
Opening and closingCONTROLS
45
Do not place any objects on the convertible top,
as they could otherwise fall off while the con-
vertible top is being operated and result in
property damage or personal injury.
Always completely finish the operation of the
convertible top. Driving off before an opening or
closing procedure is completely finished can
lead to property damage or personal injury.
During the opening an d closing operation,
ensure that no one is in jured by the convertible
top linkage or other moving parts. Keep children
away from the pivoting range of the convertible
top.
Only open or close the convertible top when the
vehicle is stopped. <
While opening and closing, the convertible
top pivots upward. When opening or clos-
ing the convertible top in garages, under bridges
or similar locations, ensure that there is a mini-
mum clearance of 2 meters; otherwise damage
may occur to the vehicle. <
Opening
1.Fold the handle out and rotate until it
reaches the end stop, arrow.
2. Using the handle, push the unlocked
convertible top upwards and open about six
inches.
3. Get out of the vehicle.
4. Guide the convertible top toward the rear. 5.
Push the convertible top downward with a
slight momentum until it audibly engages.
Closing
1.Switch on the ignition so that the windows
can be automatically lowered slightly.
Remove the wind deflector if necessary.
2. Press button 1.
The convertible top is unlocked and moves
slightly upward.
3. Get out of the vehicle.
4. Guide the convertible top forward.
5. Pull convertible top onto the windshield
frame
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Opening and closingCONTROLS
47
Malfunction
The Convertible top not locked indicator lamp
lights up and a message appears on the Control
Display.
Interruption
A convertible top which is not completely
open or closed is hazardous. <
The automatic movement is immediately inter-
rupted when the switch for the convertible top
operation is released. The procedure can be
continued in the desired direction by pressing
the appropriate switch.
If the opening or closing operation is interrupted
by releasing the switch, the convertible top
remains in the current position. The procedure
can be continued by pressing the appropriate
switch.
The opening and cl osing procedure is also inter-
rupted in case of a mech anical blockage. In this
case, in order to operate the convertible top
again:
1. Switch off the ignition and then switch it on
again.
2. Press the switch to continue the procedure
in the desired direction.
Opening and closing the convertible top
Switching on radio readiness or ignition, see
page 60.
To spare the battery, operate the convert-
ible top only when the engine is running, if
possible.
Before closing the conver tible top, remove any
foreign objects from the windshield frame that
may interfere with the closing of the convertible
top. <
Opening
1.Fold the handle out and rotate until it
reaches the end stop, arrow.
2. Using the handle, push unlocked convertible
top upwards and open about six inches.
3. Push switch back to open the convertible
top. The windows open during this
procedure.
Closing
1.Press the switch forward.
2. Pull convertible top onto the front windshielf
frame,
3. Turn handle clockwise until there is an
audible click.
The convertible top is locked.
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CONTROLSOpening and closing
48
If the convertible top has been open
for a longer time, a greater force for
locking may be necessary. <
4. Fold the handle back in.
5. If necessary, close windows.
Manual closing in the event of an
electrical malfunction
Only close the convertible top manually if
it is absolutely nece ssary. Never open it
manually. Improper handling of the convertible
top can result in damage . The closing procedure
must be completely finished. Otherwise,
damage or injury could result. <
Before closing
Move the side windows slightly down, stop the
engine and switch off the ignition.
1. Remove the cover plate, see page117.
2. Remove luggage area tray, arrow.
3. Using the Allen wrench from the tool kit,
turn the gold-colored screw, see arrow, in
the direction of the arrow by about four or
five rotations all the way to the stop.
Closing
1.Grasp the convertible top by the convertible
top frame and guide to the windshield
frame.
2. Unfold the handle and rotate counter-
clockwise all the way to the stop.
3. Pull the convertible top onto the windshield
frame,
4. Turn handle clockwise until there is an
audible click.
The convertible top is locked.
MINI Roadster:
Wind deflector
With the convertible top open, the wind deflec-
tor keeps air movement in the passenger
compartment to a minimum, thus providing you
with a pleasant drive, even at higher speeds.
Do not let the wind deflector come into
contact with pointy objects as these may
damage the net. <
Before installing
1.Take the wind deflector out of the storage
pouch.
2. Fold the wind deflector open, arrow.
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CONTROLSAdjustments
50
Adjustments
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 coun try version. This also
applies to safety relate d functions and systems.
Sitting safely
The ideal sitting position can make a vital contri-
bution to relaxed, fatigu e-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 56.
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 deployed.
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 passeng ers keep their heads
away from the side/head airbag; otherwise inju-
ries can occur when airbags are deployed.
fully excluded, depending on the circumstances.
The ignition and inflation noise may provoke a
mild hearing loss in extremely sensitive individ-
uals. This effect is usually only temporary.
For airbag locations as well as additional infor-
mation, refer to page
93.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint 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 52.
Safety belt
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.
