2010 Mini Cooper Convertible Owners Manual

Controls overview

Odometer, outside temperature display, clock

1 Outside temperature display and clock or

current speed

2 Odometer and trip odometer 3 Resetting the trip odometer

Units of measure Select the respective units of measure, miles or km for the odometer as well as 7 or 6 for the outside temperature, page 57.

Outside temperature display, time Setting the time, refer to page 60.

Outside temperature warning When the displayed temperature sinks to approx. +377/+3 6, a signal sounds and a warning lamp lights up. There is an increased risk of black ice.

Black ice can also form at temperatures above +377/+3 6. Therefore, drive

carefully, e.g. on bridges and sections of road in the shade; otherwise, there is an increased acci- dent risk.<

Current vehicle speed To have the current speed shown in the upper display otherwise serving for the outside tem- perature display and clock.

1. Press the button in the turn indicator lever repeatedly until the current speed appears in the lower display.

2. Wait for the speed display to automatically

move to the upper display.

The outside temperature then appears in the lower display.

Odometer and trip odometer

Resetting the trip odometer With the ignition switched on, press knob 3 in the tachometer.

When the vehicle is parked To display the time, outside temperature and odometer briefly after the key is removed from the ignition lock: Press knob 3 in the tachometer.

Tachometer

Never operate the engine with the needle in the red overspeed zone of the gauge. In this range, the fuel supply is interrupted to protect the engine.

Coolant temperature A warning lamp will come on if the coolant, and therefore the engine, becomes too hot. Check coolant level, refer to page 118.

53

Fuel gauge

Computer*

Displays in tachometer

Fuel tank capacity Approx. 13.2 US gallons/50 liters. You can find information on refueling on page 103. If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period, when you are driving in mountainous areas, for example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.

Reserve Once the fuel level has fallen to the reserve zone of approx. 2.1 gallons/8 liters, the remaining indicator lamps change from orange to red, arrow. The tachometer displays the remaining cruising range. An indicator lamp comes on when the remaining range is less than approx. 30 miles/50 km.

If the range displayed is less than 30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other- wise, engine functions are not guaranteed and damage could occur.<

54

Press the button in the turn indicator lever repeatedly to call up various items of informa- tion. The following items of information are displayed in the order listed: > Cruising range > Average fuel consumption > Current fuel consumption > Average speed > Current vehicle speed > MINI Convertible: always Open Timer To set the corresponding units of measure, refer to Formats and units of measure on page 57.

Cruising range Displays the estimated cruising range available with the remaining fuel. The range is calculated on the basis of the way the car has been driven over the last 18 miles/30 km and the amount of fuel currently in the tank.

If the range displayed is less than 30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other- wise, engine functions are not guaranteed and damage could occur.<

Average fuel consumption Calculated for the time the engine has been run- ning. To reset average fuel consumption: press the button in the turn indicator lever for approx. 2 seconds.

Current fuel consumption Displays the current fuel consumption to allow you to see whether your current driving style is conducive to fuel economy with minimum exhaust emissions.

Average speed Periods with the vehicle parked and the engine switched off are not included in the calculations of average speed. To reset average speed: press the button in the turn indicator lever for approx. 2 seconds.

Current vehicle speed To have the current speed shown in the upper display otherwise serving for the outside tem- perature display and clock. 1. Press the button in the turn indicator lever repeatedly until the current speed appears in the lower display.

2. Wait for the speed display to automatically

move to the upper display.

The outside temperature then appears in the lower display of the computer.

Always Open Timer If driving the MINI Convertible with its soft top down, the driving times are displayed digitally on the tachometer.

The following driving times are displayed: 1 Total driving time 2 Current driving time To reset the display 2: Press and hold the button in the turn indicator lever or the "Reset trip odometer" button, page 12, for approx. 2 seconds.

To reset the total driving time, contact your MINI dealer.

Analog to Always Open Timer The analog Always Open Timer indicates the number of hours and minutes that you drove with the convertible top down. A maximum of 6 hours and 59 minutes can be displayed. The total driving time is displayed digitally in the tachometer.

