
35
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CONVERTIBLE TOP WITH INTEGRATED SLIDING SUNROOF
Opening and closing the sliding
sunroof
To close:
Press button 1
The LED in the button flashes if the
sliding sunroof is not completely
closed and the driver's door is opened.<
To open:
Press button 2 until the desired position is
reached.
The sliding sunroof can be operated up to a
road speed of 75 mph / 120 km/h.
Power convertible top
So that you can get the most enjoyment
out of your MINI Convertible, please
observe the following tips:
>It is recommended that you close the
convertible top whenever the vehicle is
parked.
The closed convertible top not only pro-
tects the vehicle interior from damage
due to unforeseen bad weather, but also
provides a certain degree of protection
against theft
>Even when the convertible top is closed,
keep valuable items in the locked lug-
gage compartment or in the lockable
glove compartment
>Do not mount any roof rack systems on
the convertible top
>To avoid damage, do not operate the
convertible top at temperatures below
147/–106.
Do not leave the convertible top
folded for more than one day if it is
wet, to prevent permanent damage from
moisture. Do not place any objects on the
convertible top, as they could otherwise fall
off while the convertible top is being oper-
ated and result in damage or personal
injury.<
Driving off before an opening or clos-
ing procedure is completely finished
can lead to damage or personal injury.
Make sure that the convertible top's travel
path is clear and do not reach into the con-
vertible top mechanism during opening or
closing procedures, otherwise injuries may
result. Keep children away from the swivel-
ing area of the convertible top while it is in
operation.<
Before closing the convertible top, remove
any foreign objects from the windshield
frame. They could prevent the convertible
top from closing.
To conserve battery power, if possible
operate the convertible top only
while the engine is running.
Only operate the convertible top when the
vehicle is at a standstill. Otherwise, the pro-
cedure cannot be carried out or it will be
interrupted.
In order to operate the convertible top, the
loading aid must be locked and the luggage
compartment cover must be in its lower
position, refer to page89.<

37
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CONVERTIBLE TOP WITH INTEGRATED SLIDING SUNROOF
Checking
>The LED lights up during convertible top
operation until the opening or closing
procedure is completely finished
>The LED flashes after the button has
been released.
The opening or closing procedure is not
completely finished; additionally, a sig-
nal sounds.
The procedure can be continued in the
desired direction by pressing the appro-
priate button
>The LED flashes rapidly. The convertible
top cannot be operated.
The luggage compartment cover is not in
its lower position, refer to page89, or the
loading aid is not correctly locked, refer
to page89.
Interruption
The automatic movement is immediately
interrupted when the buttons for convert-
ible top operation are released. The proce-
dure can be continued in the desired direc-
tion by pressing the appropriate buttons.
If the opening or closing procedure is inter-
rupted by releasing the respective button,
the convertible top stays in its current posi-
tion for several seconds before it slowly
moves into a more stable position. The pro-
cedure can be continued by pressing the
appropriate button.
Movement is also interrupted when there
is a mechanical blockage. In this case, in
order to operate the convertible top again:
1. Turn off the ignition and then switch it
on again
2. Press the button to continue the proce-
dure in the desired direction.
Opening and closing procedure
Do not interrupt and restart the clos-
ing procedure several times one after
another, or the convertible top mechanism
could be damaged.<
If the convertible top can be moved in
only one direction after several con-
secutive attempts to operate it, the con-
vertible top system has overheated. Allow
the system to cool down for approx.
20 minutes.<
If the battery is disconnected, e.g. for
changing batteries or vehicle storage,
reinitialize the power windows, refer to
page32. Otherwise the windows will not
be lowered when the convertible top is
opened.<
Convenience operation
For convenience operation using the
remote control refer to page26, for opera-
tion via the door lock refer to page27.

