2009 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE child restraint

Adjustments
34
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 page40.
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 page70.
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 page36.
Safety belt
Before every drive, make sure that all occupants
wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the
safety belt as an additional safety device, but
they do not represent a substitute.
Never allow more than one person to wear
a single safety belt. Never allow infants or
small children to ride in a passenger's lap.
Make sure that the belt in the lap area sits low
across the hips and does not press against the
abdomen. The safety belt must not rest against
the throat, run across sharp edges, pass over
hard or fragile objects or be pinched. Fasten the
safety belt so that it is pulled taut across the lap
and shoulder, fitting the body snugly without any
twists. Otherwise the belt could slide over the
hips in the event of a frontal collision and injure
the abdomen. Avoid wearing bulky clothing and
regularly pull the belt in the upper-body area
taut, otherwise its restraining effect could be
impaired.<
Safety belts, refer to page37.
Seats
Note before adjusting
Never attempt to adjust your seat while
the vehicle is moving. The seat could
respond with unexpected movement, and the
ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an
accident.
On the front passenger seat as well, do not
incline the backrest too far to the rear while the

Transporting children safely
40
Transporting children safely
The right place for
children
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, otherwise they could endanger
themselves and/or other persons by opening the
doors, for example.<
Children should always sit in the rear
Accident research has shown that the safest
place for children is on the rear seat.
Only transport children under the age of
13 or smaller than 5 ft/150 cm in the rear
in a child-restraint system suitable for their age,
weight and size. Otherwise there is an increased
risk of injury in the event of an accident.<
Children 13 years of age or older must be 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 page71.
Child-restraint systems,
installation
Observe the child-restraint system manu-
facturer's instructions when selecting,
installing and using child-restraint systems. Other-
wise the protective effect may be diminished.<
On the front passenger seat
After installing a child-restraint system on
the front passenger seat, make sure that
the front and side airbags for the front 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.
3.Allow the safety belt strap to retract all the
way.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
41
LATCH child-restraint
fixing system
LATCH: Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren.
To install and use the LATCH child-
restraint system, follow the operating and
safety instructions provided by the manufac-
turer of the system, otherwise the protective
function of the seat may be compromised.<
Anchor points for LATCH anchors
Before installing the child's seat, pull the belt out
of the area for the child-restraint fixing system.
The anchor points for the lower LATCH anchors
are located behind the labeled protective caps.
Mak e su re th at bot h lo we r LATCH ancho rs
are properly engaged and that the child-
restraint system rests firmly against the seat
backrest, otherwise the protective function of
the seat may be compromised.<
Child-restraint system with tether strap
Use the tether strap anchors to secure
child-restraint systems only, otherwise the
anchors could be damaged.<
There are two additional anchors for child-
restraint systems with tether straps, arrows.
Placement of the tether strap
Make sure the upper retaining strap does
not run over sharp edges and is not
twisted as it passes to the top anchor. Otherwise
the strap will not properly secure the child-
restraint system in the event of an accident.<
MINI
1Direction of travel
2Head restraint
3Tether strap hook
4Cargo bay floor
5Anchor
6Seat backrest
7Tether strap of the child-restraint system
1.Push the head restraint upward.
2.Guide the tether strap between the head
restraint holders.
3.Attach the tether strap to the anchor using
the hook.
4.Push the head restraint into its lowermost
position.
5.Attach the tether strap to the anchor using
the hook.
6.Pull the retaining strap tight.

Transporting children safely
42
MINI Convertible
1Direction of travel
2Head restraint
3Rollover protection system
4Tether strap hook
5Cargo bay floor
6Anchor
7Seat backrest
8Tether strap of the child-restraint system
1.Push the head restraint upward.
2.Unlock backrest and slightly fold forward,
see page93.
3.Guide the tether strap between the head
restraint holders.
4.Attach the tether strap to the anchor using
the hook.
5.Fold backrest back and lock in place. Push
headrest down as far as possible.
6.Pull the retaining strap tight.
Ensure to guide the upper retaining strap
between the backrest and rollover protec-
tion system, otherwise the belt will not secure
the child-restraining system in accordance with
the law.<

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
71
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-
tions and handling instructions under Transport-
ing children safely, page40.
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
MINI:MINI Convertible:
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.

