Things to remember when driving
104
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
106
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.
MOBILITYAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS ENTERTAINMENT
107
NAVIGATION REFERENCE
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 205; 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, page49; 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 205.
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
194
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.
MOBILITYAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS ENTERTAINMENT
205
NAVIGATION REFERENCE
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
206
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 trans-
mission 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: page163
including reserve of 2.1/– approx. 8
Window washer system incl.
headlamp washer system –/4.8 approx. 4.5 For more details: page58
213
MOBILITYAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS ENTERTAINMENT NAVIGATION REFERENCE
"Avoid highways" in
navigation124
Avoid highways in
navigation124
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation124
Axle loads, refer to
Weights205
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting90
Backrests, refer to Seats42
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb188,189
Balance, tone control139
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch196
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away198
Bass sounds, refer to Tone
control139
Bass sounds, refer to Treble
and bass139
Bass, tone control139
Battery195
– charging195
– disposal35,195
– jump-starting196
– temporary power failure195
Battery renewal
– remote control35
Being towed198
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts45
Belts, refer to Safety belts45
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders97
Blower, refer to Air flow rate92
Bonnet176
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders97
Brake Assist76
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements65Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs189
Brake pads, breaking in102
Brake rotors103
– brakes102
– breaking in102
Brake system102
– breaking in102
– disc brakes103
– MINI Maintenance
System179
Brakes
– ABS76
– breaking in102
– MINI Maintenance
System179
– parking brake52
– service requirements65
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely103
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance196
Break-in period
102
Breaking in the clutch102
"Brightness"on the Control
Display74
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs185
Button for starting the
engine51
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders97
Capacities206
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery195
Car care181
"Car Data"63
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls26Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest96
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car radio, refer to Radio141
Car wash, care181
Car washes181
Care181
– car washes181
– car-care products181
– CD/DVD drives184
– external181
– high-pressure washers182
– internal183
– leather183
– manual washing182
– upholstery and fabrics183
– windows182
– wiper blades182
Cargo area
– capacity205
Cargo bay104
– Comfort Access34
– cover104
– lamp89
– opening from outside31
Cargo bay, expanding104
Cargo bay lamp89
Cargo bay lid, refer to
Tailgate31
Cargo loading105
– securing cargo106
– stowing cargo106
– vehicle104
Cargo, securing106
Carpets, care183
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system102
"Categories"147
"CD"138,149
From A to Z
216
Electric power windows
– initializing36
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top39
– door lock30
– fuel filler flap162
– trunk lid31
Electronic brake-force
distribution76
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC76
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top39
– door lock30
– fuel filler flap162
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission55
– trunk lid31
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance196
Engine
– breaking in102
– data202
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature61
– speed202
– starting52
– starting, Comfort Access33
– switching off52
Engine compartment177
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant178
Engine malfunction
– indicator lamp13Engine oil
– adding178
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils178
– alternative oil types178
– approved engine oils178
– capacity178
– checking level177
– dipstick177
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements65
– MINI Maintenance
System179
Engine oil level, checking177
Engine output, refer to Engine
data202
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine52
Entering address117
Entering destination115
Entering intersection116
Error messages, refer to Check
Control70
"ESN"145,146,147
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC76
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system102
Exterior mirrors46
– adjusting46
– automatic heating46
– folding in and out46
External audio device96
External audio device, refer to
AUX-IN port155
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away197
– for tying down loads106
F
Fader, tone control139
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control70
Failure of an electrical
consumer195Fast forward
– CD changer152
– CD player152
"Fast route" in navigation124
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder46
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts45
Fastest route for
navigation124
Filter
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control93
Fine wood, care184
First aid pouch196
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock51
Flash when locking/
unlocking28
Flat tire
– run-flat tires174
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM80
Flat Tire Monitor FTM78
– indicating a flat tire79
– initializing the system79
– snow chains79
– system limits79
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition173
Floor mats, care183
"FM", waveband138,141
FM, waveband141
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb187,189
Folding rear seat backrest104
Folding roof, refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof37
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely103
Footwell lamps89
For your own safety5
Frequency, selecting
manually142
Front airbags84
Front fog lamps89
– replacing bulb187