2008 MINI Hardtop 2 Door airbag

Reference
At a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
15
1Microphone for voice command system*
and for telephone in hands-free mode*
2Indicator/warning lamp* for front passen-
ger airbags65
4Hazard warning flashers
5Speedometer12
6Drive for audio CDs
7Switching audio sources on/off and adjust-
ing volume
8Air conditioner or automatic climate con-
trol
*
9Switches in center console
10Driving stability control systems
>All-Season Traction Control ASC
*58
>Dynamic Stability Control DSC
*58
11Sport button
*59 3
Reading lamps
*70
Color of ambient lighting
*70
Glass sunroof, electric
*27
Interior lamps69
Temperature72, 74
Recirculated-air mode72, 74
Automatic recirculated-air control
AUC
* and recirculated-air
mode74
Air distribution for air
conditioner73
Air distribution to the
windshield
*74
Air distribution to the upper body
area
*74
Air distribution to the footwell
*74
Automatic air distribution and flow
rate
*74
Maximum cooling
*74
Cooling function72, 75
Defrosting windows
*73, 75
Rear window defroster72, 74
Windshield heating
*73, 75
Air flow rate72, 73
Seat heating
*33
Power windows28
Rear fog lamp
*69
Central locking system, inside22
Fog lamps
*69

Adjustments
30
Adjustments
Sitting safely
The ideal sitting position can make a vital contri-
bution to relaxed, fatigue-free driving. In con-
junction with the safety belts, the head restraints
and the airbags, the seated position has a major
influence on your safety in the event of an acci-
dent. To ensure that the safety systems operate
with optimal efficiency, we strongly urge you to
observe the instructions contained in the follow-
ing section.
For additional information on transporting chil-
dren safely, refer to page36.
Airbags
Always maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the airbags. Always
grip the steering wheel on the rim, with your
hands in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, to
minimize the risk of injury to the hands or arms
in the event of the airbag being triggered off.
No one and nothing is to come between the air-
bags and the seat occupant.
Do not use the cover of the front airbag on the
front passenger side as a storage area. Ensure
that the front passenger is correctly seated, e.g.
that no feet or legs are propped against the
dashboard. Otherwise, leg injury could result if
the front airbag suddenly deployed.
Make sure that passengers do not lean their
heads against the side airbags, otherwise seri-
ous injuries could result if the airbags suddenly
deployed.<
Even if you follow all the instructions, injuries
resulting from contact with airbags cannot be
fully excluded, depending on the circumstances.
The ignition and inflation noise may provoke a
mild hearing loss in extremely sensitive individ-
uals. This effect is usually only temporary.
For airbag locations and additional information
on airbags, refer to page64.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way
that its center is at approx. ear level. Oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the
event of an accident.<
Head restraints, refer to page32.
Safety belt
Before every drive, make sure that all occupants
wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the
safety belt as an additional safety device, but
they do not represent a substitute.
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow
infants or small children to ride in a passenger's
lap.
Make sure that the belt in the lap area sits low
across the hips and does not press against the
abdomen. The safety belt must not rest against
the throat, run across sharp edges, pass over
hard or fragile objects or be pinched. Fasten the
safety belt so that it is pulled taut across the lap
and shoulder, fitting the body snugly without
any twists. Otherwise the belt could slide over
the hips in the event of a frontal collision and
injure the abdomen. Avoid wearing bulky cloth-
ing and regularly pull the belt in the upper-body
area taut, otherwise its restraining effect could
be impaired.<
Safety belts, refer to page33.
Seats
Note before adjusting
Never attempt to adjust your seat while
the vehicle is moving. The seat could
respond with unexpected movement, and the
ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an
accident.
On the front passenger seat as well, do not

