
REFERENCE
AT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 15
1MINI: Microphone for voice processing sys-
tem
* and for hands-free telephone*
MINI Convertible: Microphone in the steer-
ing column
2Indicator/warning lamp
* for front passen-
ger airbags73
4Hazard warning flashers
5Speedometer12
6Drive for audio CDs
7Switching audio sources on/off and adjust-
ing volume
8Air conditioner or automatic climate 
control
*
9Switches in center console
10AUX-IN port, USB audio interface
*87
11Driving stability control systems
>Dynamic Stability Control DSC65
>Dynamic Traction Control
 DTC* 66
12Sport button
*67 3
Reading lamps
*79
Color of ambient lighting
*79
Glass sunroof, electric
*30
MINI Convertible: opening and clos-
ing the sliding/tilting roof32
Interior lamps78
Temperature, 83 81
Recirculated-air mode, 83 81
Air distribution for air 
conditioner82
Air distribution to the 
windshield
*83
Air distribution to the upper 
body area
*83
Air distribution to the footwell
*83
Automatic air distribution and 
flow rate
*83
Maximum cooling
*83
Cooling function, 84 81
Defrosting windows
*, 83 82
Rear window defroster, 83 81 
Windshield heating
*, 84 82
Air flow rate, 82 81
Seat heating
*40
Power windows31
MINI Convertible: central power 
window unit31
Rear fog lamp
*77
Fog lamps
*77
Central locking system, inside25 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 21
>Response of the central locking system 
when the car is being unlocked21
>Automatic locking of the vehicle25
>Triple turn signal activation50
>Settings for the displays in the speedometer 
and tachometer:
>12h/24h mode of the clock, refer to For-
mats and units of measure59
>Date format, refer to Formats and units 
of measure59
>Units of measure for fuel consumption, 
distance covered/remaining distances 
and temperature, refer to Formats and 
units of measure59
>Light settings:
>Pathway lighting75
>Daytime running lights76
>Automatic climate control
*: activating/
deactivating the AUTO program, setting the 
temperature, air volume and air 
distribution82
>Entertainment:
>Audio volume, refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
>Speed-dependent volume, refer to sepa-
rate Owner's Manual
Central locking system
The concept
The central locking system is ready for operation 
whenever the driver's door is closed.
The system simultaneously engages and 
releases the locks on the following:
>Doors
>Tailgate
>Fuel filler flap
Operating from outside
>Via the remote control
>Via the door lock
*
>In cars with Comfort Access*, via the door 
handles on the driver's and passenger's 
sides.
The anti-theft system is also operated at the 
same time. It prevents the doors from being 
unlocked using the lock buttons or door han-
dles. The remote control can also be used to 
switch on/off the welcome lamps and interior 
lamps. The alarm system
* is also activated or 
deactivated, page27.
Operating from inside
Button for central locking system, page25.
In the event of a sufficiently severe accident, the 
central locking system unlocks automatically. In 
addition, the hazard warning flashers and inte-
rior lamps come on.
Opening and closing: 
from outside
Persons or animals in a parked vehicle 
could lock the doors from the inside. Take 
the key with you when you leave the vehicle 
so that the vehicle can be opened from the 
outside.<
Using the remote control
Unlocking
Press the   button.
The welcome lamps and interior lamps come on.
Unlocking mode
You can also set which parts of the car are 
unlocked. The setting is stored for the remote 
control in use. 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 87
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent, close the glove compartment after 
use while the vehicle is being driven.<
MINI Convertible: Locking
Use the integrated key to lock the remote con-
trol system, refer to page20.
Ventilation*
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, it may 
be possible to ventilate the glove compartment.
Opening
Rotate the switch in the direction of the arrow.
Closing
Rotate the switch in the opposite direction of the 
arrow until it is in the vertical position.
Depending on the temperature setting of the air 
conditioning or the automatic climate control, 
high temperatures may result in the glove com-
partment.
Center armrest*
Storage compartment
The center armrest between the front seats con-
tains either a compartment or the cover for the 
mobile phone base plate
* or the snap-in 
adapter
*.
Opening
The cover slides along guide rails and can be 
opened fully by pushing it back and lifting it.
Closing
Push the cover forwards.
Connection for external 
audio device
>iPods/iPhones or USB devices such as MP3 
players and USB memory sticks: Connect via 
the USB audio interface.
>iPhone/mobile phone music players: Con-
nect via the snap-in adapter
*, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual. Playback is only 
possible if there is no device connected to 
the USB audio interface.
Connecting via the USB audio interface
1Connection for audio playback:
TRS connector 1/8 in/3.5 mm
2USB interface
* 

Practical interior accessories
88
Apple iPod/iPhone
To connect the device, use the special cable 
adapter for the Apple iPod/iPhone, available 
from your dealer. The cable adapter is required 
for a flawless connection.
For additional information, contact your 
MINI dealer or visit the Internet at 
www.MINI.com/usb
To play audio tracks over the vehicle's loud-
speaker system, connect the iPod to ports 
1and2.
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.
Clothes hooks
There are clothes hooks on the grab handles in 
the rear passenger compartment.
Items of clothing hung from the hooks 
must not obstruct the driver's view. Do not 
hang heavy objects from the hooks; otherwise, 
they could endanger the car's occupants, e.g. in 
case of heavy braking or sudden swerving.< 

From A to Z
160
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your 
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for 
automatic climate control84
Additives
– coolant118
– engine oil118
Adjusting temperature inside 
the car, refer to Air 
conditioner81
Adjusting temperature inside 
the car, refer to Automatic 
climate control82
Air conditioner80
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner81
– automatic climate control82
– ventilation84
Air distribution
– automatic83
– individual82
– manual82
Air flow rate81,82
– air conditioning system81
– automatic climate control82
– heating, ventilation81
Air outlets, refer to Air vents80
Air pressure, checking, refer to 
Tire inflation pressure104
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode81,83
Air supply
– air conditioner81
– automatic climate control82
– ventilation84
Air vents80
Airbags72
– sitting safely37
– warning lamp74Airing, refer to Ventilation84
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications103
Alarm system27
All-season tires, refer to Winter 
tires115
Always Open Timer57
Ambient air, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode81,83
Ambient lighting79
Antenna, care121
Antifreeze
– coolant118
– washer fluid53
Antilock Brake System ABS65
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system27
Anti-theft system21
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights157
Approved engine oils118
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights157
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest87
Ashtray89
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC65
Audio device, external87
AUTO program for automatic 
climate control83
Automatic
– air distribution83
– air flow rate83
– cruise control53
– headlamp control75
Automatic climate control80
– automatic air distribution83Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic48
– interlock48
– overriding selector lever 
lock50
– shiftlock48
– sport program49
AUX-IN, refer to External audio 
device87
Average fuel consumption56
– setting the units59
Average speed56
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights157
B
Background lighting, refer to 
Ambient lighting79
Backrests, refer to Seats37
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb128,129
Band-aids, refer to First aid 
pouch136
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, 
towing away138
Battery135
– charging135
– disposal30,135
– jump-starting136
– temporary power failure135
Battery renewal
– remote control30
Being towed138
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts40
Belts, refer to Safety belts40
Beverage holders, refer to 
Cupholders89
Blower, refer to Air flow 
rate81,82
Bonnet116 

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 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 169
Trailer operation
– trailer loads and gross vehicle 
weight157
Transmission
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic48
– manual transmission48
– overriding selector lever lock 
for automatic transmission 
with Steptronic50
Transport securing devices, 
refer to Securing cargo96
Transporting children safely43
Tread depth, refer to Minimum 
tire tread113
Trip odometer55
Trip-distance counter, refer to 
Trip odometer55
Triple turn signal activation50
Trunk lid
– emergency operation26
– releasing manually26
Trunk, refer to Luggage 
compartment in the MINI 
Convertible94
Turn signal indicator50
– front, replacing bulb127
– indicator lamp12
– rear, replacing bulb128
– side, replacing bulb128
Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions155
Tying down loads, refer to 
Cargo loading96
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading 
UTQR112
Units
– average fuel consumption59
– temperature59
Universal garage door opener, 
refer to Integrated universal 
remote control85
Universal remote control85
Unlatching, refer to 
Unlocking29Unlocking
– from inside25
– from outside21
– tailgate29
– without remote control, refer 
to Comfort Access28
Upholstery, care123
USB audio interface87
V
Valve
– dust cap133
Vehicle
– battery135
– breaking in92
– cargo loading94
– dimensions155
– Identification Number, refer 
to Engine compartment117
– parking47
– storage124
– weight157
Vehicle jack132
– jacking points134
Ventilation
– air conditioner84
Vents, refer to Air vents80
Vents, refer to Ventilation84
Volume of cargo area157
W
Warning and indicator 
lamps13,140
Warning messages, refer to 
Check Control62
Warning triangle136
Washer fluid53
– capacity of reservoir53
Washer fluid reservoir53
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray89
Water on roads, refer to 
Driving through water93
Waterfall lighting, refer to 
Ambient lighting79
Wear indicators in tires, refer to 
Minimum tread depth113
Weights157Welcome lamps75
Wheel stud wrench
– space-saver spare tire132
Wheelbase, refer to 
Dimensions155
Wheels and tires104
Wheels, new114
Width, refer to 
Dimensions155
Wind deflector35
Window washer, refer to 
Washer fluid53
Window washer reservoir, 
refer to Washer fluid
– volume, refer to 
Capacities158
Windows31
– closing31
– convenient operation22
– opening31
– pinch protection system32
Windshield
– cleaning52
– defrosting and removing 
condensation82,83
Windshield, defrosting, refer to 
Defrosting windows82,83
Windshield washer system51
– washer fluid53
– washer nozzles53
Windshield wiper blades, 
changing125
Windshield wipers, refer to 
Wiper system51
Winter tires115
– storage115
Wiper blade replacement125
Wiper system51
Work in the engine 
compartment116
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to 
Onboard vehicle tool kit
125
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb126