Operation while drivingThe convertible top can be opened or closed
while driving at vehicle speeds up to approx.
20 mph/30 km/h.
Pay close attention to the traffic
When operating the convertible top while
driving, pay extra attention to the traffic to
avoid an accident. If possible, do not move the
convertible top while driving in reverse because your view to the rear is severely limited during
the procedure. Do not operate the convertible
top while the vehicle is moving through curves, on uneven road surfaces, or in wind. ◀
For better control The indicator lamp lights up. Movement
of the convertible top is completed. The
convertible top is fully opened.
The indicator lamp lights up. Movement
of the convertible top is completed.
Close the convertible top using the han‐
dle.
Malfunction The "convertible top not locked" indicator lamp
lights up and a message appears on the Control
Display.
Interruption Danger
A convertible top that is not fully opened
or closed is a source of danger. ◀
The automatic sequence of movements is inter‐
rupted immediately if the switch for convertible top operation is released. The sequence can be
continued in the desired direction by pushing
or pulling the switch.
When the opening or closing procedure is inter‐
rupted because the switch is released, the
convertible top remains in the position in whichit stopped. The sequence can be continued us‐
ing the switch.
The opening or closing procedure is also inter‐
rupted when it is blocked mechanically. To be
able to reactivate the convertible top in this
case:1.Switch the ignition off and on again.2.Press the switch to continue the sequence
in the desired direction.
Opening and closing the convertible top
Switch on the radio ready state or the ignition, refer to page 65.
If possible, conserve the battery by only operat‐
ing the convertible top while the engine is run‐
ning.
Before closing the convertible top, remove all
foreign objects from the windshield frame that
could prevent the top from closing properly.
Opening
1.Fold out the handle and turn it all the way
to the end, arrow.Seite 51Opening and closingControls51
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The shoulder strap's anchorage point will be
correct for adult seat occupants of every build if
the seat is correctly adjusted, refer to page 54.
Unbuckling the belt1.Hold the belt firmly.2.Press the red button in the belt buckle.3.Guide the belt back into its reel.
MINI Convertible: rear belt guide
When fastening the safety belts on the rear
seats, ensure that the belt guide loop, arrow, is
closed.
Safety belt reminder for driver's seat
and front passenger seat
The indicator lamps light up and a sig‐
nal sounds. In addition, a message ap‐
pears on the Control Display. Check
whether the safety belt has been fas‐
tened correctly.
Damage to safety belts
In the case of strain caused by accidents or
damage:
Have the safety belts, including the safety belt
tensioners, replaced and have the belt anchors
checked.
Checking and replacing safety belts
Have the work performed only by your
service center; otherwise, it cannot be ensured
that this safety feature will function properly. ◀
Head restraints
Correctly set head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of spinal injury in the event of an accident.
Adjusting the head restraint
Correctly adjust the head restraints of all
occupied seats; otherwise, there is an increased
risk of injury in an accident. ◀
Height Adjust the head restraint so that its center is
approx. at ear level.
Distance
Adjust the distance so that the head restraint is as close as possible to the back of the head.
Height adjustment
To raise: pull.
To lower: press the button, arrow 1, and push
the head restraint down.
Removing
Only remove the head restraint if no one will be
sitting in the seat in question.
1.Pull upward as far as possible.2.Press the button, arrow 1, and pull the
head restraint out completely.
To remove the head restraint, fold the backrest
forward if necessary.
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To save battery power when the engine is off,
switch off the ignition and any unnecessary
electronic systems/power consumers.
Radio ready state and ignition off All indicator and warning lamps in the displays
go out.
The ignition switches off automatically when
the driver's door is opened. Pressing the Start/
Stop button again switches the ignition back
on.
For example, the ignition is not switched off in
the following situations:▷Depress the clutch or brake pedal.▷The low beams are switched on
Starting the engine
General information Enclosed areas
Do not let the engine run in enclosed
areas; otherwise, breathing of exhaust fumes
may lead to loss of consciousness and death.
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide,
an odorless and colorless but highly toxic gas. ◀
Unattended vehicle
Do not leave the car unattended with the
engine running; otherwise, it presents a poten‐
tial source of danger.
Before leaving the car with the engine running,
shift to neutral or engage transmission posi‐
tion P and set the handbrake firmly; otherwise,
the vehicle may begin to roll. ◀
Frequent starting in quick succession
Avoid repeated futile attempts at starting
the car and avoid starting the car frequently in
quick succession. Otherwise, the fuel is not
burned or is inadequately burned, and there is
the danger of overheating and damaging the
catalytic converter. ◀
Do not wait for the engine to warm-up while
the vehicle remains stationary; start driving
right away, but at moderate engine speeds.
