Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
85
Airbags
1Front airbags
2 Side/head airbags in the backrests
Protective action
Observe the instructions on page 45 to
ensure the best possible personal protec-
tion. <
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. The side/head airbag sup-
ports the body in the lateral chest area as well as
the head.
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-
g e r s i d e f r e e f r o m o b s t r u c t i o n , i . e . d o n o t c o v e r i t
with adhesive film or coverings, and do not affix
any holders such as for a navigation device or a
mobile phone.
Do not attach seat covers, cushions or other
objects not specifically approved for seats with
integral side airbags to the 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 includes the upholstery in the center of the steering wheel,
on the instrument panel, the doors, and the roof
pillars as well as the side
s of the headliner. Do
not attempt to remove or dismantle the steering
wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfuncti ons, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of
airbag generators executed only by a MINI
dealer or a workshop th at works according to
repair procedures of the manufacturer of your
MINI with correspondingly trained personnel
and has the required explosives licenses. Other-
wise, unprofessional attempts to service the
system could lead to fail ure in an emergency or
undesired airbag activation, either of which
could result in personal injury. <
Warning notices and in formation 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 determines 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
rearview mirror shows the current status
of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or
activated, 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 51.
The front and side airbag s can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults 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 passenger airbags are activated
and the indicator lamp goes out. If the desired
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
87
MINI Convertible:
rollover protection
system
The rollover protection system is automatically
activated in the event of a sufficiently severe
accident or with an extreme inclination in the
longitudinal axis. The ro ll bar located behind the
rear seat headrest is pr ojected within a fraction
of a second.
In addition to the reinfo rced windshield frame,
the rollover protection system increases the
safety for the vehicle occupants.
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 safety belt tensioner
and the multilevel airbag system will protect
you. <
Lowering
If the rollover protection 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 71.<
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 786 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