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
33
Seat heating*
Switching on
Press once for each temperature level.
Three LEDs indicate the highest temperature.
If you continue driving within the next 15 min-
utes, the seat heating is automatically activated
at the previously set temperature.
The temperature is lowered or the heating is
switched off entirely to save on battery power.
The LEDs stay lit.
Switching off
Press button longer.
Safety belts
Observe the instructions on page30 to
ensure the best possible personal protec-
tion.<
Before every drive, make sure that all occupants
wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the
safety belt as an additional safety device, but
they do not represent a substitute.
Front and rear seatsClosing
Make sure you hear the lock engage in the belt
buckle.
The upper belt anchor is suitable for adults of
any stature as long as the seat is adjusted prop-
erly, page30.
Opening
1.Grasp the belt firmly.
2.Press the red button in the buckle.
3.Guide the belt into its reel.
Seat belt reminder
Front seats
The indicator lamps come on and an
acoustic signal sounds. Check whether
the safety belt has been fastened cor-
rectly. The 'Fasten safety belts'
reminder is issued when the driver's safety belt
has not been fastened. The 'Fasten safety belts'
reminder is also activated at road speeds above
approx. 5 mph or 8 km/h if the front passenger's
safety belt has not been fastened, if objects are
placed on the front passenger seat, or if driver or
front passenger unfasten their safety belts.
Damage to safety belts
If the safety belts are damaged or stressed
in an accident: have the safety belt system
and its seat-belt tensioners replaced and the
belt anchors checked. Have this work carried out
only by a MINI Dealer or by a workshop that has
specially trained personnel working in accor-
dance with the specifications of the MINI manu-
facturer, otherwise correct operation of these
safety systems is not ensured.<
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The front passenger's mirror is more con-
vex than the driver's mirror. The objects
seen in the mirror are closer than they appear.
Do not gauge your distance from traffic behind

Transporting children safely
36
Transporting children safely
The right place for chil-
dren
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, otherwise they could endanger
themselves and/or other persons by opening the
doors, for example.<
Children should always sit in the rear
Accident research has shown that the safest
place for children is on the rear seat.
Only transport children under the age of
13 or smaller than 5 ft/150 cm in the rear
in a child-restraint system suitable for their age,
weight and size. Otherwise there is an increased
risk of injury in the event of an accident.<
Children 13 years of age or older must be buck-
led in with a safety belt as soon as there no
longer is any child-restraint system that is
appropriate for their age, size and weight.
Only install child seats in the rear when the
rear seat backrest is folded all the way
back and engaged. Otherwise there will be an
increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent.<
Exception for front passenger seat
Front passenger airbags
Should it be necessary to use a child-
restraint system on the front passenger
seat, the front and side airbags must be deacti-
vated. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of
injury to the child if the airbags deploy, even if
the child is seated in a child-restraint system.<
For more information on automatic deactivation
of the front passenger airbags, refer to page64.
Child-restraint systems,
installation
Observe the child-restraint system manu-
facturer's instructions when selecting,
installing and using child-restraint systems. Oth-
erwise the protective effect may be dimin-
ished.<
On the front passenger seat
After installing a child-restraint system on
the front passenger seat, make sure that
the front and side airbags for the front passen-
ger are deactivated, otherwise there is an
increased risk of injury if the airbags deploy.<
Child seat security
All rear safety belts and the safety belt for the
front passenger can be prevented from being
pulled out in order to secure child-restraint sys-
tems.
To lock the safety belt
1.Secure the child-restraint system with the
belt.
2.Pull the belt strap all the way out.
3.Allow the belt strap to retract and pull it taut
against the child-restraint system.
The safety belt is locked.
To unlock the safety belt
1.Open the belt buckle
2.Remove the child-restraint system.

