REFERENCE
AT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
13
Indicator and
warning lamps
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in
various combinations and colors in indicator
area 1 or2.
Some lamps are checked for proper functioning
and thus come on briefly when the engine is
started or the ignition is switched on.
What to do in case of a malfunction
A list of all indicator and warning lamps, as well
as notes on possible causes of malfunctions and
on how to respond, can be found starting on
page141.
Opening and closing
26
Convenient access*
Convenient access enables you to enter your
vehicle without having to hold the remote con-
trol in your hand. All you need to do is wear the
remote control close to your body, e.g. in your
jacket pocket. The vehicle automatically detects
the remote control within the immediate vicinity
or in the passenger compartment.
Convenient access supports the following
functions:
>Unlocking/locking the vehicle
>Unlocking the tailgate by itself
>Starting the engine
>Convenient operation
>MINI Convertible: Convertible top operation
Functional requirements
>The vehicle or the tailgate can only be
locked when the vehicle detects that the
remote control currently in use is outside of
the vehicle.
>The vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked
again until after approx. 2 seconds.
>The engine can only be started when the
vehicle detects that the remote control is
inside the vehicle.
>The doors and tailgate must be closed to be
able to operate the windows and glass
sunroof.
Comparison to standard remote controls
In general, there is no difference between using
convenient access or pressing the buttons on
the remote control to carry out the functions
mentioned above.
Instructions on opening and closing are found
starting on page18.
Special features regarding the use of convenient
access are described below.
If you notice a brief delay while opening or
closing the windows, the glass sunroof or
the convertible top, the system is checking
whether a remote control is inside the vehicle. Repeat the opening or closing procedure, if nec-
essary.<
To unlock
Press button 1.
Convenient opening with the remote control,
refer to page20.
Locking
Press button 1.
For convenient closing, press and hold button 1.
The power windows and the glass sunroof
* are
closed.
MINI Convertible: If a remote control is inside the
vehicle, windows and convertible top can be
opened and closed as soon as the remote is
operational.
Unlocking the tailgate separately
Press the button on the outside of the tailgate.
If the vehicle detects that a remote control
has been accidentally left inside the
locked vehicle's cargo bay after the tailgate is
closed, the tailgate will reopen slightly. The haz-
ard warning flashers flash and an acoustic sig-
nal
* sounds.<
Windows and glass sunroof, electric*
If the engine is switched off, you can still operate
the windows and glass sunroof so long as a door
or the tailgate has not been opened.
If the doors and tailgate are closed again and the
remote control is located inside the vehicle, the
windows and the glass sunroof can be operated
again.
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
27
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock to
be able to operate the windows or glass sunroof
when the engine is switched off and the doors
are open.
Switching on radio readiness
Switch on radio readiness by briefly pressing the
start/stop button, page44.
Do not depress the brake or the clutch,
otherwise the engine will start.<
Starting the engine
The engine can be started or the ignition can be
switched on when a remote control is inside the
vehicle. It is not necessary to insert a remote
control into the ignition lock, page44.
Switching off the engine in cars with
automatic transmission
The engine can only be switched off when the
selector lever is in position P, page45.
To switch the engine off when the selector lever
is in position N, the remote control must be in
the ignition lock.
Before driving a vehicle with automatic
transmission into a car wash
1.Insert remote control into ignition lock.
2.Depress the brake.
3.Move the selector lever to position N.
4.Switch off the engine.
The vehicle can roll.
Malfunction
Convenient access may malfunction due to local
radio waves.
If this happens, open or close the vehicle via the
buttons on the remote control or using the inte-
grated key.
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock
and start the engine.
Warning lamps
The warning lamp comes on when an
attempt is made to start the engine: the
engine cannot be started. The remote
control is not inside the vehicle or is malfunc-
tioning. Take the remote control with you inside
the vehicle or have it checked. If necessary,
insert another remote control into the ignition
lock.
The warning lamp comes on when the
engine is running: the remote control is
no longer inside the vehicle. After the
engine is switched off, the engine can only be
restarted within approx. 10 seconds.
The indicator lamp comes on: replace
the battery in the remote control.
