
 37
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Getting in back
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.
Return seat to original position
The driver's seat has a mechanical memory 
function for the forward/back setting and the 
backrest adjustment.
1.Slide the seat to return to its starting posi-
tion.
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, page36.<
2.Fold the backrest back up to lock the seat.
When moving the seat backward, 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 func-
tion.< 

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. 

 39
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
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.<
Safety 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 acci-
dent.<
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. 

 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. 

 85
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Glove compartment
Opening
Press the button to open the cover. 
The light in the glove compartment comes on.
Closing
Fold cover up.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent, close the glove compartment after 
use while the vehicle is being driven.<
MINI Convertible: locking
Use the integrated key to lock the remote con-
trol system, refer to page18.
Ventilation*
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the 
glove compartment can be ventilated and, if the 
cooling function
* is switched on, can also be 
cooled.
Opening
Rotate the switch in the direction of the arrow.
Closing
Rotate the switch in the opposite direction of the 
arrow until it is in the vertical position.
Depending on the temperature setting of the air 
conditioning or the automatic climate control, 
high temperatures may result in the glove com-
partment.
Center armrest*
Storage compartment
The center armrest between the front seats con-
tains either a compartment or the cover for the 
mobile phone base plate
* or the snap-in 
adapter
*.
Opening
The cover slides along guide rails and can be 
opened fully by pushing it back and lifting it.
Closing
Push the cover forward.
Connection for external 
audio device
>iPods/iPhones or USB devices such as MP3 
players and USB memory sticks: connect via 
the USB audio interface.
>iPhone/mobile phone music players: con-
nect via the snap-in adapter
*, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual. Playback is only 
possible if there is no device connected to 
the USB audio interface. 

 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 

Everything from A to Z
178
N
Neck support, refer to Head 
restraints37
Nets, refer to Storage 
compartments86
New tires125
Number of cylinders, refer to 
Engine data166
Number of safety belts35
Nylon rope, refer to Tow 
rope151
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for 
On-Board Diagnosis131
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel 
specifications117
Odometer53
Oil consumption128
Oil level128
Oil, refer to Engine oil128
Oil types129
Old batteries, refer to 
Disposal147
On-board vehicle tool kit137
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access26
– from inside23
– from outside19
– using the door lock22
– using the remote control19
Opening and unlocking
– from inside23
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation82
Outlets, refer to Air vents78
Output, refer to Engine 
data166
Outside temperature display
– change units of measure57
– in the onboard computer57
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control81
Overheated engine, refer to 
Coolant temperature53
P
Paintwork, care135
Park Distance Control PDC62
Parking
– vehicle45
Parking aid, refer to Park 
Distance Control PDC62
Parking brake45
Parking lamps, replacing 
bulb139
Parking lamps/low beams73
Parts and accessories, refer to 
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting73
Personal Profile18
Phone numbers
– dialing108
Pinch protection system
– windows30
Plastic parts, care136
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air 
conditioner80
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic 
climate control82
Power convertible top30
Power failure147
Power windows29
Power windows, refer to 
Windows29
Pressure monitoring of tires, 
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM67
Pressure monitoring, tires65
– Flat Tire Monitor65
Pressure, tires118
Protective function, refer to 
Pinch protection system
– windows30
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor65
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control18Radio position, refer to Radio 
readiness44
Radio readiness44
– switched off44
– switched on44
Rain sensor49
Range, refer to Cruising 
range54
Reading lamps77
Rear fog lamp76
– indicator lamp152
– replacing bulb141
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement141
Rear lamps, refer to Tail 
lamps140
Rear seat backrest, folding94
Rear seats
– folding the backrests94
Rear window defroster79,82
Rearview mirror, refer to 
Mirrors39
Recirculated-air mode79,81
Recirculation of air, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode79,81
Reclining seat, refer to 
Backrest36
Refueling116
Releasing
– hood127
Remote control18
– battery renewal28
– Comfort Access26
– garage door opener83
– liftgate21
– malfunctions22,27
– service data131
Replacement remote 
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs137
Replacing tires, refer to New 
wheels and tires125
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel 
gauge53
Reservoir for washer 
systems51