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Caring for the convertible top
The appearance and life of the convertible top
depend on proper care and operation.
Adhere to the following instructions:▷Do not fold the convertible top and stow it
in the convertible top box while it is wet or
frozen; otherwise, water marks, fabric
stains, and chafing may occur.▷If water marks nevertheless occur on the
headliner, these can be removed using a
microfiber cloth and interior cleaner.▷When parking the vehicle in an enclosed
space for lengthy periods, ensure that the
area is adequately ventilated.▷Remove bird droppings immediately as
their corrosive properties may damage the
convertible top and the rubber seals.
Stain removal
To remove stains from the convertible
top, do not use stain remover, paint thinner,
solvents, benzine, or similar substances. These
agents can destroy the rubber coating. Im‐
proper care and cleaning can cause the
convertible top and its seams to become per‐
meable to water. ◀
To remove severe soiling, use a special
convertible top cleaner.
Follow the instructions for use from the manu‐
facturer.
Treat the convertible top with an impregnating
agent once a year.
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: rear spoiler
box
To ensure that proper functioning of the rear
spoiler is not impaired, for example due to
leaves, snow or ice, clean the rear spoiler box
at regular intervals.
Vehicle paint
Regular care contributes to vehicle value reten‐
tion and protects the paintwork against the
long-term effects of paint-damaging substan‐
ces.
Environmental influences in areas with higher
air pollution or natural contaminants, such as
tree resin or pollen, can have an impact on the
vehicle paint. Therefore, it is important to tailor
the frequency and extent of your car care to
these influences.
Immediately remove especially aggressive sub‐
stances, such as spilled fuel, oil, grease, or bird
droppings, to prevent damage to the paint‐
work.
Correcting paint damage
Depending on the severity of the damage, re‐
pair stone impact damage or scratches imme‐
diately to prevent rust formation.
The manufacturer recommends having paint
damage corrected with a professional repair
paint job according to factory specifications us‐
ing original MINI paint materials.
Preservation
Preservation is needed when water no longer
beads off of the clean paint surfaces. Only use
paint preservation products that contain car‐
nauba or synthetic waxes.
Leather care The leather processed by the manufacturer is a
high quality natural product. Light graininess is
a typical feature of natural leather.
Particles of dust and road grime chafe in pores
and folds, and lead to increased wear and pre‐
mature degradation of the leather surface.
Therefore, remove dust from the leather regu‐
larly, using a cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Make especially sure that light-colored leather
is cleaned regularly as it is more susceptible to
soiling.
Twice a year, treat the leather with a leather lo‐
tion as dirt and grease will attack the protective
layer of the leather.Seite 193CareMobility193
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Upholstery material care
Vacuum regularly with a vacuum cleaner to re‐
move superficial soiling.
In case of heavy soiling, e.g., beverage stains,
use a soft sponge or lint-free microfiber cloth in
combination with a suitable interior cleaner.
Follow the instructions on the container.
Clean the upholstery material down to the
seams using large sweeping motions. Avoid
rubbing the material vigorously.
Damage from Velcro® fasteners
Open Velcro® fasteners on pants or other
articles of clothing can damage the seat covers.
Ensure that any Velcro® fasteners are closed. ◀
Caring for special components Interior plastic parts
These include:▷Imitation leather surfaces▷Lamp lenses▷Indicator covers▷Matte components
Clean with water and a solvent-free plastic
cleaner if necessary.
Do not use cleansers that contain alcohol
or solvents
Do not use cleansers that contain alcohol or
solvents, such as lacquer thinners, heavy-duty
grease removers, fuel, or such; this could lead
to surface damage. ◀
Rubber seals Only treat with water or a rubber care product.
When cleaning rubber seals, do not use silicone
sprays or other care products containing sili‐
cone; otherwise, noise and damage may result.
Chrome surfaces
Carefully clean components such as the radia‐
tor grille or door handles with an ample supply
of water, possibly with shampoo added, partic‐
ularly when they have been exposed to road
salt. For additional treatment, use a chrome
polish.
Light-alloy wheels
When cleaning the wheels on the vehicle, only
use a neutral wheel rim cleaner with a pH value
of 5 to 9.
Do not use abrasive cleaners or a steam jet hot‐
ter than 140 ℉/60 ℃; otherwise, damage may
result. Adhere to the manufacturer instructions.
Aggressive, acidic, or alkaline cleaners may de‐
stroy the protective coating of neighboring
components such as the brake disc.
Exterior sensors The sensors on the outside of the vehicle, such
as for Park Distance Control, must be kept clean
and free of ice to ensure that they remain fully
functional.
Decorative trim
Clean decorative trims and fine wood compo‐
nents with a moist cloth only. Then dry with a
soft cloth.
Safety belts Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and
thus have a negative impact on safety.
No chemical cleaning
Do not clean chemically; this can destroy
the webbing. ◀
Carpets/floor mats No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the area of motion of the pedals;
otherwise, the function of the pedals could be
impeded while driving
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.Seite 194MobilityCare194
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Only use floor mats that have been approved
for the vehicle and can be properly fixed in
place.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened
again when they are returned after being re‐
moved, such as for cleaning. ◀
Floor mats can be removed for cleaning.
If they are very dirty, clean with a microfiber
cloth and water or an interior cleaner. To pre‐
vent matting of the carpet, rub back and forth
in the direction of travel only.
Displays
To clean the displays, such as the radio or dis‐
play elements, use an antistatic microfiber
cloth.
Cleaning displays
Do not use chemical or household cleans‐
ers.
Keep all fluids and moisture away from the
unit.
Otherwise, they could affect or damage surfa‐
ces or electrical components.
Avoid pressing too hard when cleaning and do
not use abrasive materials; otherwise, damage
can result. ◀
CD/DVD drives No cleaning CD
Do not use cleaning CDs; otherwise, parts
of the drive may become damaged. ◀
Long-term vehicle storage
Your service center can advise you on what to
consider when storing the vehicle for longer
than three months.Seite 195CareMobility195
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Indicator/warning lampsVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it alsodescribes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
Overview
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in
a variety of combinations and colors in display
area 1 or 2. The table contains information on
causes and how to respond. Note whether a
lamp lights up alone or in combination with an‐
other. Some lamps can light up in different col‐
ors. Corresponding distinctions are made in the
text. 12CauseHow to respondTurn signalThe high beams/headlamp flasher are
switched on.The front fog lamps are switched on.The rear fog lamps are switched on.Fasten safety belts.Fasten safety belt, refer to page 47.External temperature warningDrive conservatively, refer to
page 65.Lights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gal/8 liters of fuel remain in
the tank.
Remains on:
The remaining range is no more than
30 miles/50 km, refer to page 66.Seite 196MobilityIndicator/warning lamps196
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12CauseHow to respondThe engine refuses to start.Depress the brake or clutch to start
the engine, refer to page 56.The ignition is switched on and driver's
door is open.Switch off the ignition, refer to
page 55, or close the driver's door.The lights are still switched on.Switch off the lights, refer to
page 74.The roadside parking lamps are still on.Switch off the roadside parking
lamps, refer to page 75.A door is open.The hood is open.The tailgate is open.Trunk cover in the MINI ConvertibleThe convertible top cannot be oper‐
ated. Move the trunk cover into the
required position, refer to page 104.Lights up in red:The convertible top is not locked.The convertible top is not locked.
Fully open or close the convertible
top before continuing to drive, refer
to page 34.Sliding sunroof/convertible top.Permissible speed for operation ex‐
ceeded; slow the vehicle and con‐
tinue operating.Lights up in red:Seite 197Indicator/warning lampsMobility197
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12CauseHow to respondConvertible top control failed!The convertible top position and lock
cannot be detected. When the
convertible top has been securely
locked, you can continue driving.
Close the convertible top/sliding sun‐
roof manually, refer to page 35.
Have the system checked by the
service center.Lights up in yellow:Convertible top drive overheated!Allow the convertible top drive to
cool, refer to page 34.Sliding sunroof/convertible top.Failure of the convertible top/sliding
sunroof control. Close the convertible
top/sliding sunroof manually, refer to
page 35. Contact your service center.Tailgate of the MINI Convertible is not
closedClose the tailgate.MINI Roadster: the indicator lamp lights
up. Fully open the semi-automatic
convertible top.MINI Roadster: the indicator lamp lights
up. The semi-automatic convertible top
movement is completed. Close the
convertible top using the handle.Lights up in yellow:The rear spoiler is extended, refer to
page 91.Before driving into the car wash, re‐
tract the rear spoiler.The rear spoiler cannot be fully extended,
refer to page 91.Drive slowly and have the system
checked by the nearest service cen‐
ter.The fuel cap is missing or loose.Make sure that the fuel cap is cor‐
rectly positioned and close it until it
clicks audibly. Do not jam the strap
between the fuel cap and the vehi‐
cle.Seite 198MobilityIndicator/warning lamps198
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12CauseHow to respondThe windshield washer fluid level is too
low.Add washer fluid, refer to page 61,
as soon as possible.Lights up in red:Service is due.Arrange a service appointment.
Check the service requirements, re‐
fer to page 173.Lights up in yellow:The engine will start the next time the
Start/Stop button is touched, possibly with‐
out the brake or clutch being depressedThe remote control is malfunctioning or, in
cars with Comfort Access, was not de‐
tected.The engine cannot be started. Have
the remote control checked, if nec‐
essary.The battery in the remote control is dis‐
charged.Use the remote control for a longer
journey or, in cars with Comfort Ac‐
cess, replace the battery.The belt tensioners and/or airbag system
has failed.Have the system checked immedi‐
ately.
Fasten the safety belts anyway.Steering assistance has failed.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Markedly different
steering response. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.Lights up in red:Engine malfunctionStop the car and switch off the en‐
gine. You cannot continue your jour‐
ney. Contact your service center.Lights up in yellow:Full engine power is no longer available.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the engine
checked as soon as possible.Seite 199Indicator/warning lampsMobility199
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12CauseHow to respondIndicator lamp 1 flashes:Engine malfunction under high load. High
engine load will result in damage to the
catalytic converter.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked immediately.Indicator lamp 1 lights up:Engine malfunction with adverse effect on
emissions.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked as soon as possible.Lights up in red:The engine is overheating.Carefully bring the car to a stop,
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Do not open the hood;
otherwise, there would be a risk of
injury due to scalding. Contact your
service center.Lights up in yellow:The engine is too hot.Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked
without delay if the situation reoc‐
curs.Lights up in red:Battery is no longer being charged. Alter‐
nator malfunction.Switch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the power supply
system checked without delay.Lights up in yellow:The battery charge level is very low, the
battery is old or is not securely connected.Charge the battery by taking a long
drive or using an external charger. If
necessary, switch off automatic
power consumers. Have the battery
checked as soon as possible.Seite 200MobilityIndicator/warning lamps200
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