Do not depress the accelerator when starting
the engine.
Starting the engine
Manual transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to
page 39.
1.Depress the brake pedal.2.Depress the clutch pedal.3.Press the Start/Stop button.
The ignition is activated automatically for a cer‐
tain time and is stopped as soon as the engine
starts.
Automatic transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to
page 39.
1.Depress the brake pedal.2.Move the selector lever to position P or N.3.Press the Start/Stop button.
The ignition is activated automatically for a cer‐
tain time and is stopped as soon as the engine
starts.
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3Activating/deactivating intermittent wipe or
the rain sensor4Cleaning the windshield and headlamps
Switching on wipers
Press the wiper lever upward, arrow 1.
The lever automatically returns to its initial po‐
sition when released.
Normal wiper speed
Press up once.
The system switches to operation in the inter‐
mittent mode when the vehicle is stationary.
Fast wiper speed
Press up twice or press once beyond the resist‐
ance point.
The system switches to normal speed when the
vehicle is stationary.
Switching off wipers or brief wipe Press the wiper lever down, arrow 2.
The lever automatically returns to its initial po‐
sition when released.
▷Brief wipe: press down once.▷To switch off normal wipe: press down
once.▷To switch off fast wipe: press down twice.
Intermittent wipe or rain sensor
If the car is not equipped with a rain sensor, the
intermittent-wipe time is a preset.
If the car is equipped with a rain sensor, the
time between wipes is controlled automatically
and depends on the intensity of the rainfall.
The rain sensor is mounted on the windshield,
directly in front of the interior rearview mirror.
Deactivate the rain sensor in car washes
Deactivate the rain sensor when passing
through an automatic car wash; otherwise,
damage could be caused by undesired wiper
activation. ◀
Activating intermittent wipe or rain
sensor
Press the button, arrow 3.
The symbol is shown in the tachometer.
Setting the sensitivity of the rain sensor1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page 65.2.Press the button on the turn indicator lever
repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is displayed.3.Press and hold the button until the display
changes.4.Press the button repeatedly until the sym‐
bol and "SET" are displayed.Seite 69DrivingControls69
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5.Press and hold the button until the display
changes.6.Press the button to select the desired sensi‐
tivity.7.Wait or hold the button until the display
changes.
The settings were stored.
Deactivating intermittent wipe or rain
sensor
Press the button again, arrow 3.
Cleaning the windshield and headlamps
Pull the lever, arrow 4.
The system sprays washer fluid on the wind‐
shield and activates the wipers briefly.
When the vehicle lighting system is switched
on, the headlamps are cleaned at regular and
appropriate intervals.
Do not use the washer system at freezing
temperatures
Do not use the washers if there is any danger
that the fluid will freeze on the windshield; oth‐
erwise, your vision could be obscured. For this
reason, use antifreeze.
Avoid using the washer when the reservoir is
empty; otherwise, you could damage the
pump. ◀
Do not use the washing facilities when
the hood is open
Only use the washing facilities when the hood
is fully locked; otherwise, the headlamp washer
system may become damaged. ◀
Windshield washer nozzles The windshield washer nozzles are heated au‐
tomatically while the engine is running or the
ignition is switched on.
Washer fluid
General information Antifreeze for washer fluid
Antifreeze is flammable and can cause in‐
juries if used improperly.
Therefore, keep it away from sources of igni‐
tion.
Only keep it in the closed original container and
inaccessible to children.
Follow the notes and instructions on the con‐
tainer.
United States: The washer fluid mixture ratio is
regulated by the U.S. EPA and many individual
states; do not exceed the allowable washer
fluid dilution ratios limits that apply. Follow the
usage instructions on the washer fluid con‐
tainer. Use BMW's Windshield Washer Concen‐
trate or the equivalent. ◀
Washer fluid reservoir Adding washer fluid
Only add washer fluid when the engine is
cool, and then close the cover completely to
avoid contact between the washer fluid and
hot engine parts.
Otherwise, there is the danger of fire and a risk
to personal safety if the fluid is spilled. ◀Seite 70ControlsDriving70
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All washer nozzles are supplied from one reser‐
voir.
The recommended minimum filling quantity is
0.2 US gal/1 liter.
Fill with a mixture of window washing concen‐
trate and water; if needed, add antifreeze ac‐
cording to the manufacturer instructions.
