
 35
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
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 page41.
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 occupants keep their heads 
away from the side airbag and do not lean 
against the head-level airbag in the MINI; other-
wise injuries can occur when the airbag is trig-
gered.<
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 page70.
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 page37.
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.
Number of safety belts
Never allow more than 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 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 page38. 

Adjustments
38
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.
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 reduce the drain on the 
battery.
The LEDs stay lit.
Switching off
Press button longer.
Safety belts
Observe the instructions on page36 to 
ensure the best possible personal protec-
tion.<
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.
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, page36. 

 155
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Remote control malfunctioning or, in 
cars with Comfort Access, not 
detectedThe engine cannot be started. Have 
the remote control checked, if neces-
sary.
Remote control battery is discharged Use the remote control for a longer 
journey or, in cars with Comfort 
Access, replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system 
failedHave the system checked immedi-
ately. Fasten the safety belts anyway.
Power steering failed You can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Steering response will be 
markedly different. Have the system 
checked without delay.
Lights up in red:
Engine malfunction
Stop the car and switch off the 
engine. You cannot continue your 
journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Full engine power no longer available You can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Have the engine 
checked as soon as possible.
Indicator lamp1 flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load. 
High engine load will result in dam-
age to the catalytic converterYou can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Have the vehicle 
checked without delay.
Indicator lamp1 comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse 
effect on exhaust emissionsYou can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Have the car checked as 
soon as possible.
12Cause What to do 

Everything from A to Z
174
Condition Based Service 
CBS131
Configuring settings, refer to 
Personal Profile18
Connecting vacuum cleaner, 
refer to Connecting electrical 
appliances87
Consumption, refer to Average 
fuel consumption54
Control Display
– settings56
Controls and displays10
Convenient access, refer to 
Comfort Access26
Convenient operation
– convertible top22
– windows20
Convenient start, refer to 
Starting the engine45
Convertible top30
Coolant129
– checking level129
– filling129
Coolant temperature53
Cooling fluid, refer to 
Coolant129
Cooling, maximum81
Copyright2
Cornering light, refer to 
Adaptive Light Control75
Cruising range54
Cupholders87
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights169
Current fuel consumption54
D
Dashboard instruments, refer 
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting76
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data166
– capacities170
– dimensions167
– engine166
– weights169
Data memory132Date
– setting60
Daytime running lights74
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, 
refer to Brake Assist63
Deactivating front passenger 
airbags71
Deadlocking, refer to 
Locking20
Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap116
Defogging windows80,82
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows80,82
Defrosting windows80,82
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control82
Defrosting windshield, refer to 
Defrosting windows80,82
Differential, breaking in92
Dimensions167
Dipstick, engine oil128
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals48
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data166
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting76
Displays12
– instrument cluster12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care136
Disposal
– of coolant129
– remote control battery28
– vehicle battery147
Distance remaining to service, 
refer to Service 
requirements58
Distance warning, refer to Park 
Distance Control PDC62
Door key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control
18
Door lock22
Door lock, confirmation 
signals21Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades123
Drinks holders, refer to 
Cupholders87
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill 
Assist64
Driving dynamics control, refer 
to Sport button64
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams73
Driving notes92
Driving off on inclines, refer to 
Hill Assist64
Driving stability control 
systems62
Driving through water93
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes92
Dry air, refer to Cooling 
function82
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC63
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, 
refer to Brake Assist63
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC63
Dynamic Traction Control63
E
Electric power windows
– initializing29
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap116
– liftgate24
Electronic brake-force 
distribution63
Electronic Stability Program 
ESP, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC63 

 175
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap116
– liftgate24
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission48
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance148
Engine
– breaking in92
– data166
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature53
– speed166
– starting45
– starting, Comfort Access26
– switching off45
Engine compartment128
Engine coolant, refer to 
Coolant129
Engine oil
– adding129
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils129
– alternative oil types129
– approved engine oils129
– capacity129
– checking level128
– dipstick128
– intervals between changes, 
refer to Service 
requirements58
– MINI Maintenance 
System131
Engine oil level, checking128
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data166
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting the engine45
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC63
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system92Exterior mirrors39
– adjusting39
– automatic heating39
– folding in and out39
External audio device85
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing 
away150
– for tying down loads97
F
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control60
Failure of an electrical 
consumer147
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts38
Fault messages, refer to Check 
Control60
Filter
– microfilter for air 
conditioner80
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic 
climate control82
Fine wood, care136
First aid pouch148
Fixture for remote control, 
refer to Ignition lock44
Flash when locking/
unlocking21
Flat tire
– run-flat tires125
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM67
Flat Tire Monitor FTM65
– indicating a flat tire66
– initializing the system65
– snow chains65
– system limits65
Flat tires, refer to Tire 
condition124
Floor mats, care136
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb139,141
Folding rear seat backrest94
Folding roof, refer to 
Convertible top with 
integrated sliding sunroof30Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely93
Footwell lamps77
For your own safety5
Front airbags70
Front fog lamps76
– indicator lamp152
– replacing bulb139
Front seat adjustment36
Frost on windows, refer to 
Defrosting windows80,82
FTM, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor65
Fuel117
– gauge53
– high-quality brands117
– quality117
– specifications117
– tank capacity170
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel 
gauge53
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption54
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge53
Fuel filler flap116
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction116
Fuses147
G
Garage door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control83
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel 
consumption54
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gauge53
Gasoline, refer to Required 
fuel117
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic46
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission46
– manual transmission46 

Everything from A to Z
176
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic46
– manual transmission46
General driving notes92
Glass sunroof, electric28
– Convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing28
– remote control20
– tilting28
Glove compartment85
Grills, refer to Air vents78
Gross vehicle weight, refer to 
Weights169
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb138
Handbrake, refer to Parking 
brake45
Hands-free system14,110
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags70
Head Light, refer to Adaptive 
Light Control75
Head restraints37
– sitting safely35
Headlamp control, 
automatic73
Headlamp flasher48
– indicator lamp11,152
Headlamps
– replacing bulb138
Headlamps, care134
Headlight glass lens138
Heated
– mirrors39
– rear window79,82
– seats38
Heating78
– mirrors39
– rear window79,82
– seats38
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing 
cargo96
Height adjustment
– seats36
– steering wheel40Height, refer to 
Dimensions167
High beams75
– headlamp flasher75
– indicator lamp152
– replacing bulb138
High water, refer to Driving 
through water93
Hill Assist64
Hills93
Holders for cups87
Homepage4
Hood127
Horn10
Hot exhaust system92
Hydroplaning93I
Ignition44
– switched off44
– switched on44
Ignition key position 1, refer to 
Radio readiness44
Ignition key position 2, refer to 
Ignition on44
Ignition key, refer to 
Integrated key/remote 
control18
Ignition lock44
Imprint2
Incoming call108
Indicator and warning 
lamps13,152
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM68
Indicator lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting76
Individual air distribution80
Individual settings, refer to 
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure monitoring, 
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM67
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM65
– glass sunroof, electric29
Instrument cluster, refer to 
Displays12
Instrument lighting76Instrument panel, refer to 
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to 
Displays12
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remote 
control83
Interior lamps77
– remote control21
Interior rearview mirror40
– automatic dimming 
feature40
Interlock46
Intermittent mode of the 
wipers49
Internet page4
J
Jacking points146
Jets, refer to Window washer 
nozzles51
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting148
Jump-starting148
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal 
Profile18
Key, refer to Keys/remote 
controls18
Keyless opening and closing, 
refer to Comfort Access26
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort 
Access26
Keypad dialing108
Kickdown47
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic47
Knock control117
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing 
bulbs137
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams73