
CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
94
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 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 from below. Otherwise, a
correct analysis of th e seat cushion is not
ensured. <
Status of front passenger airbags
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 spec ially designated child
restraint system is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front
passenger are not activated.
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. <>
T h e i n d i c a t o r l a m p d o e s n o t c o m e o n a s l o n g
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 readines s of airbag system
As of radio readiness, page 60, 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. <
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Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
95
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 reinforced 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 75.<
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
118
Split-folding rear seats
To be able to transport larger objects, the rear
backrest can be folded down.
1.If necessary, use the integrated key to open
the backrest lock 1.
2. Press button 2 and fold down backrest
together with the belt strap.
3. Fold the backrest forward.
When folding the backrest back into its
original position, alwa ys ensure that the
catch engages securely. A loose backrest might
fail to prevent cargo from entering the passen-
ger compartment during sudden braking or
evasive maneuvers, posing a potential hazard to
occupants.
The belt guide loop, refer to page 54, must be
closed. <
Determining cargo limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, this could
damage the vehicle and produce unstable
vehicle operating conditions. <2.
Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX pounds or YYY
kilograms.
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs and there will be four 150 lb-pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs minus 750 lbs = 650 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster:
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
119
MINI Convertible:
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The
greater the weight of the occupants, the less
cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Position heavy objects as low and as far
forward as possible, id eally directly behind
the rear seat backrests.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
> For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
respective opposite buckle.
> Do not stack higher than the top edge of the
backrests.
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster MINI Convertible
Securing cargo
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster:
MINI Convertible:
>
Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining or draw straps.
> Heavy-duty cargo straps for securing larger
and heavier objects ar e available at your
MINI dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided
for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them
are located on the forward wall of the cargo
area.
Comply with the information enclosed with
the load-securing devices.
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On/off and toneENTERTAINMENT
147
Adjusting volume
Turn the knob to the desired volume.
The volume can also be adjusted on the steering
wheel, refer to page10.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use; refer to Personal Profile, page 28.
Tone control
Various tone settings can be changed, e.g. treble
and bass or the speed-dependent volume
control.
The tone settings are set for all audio sources at
once.
The settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use; refer to Personal Profile,
page 28.
Treble, bass, balance, fader
> "Treble": treble adjustment.
> "Bass": bass adjustment.
> "Balance": volume distribution right/left.
> "Fader": volume distribution front/back.
Adjustments
1."CD/Multimedia", "Rad io" or "Settings".
2. "Tone"
3. Select the desired tone setting.
4. To adjust: turn the MINI joystick.
5. To store: press the MINI joystick.
Volume levels
>"Speed volume": vo lume is adapted
depending on the speed
> "PDC": volume of the PDC acoustic signal
relative to the entertainment sound output
> "Gong": volume of the acoustic signal, e.g.
for the acoustic Safety Belt Reminder rela-
tive to the entertainment sound output
Mobile phone preparation Bluetooth
> "Microphone": volume of the microphone
during a phone conversation.
> "Loudspeak.": volume of the speaker during
a phone conversation.
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MOBILITYWheels and tires
216
MINI John Cooper Works Convertible tire inflation pressures
Tire coding
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size Speed letter
Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire size Tire pressures in bar/psi
Speeds up to a max. of
100mph / 160km/h Speeds including those
exceeding
100 mph / 160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the
table are indicated in bar/psi for
cold tires. Cold = ambient
temperature
185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 W RSC 2.7/39 2.7/39 2.9/42 2.9/42
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC 2.9/42 2.9/42 3.1/45 3.1/45
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page257.
e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect
ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
(not on ZR tires)
Speed code letter,
(before the R on ZR tires)225/45 R 17 91 V
For instance:
Manufacturer's code
for tire make
tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0312
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MOBILITYCare
230
Clean upholstery up to the seams. Do not
rub forcefully.<
Velcro fasteners on pa nts or other items of
clothing can damage seat covers. Make
sure that all Velcro fasteners are closed. <
Leather/leather coverings
The leather processed by the manufac-
turer of your MINI is a high-quality natural
product. Light variations in the grain is one of
the typical properties of natural leather. <
Dust and road grit in th e pores and folds of the
leather have an abrasive effect, leading to
increased wear and causing the leather surface
to become brittle prematurely. Use a cloth or
vacuum cleaner to remo ve dust on a regular
basis.
