2009 Mini Cooper Convertible Owners Manual

The setting is stored for the remote control in use, refer to Personal Profile, page 18. 1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 43. 2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator

lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis- played.

3. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

Setting the duration or deactivating the function 1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 43. 2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator

lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis- played.

3. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the

symbol and "SET" are displayed.

5. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

6. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the

display shows the illustrated symbol.

7. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

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4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the

symbol and "SET" are displayed.

High beams/roadside parking lamps

5. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

6. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the display shows the illustrated symbol, arrow.

7. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

8. Briefly press the button to select:

Daytime running lamps activated.

Daytime running lamps deactivated.

9. Press the button for a longer period.

The setting is stored.

1 Turn signal indicators/roadside parking

lamps*

2 Switching on high beams 3 Switching off high beams/headlamp flasher

Roadside parking lamps, left or right* The vehicle can be illuminated on one side for parking. Comply with local regulations when doing so.

Switching on After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or down, arrow 1.

The roadside parking lamps drain the bat- tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for unduly long periods of time, otherwise the bat- tery might not have enough power to start the engine.<

Switching off Press the lever up or down to the pressure point.

75

Rear fog lamp* The low beams or parking lamps with fog lamps must be switched on. The yellow indicator lamp comes on when the rear fog lamp is switched on.

Instrument lighting You can adjust the brightness of the instrument lighting only when the parking lamps or the low beams are on.

Increasing brightness Press and hold the button until the desired brightness is reached.

Reducing brightness Press the button briefly. The brightness decreases every time the button is pressed briefly.

Interior lamps The interior lamps, the footwell lamps* and the cargo bay lamp are controlled automatically. To avoid draining the battery, all lamps inside the car are switched off about

8 minutes after the ignition is switched off, refer to Start/stop button on page 43.<

Fog lamps*

MINI

1 Fog lamps* 2 Rear fog lamp* Press the respective switch to turn the lamps on/off.

MINI Convertible

> Turn on fog lamps:

Press the button upwards.

> Turn on rear fog lamp:

Press the button downwards.

When turning the lamps off, push the respective button again upwards or downwards.

Fog lamps* The parking lamps or low beams must be switched on for the fog lamps to operate. The green indicator lamp comes on when the fog lamps are switched on. Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the fog lamps are switched off when you activate the headlamp flasher or switch on the high beams. If the automatic headlamp control is acti- vated, the low beams will come on auto- matically when you switch on the fog lamps.<

76

Switching interior lamps on/off manually

> Press the switch toward the rear.

The color changes in stages, ultimately to blue.

Intermediate settings and colors are possible.

To switch the interior lamps on/off. Press the switch. To switch off the interior lamps permanently, press the button for about 3 seconds.

Reading lamps*

To switch the reading lamps on and off. Press the switch.

Ambient lighting*

The color of the ambient lighting can be changed. > Press the switch forward.

The color changes in stages, ultimately to orange.

77

Climate

Equipment versions Depending on your vehicle's equipment, your MINI contains an air conditioner or an automatic climate control*. 1 Air conditioner 2 Automatic climate control*

Air vents 3 Airflow directed toward the windshield and

side windows

4 Air to the upper body area 5 Air to the footwell

78

Air conditioner

1 Air flow rate 2 Cooling function 3 Recirculated-air mode 4 Temperature

5 Rear window defroster 6 Air distribution 7 Windshield heating*

Air flow rate

Recirculated-air mode

Adjust the air flow rate. The higher the rate, the more effective the heating or cooling will be. The air flow rate is lowered or switched off

entirely to save on battery power.

Switching the system on/off Turn the air flow rate rotary switch to 0. Blower and air conditioner are completely switched off and the air supply is cut off. Set any desired air flow rate to switch on the air conditioner.

Cooling function

When the cooling function is on, the air is cooled, dried, then reheated according to the temper- ature setting. The recirculated-air mode may be switched on automatically. This function is only available while the engine is running. The cooling function helps prevent condensa- tion on the windows or removes it quickly. Depending on the weather, the windshield may fog over briefly when the engine is started.