49
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
VEHICLE MEMORY
How the system functions
No doubt you have often reflected on how
great it would be if you could configure
your vehicle's various adjustment settings
to meet your own personal requirements.
In developing this vehicle, the manufac-
turer of the MINI has incorporated a num-
ber of options which can be programmed
specifically for your vehicle.
What the system can do
Your MINI Dealer can provide you with
details on the capabilities of the Vehicle
Memory system.
Examples for Vehicle Memory:
>Automatic locking if none of the vehicle
doors are opened, refer to page26
>Automatic locking after starting to drive,
refer to page28
>Selective central locking system, refer to
pages26, 27
>Convenience operation, refer to
pages26, 27
>Pathway lighting, refer to page59
>Daytime driving lamps, refer to page60
>Speed-dependent windshield wipers,
refer to page62
>Setting units for outside temperature
and fuel consumption display, refer to
page69>Setting units for display of temperatures
specified for automatic climate control
system, refer to page83
>Volume control PDC, refer to page77
>Acoustic alarm for starting PDC activa-
tion, refer to page77.
This symbol alerts you to Vehicle
Memory functions in the Owner's
Manual.<
After memory functions have been
reconfigured, your vehicle may oper-
ate slightly differently from the descrip-
tions used in this Owner's Manual. If you
decide to sell your vehicle one day, please
remember to have the memory functions
reset to their default configuration.<

53
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
IGNITION LOCK STARTING THE ENGINE
0 Steering locked
1 Steering unlocked
2 Ignition switched on
3 Starting the engine
Steering locked
The key can be inserted or removed in this
position only.
To lock the steering:
1. Remove the key
2. Turn the steering wheel slightly to the
left or right until the lock engages.
An alarm goes off if the key remains in the
ignition after opening the driver's door.
Interlock for automatic transmission with
Steptronic:
The ignition key cannot be turned to
position 0 and removed until the selector
lever is in position P.
Steering unlocked
Individual electrical accessories are ready
for operation.
You will find that it is often easier to turn
the ignition key from position 0 to
position 1 when you move the steering
wheel slightly to help disengage the lock.
Ignition switched on
All electrical accessories are ready for oper-
ation.
Starting the engine
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the
vehicle. A lockout prevents the engine from
starting if the clutch is not depressed.<
Do not allow the engine to run in
enclosed spaces. Breathing the nox-
ious exhaust gases can lead to uncon-
sciousness and death. The exhaust gases
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and
colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running. This is a safety hazard.
Before getting out of the vehicle with the
engine running, put the transmission in
idle or position P, and apply the parking
brake. If you fail to do this, the vehicle
could move.<
Do not let the engine warm up with the
vehicle at a standstill. Move off immedi-
ately at a moderate engine speed.
Do not stop the starting procedure
too early, and do not continue it for
more than approx. 20 seconds. Release the
ignition key immediately when the engine
starts.
Extended starting attempts, characterized
by excessively frequent or long periods
with the starter engaged, can lead to dam-
age in the catalytic converter.<

99
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
REFUELING
Always switch off the engine before
refueling; otherwise no fuel can be
added to the tank and the SERVICE ENGINE
SOON lamp may come on.<
1. Open the fuel filler door
2. Turn the gas cap counterclockwise
3. Put the gas cap in the bracket attached
to the fuel filler door.
Always observe all applicable precau-
tionary measures and regulations
when handling fuels. Do not carry any
spare fuel containers in the vehicle. They
can leak and cause an explosion or fire in
the event of an accident.<
Observe the following when refueling
Always observe all safety precautions
posted at the service station when
handling fuel.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling the
nozzle out of the pipe during refueling:
>Results in premature pump shutoff
>Will reduce the effect of the fuel vapor
recovery system on the pump.
As long as the filler nozzle is used properly,
the fuel tank is full whenever the nozzle
shuts off the first time.
Closing the gas cap
1. Insert gas cap
2. Turn gas cap clockwise until it clicks
3. Close fuel filler door.
Insert the cap and turn it clockwise
until it audibly clicks.
Do not jam the strap between the gas cap
and the vehicle. The following message is
displayed if the cap is loose or missing.<
US models only:
The warning lamp
* comes on.
The gas cap is not correctly closed
or missing. Check if the gas cap is
correctly closed.
Fuel tank volume
Approx. 13.2 gallons/50 liters, of which
approx. 2.1 gallons/8 liters are reserve
capacity.
Do not drive until the fuel tank is
totally empty. Otherwise engine
operations are not guaranteed and damage
could occur.<
Fuel quality
Do not fill the tank with leaded gasoline;
otherwise the catalytic converter will be
permanently damaged.
Required fuel
Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
Minimum Octane Rating: 91.
Minimum Octane Rating corresponds to
the Anti Knock Index (AKI) and is deter-
mined according to the so-called (R+M)/
2method.