Especially when the leather has a light color, it
should be cleaned regularl y since it tends to get
heavily soiled.
Treat the leather twice a year using a leather
lotion since dirt and grease will gradually attack
the leather's protective layer.
Carpets/floor mats
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhibit the function of the
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an exist-
ing one or onto other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the floo r mats are securely fas-
tened again after they ha ve been removed, e.g.
for cleaning. <
Floor mats can be removed to be cleaned.
If the carpets are very di rty, clean with a microfi-
ber cloth and water or an interior cleaner. When
doing so, rub forward and back in the driving
direction; otherwise, the carpet may become
matted.
Interior plastic parts
These include:
> Plastic surfaces
> Lamp glass
> Display panes
> Mat parts
Only clean with water and, if necessary, solvent-
free plastic cleaners. Do not use solvents such as alcohol, lac-
quer thinner, cold clea ners, fuel, or similar,
as these will damage the surfaces. <
Decorative strips
Only clean decorative strips with moist cloths.
Wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Safety belts
Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and
thus have a negative impact on safety.
Do not clean chemically, as this may
destroy the webbing. <
Displays
To clean displays, such as the radio or display
elements, use an anti-static microfiber cloth.
Avoid pressing too hard when cleaning
the display as this can cause damage. <
Do not use chemical or abrasive house-
hold cleaning agents. Keep fluids of any
kind away from the device. Surfaces or electrical
components may otherwise become corroded
or damaged. <
CD/DVD drives
Do not use cleaning CDs as this could
damage parts of the drive. <
Vehicle storage
If you park your vehicle longer than three
months, ask your Mini dealer to advise you.
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
269
Average fuel consumption72
– setting the units 74
Average speed 72
Avoiding highways for
navigation 135
Axle loads, refer to Weights 257
B
Background ligh ting, refer to
Ambient lighting 100
Backrests, refer to Seats 51
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 235
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch 243
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 245
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 191
Bass sounds, refer to Tone control 147
Battery 241
– disposal 38,242
– jump-starting 243
– temporary power failure 242
Battery renewal
– remote control 38
Being towed 245
Belts, refer to Safety belts 53
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 53
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 109
Black ice, refer to External temperature warning 71
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate 102,104
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 171,181 Bluetooth audio
163
– device pairing 163
– disconnecting an audio connection 165
– playback 164
– unpairing device 165
– what to do if... 166
Bottle holders, refer to Cupholders 109
Brake Assist 83
Brake fluid, refer to Service requirements 75
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 235
Brake pads, breaking in 114
Brake rotors 116
– brakes 114
– breaking in 114
Brakes
– ABS 83
– breaking in 114
– MINI Maintenance
System 225
– parking brake 62
– service requirements 75
Br akes,
refer to Braking
safely 115
Brake system 114
– breaking in 114
– disc brakes 116
– MINI Maintenance System 225
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance 243
Breaking in the clutch 114
Break-in period 114
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 232
Button for starting the
engine 60
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
Calendar 197
– displaying appointment 197
– selecting calendar day 197
California Proposition 65 warning 5
Call
– accepting 173,185
– ending 174,186
– muting the microphone 187
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 174,186
Calling, refer to Telephone 108
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 109
Capacities 259
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 241
Car care 227
Care 227
– car-care products 227
– car washes 227
– CD/DVD drives 230
– high-pressure washers 228
– leather 230
– manual washing 228
– upholstery and fabrics 229
– windows 228
– wiper blades 228
Cargo, securing 119
Cargo area 116
– capacity 257
– Comfort Access 37
– lamp 99
– opening from outside 33
Cargo area lamp 99
Cargo area lid, refer to Tailgate 33
Cargo loading 118
– securing cargo 119
– stowing cargo 119
– vehicle 116
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 28
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