If the air outside the car has an unpleasant odor or contains pollut- ants, shut off the supply to the inte-

rior of the car temporarily. The system then recirculates the air currently within the vehicle.

If condensation starts to form on the inside window surfaces, switch off the

recirculated-air mode and, if necessary, switch on the cooling function or increase the air flow rate.<

To prevent the air quality inside the vehi- cle from deteriorating during extended

use of the recirculated-air mode, fresh air is added briefly at regular intervals.<

Temperature

Turn upward, red, to increase the temper- ature. Turn downward, blue, to decrease the temperature.

Rear window defroster

The defroster is switched off auto- matically after a certain time.

79

e

Air distribution

Direct the flow of air to the win- dows

, to the upper body area . Interme-

or to the footwell

diate settings are possible.

Windshield heating*

The windshield heating is switched off automatically after a short time.

Defrosting windows and removing condensation 1. Set air flow rate to the maximum level. 2. Set air distribution to position

Condensation is removed from the windows more quickly when the cooling function* is also activated.

3. Set to the highest temperature, red. 4. Deactivate recirculated-air mode. 5. Turn on windshield heating if necessary. 6. Turn on rear window defroster if necessary.

Microfilter The microfilter captures dust and pollen. The microfilter is changed by your MINI Dealer dur- ing routine maintenance work.

Automatic climate control*

6 Temperature 7 Defrosting windows and removing conden-

sation

8 Cooling function 9 Rear window defroster 10 Windshield heating*

Most settings are stored for the remote control currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile set- tings on page 19.

1 Air flow rate, manual 2 AUTO program 3 Automatic recirculated-air control

AUC*/Recirculated-air mode

4 Maximum cooling 5 Air distribution, manual

Comfortable interior climate AUTO program 2 offers the ideal air distribution and air flow rate for almost all conditions, refer to AUTO program below. All you need to do is select an interior temperature which is comfort- able for you. The following sections inform you in detail about how to adjust the settings.

80

Air flow rate, manual

Press the – button to reduce air flow. Press the + button to increase it. You can reactivate the automatic mode for the air flow rate with the AUTO button.

The air flow rate is lowered or switched off entirely to save on battery power. The display remains the same.

Switching the system on/off Reduce the air flow by pressing the – button repeatedly until the system is switched off. All indicators go out. Press the AUTO button to switch the automatic climate control back on.

AUTO program

The AUTO program adjusts the air distribution to the windshield and side windows, towards the upper body area and into the footwell for you. The air flow rate and your temperature specifications will be adapted to outside influences in accordance with sea- sonal changes, e.g. sunlight. The cooling function is automatically switched on along with the AUTO program.

Convertible Program If the soft top is open, the Convertible Program is activated.During the Convertible Program, the automatic climate control is optimized for driv- ing with the soft top down. Furthermore, with increasing vehicle speed, the airflow is also increased.

If attaching the wind reflector, the perfor- mance of the Convertible Program can be

significantly improved.<

Automatic recirculated-air control AUC*/Recirculated-air mode

Switch on the desired operating mode by pressing the button repeatedly.

Display of operating modes No display: outside air flows in continuously.

AUC mode: a sensor detects pollutants in the outside air. If necessary, the sys- tem blocks the supply of outside air and

recirculates the inside air. As soon as the con- centration of pollutants in the outside air has decreased sufficiently, the system automatically switches back to outside air supply. At outside temperatures below approx. 417/+5 6, the AUC mode may be restricted due to the increased risk of window condensa- tion.

Recirculated-air mode: the supply of outside air is permanently shut off. The system then recirculates the air cur-

rently within the vehicle.

If condensation starts to form on the inside window surfaces, press the AUTO button or switch off the recirculated-air mode and, if necessary, increase the air flow rate. The recirculated-air mode should not be used over an extended period of time, otherwise the air quality inside the car will deteriorate contin- uously.<

Maximum cooling

At outside temperatures above 32 7/0 6 and when the engine is running, you obtain a maximum

cooling effect as soon as possible. The automatic climate control goes into recircu- lated-air mode at the lowest temperature. Air flows at maximum rate from the vents for the upper body area. You should therefore open them for maximum cooling.