Number of safety belts
Never allow more than 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
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CONTROLSAdjustments
54
MINI Convertible: rear belt guide
Please ensure that the belt guide loop,
arrow, is locked when putting on the rear
safety belts.<
Safety Belt Reminder
Front seats
The indicator lamps come on and an
acoustic signal sounds. In addition, a
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. Check whether the safety belt has
been fastened correctly. The Safety Belt
Reminder is issued when the driver's safety belt
has not been fastened. The Safety Belt Reminder
is also activated at ro ad 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 ar e damaged or stressed
in an accident: have th e safety belt system
and its seat-belt tensioners 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 manu-
facturer; 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 Tilting mirrors in and out
Manual adjustment
The mirrors can also be adjusted manually: press
the edge of the glass.
Tilting 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 mi rrors 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.
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CONTROLSDriving
60
Driving
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 coun try version. This also
applies to safety relate d functions and systems.
Ignition lock
Inserting the key into the ignition lock
Insert the key all the way into the ignition lock.
Radio readiness
Individual electrical consumers can operate.
Removing the key from the ignition lock
Press in the key briefly. It is ejected slightly.
At the same time:
>The ignition is switched off if it was on
beforehand.
Automatic transmission
The key can only be removed if the selector lever
is in position P: interlock.
Start/Stop button
Press the Start/Stop button to switch radio readi-
ness or the ignition on and off. Do not depress
the brake or clutch while doing so.
If the Start/Stop button is pressed while
the clutch is depressed in the manual
transmission or the brake pedal is depressed in
the automatic transmission, the engine starts. <
Radio readiness
Individual electrical consumers can operate. The
time and external temperature are displayed in
the tachometer.
Radio readiness is switched off automatically:
>When the key is removed from the ignition
lock
> When using Comfort Access by pressing
the button on the door handle or the
button on the remote control, refer to
Locking on page 37
> After a certain has elapsed
Ignition on
Most indicator and warn ing lamps in indicator
area 1, page 13, light up for varying lengths of
time.
When the engine is off, switch off the
ignition and any unnecessary electrical
consumers in order to preserve the battery. <
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DrivingCONTROLS
61
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps in the displays
go out.
The ignition switches off automatically if the
driver's door is opened. Pressing the Start/Stop
button again switches the ignition back on.
The ignition is not switched off in situations such
as the following:
>The clutch or brake is depressed
> The low beams are switched on
Starting the engine
Do not allow the engine to run in enclosed
areas; otherwise, inhalation of the noxious
exhaust gases can lead to loss of consciousness
and death. Exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic
gas. Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running; otherwise, such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.
Before leaving the car while the engine is run-
ning, place the transmission in neutral or move
the selector lever to position P and forcefully
apply the parking brake to prevent the car from
moving. <
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated start attempts in which
the engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel
is not burned or inadequately burned and there
is a danger of overheating and damaging the
catalytic converter. <
Do not let the engine warm up with the vehicle
at a standstill. Move of f immediately at a moder-
ate engine speed.
When starting the engine, do not depress the
accelerator pedal.
Manual transmission
Key in ignition lock or inside vehicle with
Comfort Access, refer to page 36.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Depress the clutch.
3. Press the Start/Stop button.
Automatic transmission
Key in ignition lock or inside vehicle with
Comfort Access, refer to page 36.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Shift the selector lever into position P or N.
3. Press the Start/Stop button.
The starter operates auto matically for a certain
time, and stops automatically as soon as the
engine has started.
Switching off the engine
Always take the key with you when you
leave the vehicle.
When parking, apply the parking brake force-
fully; otherwise, the vehicle could begin to roll.
Secure the vehicle on steep upward and down-
ward slopes, for example, turn the steering
wheel towards the curb. <
Manual transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, press the
Start/Stop button.
2. Shift into first gear or reverse.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
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CONTROLSDriving
62
Automatic transmission
1.With the car at a stop, move the selector
lever to position P.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
Before driving into a car wash
By following these steps, the vehicle is able to
roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with Comfort
Access, in the ignition lock.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Move the selector lever to position N.
4. Switch off the engine.
Parking brake
The parking brake is primarily intended to
prevent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it
brakes the rear wheels.
In addition, follow the instructions on page 61
under Switching off the engine.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upward, press the button and lower
the lever. In exceptional cases, if the parking brake
has to be used to slow or stop the car, do
not pull the lever up too hard. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the parking brake
lever.
Otherwise, excessive force could lead to over-
braking and loss of traction , i.e. fishtailing, at the
rear axle. <
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5t h or 6th gear, press
the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise,
the engine could be damaged if you inadvert-
ently shift into 3rd or 4th gear. <
Reverse gear
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a
slight resistance has to be overcome.
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic
In addition to the fully automatic mode, you can
shift gears manually using Steptronic, page 64.
Parking the vehicle
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always
select position P and apply the parking
brake before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running. <
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