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.<
Things to remember when driving
96
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be four 150 lbs. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.I f y o u r v e h icl e w i ll be t o w i n g a t r a il e r , pa r t o f
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The
greater the weight of the occupants, the less
cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
rear seat backrests.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
respective opposite buckle.
>Do not stack higher than the top edge of the
backrests.
MINI
MINI Convertible
Securing cargo
>Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining or draw straps
*.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing larger
and heavier objects are available at your
MINI dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided
for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them
are located on the forward wall of the
cargo bay.
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.
Replacing components
134
Only change the tire when parked on a surface
that is level, firm and not slippery.
The vehicle or the jack could slip sideways on
soft or slippery support surfaces, such as snow,
ice, flagstones, etc.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the engine
when the vehicle is supported by the jack; other-
wise, there is a risk of fatal injury.<
1.Place the foldable chock
* behind the front
wheel on the other side of the vehicle or in
front of the wheel if the vehicle is on an
incline. If the wheel is changed on a surface
with a more severe slope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from
rolling.
2.Uncover the lug bolts if necessary.
If the wheel is equipped with a hub cover,
pry it off using the screwdriver from the tire
change kit.
3.Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.
Jacking up the vehicle
The vehicle jack is designed for changing
wheels only. Do not attempt to raise
another vehicle model with it or to raise any load
of any kind. To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury.<
1.Place the jack at the jacking point closest to
the wheel.The jack base must be perpendicular to the
surface beneath the jacking point.
2.During jacking up, insert the jack head in the
square recess of the jacking point.
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised off the ground.
Mounting the space-saver spare tire
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Clean the lug bolts.
3.Lift the new wheel into place.
4.Screw at least two lug bolts finger-tight into
opposite bolt holes.
5.Screw in the remaining bolts.
6.Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diagonal
pattern.
7.Lower the vehicle.
8.Remove the jack.
Tightening the lug bolts
Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
Immediately have the wheels checked
with a calibrated torque wrench to ensure
that the lug bolts are firmly seated. Otherwise,
incorrectly tightened lug bolts can present a
safety hazard.<
Tightening torque: 103.3 lb ft or 140 Nm.
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
157
Weights
MINI
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,568/1,165 2,679/1,215 2,701/1,225
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 2,646/1,200 2,723/1,235 –
Approved gross weight
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 3,384/1,535 3,494/1,585 3,516/1,595
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 3,461/1,570 3,538/1,605 –
Approved front axle load
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 1,830/830 1,918/870 1,918/870
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 1,907/865 1,962/890 –
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,664/755 1,664/755 1,675/760
Approved roof load
capacitylbs/kg 165/75 165/75 165/75
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/
Liters5.7 - 24.0/
160 - 6805.7 - 24.0/
160 - 6805.7 - 24.0/
160 - 680
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
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
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