Things to remember when driving
92
With convenient access and automatic
transmission
Insert the key into the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off when the selec-
tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page27.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can
assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo bay as they
could damage the vehicle.<
MINI: Cargo bay
Cargo bay cover
Do not place any objects on the cover,
otherwise they could endanger the car's
occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden
swerving, or they may damage the cover.<
When you open the tailgate, the cargo bay cover
is raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.
1.Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate.
2.Pull the cover out of the holders toward the
rear.
Expanding the cargo bay
The rear set backrest is split. Both sides can be
folded separately to expand the cargo bay.
1.Pull the lever.
2.Fold rear seat backrests forward.
When folding the backrest back up, make
sure that the seat's locking mechanisms
engage properly. Otherwise, cargo could be
thrown around in the event of sharp braking or
swerving and endanger the occupants.<
Adjusting rear seat backrest*
Expand the cargo bay by raising the split rear
seat backrests to a steeper angle.
1.Pull the lever, arrow1, and fold the rear seat
backrest forward.
2.Fold up the lever of the backrest lock until it
audibly engages, arrow2.
3.Fold back the backrest until it engages.
If the rear seat backrests are positioned at
a steeper angle, do not install child-
restraint systems in the rear of the vehicle as
their protective features may be ineffective.<

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
159
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders87
Brake Assist63
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements57
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs127
Brake pads, breaking in90
Brake rotors91
– brakes90
– breaking in90
Brake system90
– breaking in90
– disc brakes91
– MINI Maintenance
System117
Brakes
– ABS63
– breaking in90
– MINI Maintenance
System117
– parking brake45
– service requirements57
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely91
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance134
Break-in period90
Breaking in the clutch90
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs123
Button for starting the
engine43
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders87
Capacities156
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery132
Car care119
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest85
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash91
Car wash, care119
Car washes119
Care119
– Car washes119
– Car-care products119
– CD/DVD drives122
– High-pressure washers120
– internal121
– Leather121
– Manual washing120
– Upholstery and fabrics121
– Windows120
– Wiper blades120
Cargo area
– capacity155
Cargo bay92
– convenient access26
– cover92
– lamp76
– opening from outside23
Cargo bay, expanding92
Cargo bay lamp76
Cargo bay lid, refer to
Tailgate23
Cargo loading94
– securing cargo95
– stowing cargo94
– vehicle92
Cargo, securing95
Carpets, care121
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system90
Center armrest85
Center brake lamp127
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking system19
– convenient access26
– from inside22
– from outside19
Changing bulbs
123
Changing wheels129Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment114
Check Control60
Child's seats40
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH41
Child-restraint systems40
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire130
Chrome parts, care121
Chrome parts, refer to
Care119
Cigarette lighter87
Cleaning headlamps49
– washer fluid50
Clock52
– 12h/24h mode56
– setting time59
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks87
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine44
Comfort access
– what to observe before
entering a car wash27
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access26
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock43
Computer53
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked91
Condition Based Service
CBS117
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking/unlocking20
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances87
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption53

From A to Z
162
Glass sunroof, electric27
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing28
– raising28
– remote control20
Glove compartment85
Grills, refer to Air vents78
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights155
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb124
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake45
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags70
Head restraints36
– sitting safely34
Headlamp control,
automatic73
Headlamp flasher47
– indicator lamp11,138
Headlamps
– replacing bulb124
Headlamps, care120
Heated
– mirrors38
– rear window79,82
– seats37
Heating78
– mirrors38
– rear window79,82
– seats37
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo94
Height adjustment
– seats35
– steering wheel39
Height, refer to
Dimensions153
High beams75
– headlamp flasher75
– indicator lamp138
– replacing bulb124
High water, refer to Driving
through water91Hill Start Assist64
Hills91
Holders for cups87
Homepage4
Horn10
Hot exhaust system90
Hydroplaning90
I
Ice warning52
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning52
Ignition43
– switched off43
– switched on43
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness43
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on43
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Ignition lock43
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,138
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM67
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting76
Individual air distribution80
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM66
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM65
– glass sunroof, electric28
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting76
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remove
control83Interior lamps76
– remote control21
Interior rearview mirror38
– automatic dimming
feature38
Interlock46
Intermittent mode of the
wipers48
Internet page4J
Jacking points131
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles50
Jump starting134
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting134
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile18
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18
Keyless go, refer to Convenient
access26
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Convenient
access26
Kick-down46
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Knock control101
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs123
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams73
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo95
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system41
Leather care121
LEDs light-emitting diodes124
Length, refer to
Dimensions153