
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 37
Adjustments
Sitting safely
The ideal sitting position can make a vital contri-
bution to relaxed, fatigue-free driving. In con-
junction with the safety belts, the head restraints 
and the airbags, the seated position has a major 
influence on your safety in the event of an acci-
dent. To ensure that the safety systems operate 
with optimal efficiency, we strongly urge you to 
observe the instructions contained in the follow-
ing section.
For additional information on transporting chil-
dren safely, refer to page43.
Airbags
Always maintain an adequate distance 
between yourself and the airbags. Always 
grip the steering wheel on the rim, with your 
hands in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, to 
minimize the risk of injury to the hands or arms 
in the event of the airbag being triggered off. 
No one and nothing should come between the 
airbags and the seat occupant. 
Do not use the cover of the front airbag on the 
front passenger side as a storage area. Ensure 
that the front passenger is correctly seated, e.g. 
that no feet or legs are propped against the 
dashboard. Otherwise, leg injury could result if 
the front airbag suddenly deployed.
Make sure that passengers keep their heads 
away from the side airbag and do not lean 
against the cover of the head airbag in the MINI; 
otherwise, serious injuries can result if the airbag 
deploys. <
Even if you follow all the instructions, injuries 
resulting from contact with airbags cannot be 
fully excluded, depending on the circumstances. 
The ignition and inflation noise may provoke a 
mild hearing loss in extremely sensitive individ-
uals. This effect is usually only temporary.
For airbag locations and additional information 
on airbags, refer to page72.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the 
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way 
that its center is at approx. ear level. Oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the 
event of an accident.<
Head restraints, refer to page39.
Safety belt
Before every drive, make sure that all occupants 
wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the 
safety belt as an additional safety device, but 
they do not represent a substitute.
Never allow more than one person 
to wear a single safety belt. Never 
allow infants or small children to ride in a pas-
senger's lap.
Make sure that the belt in the lap area sits low 
across the hips and does not press against the 
abdomen. The safety belt must not rest against 
the throat, run across sharp edges, pass over 
hard or fragile objects or be pinched. Fasten the 
safety belt so that it is pulled taut across the lap 
and shoulder, fitting the body snugly without 
any twists. Otherwise, the belt could slide over 
the hips in the event of a frontal collision and 
injure the abdomen. Avoid wearing bulky cloth-
ing and regularly pull the belt in the upper-body 
area taut; otherwise, its restraining effect could 
be impaired.<
Safety belts, refer to page40.
Seats
Note before adjusting
Never attempt to adjust your seat while 
the vehicle is moving. The seat could 
respond with unexpected movement, and the 
ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an 
accident. 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 43
Transporting children safely
The right place for 
children
Do not leave children unattended in the 
vehicle; otherwise, they could endanger 
themselves and/or other persons by opening the 
doors, for example.<
Children should always sit in the rear
Accident research has shown that the safest 
place for children is on the rear seat.
Only transport children under the age of 
13 or smaller than 5 ft/150 cm in the rear 
in a child restraint system suitable for their age, 
weight and size. Otherwise, there is an 
increased risk of injury in the event of an 
accident.<
Children 13 years of age or older must be buck-
led in with a safety belt as soon as there no 
longer is any child restraint system that is appro-
priate for their age, size and weight.
Only install child seats in the rear when the 
rear seat backrest is folded all the way 
back and engaged. Otherwise, there is an 
increased risk of injury in the event of an 
accident.<
Exception for front passenger seat
Front passenger airbags
Should it be necessary to use a child 
restraint system on the front passenger 
seat, the front and side airbags must be deacti-
vated. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of 
injury to the child if the airbags deploy, even if 
the child is seated in a child restraint system.<
For more information on automatic deactivation 
of the front passenger airbags, refer to page73.
Child restraint systems, 
installation
Observe the child restraint system manu-
facturer's instructions when selecting, 
installing and using child restraint systems. Oth-
erwise, the protective effect may be dimin-
ished.<
On the front passenger seat
After installing a child restraint system on 
the front passenger seat, make sure that 
the front and side airbags for the front passen-
ger are deactivated; otherwise, there is an 
increased risk of injury if the airbags deploy.<
Seat position
Before installing a child restraint system, move 
the front passenger seat as far back and up
* 
as possible to obtain the best possible position 
for the belt. Do not change the seat position 
after this.
Child seat security
All rear safety belts and the safety belt for the 
front passenger can be prevented from being 
pulled out in order to secure child restraint 
systems.
To lock the safety belt
1.Secure the child restraint system with 
the belt.
2.Pull the belt strap all the way out. 

Transporting children safely
44
3.Allow the belt strap to retract and pull it taut 
against the child restraint system.
The safety belt is locked.
To unlock the safety belt
1.Open the belt buckle.
2.Remove the child restraint system.
3.Allow the safety belt strap to retract all 
the way.
LATCH child-restraint 
fixing system
LATCH: Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren.
To install and use the LATCH child restraint 
system, follow the operating and safety 
instructions provided by the manufacturer of the 
system; otherwise, the protective function of the 
seat may be compromised.<
Anchor points for LATCH anchors
Before installing the child seat, pull the belt out 
of the area for the child-restraint fixing system.
The anchor points for the lower LATCH anchors 
are located behind the labeled protective caps.
Make sure that both lower LATCH anchors 
are properly engaged and that the child 
restraint system rests firmly against the seat 
backrest; otherwise, the protective function of 
the seat may be compromised.<
Child restraint system with tether strap
Use the tether strap anchors to secure 
child restraint systems only; otherwise, the 
anchors could be damaged.<
There are two additional anchors for child 
restraint systems with tether straps, arrows.
Placement of the tether strap
Make sure the upper retaining strap does 
not run over sharp edges and is not 
twisted as it passes to the top anchor. Other-
wise, the strap will not properly secure the child 
restraint system in the event of an accident.<
MINI
1Direction of travel
2Head restraint
3Tether strap hook
4Cargo bay floor
5Anchor
6Seat backrest
7Tether strap of the child restraint system
1.Push the head restraint upward.
2.Guide the tether strap between the head 
restraint holders. 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 45
3.Attach the tether strap to the anchor using 
the hook.
4.Push the head restraint into its lowermost 
position.
5.Attach the tether strap to the anchor using 
the hook.
6.Pull the retaining strap tight.
MINI Convertible
Ensure that the upper strap9 is passed 
between the seat backrest8 and the roll-
over protection system with cross member3; 
otherwise, the strap will properly secure the 
child restraint system.<
1Direction of travel
2Head restraint
3Rollover protection system with cross 
member
4Cargo bay cover
5Cargo bay floor
6Tether strap hook
7Anchor
8Seat backrest
9Tether strap of the child restraint system
1.Push the head restraint upward.
2.Unlock backrest and slightly fold forward, 
refer to page95.
3.Guide the tether strap between the head 
restraint holders.
4.Attach the tether strap to the anchor using 
the hook.
5.Fold backrest back and lock in place. Push 
headrest down as far as possible.
6.Pull the retaining strap tight. 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 73
Automatic deactivation of the front 
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the front pas-
senger seat cushion determines whether and 
how the seat is occupied. The front and side air-
bags for the front passenger are activated or 
deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior rear-
view mirror shows the current status of 
the front passenger airbags, deactivated or acti-
vated, refer to Status of front passenger airbags 
below.<
Before transporting a child on the front 
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Transport-
ing children safely, page43.
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in certain 
positions; the indicator lamp for the front pas-
senger airbags comes on. In such cases, the pas-
senger should change his or her sitting position 
so that the front passenger airbags are activated 
and the indicator lamp goes out. If the desired 
airbag status cannot be achieved by changing 
the sitting position, transport the relevant pas-
senger on a rear seat. Do not attach covers, 
cushions, ball mats or other items to the front 
passenger seat unless they are specifically rec-
ommended by the manufacturer of your MINI. 
Do not place any items under the seat which 
could press against the seat from below. Other-
wise, a correct analysis of the seat cushion is not 
ensured.<
Status of front passenger airbags
MINI:MINI Convertible:
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags shows the functional status of the front 
passenger's front and side airbags in accordance 
with whether and how the front passenger seat 
is occupied. The indicator lamp shows whether 
the front passenger airbags are activated or 
deactivated.
>The indicator lamp comes on as intended 
when a child in a specially designated child 
restraint system is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the 
system. This particularly applies to 
child seats that were required by the NHTSA 
at the time of manufacture of the vehicle. 
After installing a child seat, check that the in-
dicator lamp for the front passenger airbags 
comes on. It indicates that the child seat has 
been detected and that the front passenger 
airbags are deactivated.<
>T h e  i n d i c a t o r  l a m p  d o e s  n o t  c o m e  o n  a s  l o n g  
as a person of sufficient size and in a correct 
sitting position is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are activated.
>The indicator lamp does not come on if the 
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated. 

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
 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 

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