Air distribution, manual

The flow of air is directed to the windows, to the upper body area or to the footwell as selected. You can switch the automatic air distribution back on by pressing the AUTO but- ton.

81

Depending on the weather, the windshield may fog over briefly when the engine is started. The recirculated-air mode may be switched on auto- matically. The cooling function is automatically switched on along with the AUTO program. The passenger compartment can only be cooled while the engine is running.

Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter The microfilter captures dust and pollen. The activated-charcoal filter provides additional pro- tection by filtering gaseous pollutants from the outside air. Your MINI Dealer replaces this com- bined filter as a standard part of your scheduled maintenance. You can call up further information in the service requirements display, page 57.

Ventilation

1 Knob for continuous opening and closing 2 Jet for direction of air flow

Opening/closing Turn the knob.

Direction of air flow Swivel the entire jet.

Temperature

Set the desired temperature individually. The automatic climate control achieves this temperature as quickly as possible regardless of the season, using maximum cooling or heating power if necessary, and then maintains it.

If you switch between different tempera- ture settings in quick succession, the auto-

matic climate control does not have enough time to achieve the set temperature.<

Rear window defroster

The defroster is switched off auto- matically after a certain time. Depending on your vehicle's equip- ment, the upper wires serve as an

antenna and are not part of the rear window defroster.

Defrosting windows and removing condensation

Quickly removes ice and condensa- tion from the windshield and front side windows. For this purpose, also switch on the

cooling function. The windshield heating* is switched on auto- matically.

Windshield heating*

The windshield heating is switched off automatically after a certain time.

Cooling function

When the cooling function is on, the air is cooled, dried, then reheated according to the temper- ature setting. This function is only

available while the engine is running. The cooling function helps prevent condensa- tion on the windows or removes it quickly.

82

Practical interior accessories

Integrated universal remote control*

The concept The integrated universal remote control can replace as many as three hand-held transmitters for various remote-controlled devices, such as garage and gate openers and lighting systems. The integrated universal remote control regis- ters and stores signals from the original hand- held transmitters. The signal of an original hand-held transmitter can be programmed on one of the three mem- ory buttons 1. The system in question can then be operated by means of the programmed memory button 1. The LED 2 flashes to confirm transmission of the signal. If you decide to sell your vehicle one day, in the interest of your own security, remember to clear the stored programs before the vehicle leaves your possession, page 84.

To prevent possible damage or injury, before programming or using the inte-

grated universal remote control, always inspect the immediate area to make certain that no people, animals or objects are within the pivot- ing or travel range of the device being operated. Comply also with the safety instructions supplied with the original hand-held transmitter.<

Checking compatibility

If this symbol appears on the package or in the instructions supplied with the original hand-held transmitter, you can assume that the radio remote control device will be compatible with the integrated universal remote control. For additional information, please contact your MINI Dealer or call: 1-800-355-3515.

You can also obtain information on the Internet at: www.MINI.com or www.homelink.com HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls, Inc.

Programming

1 Memory buttons 2 LED

Fixed-code hand-held transmitters 1. Switch on the ignition, page 43. 2. When starting operation for the first time:

press both outer memory buttons 1 for approx. 20 seconds until the LED 2 flashes rapidly. All stored programs are cleared.

3. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a distance of approx. 2 to 12 in/5 to 30 cm from the memory buttons 1.

The required distance between the hand-held transmitter and the mem- ory buttons 1 depends on the system of the respective original hand-held transmitter used.<

4. Simultaneously press the transmit key on the original hand-held transmitter and the desired memory button 1 on the integrated universal remote control. The LED 2 flashes slowly at first. As soon as the LED 2 flashes rapidly, release both buttons. If the LED 2 does not flash rapidly after approx. 15 sec- onds, alter the distance.

5. To program other original hand-held trans-

mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.

83

s

The corresponding memory button 1 is now programmed with the signal of the original hand-held transmitter. You can operate the system with the engine running or with the ignition switched on.

If the system fails to function even after repeated programming, check whether

the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter- nating-code system. To do so, either read the instructions for the original hand-held transmit- ter or hold down the programmed memory button 1 of the integrated universal remote con- trol. If the LED 2 on the integrated universal remote control flashes rapidly and then remains lit for about two seconds, the original hand-held transmitter uses an alternating-code system. If it uses an alternating-code system, program the memory buttons 1 as described under Alternat- ing-code hand-held transmitters.<

Alternating-code hand-held transmitters To program the integrated universal remote control, consult the operating instructions for the device to be set. You will find information there on the possibilities for synchronization or programming of additional hand-held transmit- ters. When programming hand-held transmitters that employ an alternating code, please observe the following supplementary instructions:

Programming will be easier with the aid of a second person.<

1. Park your vehicle within the range of the

remote-controlled device.

2. Program the integrated universal remote control as described above in the section Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.

3. Locate the button on the receiver of the

device to be set, e.g. on the drive unit.

4. Press the button on the receiver of the device to be set. After step 4, you have approx. 30 seconds for the next step 5.

5. Press the programmed memory button 1 of

the integrated universal remote control three times.

The corresponding memory button 1 is now programmed with the signal of the original hand-held transmitter.

Clearing stored programs Press both outer memory buttons 1 for approx. 20 seconds until the LED 2 flashes: All stored programs are cleared. It is not possible to clear individual programs.

Reassigning individual programs 1. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a

distance of approx. 2 to 12 in/5 to 30 cm from the memory buttons 1.

The required distance between the hand-held transmitter and the mem- ory buttons 1 depends on the system of the respective original hand-held transmitter used.<

2. Press the desired memory button 1 of the

3.

integrated universal remote control. If the LED 2 flashes slowly after approx. 20 seconds, press the transmit key of the original hand-held transmitter and release both buttons as soon as the LED 2 flashes rapidly. If the LED 2 does not flash rapidly after approx. 15 seconds, alter the distance and repeat this step.

84

Closing Rotate switch in the opposite direction of the arrow until it is in the horizontal position. Depending on the temperature setting of the air conditioning or the automatic climate control, high temperatures may result in the glove com- partment.

Center armrest*

Storage compartment The center armrest between the front seats con- tains either a compartment or the cover for the mobile phone base plate* or the snap-in adapter*.

Glove compartment

Opening

Press the button 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.<

MINI Convertible: Locking Use the integrated key to lock the remote con- trol system, refer to page 18.

Ventilation* Depending on your vehicle's equipment, it may be possible to ventilate the glove compartment.

Opening The cover slides along guide rails and can be opened fully by pushing it back and lifting it.

Opening Rotate the switch in the direction of the arrow.

Closing Push the cover forwards.

Connection for external audio device > iPods/iPhones or USB devices such as MP3 players and USB memory sticks: Connect via the USB audio interface.

> iPhone/mobile phone music players: Con- nect via the snap-in adapter*, refer to the separate Owner's Manual. Playback is only possible if there is no device connected to the USB audio interface.

85

s

> Do not connect devices such as fans or

lamps to the USB-audio interface.

> Do not connect USB hard disks. > Do not use the USB-audio interface to

charge external devices.

Storage compartments

In the vehicle interior Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you will find storage compartments in the doors, next to the rear seats and in the center console*. The map compartments in the MINI Convertible are located next to the rear seats. Nets* are located in the passenger footwell and on the backs of the front seat backrests.

Storage compartment on the front passenger side*

Opening Briefly press the bottom edge of the cover.

Closing Push the cover back into its original position.

To prevent injury in the event of an acci- dent, close the storage compartment after

use while the vehicle is being driven.<

MINI Convertible The storage compartment cannot be locked.

Connecting via the USB audio interface

1 Connection for audio playback:

TRS connector 1/8 in/3.5 mm

2 USB interface*

iPod/iPhone To connect the iPod/iPhone, use the cable adapter for the Apple iPod. For additional information, contact your MINI Dealer or visit the Internet at www.MINI.com To play audio tracks over the vehicle's loud- speaker system, connect the iPod to ports 1 and 2. The iPod/iPhone's menu structure is supported by the USB audio interface.

USB device To play audio tracks over the vehicle's loud- speaker system, connect the USB device to port 2.

Notes

Do not expose the audio device to extreme environmental conditions, e.g. very high temperatures, refer to the operating instructions of the audio device. Otherwise the audio device may become damaged, which could compromise safety while driving.< > The USB-audio interface supplies the con-

nected audio devices with power, provided that this is supported by the audio device. Therefore, do not connect the USB audio device to the power socket in the vehicle during operation.

> Do not forcibly connect the plug to the USB

interface.

86

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.<

Cup holders and ashtray*

When leaving the car, always remove the key so that children cannot operate the cigarette lighter and burn themselves.<

Connecting electrical appliances In your MINI, you can use electrical devices such as a flashlight, car vacuum cleaner, etc., up to approx. 200 watts at 12 volts, as long as one of the following sockets is available. Avoid damag- ing the sockets by attempting to insert plugs of unsuitable shape or size.

Cigarette lighter socket Remove the lighter* or cover from the socket.

Power socket in cargo bay

MINI

Cup holders Two cup holders are located in the front of the center console, another is in the rear at the back of the center console.

Do not place glass containers in the cup holders, as this increases the risk of injury

in the event of an accident.<

Ashtray* The ashtray is located in one of the cup holders 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.

Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by the knob only. Holding or touching it in

other areas could result in burns.

Pull out the cover.

MINI Convertible

Pull out the cover.

87

AT A GLANCE

CONTROLS

DRIVING TIPS

DRIVING TIPS

MOBILITY

REFERENCE

Things to remember when driving

Break-in period Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to each other. Please follow the instructions below in order to achieve the optimal service life and economy of operation for your vehicle.

Following part replacement The same break-in procedures should be observed if any of the components mentioned above have to be renewed in the course of the vehicle's operating life.

Engine and differential Always obey all official speed limits.

Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do not exceed the following: > Gasoline engine

4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h

Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the transmission's kick-down mode.

After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually increased.

Tires Due to technical factors associated with their manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac- tion potential until after an initial break-in period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the first 200 miles/300 km.

Brake system Brakes require an initial break-in period of approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized contact and wear patterns between brake pads and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in period.

Clutch The function of the clutch reaches its optimal level only after a distance driven of approx. 300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, engage the clutch gently.

90

General driving notes

Close the tailgate

Drive the vehicle only when the tailgate is closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could

penetrate the interior of the vehicle.< If special circumstances make it absolutely nec- essary to drive with the tailgate open: 1. Close all windows and the glass sunroof. 2. Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig- nificantly increase the air flow rate of the air conditioner or automatic climate control, page 79 or 81.

Hot exhaust system

In all vehicles, extremely high tempera- tures are generated in the exhaust system. Do not remove the heat shields installed adjacent to various sections of the exhaust system, and never apply undercoating to them. When driving, standing at idle and while parking, take care to avoid possible contact between the hot exhaust system and any highly flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the risk of serious personal injuries and property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust tail pipes. Otherwise there is a risk of burns.<

Hydroplaning

When driving on wet or slushy roads, reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge

of water can form between tires and road sur- face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can cause partial or complete loss of tire contact with the road surface, so that the car cannot be steered or braked properly.<

The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread depth on page 110.

Driving through water

Drive through water on the road only if it is not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only

at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the transmission may be damaged.<

Parking brake on inclines

On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-

wise greater clutch wear will result.< For information on driving off using Hill Start Assist*, refer to page 64.

Braking safely Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a situation which requires full braking, it is best to brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini- mum of steering effort. The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that ABS is actively taking effect.

Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that this maneuver does not endanger other road users. The heat generated in this process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that Then full braking force will be immediately avail- able when it is needed.

Hills

To prevent overheating and the resulting reduced efficiency of the brake system, drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear in which the least braking is required. Even light but consistent brake pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<

You can increase the engine's braking effect by shifting down, all the way to first gear if necessary. This strategy helps you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake system. Downshifting in man- ual mode of the automatic transmission, page 46. Never drive with the clutch held down, with the transmission in neutral or with the

engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking action will not be present or there will be no power assistance to the brakes or steering. Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other objects to protrude into the area around the ped- als, otherwise pedal function could be impaired.<

Corrosion on brake rotors When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, during extended periods when the vehicle is not used at all, and in operating conditions where brake applications are less frequent, there is an increased tendency for corrosion to form on rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the brake pads. This occurs because the minimum pressure which must be exerted by the pads during brake applications to clean the rotors is not reached. Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating effect that even extended application will fail to cure.

