AdjustmentsCONTROLS
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 th e 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 page 43.
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 inju ry 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 occupa nts keep their heads
away from the side airbag and do not lean
against the head-level airbag; otherwise injuries
can occur when the airbag is triggered. <
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 ex tremely sensitive individ-
uals. This effect is usually only temporary.
For airbag locations and additional information
on airbags, refer to page 78.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head rest raint 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 page 39.
Safety belt
Before every drive, make sure that all occupants
wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the
safety belt as an additi onal safety device, but
they do not represent a substitute.
Number of safety belts
Never allow more th an one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow
infants or small children to ride in a passenger'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 sh arp 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 page 40.
Transporting children safelyCONTROLS
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. Othe rwise, there is an
increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent. <
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 acci-
dent. <
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 th e 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 page 79.
Child restraint systems,
installation
Observe the child restraint system manu-
facturer's instructions when selecting,
installing and using ch ild restraint systems.
Otherwise, 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 be st 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 se cure child restraint sys-
tems.
CONTROLSTransporting children safely
44
To lock the safety belt
1.Secure the child restraint system with the
belt.
2. Pull the belt strap all the way out.
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 t hat bo th l owe r LATCH ancho rs
are properly engaged and that the child
restraint system rests fi rmly 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. <
By way of example, the illustration shows the
cargo area in the MINI.
There are two additional anchors for child
restraint systems with tether straps, arrows.
When the vehicle is equi pped with a flat load
floor
*, the anchors are covered. Their positions
are labeled.
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. <
Transporting children safelyCONTROLS
45
1Direction of travel
2 Head restraint
3 Tether strap hook
4 Rear cargo well
5 Anchor
6 Seat backrest
7 Tether strap of the child restraint system
Attaching upper retaining strap to the
attachment point
1.Slide the head restraint upward.
2. Guide the tether strap between the head
restraint holders.
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.
Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
79
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 th e 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, page 43.
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 items under the seat which could
press against the seat from below. Otherwise, a
correct analysis of th e seat cushion is not
ensured. <
Status of front passenger airbags
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 th e front passenger seat
is occupied. The indica tor lamp shows whether
the front passenger airbags are activated or
deactivated.
> The indicator lamp co mes 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 NHTSA at
the time of manufacture of the vehicle. After
installing a child seat, check that the indica-
tor lamp for the front passenger airbags
lights up. It indicates that the child seat has
been detected and that the front passenger
airbags are deactivated. <
> The indicator lamp does not come on as long
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 drivingDRIVING TIPS
101
By way of example, the illustration shows the
cargo compartment in the MINI.
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 area by raising the rear seat
backrests to a steeper angle.
By way of example, the illustration shows the
cargo compartment in the MINI.
1. Pull the lever, arrow 1, and fold the rear seat
backrest forward.
2. Fold up the lever of the backrest lock until it
audibly engages, arrow 2.
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. <
Cargo net*
Ensure that the cargo net is firmly
attached; otherwise, injuries may occur.<
The cargo net can be mounted in the cargo area
or behind the front seats.
In the cargo area
1. Fold the rear seat backrest forward if neces-
sary, page 101.
2. Insert each cargo net mounting pin all the
way into its respective rear mount in the
headliner, arrow 1, and push it forward.
3. Hang the hooks of the cargo net into the
eyelets on the rear cargo well, arrow 2.
Behind the front seats
1. Fold down the rear seat backrests, refer to
Expanding the cargo area.
2. Insert each cargo net mounting pin all the
way into its respective front mount in the
headliner, arrow 1, and push it forward.
3. Fold up the eyelets on the rear seat and
hook the cargo net into them, arrow 2.