1 LED hour display 2 Minute display

55

Settings and information

Operating principle

Certain settings and information are only avail- able when the ignition is switched on, the vehi- cle is at a standstill and the doors are closed. 1 Button for:

> Selecting display > Setting values > Confirming selected display or set values > Calling up computer information 54

2 Calling up Check Control 61
3 Displaying vehicle check 62
4 Initializing the Flat Tire Monitor 66

Resetting the Tire Pressure Monitor 68

5 Setting formats and units of measure, reset-

ting to factory settings 58

6 Adjusting settings

> Confirmation signals when locking and

unlocking the vehicle 21

> Response during unlocking

procedure 19

> Automatic locking 23
> Pathway lighting 74
> Daytime running lights 75
> Triple turn signal activation 48

7 Setting the time 60
8 Setting the date 61
9 Exiting the menu

56

Exiting displays

1. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator lever repeatedly until "HOME" is displayed.

2. Press the button for a longer period. The display again shows the outside tempera- ture and the time. Displays are also exited if no entries are made for approx. 8 seconds.

Next setting or item of information

Formats and units of measure To set the formats and units of measure. The set- tings are stored for the remote control currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile on page 18. 1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 44. 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.

1. While in a setting or information item, briefly press the button in the turn indicator lever repeatedly until "NEXT" is displayed. 2. Press the button for a longer period. The display changes directly to the next setting or item of information.

5. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

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

57

3. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the

symbol and "SET" are displayed.

4. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

5. Briefly press button repeatedly until "RESET"

is displayed.

6. Press and hold the button until the display

changes to the first setting. The settings are reset.

Service requirements

> Fuel consumption: l/100 km, mpg,

km/l*

Distance covered: mls, km

> Time: 12h, 24h mode > Date: day.month dd.mm,

month/day mm/dd

> Temperature: 7, 6

7. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

8. Press the button briefly to change the for-

mat or unit of measure.

9. Press and hold the button until the display

changes. The settings are stored.

Resetting to factory settings The settings for formats and units of measure can be reset to the factory settings. The settings are stored for the remote control currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile on page 18. 1. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator

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

2. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

The remaining driving distance and the date of the next scheduled service are briefly displayed immediately after you start the engine or switch on the ignition.

58

The extent of service work required can be read out from the remote control by your

MINI dealer.<

Displaying vehicle check For certain maintenance operations, you can view the respective distance remaining or due date individually in the tachometer. 1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 44. 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 corresponding symbol and "SERVICE INFO" are displayed.

5. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

6. Briefly press the button to display the indi- vidual service items, refer to the following information.

59

Possible displays

1 Button for selecting information 2 Engine oil 3 Front brakes 4 Rear brakes 5 Vehicle check

Clock

Setting the time To set the 12h/24h mode, refer to Formats and units of measure on page 57. 1. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator

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

6 Roadworthiness test 7 Brake fluid 8 Exit display 57
9 Next setting or item of information 57
More information on the MINI Maintenance Sys- tem can be found on page 119.

2. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

3. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the

symbol and "SET" are displayed.

4. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

5. Press the button to set the hours.

60

6. Wait for the display to change to minutes. 7. Press the button to set the minutes. 8. Wait for the display to change.

The settings are stored.

Date

Setting the date To set the dd/mm or mm/dd date format, refer to Formats and units of measure on page 57. 1. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator

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

Check Control

The concept The Check Control monitors vehicle functions and alerts you to any malfunctions in the sys- tems monitored. Check Control messages involve indicator or warning lamps in the dis- plays and, in some circumstances, an acoustic signal. To adjust the volume of the signal, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio.

2. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

3. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the

symbol and "SET" are displayed.

Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var- ious combinations and colors in the indicator areas 1 and 2.

What to do in case of a malfunction The meaning of each lamp in the event of a mal- function and tips on how to respond are listed starting on page 140.

Hiding Check Control messages

4. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

5. Press the button to set the day of the month. 6. Wait for the display to change to month. 7. Set the month and year in the same way. 8. Wait for the display to change.

The settings are stored.

Press the button in the turn indicator lever. Some Check Control messages are displayed until the malfunctions have been rectified. They cannot be hidden. If several malfunctions occur at the same time, they are displayed in succes- sion.

61

Other Check Control messages are automatically hidden after approx. 20 seconds, but remain stored.

4. Hold the button down.

If there are no Check Control messages, then "CHECK OK" is displayed. If a Check Control message has been stored, the corresponding message is displayed. 5. Briefly press the button to check for other

messages.

This symbol indicates that Check Control

messages have been stored. Check Control mes- sages can be viewed whenever it is convenient.

Viewing stored Check Control messages Stored Check Control messages can only be dis- played if the driver's door is closed. 1. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator

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

2. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

3. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the

corresponding symbol and "CHECK INFO" are displayed.

62

Technology for driving comfort and safety

Park Distance Control PDC*

The concept PDC assists you with parking backwards. Acous- tic signals warn you of the presence of an object behind the vehicle. To measure the distance, there are four ultrasonic sensors in either bumper. However, an acoustic warning does not sound until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm from the corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from the center sensors.

PDC is a parking aid that can indicate objects when they are approached slowly,

as is usually the case when parking. Avoid approaching an object at high speed; otherwise, physical circumstances may lead to the system warning being issued too late.<

Automatic mode With the engine running or the ignition switched on, the system is activated automatically after approx. 1 second when you engage reverse gear or move the automatic transmission selector lever to position R. Wait this short period before driving.

Acoustic signals As the distance between vehicle and object decreases, the intervals between the tones become shorter. If the distance to the nearest object falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a continuous tone sounds. If the distance remains constant, e.g. when driv- ing parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal stops after approx. 3 seconds.

Adjustments The volume of the acoustic signals can be adjusted, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio.

Malfunction

Indicator lamp comes on: PDC has failed. Have the system checked. To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that they will continue to operate effectively. When using a high-pressure cleaner, do not direct the jet toward the sensors for lengthy periods and only spray from a distance of at least 4 in/10 cm.

System limitations

Even with PDC, final responsibility for esti- mating the distance between the vehicle and any obstructions always remains with the driver. Sensors, too, have blind spots in which objects cannot be detected. Moreover, ultra- sonic detection can reach its physical limits with objects such as trailer tow bars and couplings, thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects already indicated, such as curbs, may enter the sensors' blind spots before or after a continuous audible signal is given. Higher, pro- truding objects, such as wall ledges, may not be detectable. Therefore, always drive cautiously; otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury or property damage. Loud sound sources outside or inside the car can drown out the PDC signal.<

Driving stability control systems Your MINI has a number of systems that help to maintain the vehicle's stability even in adverse driving conditions.

The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even with driving stability control systems. An appropriate driving style always remains the responsibility of the driver. Therefore do not reduce the additional safety margin by engaging in hazardous driving thereby running the risk of an accident.<

63

Antilock Brake System ABS ABS prevents locking of the wheels during brak- ing. Safe steering response is maintained even during full braking. Active safety is thus increased. Braking safely, refer to page 93. Among others, ABS includes the following func- tions: > Cornering Brake Control CBC > Electronic brake-force distribution EBV > Brake Assist

Cornering Brake Control CBC Driving stability and steering characteristics are further enhanced while braking in turns or dur- ing a lane change.

Electronic brake-force distribution EBV The system controls the brake pressure in the rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.

Brake Assist Rapidly depressing the brake causes this system to automatically develop maximum braking force. Thus, the system helps keep braking dis- tance to a minimum. At the same time, all the benefits provided by ABS are exploited. Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the duration of the full braking application.

Dynamic Stability Control DSC DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing traction when you pull away from rest or accel- erate. The system also recognizes unstable driv- ing conditions, for example if the rear of the car is about to swerve or if momentum is acting at an angle past the front wheels. In these cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe course within physical limits by reducing engine output and through braking actions at the individual wheels. DSC also encompasses the following functions: > Antilock Brake System ABS > Electronic brake-force distribution EBV > Brake Assist

64

> Cornering Brake Control CBC > Hill Assist

Deactivating DSC

Press the button repeatedly until the DSC indica- tor lamps come on. DSC is deactivated. Stabiliz- ing and propulsion promoting actions are no longer executed. When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free' in snow, it can be helpful to switch off DSC for a brief period. To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again as soon as possible.

