
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
35
Closing the convertible top
1.Place both hands on the convertible top on
the respective side frame.
2.Lift out both sides at the same time, and
swing the convertible top forward onto
the cowl.
3.Inside the vehicle, use a screwdriver to pry
out the cover in the center of the roof.
To close the sliding sunroof
1.Insert the hexagon wrench into the recess in
the center of the roof and push upward, see
arrow1.
2.Turn the hexagon wrench in the direction of
arrow 2.
3.Open both locking mechanisms and remove
the locking pieces.
4.Insert the pins into the respective recess in
the cowl, see arrow.
To lock the convertible top
Turn hexagon wrench in the opposite direction
of arrow 2 until the convertible top is securely
locked.
Please contact your MINI dealer to have
the electrical malfunction repaired.<
Wind deflector*
With the convertible top open, the wind deflec-
tor keeps air movement in the passenger com-
partment to a minimum, thus providing you with
a more pleasant drive, even at higher speeds.
Do not let the wind deflector come into
contact with pointy objects as these may
damage the net. Do not place objects on the
installed wind deflector. When stowing the wind
deflector, ensure that it is not damaged by
objects.<
Before installing
1.Take the wind deflector out of the pouch.
2.Unfold the wind deflector, see arrows 1.
3.Press the locking device together until it
engages, see arrow 2.

Things to remember when driving
92
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed the following:
>Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Close the tailgate
Drive the vehicle only when the tailgate is
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could
penetrate the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the tailgate open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof
*.
2.Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig-
nificantly increase the air flow rate of the air
conditioner or automatic climate control,
page81 or82.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact between
the hot exhaust system and any highly flamma-
ble materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such
contact could lead to a fire, with the risk of seri-
ous personal injuries and property damage. Do
not touch hot exhaust tail pipes. Otherwise,
there is a risk of burns.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact

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.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
135
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate
climate.
Battery replacement
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manu-
facturer; otherwise, the vehicle could be dam-
aged and systems or functions may not be fully
available.<
After a battery replacement, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your dealer to
ensure that all comfort functions are fully
available.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle when the
engine is off. Connections, refer to Jump-start-
ing on page136.
Disposal
After replacing old batteries, return the
used batteries to your MINI dealer or to a
recycling point. Maintain the battery in an
upright position for transport and storage.
Always secure the battery against tipping over
during transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, some equipment
may not be fully functional and may require ini-
tialization. Individual settings are also lost and
must be reprogrammed:
>Time and date
These values must be updated, page62.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual for Radio.
>Glass sunroof
*, electric
It may only be possible to raise the sunroof,
if applicable. The system must be initialized.
Contact your nearest MINI dealer.
Fuses
Do not attempt to repair a blown fuse or
replace it with a fuse of a different color or
Ampere rating. To do this could cause a fire in
the vehicle resulting from a circuit overload.
Have the fuse changed only by a MINI dealer or
a workshop that has specially trained personnel
working in accordance with the specifications of
the MINI manufacturer.<
A fuse allocation diagram is located on the inside
of the fuse box cover panels.
In the engine compartment
Opening the cover
Press the latch.
In the vehicle interior
On the right side of the footwell.
Opening the cover
Press out at the recess.

Indicator and warning lamps
142
Sliding/tilting sunroof or soft top of
MINI ConvertibleExcessive vehicle speed, activation
not possible, reduce speed and con-
tinue activation.
Lights up in red:
Control system for convertible top
failed!Position of convertible top and locking
mechanism not recognized. If con-
vertible top securely locked, drive
may be continued. Manually close
convertible top/sliding roof, refer to
page34. Have your MINI Service
inspect the system.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive of convertible top overheated! Let drive of convertible top cool down,
refer to page34.
Sliding/tilting sunroof or soft top of
MINI ConvertibleControl system of convertible top/tilt
roof malfunctioning. Close convertible
top/tilt roof manually, refer to
page34. Contact your MINI Service.
Tailgate of MINI Convertible not
closedClose the tailgate.
Gas cap missing or loose Make sure that the gas cap is correctly
positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks. Do not jam the strap between
the gas cap and the vehicle.
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
page53.
Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements,
page119.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the
start/stop button is touched, possibly
without the brake or clutch being
depressed
12Cause What to do

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
163
Engine
– breaking in92
– data154
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature55
– speed154
– starting47
– starting, Comfort Access28
– switching off47
Engine compartment117
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant118
Engine oil
– adding118
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils118
– alternative oil types118
– approved engine oils118
– capacity118
– checking level117
– dipstick117
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements60
– MINI Maintenance
System119
Engine oil level, checking117
Engine output, refer to Engine
data154
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine47
Error messages, refer to Check
Control62
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC65
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system92
Exterior mirrors41
– adjusting41
– automatic heating41
– folding in and out41
External audio device87
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away137
– for tying down loads96F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control62
Failure of an electrical
consumer135
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder41
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts40
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner82
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control84
Fine wood, care124
First aid pouch136
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock46
Flash when locking/
unlocking23
Flat tire
– run-flat tires114
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM69
Flat Tire Monitor FTM67
– indicating a flat tire68
– initializing the system67
– snow chains67
– system limits67
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition113
Floor mats, care123
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb127,129
Folding rear seat backrest94
Folding roof, refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof32
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely93
Footwell lamps78
For your own safety5
Front airbags72
Front fog lamps77,78
– indicator lamp140
– replacing bulb127Front seat adjustment37
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows82,83
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor67
Fuel103
– gauge56
– high-quality brands103
– quality103
– specifications103
– tank capacity158
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge
56
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge56
Fuel filler flap102
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction102
Fuses135
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control85
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption56
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge56
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel103
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission48
– manual transmission48
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
– manual transmission48
General driving notes92
Glass sunroof, electric30
– convenient operation22,24
– opening, closing30
– raising30
– remote control22

From A to Z
164
Glove compartment86
Grills, refer to Air vents80
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights157
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb126
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake47
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags72
Head restraints39
– sitting safely37
Headlamp control,
automatic75
Headlamp flasher50
– indicator lamp11,140
Headlamps
– replacing bulb126
Headlamps, care122
Heated
– mirrors41
– rear window81,83
– seats40
Heating80
– mirrors41
– rear window81,83
– seats40
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo96
Height adjustment
– seats38
– steering wheel42
Height, refer to
Dimensions155
High beams77
– headlamp flasher77
– indicator lamp140
– replacing bulb126
High water, refer to Driving
through water93
Hill Assist66
Hills93
Holders for cups89
Homepage4Horn10
Hot exhaust system92
Hydroplaning92
I
Ice warning55
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning55
Ignition46
– switched off46
– switched on46
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness46
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on46
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control20
Ignition lock46
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,140
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM70
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting78
Individual air distribution82
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile20
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM69
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM67
– glass sunroof, electric30
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting78
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key20
Integrated universal remote
control85
Interior lamps78
– remote control23Interior rearview mirror41
– automatic dimming
feature42
Interlock48
Intermittent mode of the
wipers51
Internet page4
J
Jacking points134
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles53
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting136
Jump-starting136
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile20
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls20
Keyless go, refer to Comfort
Access28
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access28
Kickdown49
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
Knock control103
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs125
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams75
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo96
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system44
Leather care123
LEDs light-emitting diodes126
Length, refer to
Dimensions155
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement129

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
167
Rubber parts, care123
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires114
Run-flat tires114
– flat tire68
– new tires114
– tire inflation pressure104
– winter tires115
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-flat
tires114
S
Safety belts40
– damage41
– indicator lamp41
– reminder41
– sitting safely37
Safety belts, care124
Safety systems
– airbags72
– Antilock Brake System
ABS65
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65
– safety belts40
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires114
Screw thread for tow
fitting138
Seat adjustment
– mechanical38
Seats37
– adjusting the seats38
– heating40
– sitting safely37
Securing the vehicle
– from inside25
– from outside21
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock48
– overriding manually50Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance136
Service data in the remote
control119
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS119
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance136
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS119
Service requirements60
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode59
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
– manual transmission48
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions48
Side airbags72
Side turn signal indicator
– replacing bulb128
Side windows, refer to
Windows31
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely37
– airbags37
– safety belts
37
– with head restraint37
Size, refer to Dimensions155
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric30
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector35
Slot for remote control46
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray89
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment87Snow chains115
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
OBD119
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances89
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires132
– inflation pressure104
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire132
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils118
Speed154
– with winter tires115
Speed control, refer to Cruise
control53
Speedometer12
Split rear backrest, refer to
Through-loading system95
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo bay94
Sport button67
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems64
Start/stop button46
– starting the engine47
– switching off the engine47
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump-starting136
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine47
Starting the engine
– start/stop button46
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC65
– Hill Assist66
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing4
Steering wheel42
– adjustment42
– buttons on steering wheel11
– lock46
– shift paddles49
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic48