Opening and closingCONTROLS
33
certain degree of protection against theft.
Always keep your valuables inside the
locked luggage compartment, even if the
convertible top is closed.
> 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 op erated and result in
property 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 proc edure. 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, en sure the minimum clear-
ance is 6.5 ft/2 m; otherwise, the vehicle may be
damaged.
tions.
> Please ensure the luggage compartment
roller cover is in its lo west position, refer to
page 99; otherwise, the convertible top
cannot 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. Pr essing the switch 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
conditions. <
Opening and closingCONTROLS
35
Releasing the convertible top
1.Push cover panel forward, refer to arrow 1.
2. In order to unlock the convertible top use
the Allen key to loosen the screws of the
locking devices, refer to arrows 2.
3. Release the second side frame.
Closing the co nvertible top
1.Place both hands on the convertible top on
the respective side frame.
2. Lift out both sides at the same time, and
swing the convertible top forward onto the
cowl.
3. Inside the vehicle, use a screwdriver to pry
out the cover in the center of the roof.
To close the sl iding sunroof
1.Insert the hexagon wren ch into the recess in
the center of the roof and push upward,
refer to arrow 1.
2. Turn the hexagon wrench in the direction of
arrow 2.
3. Open both locking mechanisms and remove
the locking pieces.
4. Insert the pins into the respective recess in
the cowl, refer to arrow.
To lock the convertible top
Turn hexagon wrench in the opposite direction
of arrow 2 until the convertible top is securely
locked.
Please contact your MINI dealer to have
the electrical malfunction repaired. <
Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
75
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
MINI:
1 Front airbags
2 Side airbags in backrests
3 Head airbags at the front and rear MINI Convertible:
1
Front airbags
2 Side/head airbags in the backrests
Protective effect
Observe the instructions on page 37 to
ensure the best possible personal
protection. <
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the head
and side airbags help provide protection in the
event of side impact. Th e relevant side airbag
supports the side upper body area. The respec-
tive head airbag supports the head.
The side/head airbag in the MINI Convertible
protects the head during impact.
The airbags are designed to not be triggered in
every type of collision, e.g. not in minor acci-
dents, certain rollover si tuations or rear impacts. Do not apply adhesive
materials to the cover
panels of the airbags, cover them or modify
them in any other way.
Keep the dashboard and window on the passen-
ger side free from obstruction, i.e. do not cover it
with adhesive film or co verings, and do not affix
any holders such as for a navigation device or a
mobile phone.
Do not attach seat cove rs, cushions or other
objects not specifically approved for seats with
integral side airbags to th e 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 in cludes 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.
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
96
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed the following:
> Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full
traction potential until af ter an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distan ce driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Close the liftgate
Only drive with the liftgate closed. Failure
to do so may endanger passengers or
other road users or may damage the vehicle in
the event of an accident or a braking and eva-
sive maneuver. In addi tion, exhaust gas may
flow into the passenger compartment. <
If special circumstances make it absolutely
necessary to drive with the liftgate open:
1. Close all windows and the glass roof
*.
2. Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig-
nificantly increase the air flow rate of the air
conditioner or automa tic climate control,
page 85 or 87.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
Make sure that when driving, idling or when
parking, no easily flamma ble materials, such as
hay, leaves, grass, etc. come into contact with
the hot exhaust system. Such contact could lead
to a fire, with the risk of serious personal injuries
and property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust
tail pipes. Otherwise, there is a risk of burns. <
DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
102
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
instructions 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 page 191.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and
should not be too large in area. Heavy items
should always be placed at the bottom.
When loading, make sure that there is sufficient
space for the movement of the glass roof 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 su dden acceleration and
braking maneuvers, and take corners gently.
Rear-mounted luggage
rack*
For your MINI Convertible, there is a special
rear-mounted luggage ra ck available as an
optional accessory. Please note the information
contained in the asse mbly instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are under the protective
caps in the bumper.
Push out the caps at the respective slots.
Loading rear luggage rack
When loading, make su re that the maximum
allowed roof load, the gross vehicle weight and
the axle loads are not exceeded.
