
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 func-
tions:
>Unlocking/locking the vehicle
>Unlocking the tailgate by itself
>Enginestarting
>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 sun-
roof.
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.
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.

Opening and closing
28
Raising
>Press the switch backward to the resistance
point and hold it there.
Both glass sunroofs are raised.
Releasing the switch stops the movement.
>With the ignition switched on, press the
switch backward beyond the resistance
point.
Both closed sunroofs are raised fully.
Pressing again stops the movement.
Opening, closing
With the ignition switched on and the glass sun-
roof raised, press the switch backward and hold
it there.
The front glass sunroof opens.
The rear glass sunroof is closed.
Releasing the switch stops the movement.
The glass sunroof can be closed in the same way
by pressing the switch forward.
The front glass sunroof remains in a raised posi-
tion. The rear glass sunroof is raised. Pressing on
the switch again closes both sunroofs com-
pletely.
Convenient operation via door lock or conve-
nient access, refer to page20,22,26.
Roller sun blind
The roller sun blind can be opened and closed
independently of the glass sunroof.
Following interruptions in electrical
power supply
After a power failure, there is a possibility that
the glass sunroof can only be raised. In this case,
have the system initialized. The manufacturer of your MINI recommends that you have this work
done by your MINI Dealer.
Windows
To prevent injuries, exercise care when
closing the windows.
Take the remote control with you when you
leave the car, otherwise children could operate
the electric windows and possibly injure them-
selves.<
If, after a window is opened and closed
several times in close succession, the win-
dow can only be closed and not opened, the sys-
tem is overheated. Let the system cool for sev-
eral minutes with the ignition switched on or the
engine running.<
Opening
>Press the switch downwards.
The window opens until you release the
switch.
>Tap the switch downwards.
A s s o o n a s t h e r e m o t e is r e a d y , t h e w i n d o w s
will open automatically. Tap the switch
again to stop the opening movement.
MINI: Closing
The window can be closed in the same way by
pressing the switch up.
MINI Convertible: Closing
In order to close the window, press the switch
up. The window closes until you release the
switch.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
31
Opening and closing the convertible top
To open:
Press the switch backward in order to open the
sliding/tilting sunroof. Pressing the button again
opens the convertible top.
To close:
Press the switch forward.
Operating while driving
The convertible top may be opened or closed
while driving not faster than 20 mph/30 km/h.
While operating the convertible top, pay
close attention to the surrounding traffic,
otherwise an accident may happen. Try to avoid
operating the convertible top while reversing
the vehicle since the rear view is very limited
during the convertible top's movement. Do not
operate the convertible top when driving on
winding and rough roads or during windy condi-
tions.<
For better control
>The LED lights up during convertible top
operation until the opening or closing pro-
cedure is completely finished.
>The LED flashes after releasing the switch.
The opening or closing procedure has not
yet been completed. The procedure can be
continued in the desired direction by press-
ing the appropriate button.
>The indicator lamp Convertible top not
locked, refer to page141, lights up.
Interruption
A convertible top which is not completely
open or closed is hazardous.<
The automatic movement is immediately inter-
rupted when the button for the convertible top
operation is released. The procedure can be
continued in the desired direction by pressing
the appropriate button
If the opening or closing procedure is inter-
rupted by releasing the respective button, the
convertible top stays in its current position for
several seconds before it slowly moves into a
more stable position. The procedure can be con-
tinued by pressing the appropriate button.
The opening and closing procedure is also inter-
rupted in case of 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 procedure
in the desired direction.
Opening and closing procedure
Do not interrupt and restart the closing
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 consecutive
attempts to operate it, the convertible top sys-
tem has overheated. Allow the system to cool
down for approx. 4 minutes.<
If the battery was disconnected, e.g. for
changing batteries or vehicle storage,
reinitialize the power windows, refer to page29.
Otherwise the windows cannot be lowered or
the convertible top cannot be opened.<
Convenient operation
For convenience operation using the remote
control refer to page19, for operation via the
door lock refer to page22.

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
43
Driving
Ignition lock
Inserting the key into the ignition lock
Insert the key all the way into the ignition lock.
Radio readiness
Individual electrical consumers can operate.
Removing the key from the ignition lock
Press in the key briefly. It is ejected slightly.
At the same time:
>The ignition is switched off if it was on
beforehand.
Automatic transmission
You cannot take out the key unless the selector
lever is in the P position: interlock.
Start/stop button
Press the start/stop button to switch radio readi-
ness or the ignition on and off. Do not depress
the brake or clutch while doing so.When you press the start/stop button and
depress the clutch if the car has manual
transmission or the brake if the car has auto-
matic transmission, the engine starts.<
Radio readiness
Individual electrical consumers can operate. The
time and outside temperature are displayed in
the tachometer.
Radio readiness is switched off automatically:
>When the key is removed from the ignition
lock
>When using convenient access
* by pushing
the button on the door handle or the
button on the remote control, refer to Lock-
ing on page26
>after a certain has elapsed
Ignition on
Most indicator and warning lamps in indicator
area 1, page13, light up for varying lengths of
time.
When the engine is off, switch off the igni-
tion and any unnecessary electrical con-
sumers in order to preserve the battery.<
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps in the displays
go out.
The ignition automatically turns off
* when the
driver's door is opened. Pressing the start/stop
button again switches the ignition back on.
The ignition is not switched off in situations such
as the following:
>The clutch or brake is depressed
>The low beams are switched on

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
55
Settings and information
Operating principle
Certain settings and information are only avail-
able when the ignition is switched on, the vehi-
cle is at a standstill and the doors are closed.
1Button for:
>Selecting display
>Setting values
>Confirming selected display or set values
>Calling up computer information53
2Calling up Check Control60
3Displaying vehicle check60
4Initializing the Flat Tire Monitor65
Resetting the Tire Pressure Monitor67
5Setting formats and units of measure, reset-
ting to factory settings576Adjusting settings
>Confirmation signals when locking and
unlocking the vehicle20
>Response during unlocking
procedure19
>Automatic locking23
>Pathway lighting73
>Daytime running lamps74
>Triple turn signal activation47
7Setting the time59
8Setting the date59
9Exiting the menu

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
73
Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
0Lamps off and daytime running lamps
1Parking lamps and daytime running lamps
2Low-beam headlamps and welcome lamps
3Automatic headlamp control
*, daytime run-
ning lamps and welcome lamps
When you open the driver's door with the igni-
tion switched off, the exterior lighting is auto-
matically switched off if the light switch is in
position 0, 2 or 3.
Switch on the parking lamps if necessary, switch
position 1.
Parking lamps
Turn the light switch to position 1.
The front, rear and side vehicle lighting is
switched on.
Activation of lights on one side of the vehicle for
parking, page75.
The parking lamps will discharge the bat-
tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for
unduly long periods of time, otherwise the bat-
tery might not have enough power to start the
engine.<
Low beams
Turn the light switch to position 2.
The low beams come on when the ignition is on.
Automatic headlamp control*
When the switch is in position3, the low beams
are switched on and off automatically depend-
ing on ambient light conditions, e.g. in a tunnel,
in twilight, or if there is precipitation.
The headlamps may also come on when the sun
is sitting low on a blue sky.
When driving into tunnels with bright overhead
lights, there may be a delay before the head-
lamps come on.
The low beams remain switched on indepen-
dent of the ambient lighting conditions when
you switch on the fog lamps
*.
If the daytime running lamps are activated,
page74, the low beams are always switched on
with the light switch in position 3 and the igni-
tion on. The exterior lamps are automatically
switched off after the vehicle is parked.
The automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for your personal
judgment in determining when the lamps
should be switched on in response to ambient
lighting conditions. For example, the system
cannot detect fog or hazy weather. To avoid
safety risks, you should respond to these kinds
of low-visibility situations by switching the head-
lamps on manually.<
Welcome lamps
If you leave the light switch in the low beam or
automatic headlamp control position when you
switch off the ignition, the parking lamps and
interior lamps come on for a certain time as soon
as the vehicle is unlocked.
Pathway lighting
If you activate the headlamp flasher after park-
ing the car, with the lights switched off, the low
beams come on and remain on for a certain
time.
The setting is stored for the remote control in
use, refer to Personal Profile, page18.

Practical interior accessories
86
Connecting via the USB audio interface
1Connection for audio playback:
TRS connector 1/8 in/3.5 mm
2USB interface
*
iPod/iPhone
To connect the iPod/iPhone, use the cable
adapter for the Apple iPod.
For additional information, contact your MINI
Dealer or visit the Internet at www.MINI.com
To play audio tracks over the vehicle's loud-
speaker system, connect the iPod to ports 1 and 2.
The iPod/iPhone's menu structure is supported
by the USB audio interface.
USB device
To play audio tracks over the vehicle's loud-
speaker system, connect the USB device to
port2.
Notes
Do not expose the audio device to
extreme environmental conditions, e. g.
very high temperatures, refer to the operating
instructions of the audio device. Otherwise the
audio device may become damaged, which
could compromise safety while driving.<
>The USB-audio interface supplies the con-
nected audio devices with power, provided
that this is supported by the audio device.
Therefore, do not connect the USB audio
device to the power socket in the vehicle
during operation.
>Do not forcibly connect the plug to the USB
interface.>Do not connect devices such as fans or
lamps to the USB-audio interface.
>Do not connect USB hard disks.
>Do not use the USB-audio interface to
charge external devices.
Storage compartments
In the vehicle interior
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you
will find storage compartments in the doors,
next to the rear seats and in the center console
*.
The map compartments in the MINI Convertible
are located next to the rear seats.
Nets
* are located in the passenger footwell and
on the backs of the front seat backrests.
Storage compartment on the front
passenger side*
Opening
Briefly press the bottom edge of the cover.
Closing
Push the cover back into its original position.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent, close the storage compartment after
use while the vehicle is being driven.<
MINI Convertible
The storage compartment cannot be locked.