cargo cover up and unlock it, see

Folding the cargo cover forward.

3. Pull the cargo cover out of the guides on the

luggage compartment floor, arrows, and
remove it.

Folding down the cargo cover

1. Remove the roller cover for luggage com-

partment if necessary, page 95.

2. Fold up the cargo cover at the rear, arrow 1.

3. Undo the locks on the left and right-hand

sides, arrows 2.

4. Take hold of the cargo cover on either side

and pull it down.

To avoid the risk of damage, do not

exceed the maximum load of 150 kg,
approx. 330 lb, when the cargo cover is folded
down in the flat luggage compartment floor
position.<

Level load platform*

To avoid the risk of damage, do not
exceed the maximum load of 150 kg,

approx. 330 lb, for the flat luggage compart­ment floor.<

Access to the storage space

A storage space, e.g. for stowing the luggage
compartment partition net
neath the flat luggage compartment floor.

*, is located under-

96

Driving precautions DRIVING HINTS

1. Reach into the recess, arrow 1, on the rear

edge of the luggage compartment floor.

2. Lift luggage compartment floor at rear and

fold forwards, arrow 2.

Before closing the tailgate, unhook the loops
and fold the luggage compartment floor back
down into the flat position.

Removal

The luggage compartment floor can be removed
if required. To do this raise luggage compart­ment floor at recess, fold it together and take it
out.

Partition net*

Installation behind the front seats

1. Remove the roller cover for luggage com-

partment if necessary.

2. Folding down the rear seat backs, see

Expanding the luggage compartment.

3. Push each of the securing pins of the parti-

tion net as far as they will go into the front
mountings in the headlining, arrow 1, and
push forwards.

4. Attach the hooks, arrow 2 underneath the

straps to the eyes in both sides of the vehicle
floor.

5. Secure the partition net by tightening the

straps on the tensioning clasps.

Make sure that the partition net is firmly
secured, as otherwise injuries could

result.<

Before installing

1. Take the bag containing the partition net

out of the storage compartment underneath
the luggage compartment floor.

2. Take the partition net out of the bag and

unroll and unfold the net.

When you have finished using it, fold and roll
the partition net back up and put it back in
the bag so that it can be stowed underneath
the floor panel again. Keep hooks and ten­sioning clasps away from bar elements.

3. Fold out the partition net until the bar ele-

ments engage.

Removing

To remove and stow the partition net, proceed
in reverse order.

To roll the net up, press the release button,
arrow.

97

DRIVING HINTS Driving precautions

Multi-function hooks*

Holders on the left and right-hand sides of the
facing for the roller cover for luggage compart­ment, arrow, to which shopping backs or carrier
bags can be attached, for example.

Do not use the hooks to carry heavy bags

or bulky objects. Otherwise, flying objects
could pose a danger when braking and swerv­ing.
Heavy luggage should always be secured and
carried in the luggage compartment.<

Securing the load

> Smaller, lighter objects can be secured with

retaining straps or tensioning straps

> Your MINI Service Centre can supply suitable

lashings
loads.

> There are eight

these lashings can be attached.

Two of these are located on each of the side
panels of the luggage compartment
arrows 1.

* for securing larger or heavier

* securing eyes to which

*.

*,

Loading

> Position heavy objects as low and as far for-

ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
seat backs.

> Wrap protective material round sharp cor-

ners and edges.

> When carrying very heavy loads with no pas-

sengers on the back seat, insert both seat
belts into the respective opposite buckles.

> Do not stack items higher than the top edge

of the seat backs.

> Using the partition net, see page 97. Make

sure that objects cannot poke through the
partition net.

There are another two on either side of the
rear panel of the luggage compartment,
arrow 2.

To use the bottom lashing eyes, fold up or
remove the luggage compartment floor.

Please note the information supplied with load
securing equipment.

Always stow and secure the load as

described above, so that it cannot endan­ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerving is necessary.
Do not exceed the car's permitted gross weight
or the axle load limits, page 187, otherwise the
car is no longer safe to operate and the con­struction and use regulations are violated.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be dis­lodged, e.g. by braking or swerving manoeu­vres, and endanger the occupants. Do not
secure any load with the top attachment points
for ISOFIX, page 42, otherwise it can damage
them.<

98