Mix the washer fluid before adding to maintain
the correct mixing ratio.
Do not fill in undiluted window washing con‐
centrate and do not fill in pure water; this could
damage the washer system.
Do not mix window washing concentrate from
different manufacturers; this could cause the
washer nozzles to clog.
Manual transmission
Pay attention to the shift plane
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, push
the gearshift lever to the right; otherwise inad‐
vertent shifting into the 3rd or 4th gear could
lead to engine damage. ◀
Reverse gear
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. When
the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a slight
resistance needs to be overcome.
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic
In addition to the fully automatic mode, gears
can also be shifted manually using Steptronic,
refer to page 72.
Parking the vehicle Secure the vehicle
Before leaving the vehicle with the en‐
gine running, move the selector lever to posi‐
tion P and set the handbrake; otherwise, the
vehicle will begin moving. ◀
Disengaging the remote control
To remove the remote control from the ignition
lock, first move the selector lever to position P
and switch off the engine: interlock. Remove
the remote control from the ignition lock, refer
to page 65.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Displays in the tachometer
The selector lever position is displayed and the
engaged gear, such as M4, is displayed in
manual mode.
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Changing selector lever positions▷With the ignition switched on or the engine
running, the selector lever can be moved
out of position P.▷When the vehicle is stationary, step on the
brake before shifting out of P or N; other‐
wise, the selector lever is locked: shiftlock.
Press on the brake pedal until you
start driving
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after
you select a driving position, maintain pres‐
sure on the brake pedal until you are ready
to start. ◀
A lock prevents accidental shifting into selector
lever positions R and P.
To override the lock, press the button on the
front of the selector lever, see arrow.
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The
front wheels are blocked.
R is Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N is NeutralFor example, engage this position in a car
wash. The vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic position Position for normal vehicle operation. All for‐
ward gears are selected automatically.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel con‐
sumption is lowest when you are driving in po‐
sition D.
Kickdown
Kickdown is used to achieve maximum driving
performance. Press on the accelerator beyond
the resistance point at the full throttle position.
Sport program and manual mode M/S
Activating the Sport program
Move the selector lever from position D toward
the left into the M/S shifting slot.
The Sport program is activated and DS is dis‐
played. This position is recommended for a per‐
formance-oriented driving style.
To deactivate the Sport program or manual
mode M/S, move the selector lever to the right
into position D.
Activating the M/S manual mode Move the selector lever from position D towardthe left into the M/S shifting slot.
Push the selector lever forward or backward.
Manual mode becomes active and the gear is
changed.
The tachometer displays the engaged gear,
e. g. M1.
▷To shift up: press the selector lever back‐
ward.▷To shift down: press the selector lever for‐
ward.Seite 72ControlsDriving72
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The vehicle only shifts up or down at appropri‐
ate engine and road speeds, e.g., it does not
shift down if the engine speed is too high. The
selected gear is briefly displayed in the instru‐
ment panel, followed by the current gear.
Shifting gears using the shift paddleson the steering wheel
The shift paddles on the steering wheel allow
you to shift gears quickly while keeping both hands on the steering wheel.▷When the shift paddles on the steering
wheel are used to shift gears while in auto‐
matic mode, the transmission switches to
manual mode.▷If the shift paddles are not used to acceler‐
ate or shift gears for a certain amount of
time, the transmission switches back to au‐
tomatic mode.
If the selector lever is in the M/S gear plane,
manual mode remains active.
▷Pull one of the two shift paddles:
The transmission shifts up.▷Press one of the two shift paddles:
The transmission shifts down.
The vehicle only shifts up or down at appropri‐
ate engine and road speeds, e.g., it does not
shift down if the engine speed is too high. The
selected gear is briefly displayed in the instru‐
ment panel, followed by the current gear.
Manually unlocking the selector lever
lock
If the selector lever is locked in position P al‐
though the ignition is switched on, the brake is
depressed, and the button on the selector lever
is pressed, the selector lever lock can be over‐
ridden:1.Switch off the ignition.2.Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.3.Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever
until the sleeve is inside out.
Pull off the plug-in cable connector if nec‐
essary.4.Insert the pulling hook 1 from the onboard
vehicle tool kit into the loop on the passen‐
ger side.5.Pull the loop upward.6.Move the selector lever into the desired po‐
sition, pressing the button on the front of
the selector lever.
Set the handbrake
Before manually unlocking the selector
lever lock, pull the handbrake firmly; otherwise,
the vehicle may roll away and cause personal
injury or property damage. ◀
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