
Lamps
78
MINI Convertible
>Turn on fog lamps:
Press the button upwards.
>Turn on rear fog lamp:
Press the button downwards.
When turning the lamps off, push the respective 
button again upwards or downwards.
Fog lamps*
The parking lamps or low beams must be 
switched on for the fog lamps to operate. The 
green indicator lamp comes on when the fog 
lamps are switched on.
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the fog 
lamps are switched off when you activate the 
headlamp flasher or switch on the high beams.
If the automatic headlamp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps.<
Rear fog lamp*
The low beams or parking lamps with fog lamps 
must be switched on. The yellow indicator lamp 
comes on when the rear fog lamp is switched on.
Instrument lighting
You can adjust the brightness of the instrument 
lighting only when the parking lamps or the low 
beams are on.
Increasing brightness
Press and hold the button until the desired 
brightness is reached.
Reducing brightness
Press the button briefly.
The brightness decreases every time the button 
is pressed briefly.
Interior lamps
The interior lamps, the footwell lamps* and the 
cargo bay lamp are controlled automatically.
To avoid draining the battery, all lamps 
inside the car are switched off about 
8 minutes after the ignition is switched off, refer 
to Start/stop button on page46.<
Switching interior lamps on/off manually
To switch the interior lamps on/off.
Press the switch.
To switch off the interior lamps permanently, 
press the button for about 3 seconds. 

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
 117
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Battery, under the cover137
2Engine oil dipstick117
3Engine oil filler neck1184Coolant expansion tank118
5Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlamp 
and window washer system53
6Engine compartment fuse box135
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on 
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking engine oil level
1.With the vehicle's engine at normal operat-
ing temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted 
driving for at least 6 miles/10 km, park the 
vehicle on a level surface.
2.Switch off the engine.
3.Pull the dipstick out after approx. 5 minutes 
and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth, paper 
towel or similar material.
4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way into 
the guide tube and pull it out again. 
The oil level should be between the two 
marks on the dipstick.The oil quantity corresponding to the difference 
between the two marks on the dipstick is 1 US 
quart/1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the 
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the 
engine.< 

Care
122
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure 
washers, ensure that you maintain suffi-
cient clearance to the vehicle and do not exceed 
a temperature of 1407/606.
If the distance is too close, the pressure too high, 
or the temperature too high, parts of the vehicle 
can be damaged, or water can penetrate. 
Observe the operating instructions for high-
pressure washers.<
Do not spray sensors such as Park Dis-
tance Control with high-pressure washers 
for a long time or at a distance of less than 
1 ft/30 cm.<
Manual washing
Use a great deal of water and, if necessary, car 
shampoo when washing your car by hand. Clean 
the vehicle with a sponge or a washing brush 
applying a slight amount of pressure.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or turn off the ignition 
to prevent unintentional wiping.<
Observe local regulations regarding wash-
ing vehicles by hand.<
Headlamps
Do not wipe dry and do not use abrasive or cor-
rosive cleaning agents. Remove dirt and con-
tamination, such as insects, by soaking with 
shampoo and then washing with plenty of 
water.
Do not remove accumulated ice and snow with 
an ice scraper; use window deicers instead.
Windows
Clean the outside and inside of the windows and 
mirrors with a window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners 
containing quartz.<
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and change regularly to 
prevent the formation of streaks.Wax, preservatives and dirt on the win-
dows cause streaks when the windshield 
wipers are on, and can cause premature wear 
of the wiper blades and interfere with the rain 
sensor.<
Care of the convertible top
The appearance and service life of the convert-
ible top largely depends on its proper care and 
operation.
Please follow these instructions:
>Never attempt to fold and stow the convert-
ible top in the convertible compartment 
when the top is wet or frozen. Otherwise, 
water stains, mildew, and chafe marks may 
occur.
>If water spots occur on the inside headliner 
despite precautions, remove them using a 
microfiber cloth and interior cleaner.
>If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area 
for a longer period of time, make sure that 
there is sufficient ventilation.
>Remove any bird droppings immediately, 
since they have corrosive properties which 
will corrode the convertible top and damage 
the rubber seals.
When attempting to remove stains from 
the convertible top, do not use spot 
removers, paint thinners, solvents, gasoline, or 
similar fluids. These cleaners may damage the 
rubber seals. The improper care or cleaning 
methods may cause the convertible top and its 
seams to leak.<
Use special convertible top cleaning agents if 
attempting to remove heavy stains.
Always read and follow the manufacturer's 
instructions.
Use an impregnating agent to treat the convert-
ible top once a year.
Paintwork, care
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value 
and protects the paint from the long-term 
effects of aggressive substances. 

Replacing components
126
When working on electrical systems, 
always begin by switching off the con-
sumer in question; otherwise, short circuits 
could result. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, observe 
any instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
Caring for headlamps, refer to page122.
For any bulb replacement not described 
below, contact a MINI dealer or a work-
shop that has specially trained personnel work-
ing in accordance with the specifications of the 
MINI manufacturer.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp aim, 
please contact your MINI dealer.<
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light sources for many of 
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These 
light-emitting diodes are related to conven-
tional laser diodes, and legislation defines them 
as Class 1 light-emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers or expose the 
eyes directly to the unfiltered light source 
for several hours; otherwise, this could cause 
irritation of the retina.<
Xenon lamps*
The service life of these bulbs is very long and 
the probability of failure very low, provided that 
they are not switched on and off an excessive 
number of times. If a xenon lamp fails neverthe-
less, switch on the fog lamps and continue the 
journey with great care, provided that local leg-
islation does not prohibit this.
Have any work on the xenon lamp system, 
including bulb replacement, carried out 
only by a MINI dealer or a workshop that has 
specially trained personnel working in accor-
dance with the specifications of the MINI manu-
facturer. Due to high voltage, there is a risk of 
fatal injury if work on the xenon lamps is carried 
out improperly.<
Halogen low beams and high beams
H13 bulb, 60/55 watts
The H13 bulb is pressurized. Therefore, 
wear safety glasses and protective gloves. 
Otherwise, there is a risk of injury if the bulb is 
damaged.<
Be careful when installing the cover; oth-
erwise, leaks could occur and cause dam-
age to the headlamp system.<
Accessing the lamp from the engine 
compartment
The low-beam/high-beam bulb can be changed 
from the engine compartment.
Removing the cover:
1.Press the tab.
2.Flip open the cover and take it out of the 
holder.
Follow the same steps in reverse order to reat-
tach the cover.
Be careful when installing the cover; oth-
erwise, leaks could occur and cause dam-
age to the headlamp system.< 

Indicator and warning lamps
140
Indicator and warning lamps
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var-
ious combinations and colors in indicator area 1 
or2. See the table for information on causes and 
how to react. Note whether a lamp comes on 
alone or in combination with another. Some 
lamps can light up in different colors. Corre-
sponding distinctions are made in the text.
12Cause What to do
Turn signals
High beams/headlamp flasher 
switched on
Fog lamps switched on
Rear fog lamp switched on
Fasten safety belts Fasten your safety belt, refer also to 
page40.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Outside  temperature  warning Drive cautiously, refer also to page55. 

Indicator and warning lamps
150
Selector lever position P not engaged. 
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when 
you wish to switch off the ignition, 
page46.
Cruise control system failed Have the system checked.
Park Distance Control failed Have the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as 
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp 
failedHave the lamps checked as soon as 
possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps 
checked.
Rear fog lamp failed Have the rear fog lamp checked.
Headlamp beam throw adjustment 
system failedHave the headlamp beam throw 
adjustment system checked.
Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, page118.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the 
engine. You cannot continue your 
journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in red:
Service appointment overdue Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page60.
Lights up in yellow:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page60.
12Cause What to do 

Technical data
158
MINI Convertible
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or 
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,745/1,245 2,855/1,295 2,877/1305
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 2,822/1,280 2,921/1,325 –
Approved gross weight
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 3,560/1,615 3,671/1,665 3,693/1675
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 3,638/1,650 3,737/1,695 –
Approved front axle load 
>Manual transmission
>Automatic transmis-
sion lbs/kg 1,863/845 1,951/885 1,962/890
lbs/kg 1,940/880 2,017/915 –
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,786/810 1,786/810 1,797/815
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/
liters6.0 - 23.3/
170 - 6606.0 - 23.3/
170 - 6606.0 - 23.3/
170 - 660
US gal/US quartsLitersNotes
Fuel tank 13.2/– approx. 50 Fuel grade: page103
including reserve of 2.1/– approx. 8
Window washer system incl. 
headlamp washer system –/4.8 approx. 4.5 For more details: page53