Technology for driving comfort and safety
64
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:1Front airbags
2Side airbags in backrests
3Head airbags at the front and rear
Protective action
Observe the instructions on page30 to
ensure the best possible personal protec-
tion.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the head
and side airbags help provide protection in the
event of side impact. The relevant side airbag
supports the side upper body area. The head air
bag supports the head.
The airbags are designed to not be triggered in
every type of collision, e.g. not in minor acci-
dents, certain rollover situations or rear impacts.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way. Do not attach
seat covers, cushions or other objects not specif-
ically approved for seats with integral side air-
bags to the front seats. Do not hang items of
clothing such as coats or jackets over the back-
rests. Do not attempt to remove the airbag
retention system from the vehicle. Do not mod-
ify the individual components of the system or
its wiring in any way. This includes the uphol-
stered covers on the steering wheel, instrument
panel, seats and roof posts, as well as the sides
of the roof lining. Do not attempt to remove or
dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered, because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a MINI Dealer
or a workshop that works according to repair
procedures of the manufacturer of your MINI
with correspondingly trained personnel and has
the required explosives licenses. Otherwise,
unprofessional attempts to service the system
could lead to failure in an emergency or undes-
ired airbag activation, either of which could
result in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the front pas-
senger seat cushion determines whether and
how the seat is occupied. The front and side air-
bags for the front passenger are activated or
deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior rear-
view mirror shows the current status of
the front passenger airbags, deactivated or acti-
vated, refer to Status of front passenger airbags
below.<
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
65
tions and handling instructions under Transport-
ing children safely, page36.
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in certain
positions; the indicator lamp for the front pas-
senger airbags comes on. In such cases, the pas-
senger should change his or her sitting position
so that the front passenger airbags are activated
and the indicator lamp goes out. If the desired
airbag status cannot be achieved by changing
the sitting position, transport the relevant pas-
senger on a rear seat. Do not attach covers,
cushions, ball mats or other items to the front
passenger seat unless they are specifically rec-
ommended by the manufacturer of your MINI.
Do not place any items under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. Other-
wise a correct analysis of the seat cushion is not
ensured.<
Status of front passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags shows the functional status of the front
passenger's front and side airbags in accordance
with whether and how the front passenger seat
is occupied. The indicator lamp shows whether
the front passenger airbags are activated or
deactivated.
>The indicator lamp comes on as intended
when a child in a specially designated child-
restraint system is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the
system. This particularly applies to
child seats that were required by the NHTSA
at the time of manufacture of the vehicle.
After installing a child's seat, check that the indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags comes on. It indicates that the child's
seat has been detected and that the front
passenger airbags are deactivated.<
>T h e i n d i c a t o r l a m p d o e s n o t c o m e o n a s l o n g
as a person of sufficient size and in a correct
sitting position is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are activated.
>The indicator lamp does not come on if the
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
As of radio readiness, page39, the warning
lamp comes on briefly to indicate that the entire
airbag system and the belt tensioners are oper-
ational.
Airbag system malfunction
>The warning lamp does not come on when
radio readiness or the ignition is switched
on.
>The warning lamp stays lit continuously.
In the event of a fault in the airbag system,
have it checked without delay, otherwise
there is the risk that the system will not function
as intended even if a sufficiently severe accident
occurs.<

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
133
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
page46.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the
start/stop button is touched, possibly
without the brake or clutch being
depressed
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with convenient access, not
detectedThe engine cannot be started. Have
the remote control checked, if neces-
sary.
Battery in remote control discharged Use the remote control for a longer
journey or, in cars with convenient
access, replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system
failedHave the system checked immedi-
ately. Fasten the safety belts anyway.
Power steering failed You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Steering response will be
markedly different. Have the system
checked without delay.
Lights up:
Emergency calling system failed or
malfunctioningHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine malfunction Stop the car and switch off the engine.
You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Full engine power no longer available You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the engine
checked as soon as possible.
12Cause What to do

From A to Z
150
From A to Z
Index
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control75
Additives
– coolant108
– engine oil108
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner72
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control73
Airbags64
– sitting safely30
– warning lamp65
Air conditioner71
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner72
– automatic climate control73
– ventilation75
Air distribution
– automatic74
– individual73
– manual73
Air flow rate72,73
– air conditioning system72
– automatic climate control73
– heating, ventilation72
Airing, refer to Ventilation75
Air outlets, refer to Air vents71
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure96
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode72,74
Air supply
– air conditioner72
– automatic climate control73
– ventilation75
Air vents71AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications95
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires105
All-Season Traction Control
ASC58
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode72,74
Ambient lighting70
Antenna, care112
Antifreeze
– coolant108
– washer fluid46
Antilock Brake System ABS58
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights146,147
Approved engine oils108
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to
Weights146,147
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest78
Arrival time
– computer50
Ashtray80
Assistant systems, refer to
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC58
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC58
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control74
Audio device, external78
Automatic
– air distribution74
– air flow rate74
– cruise control46
– headlamp control66Automatic climate control71
– automatic air distribution74
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC74
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
– interlock41
– overriding selector lever
lock43
– shiftlock41
– sport program42
AUTO program for automatic
climate control74
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device78
Average fuel consumption49
– setting the units51
Average speed50
Axle loads, refer to
Weights146,147
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting70
Backrests, refer to Seats30
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb117
– replacing bulbs in MINI118
– replacing bulbs in MINI
Clubman118
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch127
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away129
Battery125
– charging125
– disposal27,125
– jump starting128
– temporary power failure125
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed129