
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 85
Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal 
remote control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control can 
replace as many as three hand-held transmitters 
for various remote-controlled devices, such as 
garage and gate openers and lighting systems. 
The integrated universal remote control regis-
ters and stores signals from the original hand-
held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter 
can be programmed on one of the three mem-
ory buttons1. The system in question can then 
be operated by means of the programmed 
memory button1. The LED2 flashes to confirm 
transmission of the signal.
If you decide to sell your vehicle one day, in the 
interest of your own security, remember to clear 
the stored programs before the vehicle leaves 
your possession, page86.
To prevent possible damage or injury, 
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote control, always inspect 
the immediate area to make certain that no 
people, animals or objects are within the pivot-
ing or travel range of the device being operated. 
Comply also with the safety instructions supplied 
with the original hand-held transmitter.<
Checking compatibility
If this symbol appears on the package 
or in the instructions supplied with the 
original hand-held transmitter, you can 
assume that the radio remote control device is 
compatible with the integrated universal remote 
control.
For additional information, please contact your 
MINI dealer or call: 1-800-355-3515.
You can also obtain information on the 
Internet at: 
www.MINI.com or
www.homelink.comHomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson 
Controls, Inc.
Programming
1Memory buttons
2LED
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1.Switch on the ignition, page46.
2.When starting operation for the first time: 
press both outer memory buttons1 for 
approx. 20 seconds until the LED2 flashes 
rapidly. All stored programs are cleared.
3.Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a 
distance of approx. 5 to 30 cm/2 in to 12 in 
from the memory buttons1.
The required distance between the 
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons1 depends on the system of the 
respective original hand-held transmitter 
used.<
4.Simultaneously press the transmit key on 
the original hand-held transmitter and the 
desired memory button 1 on the integrated 
universal remote control. The LED 2 flashes 
slowly at first. As soon as the LED2 flashes 
rapidly, release both buttons. If the LED2 
does not flash rapidly after approx. 15 sec-
onds, alter the distance.
5.To program other original hand-held trans-
mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.
The corresponding memory button 1 is now 
programmed with the signal of the original 
hand-held transmitter. 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 95
Loading aid
When the convertible top is closed, you can load 
the vehicle more easily by releasing the convert-
ible top and folding it up.
1.Release the convertible top using the han-
dles, see arrows 1.
2.Lift the convertible top, see arrow 2.
3.Fold back the handles and place them on 
holders3.
Expanding the luggage compartment 
volume
You can enlarge the luggage compartment vol-
ume when the convertible top is closed.
1.Fold the convertible top upwards, refer to 
Loading aid.
2.Pull the luggage compartment's roller cover 
from its lower storage area and towards the 
rear, then swing upward, see arrows 1.
3.Push cover into the upper storage areas, see 
arrows 2 and place down horizontally.
To operate the convertible top, move 
the cargo bay cover back to its lower 
position.<
Through-loading system
To be able to transport larger objects, the rear 
backrest can be folded down.
1.If necessary, use the integrated key and 
open the backrest lock 1.
2.Press button2 and fold down backrest 
together with the belt strap.
3.Fold the backrest forward.
When folding the backrest back into its 
original position, always ensure that the 
catch engages securely. A loose backrest might 
fail to prevent cargo from entering the passen-
ger compartment during sudden braking or eva-
sive maneuvers, posing a potential hazard to 
occupants.
The belt guide loop, refer to page40, must be 
closed.<
Determining cargo limit
1.Locate the following statement on your 
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants 
and cargo should never exceed 
X X X k g  o r  Y Y Y l b s .  O t h e r w i s e ,  d a m a g e  t o  t h e  
vehicle and unstable driving situations may 
result.< 

Things to remember when driving
96
2.Determine the combined weight of the 
driver and passengers that will be riding in 
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver 
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY 
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available 
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. 
For example, if the XXX amount equals 
1,400 lbs. and there will be four 150 lbs. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 
650 lbs: 
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage 
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That 
weight may not safely exceed the available 
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated 
in step 4.