You can find the applicable data under Weights
on page 191.
Saving fuel
Fuel consumption depends on a number of
different 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 incr eases fuel consumption.
Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
103
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 twic e a month and before
starting 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 not wait for the engine to warm up while 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
operating temperature.
Think ahead while driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by
maintaining a suitable di stance to the vehicle
driving ahead.
Driving smoothly and anticipating impending
traffic situations redu ces fuel consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for dr iving 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 lo w 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 vehi cle 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, page 151.
COMMUNICATIONSTelephone
128
Redialing
Voice phone book*
Depending on how your vehicle is equipped, it
may be necessary to create your own voice
phone book.
Depending on the equipment you have, the
entries are imported from the mobile phone's
memory or have to be entered independently of
it. In this case, phone numbers stored in the
mobile phone cannot be accessed by voice or
stored in the mobile phone by voice.
Storing the input
Deleting input
Deleting all inputs
Reading entries and selectingSelecting an entry
Adjusting volume
Turn knob during announcement.
>
The volume remains the same, even if the
volume of other audi o sources is changed.
> The volume is stored for the remote control
currently in use.
Notes
Do not use the voice activation system to initiate
an emergency call. In stressful situations, the
voice and vocal pitch can change. This can
unnecessarily delay the establishment of a
telephone connection.
Ambient conditions
>Say the commands, numbers and letters
smoothly and with normal volume, empha-
sis and speed.
> Always say the commands in the language
of the system.
> Keep doors, windows, glass sunroof
*/pan-
oramic sunroof
*, or convertible top* closed
to avoid noise interference.
> Avoid ambient noise in the vehicle while
speaking.
MINI contact*
When the ignition is on, several dealer phone
numbers can be displayed.
>"Road Assist": roadside service
*, if you
require assistance in th e event of a flat tire.
> "Service": MINI dealer, for example if you
need to make a service appointment.
> "Cust Relat": MINI Hotline
* for information
about your vehicle.
{
Redial }.
1. {Save name }.
2. Say the name aloud. Do not exceed a
speaking duration of about 2 seconds.
3. Say the phone number after being
prompted to do so by the system.
4. {Save }.
1. {Delete name }.
2. Say the name when prompted.
3. Confirm the query with {Yes }.
1. {Delete phonebook }.
The dialog for deleting phone book is
opened.
2. Confirm the query with {Yes }.
3. Confirm the query again with {Yes }.
1. {Read phonebook }.
The dialog for reading phone book is
opened.
2. Say {Dial number } when the desired
entry is read.
1. {Dial name }.
2. Say the name when prompted.
3. Confirm the query with {Yes }.
MOBILITYReplacing components
168
Battery replacement
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manu-
facturer; otherwise, the vehicle could be dam-
aged and systems or func tions may not be fully
available. <
After a battery replacement, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your dealer to
ensure that all comfort functions are fully
available.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle when
the engine is off. Connections, refer to Jump-
starting on page 169.
Disposal
After replacing old ba tteries, return the
used batteries to your MINI dealer or to a
recycling center. Maintain the battery in an
upright position for transport and storage.
Always secure the battery against tipping over
during transport. <
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, some equipment
may not be fully function al and may require ini-
tialization. Individual settings are also lost and
must be reprogrammed:
> Time and date
These values must be updated, page 63.
> Radio
In some cases, statio ns may have to be
stored again, page 108.
> Glass roof
*, electric
It may only be possible to raise the roof, if
applicable. The system must be initialized.
Contact your near est MINI dealer.
Fuses
Do not attempt to repair a blown fuse or
replace it with a fuse of a different color or
Ampere rating. To do this could cause a fire in
the vehicle resulting from a circuit overload.
Have the fuse changed only by a MINI dealer or
a workshop that has specially trained personnel
working in accordance with the specifications of
the MINI manufacturer. <
A fuse allocation diagram is located on the inside
of the fuse box cover panels.
In the engine compartment
Opening the cover
Press the latch.
In the vehicle interior
On the right side of the footwell.
Opening the cover
Press out at the recess.