Replacing the battery
The remote control for convenient access con-
tains a battery that will need to be replaced from
time to time.
1.Remove the cover.
2.Insert the new battery with the plus side fac-
ing up.
3.Press the cover on to close.
Take the old battery to a battery collection
point or to your MINI Dealer.<
Glass sunroof, electric*
To prevent injuries, exercise care when
closing the glass sunroof and keep it in
your field of vision until it is shut.
Take the key with you when you leave the car,
otherwise children could operate the sunroof
and possibly injure themselves.<
Opening and closing
30
Convertible top with
integrated sliding
sunroof
To conserve battery power, if possible
operate the convertible top only while the
engine is running.
Prior to closing the convertible top, check for
and remove all debris from the windshield
frame, otherwise the closing of the top may be
hampered.<
Opening and closing the sliding sunroof
To open:
Press the switch backward until the desired posi-
tion or the end position is reached.
To close:
Press the switch forward.
The sliding sunroof can be operated up to a road
speed of 74 mph / 120 km/h.
Power convertible top
The fully automatic convertible top provides
protection from the weather, combined with
simple and easy operation.
So that you can get the most enjoyment out
of your MINI Convertible, here are some help-
ful tips:
>It is recommended that you close the con-
vertible top whenever the vehicle is parked.
The closed convertible top not only protects
the vehicle interior from damage due to
unforeseen bad weather, but also provides a
certain degree of protection against theft
Always keep your valuables inside the
locked luggage compartment, even if the
convertible top is closed.>Do not mount any roof rack systems on the
convertible top.
>When opening the wet convertible top, e.g.,
after driving in the rain, water drops may
enter the luggage compartment. In order to
avoid water stains or soiling, remove all
objects from the luggage compartment, if
necessary.
If the temperature drops below
+10 7/–12 6 , do not operate the con-
vertible top, otherwise damages may occur.
Do not leave a wet convertible top open for
more than one day, since the humidity may
cause damages.
Do not place any objects on the convertible top,
as they could otherwise fall off while the con-
vertible top is being operated and result in prop-
erty damage or personal injury.
If the rollover protective system is extended, do
not operate the convertible top.
Always completely finish the operation of the
convertible top. Driving off before an opening or
closing procedure is completely finished can
lead to property damage or personal injury.
Do not reach into the moving parts during the
opening and closing procedure. Keep children
away from the pivoting range of the conver-
tible top.
For safety reasons, only operate the convertible
top while the vehicle is standing.<
While opening and closing, the convertible
top pivots upward. If operating the con-
vertible top inside a garage or under a bridge,
or similar low structure, ensure the minimum
clearance is 2 m, otherwise the vehicle may be
damaged.<
Before opening and closing
>Please observe the previous safety instruc-
tions.
>Please ensure the luggage compartment
roll-up cover is in its lowest position, refer to
page95, otherwise the convertible top can-
not be opened.
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
39
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
you on the basis of what you see in the mirror;
otherwise there is an increased risk of an
accident.<
1Adjusting the left or right exterior mirror
2Folding mirrors in and out
*
Manual adjustment
The mirrors can also be adjusted manually: press
the edge of the glass.
Folding mirrors in and out*
Turn the knob beyond the pressure point in
direction 2. The mirrors can be folded in at road
speeds up to approx. 20 mph/30 km/h.
This can be beneficial in narrow streets, for
example, or for moving mirrors that were folded
in by hand back out into their correct positions.
Automatic heating*
At outside temperatures below a certain limit,
both exterior mirrors are automatically heated
while the engine is running or the ignition
switched on.
Interior rearview mirror
To reduce glare from vehicles behind you when
you are driving at night:
Turn the knob.
Interior mirror, automatic dimming*
The automatic dimming feature of the interior
rearview mirror
* is controlled by two photo cells
in the mirror. One photo cell is in the mirror
frame, arrow; the other is on the back of the
mirror.
In order to ensure that the system functions cor-
rectly, keep the photo cells clean, do not cover
the area between the interior rearview mirror
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
53
Everything under control
Odometer, outside
temperature display,
clock
1Outside temperature display and clock or
current speed
2Odometer and trip odometer
3Resetting the trip odometer
Units of measure
Select the respective units of measure, miles or
km for the odometer as well as 7 or 6 for the
outside temperature, page57.
Outside temperature display, time
Setting the time, refer to page60.
Outside temperature warning
When the displayed temperature sinks to
approx. +377/+36, a signal sounds and a
warning lamp lights up. There is an increased
risk of black ice.
Black ice can also form at temperatures
above +377/+36. Therefore, drive
carefully, e.g. on bridges and sections of road in
the shade, otherwise there is an increased acci-
dent risk.<
Current vehicle speed
To have the current speed shown in the upper
display otherwise serving for the outside tem-
perature display and clock.1.Press the button in the turn indicator lever
repeatedly until the current speed appears
in the lower display.
2.Wait for the speed display to automatically
move to the upper display.
The outside temperature then appears in the
lower display.
Odometer and trip odometer
Resetting the trip odometer
With the ignition switched on, press knob 3 in
the tachometer.
When the vehicle is parked
To display the time, outside temperature and
odometer briefly after the key is removed from
the ignition lock:
Press knob 3 in the tachometer.
Tachometer
Never operate the engine with the needle in the
red overspeed zone of the gauge. In this range,
the fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine.
Coolant temperature
A warning lamp will come on if the coolant, and
therefore the engine, becomes too hot.
Check coolant level, refer to page118.
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
59
The extent of service work required can be
read out from the remote control by your
MINI Dealer.<
Displaying vehicle check
For certain maintenance operations, you can
view the respective distance remaining or due
date individually in the tachometer.
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page44.
2.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is displayed.
3.Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the
corresponding symbol and "SERVICE-INFO"
are displayed.
5.Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6.Briefly press the button to display the indi-
vidual service items, refer to the following
information.
Possible displays
1Button for selecting information
2Engine oil
3Front brakes
4Rear brakes
5Vehicle check6Roadworthiness test
7Brake fluid
8Exit display57
9Next setting or item of information57
More information on the MINI Maintenance
System can be found on page120.
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
63
Technology for driving comfort
and safety
Park Distance
Control PDC*
The concept
PDC assists you with parking backwards. Acous-
tic signals warn you of the presence of an object
behind the vehicle. To measure the distance,
there are four ultrasonic sensors in either
bumper.
However, an acoustic warning does not sound
until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm from the
corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from the
center sensors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached slowly,
as is usually the case when parking. Avoid
approaching an object at high speed, otherwise
physical circumstances may lead to the system
warning being issued too late.<
Automatic mode
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated automatically after
approx. 1 second when you engage reverse gear
or move the automatic transmission selector
lever to position R. Wait this short period before
driving.
Acoustic signals
As the distance between vehicle and object
decreases, the intervals between the tones
become shorter. If the distance to the nearest
object falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a
continuous tone sounds.
If the distance remains constant, e.g. when driv-
ing parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal stops
after approx. 3 seconds.
Adjustments
The volume of the acoustic signals can be
adjusted, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp comes on: PDC is mal-
functioning. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they will continue to operate effectively.
When using a high-pressure cleaner, do not
direct the jet toward the sensors for lengthy
periods and only spray from a distance of at least
4in/10cm.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for esti-
mating the distance between the vehicle
and any obstructions always remains with the
driver. Sensors, too, have blind spots in which
objects cannot be detected. Moreover, ultra-
sonic detection can reach its physical limits with
objects such as trailer tow bars and couplings,
thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low
objects already indicated, such as curbs, may
enter the sensors' blind spots before or after a
continuous audible signal is given. Higher, pro-
truding objects, such as wall ledges, may not be
detectable. Therefore, always drive cautiously,
otherwise there is a risk of personal injury or
property damage. Loud sound sources outside
or inside the car can drown out the PDC signal.<
Driving stability
control systems
Your MINI has a number of systems that help to
maintain the vehicle's stability even in adverse
driving conditions.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with driving stability control systems.
An appropriate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore do not
reduce the additional safety margin by engaging