100
REFUELING
Do not use leaded gasoline; other-
wise the lambda probe and catalytic
converter will be permanently damaged.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant
differences in fuel quality: volatility, com-
position, additives, etc., among gasolines
offered for sale in the United States and
Canada. Fuels containing up to and includ-
ing 10 % ethanol or other oxygenates with
up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight, that is, 15 %
MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an equivalent
amount of co-solvent, will not void the
applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may
result in driveability, starting and
stalling problems especially under certain
environmental conditions such as high
ambient temperature and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be related to
the fuel you are using, we recommend that
you respond by switching to a recognized
high-quality brand.
Failure to comply with these recommenda-
tions may result in unscheduled mainte-
nance.<
Manual release with the MINI
In the event of an electrical malfunction,
the fuel filler door can be unlocked manu-
ally.
1. Remove the side trim panel on the left-
hand side of the luggage compartment
2. Pull the white lever toward the rear.
The fuel filler door is released
3. Open the fuel filler door.
Manual release with the MINI
Convertible
In the event of an electrical malfunction,
the fuel filler door can be unlocked manu-
ally.
1. Remove the cover of the side trim panel
on the left-hand side, see arrow 1
2. Pull the green strap toward the rear, see
arrow 2.
The fuel filler door is released
3. Open the fuel filler door.

111
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
BONNET
Do not attempt to service your vehi-
cle if you do not have the required
technical background. If you are not famil-
iar with the regulations to be observed,
have the necessary work on your vehicle
carried out only by a MINI Dealer or a work-
shop that has specially trained personnel
working in accordance with the specifica-
tions of the MINI manufacturer.
Work that is improperly carried out could
result in consequential damage and pose
safety hazards.<
To unlock
Pull the lever in the right door area beneath
the instrument panel.
To open
1. Reach under the bonnet
2. Pull the release lever
3. Open the bonnet.
To close
Allow the bonnet to fall from a height of
approx. 1 ft/30 cm.
Make sure that the closing range of
the bonnet is unobstructed, other-
wise personal injury could result.
If it is determined that the bonnet is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely, also refer
to page17.<

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
156
Convertible top35
care121
convenience operation37
electrical malfunction38
emergency closing38
malfunction38
Coolant115
indicator lamp16
level116
temperature gauge67
Coolant temperature gauge67
Cooling function
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Cooling system, refer to
Capacities151
Cooling, refer to Air
conditioning82
Cooling, refer to Cooling
function79
Copyright2
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
warning lamp17
Correct tires105
Cosmetic mirror, refer to
Illuminated vanity mirror48
Cruise control64
buttons on the steering
wheel20
indicator lamp19 Cup holders, refer to Beverage
holders85
Curb weight, refer to
Weights149,150
Current fuel consumption70
setting units70
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data146
D
Daily odometer, refer to Trip
odometer66
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting61
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit12
Data
capacities151
dimensions147
engine146
technical146
weights149
Date of the Owner's Manual7
Daytime driving lamps60
Deep water, refer to Driving
through water98
Defrost setting, refer to
Defrosting and demisting
windows80,83 Defrosting and demisting
windows
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
Defrosting front windows, refer
to Defrosting and demisting
windows80,83
Defrosting windows80,83
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting and demisting
windows80,83
Demisting windows80,83
Digital clock66
Dimensions147,148
Dimming interior rearview
mirror96
Dipstick, engine oil114
Directional turn signal,
refer to Turn signal
indicators60
Disc brakes97
Displacement, refer to Engine
data146
Display elements13
with navigation system or
Cockpit Chrono Pack14
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting61 Disposal
vehicle battery138
Distance covered, refer to
Odometer66
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC)77
Door keys24
Door lock27
Doors, locking and unlocking
acknowledgment
signals26,27
from inside28
from outside26
DOT quality grades105
Draft-free ventilation80,83
Drink holders, refer to Beverage
holders85
Driving downhill97
Driving hints, refer to Driving
notes96
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams59
Driving notes96
Driving stability control
systems71
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function79,82
Drying air,
refer to Cooling
function79,82