Activating DSC Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps go out.

For better control

If the indicator lamp flashes: The DSC controls the driving and break- ing forces. If the indicator lamps are on: DSC is deactivated.

Dynamic Traction Control DTC* DTC is a type of DSC that is propulsion optimized for special road conditions such as uncleared snowy roads. The system ensures maximum propulsion though with restricted driving stabil- ity. You therefore need to drive with suitable caution. In the following exceptional situations, it can be useful to briefly activate DTC:

> when driving on snow-covered inclines, in

slush, or on uncleared snowy roads

> when rocking the vehicle free, driving out of

deep snow or on loose surfaces > when driving with snow chains

Activating DTC

Press the button: the DTC indicator lamps come on.

For better control

If the indicator lamp flashes: DTC controls the driving and breaking forces. If the indicator lamps are on: DTC is activated.

Deactivating DTC Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps go out.

Deactivating both DTC and DSC

Press the button for at least 3 seconds: the DSC indicator lamps in the display elements come on. The Dynamic Traction Control DTC and

Dynamic Stability Control DSC are both deacti- vated. There will be no more stabilizing inter- ventions. Interventions (differential lock*) in braking occur to improve propulsion when drive wheels are rotating unevenly, even when the DSC is deactivated.

Activating DSC Press the button again: the indicator lamps go out.

Hill Assist Hill Assist aids you in comfortably driving off on inclines. It is not necessary to use the parking brake for this. 1. Hold the MINI with the brake. 2. Release the brake and immediately drive

off.

Hill Assist holds the car in place for approx. 2 seconds after the brake is released.

Depending on the load and gradient, the vehicle can roll backward slightly during this period. After you release the brake, immedi- ately start driving since the Hill Assist only holds the vehicle for about 2 seconds, and it will start to roll backwards.<

Sport button* Pressing the button causes your MINI to respond even more sportily. > Engine responds more spontaneously to

movements of the accelerator.

> Steering response is more direct. > Cooper S, John Cooper Works: the engine

sounds more sporty in coasting mode.

With automatic transmission: > More rapid gear shifting in Sport program.

65

Activating the system

Press the SPORT button. The LED lights up. SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.

Deactivating the system > Press the SPORT button again. > Switch off the engine.

Flat Tire Monitor FTM*

The concept The Flat Tire Monitor detects pressure loss in a tire by comparing the rotating speeds of the individual tires while moving. If a tire loses pressure, its rolling circumference changes, and this in turn alters the speed of rotation. This change is detected and is reported as a flat tire.

Functional requirement In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat tire, the system must be initialized for the cor- rect tire inflation pressure.

Each time you correct the pressure in a tire, or change a wheel or tire, the system

must be reinitialized.<

System limitations The Flat Tire Monitor is unable to warn the driver of sudden, severe tire damage caused by exter- nal factors, nor can it identify the gradual loss of pressure that will inevitably occur in all four tires over a lengthy period of time.

66

In the following situations, the system could be delayed or malfunction: > System has not been initialized > Driving on snowy or slippery road surface > Performance-oriented style of driving: slip in

the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration

> Snow chains are attached When the vehicle is driven with a space-saver spare tire*, page 133, the Flat Tire Monitor can- not function.

Initializing the system

The initialization is completed during driv- ing, which can be interrupted at any time. When driving resumes, the initialization is con- tinued automatically. Do not initialize the system if you are driving with snow chains or a space-saver spare tire*.<

Using the button in the turn indicator lever 1. Start the engine, but do not start driving. 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 corresponding symbol and "RESET" are dis- played.

Run-flat tires* 1. Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph

or 80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph or 80 km/h.

Do not continue driving if the vehicle is not equipped with run-flat tires,

page 114; otherwise, a serious accident could result.<

2. At the next opportunity, check the air pres-

sure in all four tires.

5. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

6. Start driving.

Initialization is completed while the car is on the move, without any feedback.

3.

Indication of a flat tire

The warning lamps come on in yellow and red. An acoustic signal also sounds. There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire pressure.

1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with cau-

tion. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers.

If all four tires are inflated to the cor- rect pressures, the Flat Tire Monitor

might not have been initialized. The system must then be initialized.< In the event of complete tire pressure loss, 0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible distance for continued driving on the basis of the following guidelines: > With a light load:

1 to 2 persons without luggage: approx. 155 miles/250 km

> With a medium load:

2 persons, cargo bay full, or 4 persons without luggage: approx. 94 miles/150 km

2. Check whether your vehicle is equipped

> With a full load:

with normal tires or run-flat tires.

The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle with the letters RSC on the

sidewall, refer to Run-flat tires, page 114.<

Normal tires 1. Determine which tire is damaged.

If this cannot be determined, contact your MINI dealer.<

2. Repair the flat tire, refer to page 129, or

change the damaged tire, refer to page 132.

4 persons, load compartment full: approx. 30 miles/50 km Drive cautiously and do not exceed a speed of 50 mph or 80 km/h; otherwise, an accident may occur. In the event of pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This includes reduced tracking stability in braking, extended braking distance and altered natural steering characteristics. If unusual vibration or loud noises occur during the journey, this may be an indication that the damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce the vehi- cle speed and stop as soon as possible. Other- wise, sections of the tire may come loose and cause accidents. Do not continue driving and contact your MINI dealer.<

67

Tire Pressure Monitor TPM*

The concept TPM checks the tire pressure in the four mounted tires during driving. The system noti- fies you if there is a significant loss of pressure in one or more tires.

Functional requirement In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat tire, the system must be reset while all tire infla- tion pressures are correct. Always use wheels with TPM electronics. Other- wise, the system may malfunction.

Each time a tire inflation pressure has been corrected or a wheel or tire has been

changed, reset the system.<

System limitations

TPM cannot warn you in advance of sud- den severe tire damage caused by outside

influences.< The system does not work correctly if it has not been reset; for example, a flat tire may be indi- cated even though the tire inflation pressures are correct. The system is inactive and cannot indicate a flat tire if a wheel without TPM electronics, such as a compact spare wheel*, has been mounted, or if TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to other systems or devices using the same radio fre- quency.

Resetting the system

Each time a tire inflation pressure has been corrected or a wheel or tire has been

changed, reset the system.<

Using the button in the turn indicator lever 1. Start the engine, but do not start driving. 2. Briefly press the button in the turn indicator

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

68

3. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the

symbol for Tire Pressure Monitor and "ACTIVE" are displayed. The Tire Pressure Monitor can be reset by selecting "RESET".

5. Press and hold the button until "RESETTING"

is displayed.

6. Start driving.

After driving a few minutes, the set inflation pressures in the tires are accepted as the tar- get values to be monitored. The system reset is completed during your drive, and can be interrupted at any time. When driving resumes, the reset is continued automati- cally. The indicator lamp goes out after the system reset is completed.

Drive cautiously and do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h; otherwise, an

accident may occur. In the event of pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This includes reduced tracking stability in braking, extended braking distance and altered natural steering characteristics. If unusual vibration or loud noises occur during the journey, this may be an indication that the damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce the vehi- cle speed and stop as soon as possible. Other- wise, sections of the tire may come loose and cause accidents. Do not continue driving and contact your MINI dealer.<

Malfunction

The small warning lamp flashes in yel- low and then lights up continuously; the larger warning lamp comes on in yel- low. No punctures can be detected.

This type of message is shown in the following situations: > If there is a malfunction.

Have the system checked.

> If a wheel without TPM electronics has been

mounted.

> If TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to

other systems or devices using the same radio frequency.

Message for unsuccessful system reset

Both warning lamps come on in yellow. The system is not reset after a tire has been changed, for example. Check the tire inflation pressure and

reset the system, page 68.