When the vehicle is parked Condensation forms while the automatic climate control is in operation, and then exits under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the vehicle are therefore normal. In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may continue to run for some time after the engine is switched off. This will generate noise in the engine compartment.

Before driving into a car wash

Avoid car washes with tracks higher than 4 in/10 cm, otherwise the chassis could be

damaged.< Additional information about the wash/wipe system as well as general care instructions for your MINI start on page 119.

91

With convenient access and automatic transmission Insert the key into the ignition lock. The engine can be switched off when the selec- tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page 27.

Cargo loading

To avoid loading the tires beyond their approved carrying capacity, never over- load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over- heating and increases the rate at which damage develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<

Avoid fluid spills in the cargo bay as they could damage the vehicle.<

MINI: Cargo bay

Cargo bay cover

Do not place any objects on the cover, otherwise they could endanger the car's occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden swerving, or they may damage the cover.< When you open the tailgate, the cargo bay cover is raised. To load bulky luggage, the cover can be removed. 1. Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate. 2. Pull the cover out of the holders toward the

rear.

Expanding the cargo bay The rear set backrest is split. Both sides can be folded separately to expand the cargo bay.

1. Pull the lever. 2. Fold rear seat backrests forward.

When folding the backrest back up, make sure that the seat's locking mechanisms

engage properly. Otherwise, cargo could be thrown around in the event of sharp braking or swerving and endanger the occupants.<

Adjusting rear seat backrest* Expand the cargo bay by raising the split rear seat backrests to a steeper angle.

1. Pull the lever, arrow 1, and fold the rear seat

backrest forward.

2. Fold up the lever of the backrest lock until it

audibly engages, arrow 2.

3. Fold back the backrest until it engages.

If the rear seat backrests are positioned at a steeper angle, do not install child-

restraint systems in the rear of the vehicle as their protective features may be ineffective.<

92

MINI Convertible: Luggage compartment

Do not place any objects on the luggage compartment roll-up cover, as it may damage the cover or the convertible top.<

3. Push cover into the upper storage areas, see

arrows 2 and place down horizontally.

To operate the convertible top, move the luggage compartment cover back to its

lower position.<

Loading aid When the convertible top is closed, you can load the vehicle more easily by releasing the convert- ible top and folding it up. 1. Release the convertible top using the han-

Through-loading system To be able to transport larger objects, the rear backrest can be folded down. 1.

If necessary, use the integrated key and open the backrest lock 1.

dles, see arrows 1.

2. Press button 2 and fold down backrest

together with the belt strap.

2. Lift the convertible top, see arrow 2. 3. Fold back the handles and place them on

holders 3.

Expanding the luggage compartment volume You can enlarge the luggage compartment vol- ume when the convertible top is closed. 1. Fold the convertible top upwards, refer to

Loading aid

3. Fold the backrest forward.

When folding the backrest back into its original position, always ensure that the catch engages securely. A loose backrest might fail to prevent cargo from entering the passen- ger compartment during sudden braking or eva- sive maneuvers, posing a potential hazard to occupants. The belt guide loop, see page 37, must be closed.<

2. Pull the luggage compartment's roll-up

cover from its lower storage area and towards the rear, then swing upward, see arrows 1.

93

Determining cargo limit

Load

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, overloading can result in damage to the vehicle and un- stable driving 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 kilograms or YYY pounds.

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 for- ward as possible, ideally 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.

4. The resulting figure equals the available

> Do not stack higher than the top edge of the

backrests.

MINI

amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the XXX amount equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be four 150 lbs. 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. 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.

6.

94

MINI Convertible

Securing cargo

MINI: Roof-mounted luggage rack* A special rack system is available as an option for your MINI. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to advise you. Comply with the installation instruc- tions supplied with the rack system.

