AdjustmentsCONTROLS
37
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 th e 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
children safely, refer to page 43.
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 inju ry 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 occupa nts 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
triggered. <
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 ex tremely sensitive individ-
uals. This effect is usually only temporary.
For airbag locations and additional information
on airbags, refer to page 75.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head rest raint in such a way
that its center is at approx. ear level.
Otherwise, there is an increased risk of injury in
the event of an accident. <
Head restraints, refer to page 39.
Safety belt
Before every drive, make sure that all occupants
wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the
safety belt as an additi onal safety device, but
they do not represent a substitute.
Number of safety belts
Never allow more th an 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 sh arp 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 page 40.
Transporting children safelyCONTROLS
43
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. Othe rwise, there is an
increased risk of injury in the event of an
accident. <
Children 13 years of age or older must be
buckled in with a safety belt as soon as there
no longer is any child re straint system that is
appropriate 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
accident. <
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 th e 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 page 76.
Child restraint systems,
installation
Observe the child restraint system manu-
facturer's instructions when selecting,
installing and using ch ild restraint systems.
Otherwise, the protective effect may be
diminished. <
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 be st 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
systems.
CONTROLSTransporting children safely
44
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
fixing 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 t hat bo th l ow er LATC H ancho rs
are properly engaged and that the child
restraint system rests fi rmly 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
2 Head restraint
3 Tether strap hook
4 Rear cargo well
5 Anchor
6 Seat backrest
7 Tether strap of the child restraint system
Transporting children safelyCONTROLS
45
Attaching upper retaining strap to the
attachment point
1.Slide 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 strap 9 is passed
between the seat backrest 8 and the
rollover protection system with cross member 3;
otherwise, the strap will not properly secure the
child restraint system.<
1 Direction of travel
2 Head restraint
3 Rollover protection system with cross
member
4 Cargo area cover
5 Rear cargo well
6 Tether strap hook
7 Anchor
8 Seat backrest
9 Tether strap of the child restraint system
Attaching upper reta ining strap to the
attachment point
1. Slide the head restraint upward.
2. Unlock backrest and slightly fold forward,
refer to page 100.
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.
CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
76
Do not touch the individual components immedi-
ately after the system has been triggered, because
there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag re straint system, have the
testing, repair, removal, and disposal of airbag
generators executed only by a MINI dealer or a
workshop that works acco rding to repair proce-
dures of the manufacturer of your MINI with corre-
spondingly trained person nel and has the required
explosives licenses. Otherwise, unprofessional
attempts to service the syst em could lead to failure
in an emergency or unde sired airbag activation,
either of which could resu lt in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the
airbags 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 de termines whether and
how the seat is occupied. The front and side
airbags 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, page 43.
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and ad ults 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 passeng er 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 items unde
r the seat which could
press against the seat fr om below. Otherwise, a
correct analysis of th e 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 indica tor lamp shows whether
the front passenger airbags are activated or
deactivated.
> The indicator lamp co mes on as intended
when a child in a specially designated child
restraint system is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front
passenger are not activated.
Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
99
Adjusting rear seat backrest*
Expand the cargo area by raising the rear seat
backrests to a steeper angle.
1.Pull the lever, arrow 1, and fold the rear seat
backrest forward.
2. Fold up the lever of the backrest lock until it
audibly engages, arrow 2.
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, refer to arrows 1. 2.
Lift the convertible top, refer to arrow 2.
3. Fold back the handles and place them on
holders 3.
Expanding the luggage compartment
volume
You can enlarge the luggage compartment
volume when the convertible top is closed.
1. Fold the convertible top upward, refer to
Loading aid.
2. Pull luggage compartment roller cover
rearward out of the lower brackets and pivot
upward, refer to arrows 1,
3. Push cover into the upper storage areas,
refer to arrows 2 and place down horizon-
tally.
To operate the convertible top, move
the cargo area cover back to its lower
position. <
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
196
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 147
Check Control 64
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH 44
Child restraint systems 43
Child seats 43
Chrome parts, care 155
Chrome parts, refer to Care 153
Cigarette lighter 93
Cleaning headlamps 53
– washer fluid 54
Clock
– 12 h/24 h mode 61
– setting time 63
Closing
– from inside 25
– from outside 21
Clothes hooks 92
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine 47
Comfort Access 28
– replacing the battery 30
– what to observe before entering a car wash 29
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console 14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock 46
Compressed audio files 111
Computer 57
Condensation, refer to When the vehicle is parked 98
Condition Based Service CBS 151
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile 20
Connecting vacuum cleaner, refer to Connecting electrical
appliances 93
Consumption, refer to Average fuel consumption 57
Control Display
– settings 59 Controls and displays
10
Convenient access, refer to Comfort Access 28
Convenient operation
– convertible top 24
– windows 22
Convenient start, refer to
Starting the engine 47
Convertible top 32
Coolant 149
– checking level 149
– filling 149
Coolant temperature 149
Cooling, maximum 87
Cooli
ng fluid, refer to
Coolant 149
Copyright 2
Cornering light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 80
Cruising range 57
Cupholders 93
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 191
Current fuel consumption 57
D
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit 10
Dashboard instruments, refer to Displays 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 82
Data 188
– capacities 193
– dimensions 189
– engine 188
– weights 191
Data memory 152
Date
– setting 64
Date setting 107
Daytime running lights 79
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 67
Deactivating front passenger
airbags 76 Deadlocking, refer to
Locking 22
Defect
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
Defogging windows 86,88
Defrosting windows 86,88
Defrosting windows and removing condensation
– air conditioner 86
– automatic climate control 88
Defrosting windshield, refer to Defrosting windows 86,88
Defrost positi on, refer to
Defrosting windows 86,88
Differential, breaking in 96
Digital radio, refer to HD Radio 109
Dimensions 189
Dipstick, engine oil 147
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 51
Displacement, refer to Engine data 188
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 82
Displays 12
– instrument cluster 12
Displays, care 156
Displays and controls 10
Disposal
– of coolant 149
– remote control battery 30
– vehicle battery 168
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 62
Distance warning, refer
to Park
Distance Control PDC 66
Door key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 20
Door lock 24
Door lock, confirmation signals 23
Doors, manual operation 25
DOT Quality Grades 142
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
199
Indicator and warning lamps 13,173
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 73
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 82
Individual air distribution 86
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile 20
Inflation pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 72
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 70
– glass roof, electric 31
Instrument cluster, refer to Displays 12
Instrument lighting 82
Instrument panel, refer to Cockpit 10
Instrument panel, refer to Displays 12
Integrated key 20
Integrated universal remote control 89
Interior lamps 82
– remote control 23
Interior rearview mirror 42
– automatic dimming
feature 42
Interlock 49
Intermittent mode of the wipers 52
Internet page 4
J
Jacking points 167
Jets, refer to Window washer nozzles 53
Jumpering, refer to Jump- starting 169
Jump-starting 169
K
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 20
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort Access 28
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access 28
Key Memory, refer to Personal Profile 20
Keypad dialing 124
Kickdown 49
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 49
Knock control 133
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams 78
Lamps and bulbs, replacing bulbs 158
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 101
LATCH child restraint fixing
system 44
Leather care 155
LEDs light-emitting diodes 159
Length, refer to Dimensions 189
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement 162
Liftgate 26
– Comfort Access 29
– emergency operation 26
– manually releasing 26
– opening/closing 26
– opening from outside 26
– unlocking with remote
control 24
Light alloy wheels, care 155
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs 159
Lighter 93
– socket 93 Lighting
– lamps and bulbs
158
– of the instruments 82
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps 78
Light switch 78
Limit 185
Listening to test scan
– Radio MINI Boost CD 108
Load 100
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo 101
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking 25
Locking
– adjusting confirmation signal 23
– from inside 25
– from outside 22
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 28
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 23
– from inside 25
– from outside 21
Longlife oils
– approved motor oils 149
Low beams 78
– automatic 78
– replacing bulb 159
Lower back suppo rt, refer to
Lumbar support 39
Luggage compartment
– emergency operation, refer
to
Manual unlocking 26
– increasing the capacity 99
– opening from the inside 26
Luggage compartment, refer to Cargo area 26
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Liftgate 26
Luggage rack, re fer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 102
Lumbar support 39