2010 MINI COOPER tailgate

Things to remember when driving
94
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 blowout.<
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.<
MINI Convertible: Luggage
compartment
Do not place any objects on the luggage
compartment roller cover, as this may
damage the cover or the convertible top.<

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.

Giving and receiving assistance
136
Giving and receiving assistance
Roadside Assistance
The Roadside Assistance service is there to assist
you around the clock in the event of a break-
down, including on weekends and public
holidays.
The phone numbers of the Roadside Assistance
in your home country can be found in the Con-
tact brochure.
First aid pouch*
Some of the articles contained in the first aid
pouch have a limited service life. Therefore,
check the expiration dates of the contents regu-
larly and replace any items in good time, if nec-
essary.
By way of example, the illustration shows the
cargo bay in the MINI.
The first aid pouch is located on the cargo bay
floor by the left side trim panel.
Warning triangle*
MINI
On the inside of the tailgate.
Press the tab to take it out.
MINI Convertible
The warning triangle is located at the bottom of
the luggage compartment floor.
Jump-starting
If the car's own battery is flat, your MINI's engine
can be started by connecting two jumper cables
to another vehicle's battery. You can also use
the same method to help start another vehicle.
Only use jumper cables with fully-insulated
clamp handles.
Do not touch any electrically live parts
when the engine is running, or a fatal acci-
dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow-
ing sequence, both to prevent damage to one or
both vehicles, and to guard against possible per-
sonal injuries.<
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other vehi-
cle has a voltage of 12 volts and approxi-
mately the same capacitance in Ah. This
information can be found on the battery.
2.Switch off the engine of the support vehicle.
3.Switch off any consumers in both vehicles.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
141
Lights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gallons/8 l of fuel
remain in the tank
Remains on:
Cruising range is no more than
30 miles/50 km, page56
Engine refuses to start Depress the brake or clutch in order to
start the engine, page46.
Ignition switched on and driver's
door openSwitch off the ignition, page46, or
close the driver's door.
Lamps still on
Roadside parking lamps on
Door open
Bonnet open
Tailgate open
Luggage compartment roller cover
in the MINI ConvertibleConvertible top cannot be activated.
Bring cargo bay cover in required
position, refer to page95.
Lights up in red:
Convertible top not locked Convertible top cannot be activated.
Complete open/close of convertible
top before continuing drive, refer to
page33.
12Cause What to do

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
161
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders89
Brake Assist65
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements60
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs129
Brake pads, breaking in92
Brake rotors93
– brakes92
– breaking in92
Brake system92
– breaking in92
– disc brakes93
– MINI Maintenance
System119
Brakes
– ABS65
– breaking in92
– MINI Maintenance
System119
– parking brake47
– service requirements60
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely93
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance136
Break-in period92
Breaking in the clutch92
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs125
Button for starting the
engine46
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders89
Capacities158
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery135
Car care121
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls20Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest87
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash, care121
Car washes121
Care121
– car washes121
– car-care products121
– CD/DVD drives124
– external121
– high-pressure washers122
– internal123
– leather123
– manual washing122
– upholstery and fabrics123
– windows122
– wiper blades122
Cargo area
– capacity157
Cargo bay94
– Comfort Access29
– cover94
– lamp78
– opening from outside26
Cargo bay, expanding94
Cargo bay lamp78
Cargo bay lid, refer to
Tailgate26
Cargo loading95
– securing cargo96
– stowing cargo96
– vehicle94
Cargo, securing96
Carpets, care123
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system92
Center armrest87
Center brake lamp129
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking system21
– Comfort Access28
– from inside25
– from outside21
Changing bulbs
125
Changing wheels132Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment117
Check Control62
Child restraint systems43
Child seats43
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH44
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire132
Chrome parts, care123
Chrome parts, refer to
Care121
Cigarette lighter89
Cleaning headlamps52
– washer fluid53
Clock55
– 12h/24h mode59
– setting time62
Closing
– from inside25
– from outside21
Clothes hooks88
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine47
Comfort Access28
– replacing the battery30
– what to observe before
entering a car wash29
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock46
Computer56
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked93
Condition Based Service
CBS119
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile20
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking/unlocking23
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances89
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption56

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
165
Light switch75
Light-alloy wheels, care123
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs126
Lighter89
– socket89
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs125
– of the instruments78
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps75
Limit151
Load95
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo96
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking25
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal23
– from inside25
– from outside22
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access28
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals23
– from inside25
– from outside21
Low beams75
– automatic75
– replacing bulb126
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support38
Luggage compartment
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual release26
– increasing the capacity95
– opening from the inside26
Luggage compartment lid
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual release26
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Tailgate26
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay26
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack97
Lumbar support38M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires115
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system119
Malfunction
– convertible top34
– trunk lid26
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control62
Manual air distribution82
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
Manual operation
– door lock24
– fuel filler flap102
– power convertible top34
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission50
– trunk lid26
Manual transmission48
Manual washing122
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control20
Maximum cooling83
Maximum speed
– with winter tires115
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch136
Microfilter
– for air conditioner82
– for automatic climate
control84
– MINI Maintenance
System119
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System119
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System119
Mirror dimming feature42Mirrors41
– exterior mirrors41
– heating41
– interior rearview mirror41
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest87
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest87
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System130
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor67
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher50
– refer to Wiper system51
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints39
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments88
New tires114
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data154
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope138
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis119
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications103
Odometer55

From A to Z
166
Oil consumption117
Oil level117
Oil, refer to Engine oil117
Oil types118
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal135
Onboard vehicle tool kit125
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access28
– from inside25
– from outside21
– using the door lock24
– via the remote control21
Opening and unlocking
– from inside25
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation84
Outlets, refer to Air vents80
Output, refer to Engine
data154
Outside temperature
display55
– changing unit of measure59
– on onboard computer59
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control83
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature55
P
Paintwork, care122
Park Distance Control PDC64
Parking
– vehicle47
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC64
Parking brake47
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb127
Parking lamps/low beams75
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting75
Personal Profile20
Pinch protection system
– windows32
Plastic parts, care124Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner82
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control84
Power convertible top32
Power failure135
Power windows31
Power windows, refer to
Windows31
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM69
Pressure monitoring, tires67
– Flat Tire Monitor67
Pressure, tires104
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– windows32
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor67
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control20
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness46
Radio readiness46
– switched off46
– switched on46
Rain sensor52
Range, refer to Cruising
range56
Reading lamps79
Rear fog lamp78
– indicator lamp140
– replacing bulb129
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement129
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps128
Rear luggage rack97
Rear seat backrest, folding94
Rear seats
– folding the backrests94
Rear window heating81,83Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors41
Recirculated-air mode81,83
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode81,83
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest38
Refueling102
Releasing
– bonnet116
Remote control20
– battery renewal30
– Comfort Access28
– garage door opener85
– malfunctions24,29
– service data119
– tailgate23
Replacement remote
control20
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs125
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires114
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge56
Reservoir for washer
systems53
Restraint systems
– for children43
– refer to Safety belts40
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
– manual transmission48
Roadside Assistance136
Roadside parking lamps77
– replacing bulb127
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements60
Roof load capacity157
Roof-mounted luggage
rack97
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away138
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-flat
tires114