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.
CONTROLSAdjustments
38
Seats
Note before adjusting
Never attempt to adjust your seat while
the vehicle is moving. The seat could
respond with unexpected movement, and the
ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an
accident.
On the front passenger seat as well, do not
incline the backrest too far to the rear while the
vehicle is being driven; otherwise, there is a
danger in the event of an accident of sliding
under the safety belt, eliminating the protection
normally provided by the belt. <
Comply with the instruct ions on head restraint
height on page 39 and on damaged safety belts
on page 41.
Seat adjustment
Observe the instructions on page 38 to
ensure the best possible personal
protection. <
Longitudinal adjustment
Pull the lever, arrow 1, and slide the seat into the
desired position, arrows 2.
After releasing the lever, move the seat slightly
forward or back so that it engages properly.
Height
Pull up or push down the lever repeatedly,
arrows 1, until the desired he ight is reached,
arrows 2.
Backrest
Pull the lever, arrow 1, and apply your weight to
the backrest or lift it off, as necessary, arrows 2.
AdjustmentsCONTROLS
39
Lumbar support*
You can also adjust the contour of the backrest
to obtain additional support in the lumbar
region.
The upper hips and spinal column receive
supplementary support to help you maintain a
relaxed, upright sitting position.
Turn the wheel to increase or decrease the
curvature.
Getting in back
1.Pull up the lever on the seat backrest,
arrow 1.
The backrest folds forward.
2. Move the seat forwar d by pushing on the
backrest, arrow 2.
Return seat to original position
The driver's seat has a mechanical memory
function for the forwar d/back setting and the
backrest adjustment.
1. Slide the seat to return to its starting
position. Do not fold the backrest up until the
seat is in its prev
ious position. Other-
wise, the seat will en gage in its current
position. In this case, adjust the longitudinal
position manually, page 38.<
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. Otherwis e, there is a risk of
accident 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 th at 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, arrow 1, and slide
the head restraint down.
CONTROLSAdjustments
40
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. <
Front
1.Pull up as far as it will go.
2. Fold the backrest forward slightly.
3. Press button 1 and pull the head restraint
out as far as it will go.
4. Fold back the backrest.
Rear
1.Pull up as far as it will go.
2. Press button 1 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 minutes, the seat heat ing is automatically
activated at the previously set temperature.
The temperature is lowe red 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 page 38 to
ensure the best possible personal
protection. <
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
properly, page 38.
Opening
1. Grasp the belt firmly.
2. Press the red button in the buckle.
3. Guide the belt into its reel.
AdjustmentsCONTROLS
41
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 so unds. Check whether
the safety belt has been fastened
correctly. The 'Fasten safety belts'
reminder is issued when the driver's safety belt
has not been fastened. Th e "Fasten safety belts"
reminder is also activate d 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 tensio ners 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
manufacturer; 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
accident. <
1 Adjusting the left or right exterior mirror
2 Folding 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 external temperatures below a certain limit,
both exterior mirrors are automatically heated
while the engine is running or the ignition
switched on.
CONTROLSAdjustments
42
Interior rearview mirror
To reduce glare from vehicles behind you when
you are driving at night:
Turn the knob.
Interior and exterior mirrors,
automatic dimming feature*
It is controlled by two photosensors:
>Inside the interior rearview mirror, arrow
> On the back of the mirror.
For proper function:
> Keep the photosensors clean
> Do not cover the area between the interior
rearview mirror and the windshield
> Do not place stickers or decals on the
windshield in front of the mirror.
Steering wheel
Adjustments
Do not adjust the steering wheel position
while the car is in motion; otherwise, there
is a risk of accident du e to an unexpected move-
ment. <
1. Fold the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel to the preferred
distance and angle to suit your seated
position.