6.I f  y o u r  v e h icl e  w i ll  be  t o w i n g  a  t r a il e r ,  pa r t  o f  
the load from your trailer will be transferred 
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for 
transporting a trailer to determine how this 
may reduce the available cargo and luggage 
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The 
greater the weight of the occupants, the less 
cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the 
rear seat backrests.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is 
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the 
respective opposite buckle.
>Do not stack higher than the top edge of the 
backrests.
MINI
MINI Convertible
Securing cargo
>Secure smaller and lighter items using 
retaining or draw straps
*.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing larger 
and heavier objects are available at your 
MINI dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided 
for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them 
are located on the forward wall of the 
cargo bay. 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 97
Comply with the information enclosed with 
the load-securing devices.
Always position and secure the cargo as 
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden 
braking or swerves are necessary. 
Do not exceed the approved gross weight and 
axle loads, page 157; otherwise, the vehicle's 
operating safety is no longer assured and the 
vehicle will not be in compliance with the certifi-
cation regulations. 
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried 
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown 
around, for example as a result of heavy braking, 
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants. Do not secure cargo using the fastening 
points for the tether strap, page44; they may 
become damaged.<
MINI: Roof-mounted 
luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option for 
your MINI. Your MINI dealer will be glad to 
advise you. Comply with the installation instruc-
tions supplied with the rack system.
Mounting points
Remove the cover panel.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of 
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect 
on vehicle handling and steering response. 
You should therefore always remember not to 
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads 
when loading the rack.
You can find the applicable data under Weights 
on page 157.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and 
should not be too large in area. Heavy items 
should always be placed at the bottom.
When loading, make sure that there is sufficient 
space for the movement of the glass sunroof 
and that no objects protrude into the swiveling 
area of the tailgate; otherwise, damage can 
occur.
Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and 
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off 
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and 
braking maneuvers, and take corners gently.
Rear luggage rack*
A specially designed rear luggage rack is avail-
able for your MINI Convertible as optional acces-
sory. Please read the in information provided in 
the assembly instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points can be found under the 
covers inside the bumper.
Push out the covers from the respective 
recesses.
Loading the rear luggage rack
When loading the rack, please ensure not to 
exceed the permissible roof load, the permissi-
ble gross vehicle weight, and the axle weight. 

Under the bonnet
116
Under the bonnet
Do not work on the car unless you possess 
the necessary technical knowledge. If you 
are not familiar with the regulations to be 
observed, have the necessary work on your 
vehicle carried out only by a MINI dealer or a 
workshop that has specially trained personnel 
working in accordance with the specifications of 
the MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried 
out properly, there is a danger of subsequent 
damage and related safety hazards.<
Bonnet
Releasing
Pull the lever.
Do not clean the windshield and head-
lamps if the bonnet is unlocked as this 
may damage the headlamp washer system
*.<
Opening
To avoid damage, make sure that the 
wiper arms are against the windshield 
before you open the bonnet.<
Press the release handle and open the bonnet.
Closing
Close the bonnet from a height of approx. 16 in/
40 cm with momentum. It must be clearly heard 
to engage.
If you notice any signs while driving your 
vehicle that the bonnet is not completely 
closed, stop at once and close it securely.
Make sure that the closing path of the bonnet is 
clear; otherwise, injuries may result.< 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 125
Replacing components
Onboard vehicle tool kit
Your vehicle comes with an onboard vehicle tool 
kit that varies with the equipment version; it is 
stored underneath the level load floor.
>Mobility System with onboard vehicle tool 
kit and tire change set
*130
>Tire change set with onboard vehicle tool kit 
for space-saver spare tire132
Wiper blades
Changing the front wiper blades
1.Fold up the wiper arm.
2.Position the wiper blade horizontally.
3.Press the securing spring, arrow.
4.Unhook the wiper blade toward the wind-
shield.
5.Pull the wiper blade past the wiper arm 
toward the top.
6.Insert the new wiper blade.7.Press into position until you hear it engage.
8.Fold down the wiper arm.
To avoid damage, make sure that the 
wiper arms are against the windshield 
before you open the bonnet.<
MINI: Changing the rear wiper blade
1.Fold up the wiper arm.
2.Rotate the wiper blade toward the back as 
far as it will go, arrow.
