
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.

41
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
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. Otherwise, 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 the 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 page71.
Child restraint systems,
installation
Observe the child restraint system manu-
facturer's instructions when selecting,
installing and using child restraint systems. Oth-
erwise, 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 best 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 secure child restraint sys-
tems.

Transporting children safely
42
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 fix-
ing 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 that both lower LATCH anchors
are properly engaged and that the child
restraint system rests firmly 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.<
There are two additional anchors for child
restraint systems with tether straps, arrows.
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.<
MINI
1Direction of travel
2Head restraint
3Tether strap hook
4Rear cargo well
5Anchor
6Seat backrest
7Tether strap of the child restraint system

43
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
1.Push 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.
MINI Convertible
Ensure that the upper strap9 is passed
between the seat backrest8 and the roll-
over protection system with cross member3;
otherwise, the strap will not properly secure the
child restraint system.<
1Direction of travel
2Head restraint
3Rollover protection system with cross mem-
ber
4Cargo area cover
5Rear cargo well
6Tether strap hook
7Anchor
8Seat backrest
9Tether strap of the child restraint system1.Push the head restraint upward.
2.Unlock backrest and slightly fold forward,
refer to page95.
3.Guide the tether strap between the head
restraint holders.
4.Attach the tether strap to the anchor using
the hook.
5.Fold backrest back and lock in place. Push
headrest down as far as possible.
6.Pull the retaining strap tight.

71
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
integral side airbags to the front seats. Do not
hang items of clothing such as coats or jackets
over the backrests. Do not attempt to remove
the airbag retention system from the vehicle. Do
not modify the individual components of the
system or its wiring in any way. This includes the
upholstery in the center of the steering wheel,
on the instrument cluster, the doors, and the
roof pillars as well as the sides of the headliner.
Do not attempt to remove or dismantle the
steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a MINI dealer
or a workshop that works according to repair
procedures of the manufacturer of your MINI
with correspondingly trained personnel and has
the required explosives licenses. Otherwise,
unprofessional attempts to service the system
could lead to failure in an emergency or undes-
ired airbag activation, either of which could
result in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
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 the 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, page41.
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 any items under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. Other-
wise, a correct analysis of the seat cushion is not
ensured.<
Status of front passenger airbags
MINI:
MINI Convertible:
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 the front passenger seat
is occupied. The indicator lamp shows whether
the front passenger airbags are activated or
deactivated.
>The indicator lamp comes on as intended
when a child in a specially designated child
restraint system is detected on the seat.

95
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
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.<
Loading aid
When the convertible top is closed, you can load
the vehicle more easily by releasing the convert-
ible top and folding it up.
1.Release the convertible top using the han-
dles, see arrows 1.
2.Lift the convertible top, see arrow 2.
3.Fold back the handles and place them on
holders3.
Expanding the luggage compartment
volume
You can enlarge the luggage compartment vol-
ume when the convertible top is closed.
1.Fold the convertible top upward, refer to
Loading aid.
2.Pull luggage compartment roller cover rear-
ward out of the lower brackets and pivot
upward, see arrows1,
3.Push cover into the upper storage areas, see
arrows 2 and place down horizontally.
To operate the convertible top, move the
cargo area cover back to its lower posi-
tion.<
Through-loading system
To be able to transport larger objects, the rear
backrest can be folded down.
1.If necessary, use the integrated key to open
the backrest lock 1.
2.Press button2 and fold down backrest
together with the belt strap.
3.Fold the backrest forward.

173
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Black ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning53
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate79,81
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating104
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders87
Brake Assist63
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements58
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs141
Brake pads, breaking in92
Brake rotors93
– brakes92
– breaking in92
Brake system92
– breaking in92
– disc brakes93
– MINI Maintenance
System131
Brakes
– ABS63
– breaking in92
– MINI Maintenance
System131
– parking brake45
– service requirements58
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely93
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance148
Break-in period92
Breaking in the clutch92
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs137
Button for starting the
engine44
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Call
– accepting108
– ending108
– rejecting108Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing108
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders87
Capacities170
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery146
Car care133
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest85
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car phone, refer to
Telephone102
Car wash, care133
Car washes133
Care133
– car washes133
– car-care products133
– CD/DVD drives136
– external133
– high-pressure washers134
– internal135
– leather135
– manual washing134
– upholstery and fabrics135
– windows134
– wiper blades134
Cargo area94
– capacity169
– Comfort Access27
– cover94
– lamp77
– opening from outside24
Cargo area, expanding94
Cargo area lamp77
Cargo area lid, refer to
Liftgate24
Cargo loading96
– securing cargo97
– stowing cargo96
– vehicle94
Cargo, securing97
Carpets, care136
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system92Center armrest85
Center brake lamp141
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking system19
– Comfort Access26
– from inside23
– from outside19
Changing bulbs137
Changing wheels144
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment128
Check Control60
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH42
Child restraint systems41
Child seats41
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire144
Chrome parts, care135
Chrome parts, refer to
Care133
Cigarette lighter87
Cleaning headlamps50
– washer fluid51
Clock
– 12h/24h mode57
– setting time60
Closing
– from inside23
– from outside19
Clothes hooks87
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine45
Comfort Access26
– replacing the battery28
– what to observe before
entering a car wash27
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock44
Computer54
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked94

177
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo97
LATCH child restraint fixing
system42
Leather care135
LEDs light-emitting diodes138
Length, refer to
Dimensions167
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement141
Liftgate24
– Comfort Access27
– emergency operation24
– manually releasing24
– opening from outside24
– opening/closing24
– unlocking with remote
control21
Light switch73
Light-alloy wheels, care135
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs138
Lighter87
– socket87
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs137
– of the instruments76
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps73
Limit163
Load96
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo97
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking23
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal21
– from inside23
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access26
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals21
– from inside23
– from outside19
Low beams73
– automatic73
– replacing bulb138Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support36
Luggage compartment
– emergency operation, refer
to Manually releasing24
– increasing the capacity95
– opening from the inside24
Luggage compartment lid
– emergency actuation, refer
to manually releasing24
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Liftgate24
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo area
24
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack97
Lumbar support36
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires126
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system131
Malfunction
– convertible top32
– liftgate24
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control60
Manual air distribution80
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap116
– liftgate24
– power convertible top32
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
Manual transmission46
Manual washing134
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling81
Maximum speed
– with winter tires126Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch148
Microfilter
– for air conditioner80
– for automatic climate
control82
– MINI Maintenance
System131
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System131
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System131
Mirror dimming feature40
Mirrors39
– exterior mirrors39
– heating39
– interior rearview mirror40
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume108
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing104
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest85
– pairing104
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
– What to do if…107
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest85
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System142
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor65
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher48
– refer to Wiper system49
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11