Transporting children safelyCONTROLS
45
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.
Locking 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.
Unlocking 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.
Center belt: unlocking additional belt buckle
3, see page 41.
Guide safety belt to the take-up on the
headliner.
LATCH child restraint
fixing system
LATCH: Lower Anchors an d Tethers for Children.
To install and use the LATCH child restraint
system, follow the op erating 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 mounts for the lower LATCH anchors are
located at the points indicated by the arrows.
Make sure that both lower LATCH anchors
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. <
4-seater
The child restraint anchor fittings, see arrows,
are located behind the back of the rear seats.
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5-seater
The child restraint anchor fittings for the two
outer seats, see arrows, are located behind the
back of the rear seats.
The child restraint anchor fitting for the center
seat is located under the luggage-compartment
sill, position4 in picture center seat.
Placement of the tether strap
Make sure the upper tether strap does not
run over sharp edges and is not twisted as
it passes to the top anchor. Otherwise, the strap
will not properly secure the child restraint sys-
tem in the event of an accident. <
Outer seats:
1 Direction of travel
2 Head restraint
3 Rear cargo well
4 Tether strap hook
5 Anchor
6 Seat backrest
7 Tether strap of the child restraint system Center seat:
1
Forward driving direction
2 Head rest
3 Attaching clip
4 Child restraint anchor fitting
5 Load area floor
6 Seat back
7 Strap of the chil d restraint system
Attaching upper tether strap to the
attachment point
1.Slide the head restraint upward.
2. Center seat: fold the load area floor back-
wards
3. Guide the tether strap between the head
restraint holders.
4. Attach the tether strap to the anchor using
the hook.
5. Push the head restraint into its lowermost
position.
6. Pull the tether strap tight.
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Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
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Technology for driving comfort and
safety
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or count ry version. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
Park Distance Control
PDC
The concept
PDC assists you with parking in reverse. Acoustic
signals and a visual indicator
warn you of the
presence of an object behind the vehicle. The
measurement is carried out by four ultrasonic
sensors in the rear bumper.
These sensors have a range of approx.
6.5ft/2m. However, an acoustic warning
does not sound until an object is approx. 24 in/
60 cm from the rear corner sensors or approx.
5 ft/1.50 m from the rear center sensors. PDC is
a parking aid that can indicate objects when
they are approached slowly, as is usually the
case when parking. Avoid approaching an
object at high speed; otherwise, physical cir-
cumstances may lead to the system warning
being issued too late. <
Automatic mode
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated automatically after
approx. 1 second when you engage reverse
gear or move the automatic transmission selec-
tor lever to position R. Wait this short period
before driving.
Acoustic signals
As the distance between vehicle and object
decreases, the intervals between the tones
become shorter. If the distance to the nearest
object falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a
continuous tone sounds.
If the distance remains constant, e.g. when
driving parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal
stops after approx. 3 seconds.
Malfunction
Indicator lamp lights up. PDC has failed.
A message appears on the Control
Display. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean
and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that
they will continue to operate effectively. When
using a high-pressure clea ner, do not direct the
jet toward the sensors for lengthy periods and
only spray from a distance of at least 4 in/10 cm.
PDC with visual warning
To have the system show distances to objects on
the Control Display. The contours of distant
objects are shown on the Control Display even
before the acoustic sign al sounds. The display
appears on the Control Di splay as soon as the
transmission is shifted in to reverse or the selec-
tor lever is moved into the R position.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final re sponsibility for esti-
mating the distance between the vehicle
and any obstructions always remains with the
driver. Sensors, too, ha ve blind spots in which
objects cannot be detected. Moreover, ultra-
sonic detection can reach its physical limits with
objects such as trailer tow bars and couplings,
thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low
objects already indicated, such as curbs, may
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Protective action
Observe the instructions on page37 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. Th e relevant side airbag
supports the side upper body area. The head air
bag supports 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
immediately after the system has been
triggered, because there is a danger of burns.
Have the testing, repair , removal, and disposal
of airbag generators executed only by your MINI
dealer or a workshop that has the required
explosives licenses.
Otherwise, unprofessional attempts to service
the system could lead to failure 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
The presence of a passenger in the front passen-
ger seat is detected by measuring the resistance
of the human body. The system correspondingly
activates or deactivates the front, side, and knee
airbags for the front passenger.
Make sure that the front passenger's feet
remain in the footwell; otherwise, it is not
possible to guarantee the function of the front
passenger airbags. <
The indicator lamp above the interior rearview
mirror shows the current st atus of the front pas-
senger airbags, deactivate d or activated, refer to
Status of front passenger airbags below.
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety informa-
tion and follow the instructions under Transport-
ing children safely, page 44.<
Malfunction of the automatic
deactivation
When teenagers and adul ts assume certain sit-
ting positions, this can cause the front, side, and
knee airbags to deactivate. The indicator lamp
for the front passenger airbags lights up when
this occurs. In such case s, the passenger should
change his or her sittin g position so that the
front passenger airbags are activated and the
indicator lamp goes out. If the desired airbag
status cannot be achieved by changing the sit-
ting position, transport the relevant passenger
on a rear seat.
> Do not attach covers, cushions, ball mats or
other items to the front passenger seat
unless they are specifically recommended
by the manufacturer of your MINI.