3.Press the wiper blade against the limit and 
thus out of the mounting.
4.Press the new wiper blade into the fixture 
until it engages audibly.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribution 
to vehicle safety. They should, therefore, be 
handled carefully. The manufacturer of your 
MINI recommends having your MINI dealer per-
f o r m  a n y  w o r k  t h a t  y o u  d o  n o t  f e e l  c o m p e t e n t  t o  
perform yourself or that is not described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with 
your bare fingers, as even minute 
amounts of contamination will burn into the 
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a 
clean tissue, cloth or something similar, or hold 
the bulb by its base.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs 
at your MINI dealer. 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 133
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The screw connection of the space-saver spare 
tire is under the floor mat in the cargo bay, on 
the base of the storage compartment for the tire 
change set.
1.Unscrew the screw connection with the spe-
cial wrench.
2.Take out the cover panel.
3.Screw the lifting handle from the onboard 
vehicle tool kit onto the thread.
4.Raise the lifting handle slightly.
5.Squeeze the securing spring.
6.The space-saver spare tire is released and 
must be held by the lifting handle.
7.Lower the space-saver spare tire with the 
lifting handle.
8.Unscrew the lifting handle.9.Pull the space-saver spare tire underneath 
the vehicle out towards the rear.
10.Position the space-saver spare tire with the 
valve facing upward.
11.Unscrew the valve extension from the valve 
of the space-saver spare tire.
12.Unscrew the dust cap from the extension 
and place it on the valve of the space-saver 
spare tire.
Due to its different dimensions, the dam-
aged wheel cannot be placed in the recess 
for the space-saver spare tire.<
Driving with the space-saver spare tire
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. Changes may 
occur in vehicle handling such as lower track sta-
bility during braking, longer braking distances 
and changes in self-steering properties when 
close to the handling limit. These properties are 
more noticeable with winter tires.<
Only one space-saver spare tire may be 
mounted at one time. Mount a wheel and 
tire of the original size as soon as possible, to 
avoid any safety risks.<
Check the tire inflation pressure at the ear-
liest opportunity and correct it if neces-
sary. Replace the defective tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire assembly 
balanced.<
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding 
flat tires on page130.<
Additional safety measures when chang-
ing tires:  

Replacing components
134
Only change the tire when parked on a surface 
that is level, firm and not slippery.
The vehicle or the jack could slip sideways on 
soft or slippery support surfaces, such as snow, 
ice, flagstones, etc. 
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a 
support base for the jack, as this would prevent 
it from extending to its full support height and 
reduce its load-carrying capacity. 
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the engine 
when the vehicle is supported by the jack; other-
wise, there is a risk of fatal injury.<
1.Place the foldable chock
* behind the front 
wheel on the other side of the vehicle or in 
front of the wheel if the vehicle is on an 
incline. If the wheel is changed on a surface 
with a more severe slope, take additional 
precautions to secure the vehicle from 
rolling.
2.Uncover the lug bolts if necessary.
If the wheel is equipped with a hub cover, 
pry it off using the screwdriver from the tire 
change kit.
3.Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.
Jacking up the vehicle
The vehicle jack is designed for changing 
wheels only. Do not attempt to raise 
another vehicle model with it or to raise any load 
of any kind. To do so could cause accidents and 
personal injury.<
1.Place the jack at the jacking point closest to 
the wheel.The jack base must be perpendicular to the 
surface beneath the jacking point.
2.During jacking up, insert the jack head in the 
square recess of the jacking point.
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are 
changing is raised off the ground.
Mounting the space-saver spare tire
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the 
wheel.
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from 
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and 
hub. Clean the lug bolts.
3.Lift the new wheel into place.
4.Screw at least two lug bolts finger-tight into 
opposite bolt holes.
5.Screw in the remaining bolts.
6.Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diagonal 
pattern.
7.Lower the vehicle.
8.Remove the jack.
Tightening the lug bolts
Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
Immediately have the wheels checked 
with a calibrated torque wrench to ensure 
that the lug bolts are firmly seated. Otherwise, 
incorrectly tightened lug bolts can present a 
safety hazard.<
Tightening torque: 103.3 lb ft or 140 Nm.
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible 
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.