Mounting points

> Secure smaller and lighter items using

retaining or draw straps*.

> Heavy-duty cargo straps* for securing larger

and heavier objects are 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 bay. Comply with the information enclosed with the load-securing devices.

Always position and secure the cargo as described above, so that it cannot endan- ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden braking or swerves are necessary. Do not exceed the approved gross weight and axle loads, page 155; otherwise the vehicle's operating safety is no longer assured and it will not be in compliance with the certification regu- lations. Heavy or hard objects should not be carried loose inside the car, since they could be thrown around, for example as a result of heavy braking, sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu- pants. Do not secure cargo using the fastening points for the tether strap, page 41; they may become damaged.<

Remove the cover panel.

Loading roof-mounted luggage rack Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on vehicle handling and steering response. You should therefore always remember not to exceed the approved roof load capacity, the approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads when loading the rack. You can find the applicable data under Weights on page 155. The roof load must be distributed uniformly and should not be too large in area. Heavy items should always be placed at the bottom. When loading, make sure that there is sufficient space for the movement of the glass sunroof and that no objects protrude into the swiveling area of the tailgate; otherwise damage can occur. Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off during the trip. Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking maneuvers, and take corners gently.

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Check tire inflation pressure regularly Check and, if necessary, correct tire inflation pressure at least twice a month and before start- ing on a long trip. Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis- tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump- tion and tire wear.

Drive off immediately Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right away, but at moderate engine speeds. This is the fastest way for the cold engine to reach its oper- ating temperature.

Think ahead while driving Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle driving ahead. Driving smoothly and anticipating impending traffic situations reduces fuel consumption.

Avoid high engine speeds Use first gear only for driving off. In second and higher gears, accelerate smoothly to a suitable engine and road speed. In doing so, avoid high engine speeds and shift up early. When you reach your desired traveling speed, shift to the highest suitable gear and drive at constant speed. As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers fuel consumption and reduces wear.

Coasting When approaching a red traffic light, take your foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a halt in the highest suitable gear. On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast in a suitable gear. Fuel supply is shut off automatically when the vehicle is coasting.

Rear luggage rack* A specially designed rear luggage rack is avail- able for your MINI/MINI Convertible as optional accessory. Please read the in information pro- vided in the assembly instructions.

Mounting points

The mounting points can be found under the covers inside the bumper.Push out the covers from the respective recesses.

Loading the rear luggage rack When loading the rack, please ensure not to exceed the permissible roof load, the permissi- ble gross vehicle weight, and the axle weight. You can find the applicable data under Weights on page 155.

Saving fuel Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif- ferent factors. The implementation of certain measures, your driving style and regular mainte- nance can have an influence on fuel consump- tion and on the environmental impact.

Remove unnecessary cargo Additional weight increases fuel consumption.

Remove attached parts no longer in use Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof- or rear-mounted luggage racks whenever you are not using them. Attached parts on the vehicle affect its aerody- namics and increase fuel consumption.

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Switch off the engine during lengthy stops Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in traffic congestions.

Have the vehicle serviced Have your vehicle serviced regularly to achieve good economy and a long vehicle life. The man- ufacturer of your MINI recommends having the vehicle serviced by a MINI Dealer. Also note the MINI Maintenance System, page 117.

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AT A GLANCE

CONTROLS

DRIVING TIPS

MOBILITY

MOBILITY

REFERENCE

g

Refueling

Switch off the engine before refueling, otherwise fuel cannot be added to the

tank and a message will be displayed.<

Take all precautionary measures and observe all applicable regulations when handling fuel. Do not carry any spare fuel con- tainers in your vehicle. They can develop a leak and cause an explosion or cause a fire in the event of an accident.<

Fuel filler door

Opening

1. Open fuel filler door. 2. Turn the gas cap counterclockwise. 3. Place the gas cap in the bracket attached to

the fuel filler door.

Closing Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly hear a click.

Do not pinch the band attached to the cap, otherwise the cap cannot be closed properly and fuel vapors can escape. A message will be displayed if the gas cap is loose or miss- ing.<

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