31
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
>Do not mount any roof rack systems on the
convertible top.
>When opening the wet convertible top, e.g.,
after driving in the rain, water drops may
enter the luggage compartment. In order to
avoid water stains or soiling, remove all
objects from the luggage compartment, if
necessary.
If the temperature drops below +10 7/
–12 6, do not operate the convertible
top; otherwise, damage may occur.
Do not leave a wet convertible top open for
more than one day, since the humidity may
cause damages.
Do not place any objects on the convertible top,
as they could otherwise fall off while the con-
vertible top is being operated and result in prop-
erty damage or personal injury.
If the rollover protective system is extended, do
not operate the convertible top.
Always completely finish the operation of the
convertible top. Driving off before an opening or
closing procedure is completely finished can
lead to property damage or personal injury.
Do not reach into the moving parts during the
opening and closing procedure. Keep children
away from the pivoting range of the convertible
top.
For safety reasons, only operate the convertible
top while the vehicle is standing.<
While opening and closing, the convertible
top pivots upward. If operating the con-
vertible top inside a garage or under a bridge, or
similar low structure, ensure the minimum clear-
ance is 7 ft/2 m; otherwise, the vehicle may be
damaged.<
Before opening and closing
>Please observe the previous safety instruc-
tions.
>Please ensure the luggage compartment
roller cover is in its lowest position, refer to
page95; otherwise, the convertible top can-
not be opened.>Ensure the cargo does not push against the
luggage compartment roller cover from
below.
>Make sure that the liftgate is closed.
Opening and closing the convertible top
To open:
Press the switch backward in order to open the
sliding/tilting sunroof. Pressing the button again
opens the convertible top.
To close:
Press the switch forward
Operating while driving
The convertible top may be opened or closed
while driving not faster than 20 mph/30 km/h.
While operating the convertible top, pay
close attention to the surrounding traffic;
otherwise, an accident may happen. Try to avoid
operating the convertible top while reversing
the vehicle since the rear view is very limited
during the convertible top's movement. Do not
operate the convertible top when driving on
winding and rough roads or during windy condi-
tions.<
For better control
>The LED lights up during convertible top
operation until the opening or closing pro-
cedure is completely finished.
>The LED flashes after releasing the switch.
The opening or closing procedure has not
yet been completed. The procedure can be
continued in the desired direction by press-
ing the appropriate button.
>The indicator lamp Convertible top not
locked, refer to page153, lights up.
97
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
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
area.
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 vehicle weight and axle loads, page169; otherwise, the
vehicle's operating safety is no longer assured
and the vehicle will not be in compliance with
the construction and use 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, page42; 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 page169.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and
should not be too large in area. Heavy items
should always be placed at the bottom.
Things to remember when driving
98
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 liftgate; 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.
Saving fuel
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif-
ferent factors. The implementation of certain
measures, your driving style and regular mainte-
nance can have an influence on fuel consump-
tion and on the environmental impact.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts no longer in use
Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof- or rear-mounted
luggage racks whenever you are not using
them.
Attached parts on the vehicle affect its aerody-
namics and increase fuel consumption.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct tire inflation
pressure at least twice a month and before start-
ing on a long trip.
Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis-
tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump-
tion and tire wear.
Drive off immediately
Do no t wa it for t he eng ine to warm u p wh ile the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds. This is the
fastest way for the cold engine to reach its oper-
ating temperature.
Think ahead while driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by
maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle
driving ahead.
Driving smoothly and anticipating impending
traffic situations reduces fuel consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for driving off. In second and
higher gears, accelerate smoothly to a suitable
engine and road speed. In doing so, avoid high
engine speeds and shift up early.
When you reach your desired traveling speed,
shift to the highest suitable gear and drive at
constant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red traffic light, take your
foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast
to a halt in the highest suitable gear.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the
accelerator and let the vehicle coast in a suitable
gear.
Fuel supply is shut off automatically when the
vehicle is coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings or
in traffic jams.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. The man-
ufacturer of your MINI recommends having the
vehicle serviced by a MINI dealer. Also note the
MINI Maintenance System, page131.
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
179
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Restraint systems
– for children41
– refer to Safety belts38
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– manual transmission46
Roadside Assistance148
Roadside parking lamps75
– replacing bulb139
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements58
Roof load capacity169
Roof-mounted luggage
rack97
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away151
RSC Run-flat System
Component, refer to Run-flat
tires125
Rubber parts, care135
Run-flat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires125
Run-flat tires125
– flat tire66
– tire inflation pressure118
– tire replacement125
– winter tires126
S
Safety belt
– number35
Safety Belt Reminder39
Safety belts38
– damage39
– indicator lamp39
– reminder39
– sitting safely35
Safety belts, care136
Safety systems
– airbags70
– Antilock Brake System
ABS63
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC63
– safety belts38Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires125
Screw thread for tow
fitting150
Seat adjustment
– mechanical36
Seats36
– adjusting the seats36
– heating38
– sitting safely35
Securing the vehicle
– from inside23
– from outside19
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock46
– overriding manually48
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance148
Service data in the remote
control131
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS131
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance148
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS131
Service requirements58
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode57
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– manual transmission46
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions46
Side airbags70Side turn signal
– replacing bulb140
Side windows, refer to
Windows29
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely35
– airbags35
– safety belts35
– with head restraint35
Size, refer to Dimensions167
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric28
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector33
Slot for remote control44
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray87
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing113
– use102
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment85
Snow chains126
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis
OBD131
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances87
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires144
– inflation pressure118
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire144
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils129
Speed166
– with winter tires126
Speedo, refer to
Speedometer12
Speedometer12
Split rear backrest, refer to
Through-loading system95
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo area94
Sport button64
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems62