
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. 

Adjustments
38
On the front passenger seat as well, do not 
incline the backrest too far to the rear while the 
vehicle is being driven; otherwise, there is a dan-
ger in the event of an accident of sliding under 
the safety belt, eliminating the protection nor-
mally provided by the belt.<
Comply with the instructions on head restraint 
height on page39 and on damaged safety belts 
on page41.
Seat adjustment
Observe the instructions on page37 to 
ensure the best possible personal pro-
tection.<
Longitudinal adjustment
Pull the lever, arrow 1, and slide the seat to the 
desired position, arrows 2.
After releasing the lever, move the seat gently 
forward or back to make sure it engages 
properly.
Height
Pull up or push down the lever repeatedly, 
arrows 1, until the desired height is reached, 
arrows 2.
Backrest
Pull the lever, arrow 1, and apply your weight to 
the backrest or lift it off, as necessary, arrows 2.
Lumbar support*
You can also adjust the contour of the backrest 
to obtain additional support in the lumbar 
region.
The upper hips and spinal column receive sup-
plementary support to help you maintain a 
relaxed, upright sitting position.
Turn the wheel to increase or decrease the cur-
vature.
Entry to the rear
Easy entry on the driver's side
The easy entry feature includes a mechanical 
memory function for the longitudinal adjust-
ment and backrest angle. 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 39
1.Pull up the lever on the seat backrest, 
arrow1.
The backrest folds forward.
2.Move the seat forward by pushing on the 
backrest, arrow2.
Previous position
1.Push the seat back into its previous position.
Do not fold the backrest up until the 
seat is in its previous position. Other-
wise, the seat will engage in its current posi-
tion. In this case, adjust the longitudinal 
position manually, page38.<
2.Fold the backrest back up to lock the seat.
When moving the seat backwards, ensure 
that you do not cause personal injury or 
property damage.
Before driving off, engage the front seats and 
seat backrests. Otherwise, there is a risk of acci-
dent due to unexpected movement.<
Head restraints
Correctly adjusted head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the 
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Correctly adjust the head restraints of all 
occupied seats; otherwise, there is an 
increased risk of injury in an accident.<
Height
Adjust the head restraint so that its center is 
approximately at ear level.
Distance
Adjust the distance so that the head restraint is 
as close as possible to the back of the head.
Height adjustment
To raise: pull up.
To lower: Press the button, arrow1, and slide 
the head restraint down.
Removing
Only remove a head restraint if no one will be 
sitting on the seat in question.
Reinstall the head restraint before trans-
porting passengers, as otherwise the 
head restraint cannot provide its protective 
function.<
MINI: Front
1.Pull up as far as it will go.
2.Fold the backrest forward slightly.
3.Press button1 and pull the head restraint 
out as far as it will go.
4.Fold back the backrest.
MINI Convertible: Front
1.Pull up as far as it will go.
2.Fold the backrest forward slightly. 

Adjustments
40
3.Press button1 and pull the head restraint 
out as far as it will go.
4.Additionally press button 2 and pull the 
head restraint out completely.
5.Fold back the backrest.
Rear
1.Pull up as far as it will go.
2.Press button1 and pull the head restraint 
out completely.
Seat heating*
Switching on
Press once for each temperature level. 
Three LEDs indicate the highest temperature.
If you continue driving within the next 15 min-
utes, the seat heating is automatically activated 
at the previously set temperature.
The temperature is lowered or the heating is 
switched off entirely to save on battery power.
The LEDs stay lit.
Switching off
Press button longer.
Safety belts
Observe the instructions on page37 to 
ensure the best possible personal pro-
tection.
safety belt as an additional safety device, but 
they do not represent a substitute.
Front and rear seats
Closing
Make sure you hear the lock engage in the belt 
buckle.
The upper belt anchor is suitable for adults of 
any stature as long as the seat is adjusted prop-
erly, page37.
Opening
1.Grasp the belt firmly.
2.Press the red button in the buckle.
3.Guide the belt into its reel.
MINI Convertible: rear belt guide
Please ensure that the belt guide loop, 
arrow, is locked when putting on the rear 
seat belts.< 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 41
Seat belt reminder
Front seats
The indicator lamps come on and an 
acoustic signal sounds. Check whether 
the safety belt has been fastened cor-
rectly. The "Fasten safety belts" 
reminder is issued when the driver's safety belt 
has not been fastened. The "Fasten safety belts" 
reminder is also activated at road speeds above 
approx. 5 mph or 8 km/h if the front passenger's 
safety belt has not been fastened, if objects are 
placed on the front passenger seat, or if driver or 
front passenger unfasten their safety belts.
Damage to safety belts
If the safety belts are damaged or stressed 
in an accident: have the safety belt system 
and its seat-belt tensioners replaced and the 
belt anchors checked. Have this work carried out 
only by a MINI dealer or by a workshop that has 
specially trained personnel working in accor-
dance with the specifications of the MINI manu-
facturer; otherwise, correct operation of these 
safety systems is not ensured.<
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The front passenger's mirror is more con-
vex than the driver's mirror. The objects 
seen in the mirror are closer than they appear. 
Do not gauge your distance from traffic behind 
you on the basis of what you see in the mirror; 
otherwise, there is an increased risk of an 
accident.<1Adjusting the left or right exterior mirror
2Folding mirrors in and out
*
Manual adjustment
The mirrors can also be adjusted manually: press 
the edge of the glass.
Folding mirrors in and out*
Turn the knob beyond the pressure point in 
direction 2. The mirrors can be folded in at road 
speeds up to approx. 20 mph/30 km/h.
This can be beneficial in narrow streets, for 
example, or for moving mirrors that were folded 
in by hand back out into their correct positions.
Automatic heating*
At outside temperatures below a certain limit, 
both exterior mirrors are automatically heated 
while the engine is running or the ignition 
switched on.
Interior rearview mirror
To reduce glare from vehicles behind you when 
you are driving at night:
Turn the knob. 

Adjustments
42
Interior mirror, automatic dimming*
The automatic dimming feature of the interior 
rearview mirror
* is controlled by two photo cells 
in the mirror. One photo cell is in the mirror 
frame, arrow; the other is on the back of the 
mirror.
In order to ensure that the system functions cor-
rectly, keep the photo cells clean, do not cover 
the area between the interior rearview mirror 
and windshield, and do not affix adhesive labels 
or stickers of any kind to the windshield directly 
in front of the mirror.
Steering wheel
Adjustments
Do not adjust the steering wheel position 
while the car is in motion; otherwise, there 
is a risk of accident due to an unexpected 
movement.<
1.Fold the lever down.
2.Move the steering wheel to the preferred 
distance and angle to suit your seated 
position.
3.Swing the lever back up.Do not use force to swing the lever 
back up; otherwise, the mechanism 
will be damaged.< 

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