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Glove compartment
Opening
Pull the handle to open the cover.
The light in the glove compartment comes on.
Closing
Fold cover up.To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent, close the glove compartment after
use while the vehicle is being driven.<
Ventilation
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the
glove compartment can be ventilated and, if the
cooling function is switched on, can also be
cooled.
Opening
Rotate the switch in the direction of the arrow.
Closing
Rotate the switch in the opposite direction of the
arrow until it is in the vertical position. Depending on the temperature setting of the air
conditioner or the automatic climate control,
high temperatures may result in the glove
compartment.
USB interface for data transfer
For the updating of navigation data, refer to
page
114 on USB media via the USB interface in
the glove box.
Observe the following when connecting:
> Do not forcibly connect the plug to the USB
interface.
> Do not connect devices such as fans or
lamps to the USB interface.
> Do not connect USB hard drives.
> Do not use the USB interface to recharge
external devices.
Connection for external
audio device
You can connect an external audio device such
as a CD or MP3 player and play audio tracks over
the vehicle's speaker syst em, refer to the Enter-
tainment chapter starting on page 149.
Center armrest
The center armrest between the front seats con-
tains either a compartment or the cover for the
snap-in adapter, see page 169.
In the center armrest between the back seats,
there is a storage compartment.
Opening
Press the button, arrow, and lift the cover.
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Center armrest rear
Removing
The center armrest in the rear can be removed
to increase the amo unt of storage room.
1. Turn handwheel counterclockwise until it
reaches the stop, arrow 1.
2. Push center armrest in the base plate gently
towards the back, arrow 2.
3. Raise the armrest in front and swing out.
Installing
1.Insert center armrest in the back into the
rear recess of the base plate, arrow 1.
2. Push to rear and sw ing down in front,
arrow 2.
3. Push center armrest in the base plate for-
ward.
4. Tighten handwheel by turning clockwise.
Ensure that the center armrest engages properly
when it is installed; ot herwise, it may be dam-
aged, for example, during braking maneuvers.
Storage compartments
Do not put any unsecured objects into the
interior of the vehicle; otherwise these
may endanger the occupants, e.g., during
braking and evasive maneuvers. <
Do not use the instrument panel as a shelf,
for example with non-slip mats; other-
wise, it could be damaged. <
In the vehicle interior
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you
will find storage compartments in the front and
rear doors and in the center console.
Pockets
are provided on the backrest rear
panels of the front seats.
Center Rail
Various accessory parts ca n be attached to the
Center Rail and installed in different positions.
Do not use accessory parts near the hand
brake; otherwise these could be damaged
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when the hand brake lever is operated.
In addition, do not position accessory parts
directly behind the center armrest on the rail;
otherwise they could be damaged upon open-
ing the center armrest.<
Smartphone holder
The upper part of the smartphone holder can be
rotated by 360°.
When installing in the front of the rail, ensure
that there is sufficient space, e.g., away from the
seat; otherwise, damage may be caused when
rotating.
1.Pull the lever 1 up to unlock the mounts.
2. First install the smartphone on the Center
Rail with the mounts 2.
3. To secure, push lever 1 down. Ensure that
the lever can lock it properly.
When connecting a smartphone to the USB
audio interface, see page 150, guide the con-
nection cable under the smartphone holder.
Base plate
On the base plate, vari ous accessories can be
attached, such as cup holders, holders for sun-
glasses and cell phone holders.
Inserting base plate
The lever 3 can be locked in three positions.
0 Locking
1 Sliding along the rail
2 Inserting base plate
For inserting, move the lever into position 2.
Sliding and locking
1. Push lever 3 into position 1.
2. Slide the base plate.
3. Push the lever 3 down, into position 0, and
lock the base plate in place.
Lock the base plate in place before
driving; otherwise, injuries may result in
the event of an accident. <
Example: cupholder
Put cupholder in the back between the rear
seats and push in.
Installing cupholder
1.Lock base plate in place if necessary, refer to
Sliding and locking.
2. Pull the lever 6 up to unlock the mounts.
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3.First insert the cupholder into the front
mounts 4 and then snap it into the rear
mounts 5.
Make sure that the lever 6 is situated
opposite the mount 4.<
Clothes hooks
There are clothes hooks on the grab handles in
the rear passenger compartment.
Items of clothing hung from the hooks
must not obstruct the driver's view. Do not
hang heavy objects from the hooks; otherwise,
they could endanger the car's occupants, e.g. in
case of heavy braking or sudden swerving. <
In the cargo area
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you
have the following storage options:
>Storage compartment under the flat load
floor
> Bag holder on the support for the cargo area
cover
Cupholders and ashtray
Cupholders
Use lightweight, nonbreakable containers
and do not transport hot beverages.
Otherwise, there is an increased risk of injury in
the event of an accident. <
Do not push unsuitable containers forcibly
into the cupholder. Otherwise, you may
damage it.<
Additional cupholders can be attached to the
Center Rail in the rear passenger compartment.
Ashtray
The ashtray is located in one of the cupholders in
the center console.
Emptying
Remove the entire ashtray.
Lighter
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, press in the cigarette lighter.
The lighter can be pulled out as soon as it pops
back out.
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