3. Swing the lever back up.
Do not use force to swing the lever
back up; otherwise, the mechanism
will be damaged. <
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
198
Floor mats, care156
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 160,162
Folding rear seat backrest 98
Folding roof , refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof 32
Footbrake, refer to Braking safely 97
Footwell lamps 82
For your own safety 5
Front airbags 75
Front fog lamps 81
– indicator lamp 173
– replacing bulb 160
Front seat adjustment 38
Frost on windows, refer to Defrosting windows 86,88
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 69
Fuel 133
– gauge 56
– high-quality brands 133
– quality 133
– specifications 133
– tank volume 193
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 56
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption 57
Fuel display, refer to Fuel gauge 56
Fuel filler flap 132
– releasing in the event of electrical malfunction 132
Fuses 168
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 89
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel consumption 57 Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel 133
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel gauge 56
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission 49
– manual transmission 48
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 49
– manual transmission 48
General driving notes 96
Glass roof, electric 30
– convenient operation 22,24
– opening, closing 30
– remote control 22
– tilting 30
Glove compartment 91
Grills, refer to Air vents 84
Gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 191
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb 159
Handbrake, refe r to Parking
brake 48
Hands-free system 14,126
Hazard warning flashers 14
HD Radio 109
Head airbags 75
Headlamp control,
automatic 78
Headlamp flasher 51
– indicator lamp 11,173
Headlamp glass lens 159
Headlamps
– replacing bulb 159
Headlamps, care 154
Head Light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 80
Head restraints 39
– sitting safely 37 Heated
– mirrors
41
– rear window 85,88
– seats 40
Heating 84
– mirrors 41
– rear window 85,88
– seats 40
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing cargo 101
Height, refer to Dimensions 189
Height adjustment
– seats 38
– steering wheel 42
High beams 81
– headlamp flasher 81
– indicator lamp 173
– replacing bulb 159
High water, refer to Driving through water 97
Hill Assist 69
Hills 97
Holders for cups 93
Homepage 4
Hood 146
Horn 10
Hot exhaust system 96
Hydroplaning 97
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio 109
Ignition 46
– switched off 47
– switched on 46
Ignition key, refer to Integrated key/remote
control 20
Ignition key position 1, refer to Radio readiness 46
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on 46
Ignition lock 46
Imprint 2
Incoming call 124
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
202
Run-flat tires144
– flat tire 71
– tire inflation pressure 134
– tire replacement 144
– winter tires 145
S
Safety belt
– number37
Safety Belt Reminder 41
Safety belts 40
– damage 41
– indicator lamp 41
– reminder 41
– sitting safely 37
Safety belts, care 156
Safety systems
– airbags 75
– Antilock Brake System ABS 67
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
– safety belts 40
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires 144
Satellite radio 110
– enabling 110
Scan, listening to test
– Radio MINI Boost CD 108
Screw thread for tow fitting 171
Searching
– CD player 112
– radio 107
Searching for a music track
– CD 112
Seat adjustment
– mechanical 38
Seats 38
– adjusting the seats 38
– heating 40
– sitting safely 37
Securing the vehicle
– from inside 25
– from outside 21 Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 49
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock 49
– overriding manually 50
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 49
Service, refer to Roadside Assistance 169
Service car, refe r to Roadside
Assistance 169
Service data in the remote
control 151
Service Interval Display, refer to Condition Based Service
CBS 151
Service requirement display, refer to Condition Based
Service CBS 151
Service requirements 62
Settings
– clock, 12 h/24 h mode 61
Setting the time format 107
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with Steptr
onic49
– manual transmission 48
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions 49
Side airbags 75
Side turn signal
– replacing bulb 161
Side windows, refer to
Windows 31
Signal horn, refer to Horn 10
Sitting safely 37
– airbags 37
– safety belts 37
– with head restraint 37
Size, refer to Dimensions 189Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass roof, electric
30
Slipstream deflector, refer to Wind deflector 36
Slot for remote control 46
Smokers' package, refer to Ashtray 93
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing 129
– use 118
Snap-in adapter, refer to Center armrest storage
compartment 92
Snow chains 145
Socket, refer to Connecting electrical appliances 93
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis OBD 152
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires 165
– inflation pressure 134
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire 165
Special oils, refer to Approved engine oils 149
Speed 188
– with winter tires 145
Speed-dependent volume 106
Speedo, refer to Speedometer 12
Speedometer 12
Split-folding rear seats 100
Split rear backrest, refer to
Split-folding rear seats 100
Split rear seat backrest, refer to Expanding the cargo area 98
Sport button 69
Stability control, refer to Driving stability control
systems 67
Start/Stop button 46
– starting the engine 47
– switching off the engine 47
Starting, refer to Starting the engine 47