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
240
Cargo loading102
– securing cargo 103
– stowing cargo 103
– vehicle 100
Cargo net 101
Cargo, securing 103
Carpets, care 206
Catalytic conver ter, refer to
Hot exhaust system 98
CD, audio playback 140
CD player 140
– controls 130
– fast forward/reverse 141
– random order 141
– selecting a track 140
– switching on/off 130
– tone control 131
– volume 130
Center armrest 93
Center brake lamp 213
Center console, refer to Around the center
console 14
Central locking system 27
– Comfort Access 33
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
Changing bulbs 209
Changing the language on the Control Display 66
Changing the measurement units on the Control
Display 60
Changing wheels 215
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 199
Check Control 64
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 44
Child restraint systems 43
Child seats 43
Chrome parts, care 206
Chrome parts, refer to Care 204
Cigarette lighter 94
Cleaning headlamps 52
– washer fluid 53 Clock
– 12 h/24 h mode
63
– setting time 63
Closing
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
Clothes hooks 93
Club Door 30
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
en
gine 47
Comfort Access 33
– replacing the battery 34
– what to observe before entering a car wash 34
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console 14
Compartment for remote control, refer to Ignition
lock 46
Computer 57
– displays on Control
Display 58
Condensation, refer to When the vehicle is parked 100
Condition Based Service CBS 202
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile 26
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances 94
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption 57
Contacts 161,177
– deleting 163,180
– displaying 162
– editing 162
– exporting/importing 180
– new contact 179
Control Display
– settings 59
Control Display, refer to iDrive
– switching on/off 19
Control Display, refer to On-
board computer 16Control stick, refer to On-board
computer 16
Control unit, refer to On-board computer 16
Controls and displays 10
Convenient access, refer to Comfort Access 33
Convenient operation
– windows 28
Convenient star t, refer to
Starting the engine 47
Coolant 200
– checking level 201
– filling 201
Coolant temperature 201
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant 200
Cooling, maximum 88
Copyright 2
Cornering light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 82
Criteria for route 118
Cruise control
– in
dicator lamp 13
Cruising range 57
Cupholders 94
Curb weight, refer to Weights 228
Current fuel consumption 57
Current playback
– external devices 145
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 83
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit 10
Data 226
– capacities 229
– dimensions 227
– engine 226
– weights 228
Data memory 203
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
244
Internet page4
J
Jacking points 216
Jets, refer to Window washer nozzles 53
Joystick, refer to On-board computer 16
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting 219
Jump-starting 219
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile 26
Key, refer to Keys/remote controls 26
Keyless opening and closing, refer to Comfort Access 33
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
Access 33
Keypad dialing 159,171
Kickdown 49
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 49
Knock control 189
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs 209
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/ Low beams 81
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo 103
Last destinations 112
LATCH child restraint fixing
system 44
Leather care 206
LEDs light-emitting diodes 209
Length, refer to Dimensions 227
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement 213Liftgate
– Comfort Access
34
Liftgate, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 28
Light alloy wheels, care 206
Light switch 81
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs 209
Lighter 94
– socket 94
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs 209
– of the instruments 83
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps 81
Limit, refer to Speed limit 65
Load 102
Load securing equipment, refer to Securing cargo 103
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking 30
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal 28
– from inside 30
– from outside 28
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 33
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 28
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
Longlife oils
– approved motor oils 200
Low beams 81
– automatic 81
– replacing bulb 210
Lower back support, refer to Lumbar support 38
Luggage compartment doors,
refer to Split Rear Barn
Doors 31
Luggage compartment
partition net, refer to Cargo
net 101
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 103
Lumbar support 38
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 197
Main menu 17
Maintenance, refer to Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Maintenance system 202
Malfunction warnings, refer to Check Control 64
Manual air distribution 87
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 50
Manual operation
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 188
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 50
Manual transmission 48
Manual washing 205
Map
– changing scale 121
Map for navigation
– entering destination 114
Master key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 26
Maximum cooling 88
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 197
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 219
MENU button 16
Menus, refer to On-board computer 16
Messages 180
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 87
– for automatic climate
control 89
– MINI Maintenance System 202