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.
Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
77
Most child seats are detected by the
system. This particularly applies to
child seats that were required by NHTSA at
the time of manufacture of the vehicle. After
installing a child seat, check that the indica-
tor lamp for the front passenger airbags
lights up. It indicates that the child seat has
been detected and that the front passenger
airbags are deactivated. <
> The indicator lamp does not come on as long
as a person of sufficient size and in a correct
sitting position is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front
passenger are activated.
> The indicator lamp does not come on if the
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front
passenger are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
As of radio readiness, page 46, the warning
lamp lights up briefly to indicate that the entire
airbag system and the belt tensioners are
operational.
Airbag system malfunction
> The warning lamp does not come on when
radio readiness is switched on.
> The warning lamp stays lit continuously.
In the event of a fault in the airbag system,
have it checked without delay; otherwise,
there is the risk that the system will not function
as intended even if a severe accident occurs. <
MINI Convertible:
Rollover protection
system
The rollover system is automatically activated
during an accident or dangerous driving situa-
tion, during extreme tilt of the longitudinal axis,
or during loss of ground contact. The roll bar
located behind the rear seat headrest is
projected within a fraction of a second.
In addition to the reinforced windshield frame,
the rollover protection system ensures the
necessary head clearanc e for all occupants of
the vehicle.
Never block the travel path of the rollover
protection system with any objects.
Always wear your safety belt, it protects you in
a minor car accident and, depending on the
severity of the accident, the seat belt tensioner
and the multilevel airb ag system will protect
you. <
Lowering
If the rollover protecti on system releases
accidentally, have your MINI dealer check it.
If the rollover protective system is
extended, do not operate the convertible
top.
Never attempt to modify the individual compo-
nents or the electrical wiring of the rollover
protective system.
Have the necessary work on the rollover protec-
tion system of your MINI only carried out by an
authorized MINI dealer.
Faulty repair may lead to the failure of the
system or malfunctions.
Check the system regularly and in order to
ensure a long service life of all functions, it is
mandatory to ma intain the service intervals,
refer to page 62.<