Message for low tire inflation pressure The warning lamps come on in yellow and red. An acoustic signal also sounds. There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire pressure.

1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with cau-

tion. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers.

2. Check whether your vehicle is equipped

with normal tires or run-flat tires.

The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle with the letters RSC on the

sidewall, page 114.<

Normal tires 1. Determine which tire is damaged.

If this cannot be determined, contact your MINI dealer.<

2. Repair the flat tire or change the damaged

tire, refer to page 132.

Run-flat tires* 1. Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/ 80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.

2.

Do not continue driving if the vehicle is not equipped with run-flat tires; oth-

erwise, a serious accident could result.< In the event of complete tire pressure loss, 0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible distance for continued driving on the basis of the following guidelines: > With a light load:

1 to 2 persons without luggage: approx. 155 miles/250 km

> With a medium load:

2 persons, cargo bay full, or 4 persons without luggage: approx. 94 miles/150 km

> With a full load:

4 persons, load compartment full: approx. 30 miles/50 km

69

Declaration according to NHTSA/ FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Each tire, including the spare, should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla- tion pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehi- cle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pres- sure for those tires. As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pres- sure monitoring system TPMS that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substi- tute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level at which the TPMS low tire pressure tell- tale illuminates. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys- tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously lit. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indi- cator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replace- ment or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning prop- erly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

70

Airbags

The following airbags are located under the marked covers: MINI: 1 Front airbags 2 Side airbags in backrests 3 Head airbags at the front and rear

Protective effect

Observe the instructions on page 35 to ensure the best possible personal protec-

tion.< The front airbags help protect the driver and front passenger by responding to frontal impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro- vide adequate restraint. When needed, the head and side airbags help provide protection in the event of side impact. The relevant side airbag supports the side upper body area. The head air bag supports the head. The side/head airbag in the MINI Convertible protects the head during impact. The airbags are designed to not be triggered in every type of collision, e.g. not in minor acci- dents, certain rollover situations or rear impacts.

Do not apply adhesive materials to the cover panels of the airbags, cover them or

modify them in any other way. Keep the dashboard and window on the passen- ger side free from obstruction, i.e. do not cover it with adhesive film or coverings, and do not affix any holders such as for a navigation device or a mobile phone. Do not attach seat covers, cushions or other objects not specifically approved for seats with integral side airbags to the front seats. Do not

MINI Convertible: 1 Front airbags 2 Side/head airbags in the backrests

hang items of clothing such as coats or jackets over the backrests. Do not attempt to remove the airbag retention system from the vehicle. Do not modify the individual components of the system or its wiring in any way. This includes the upholstered covers on the steering wheel, instrument panel, seats and roof posts, as well as the sides of the roof lining. Do not attempt to remove or dismantle the steering wheel. Do not touch the individual components imme- diately after the system has been triggered, because there is a danger of burns. In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or triggering of the airbag restraint system, have the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air- bag generators executed only by a MINI dealer or a workshop that works according to repair procedures of the manufacturer of your MINI with correspondingly trained personnel and has the required explosives licenses. Otherwise, unprofessional attempts to service the system could lead to failure in an emergency or undes- ired airbag activation, either of which could result in personal injury.< Warning notices and information about the air- bags can also be found on the sun visors.

71

Automatic deactivation of the front passenger airbags An analysis of the impression in the front pas- senger seat cushion determines whether and how the seat is occupied. The front and side air- bags for the front passenger are activated or deactivated by the system accordingly.

The indicator lamp above the interior rear- view mirror shows the current status of

the front passenger airbags, deactivated or acti- vated, refer to Status of front passenger airbags below.<

Before transporting a child on the front passenger seat, read the safety precau-

tions and handling instructions under Transport- ing children safely, page 41. The front and side airbags can also be deacti- vated by adolescents and adults sitting in certain positions; the indicator lamp for the front pas- senger airbags comes on. In such cases, the pas- senger should change his or her sitting position 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 any items under the seat which could press against the seat from below. Other- wise, a correct analysis of the seat cushion is not ensured.<

Status of front passenger airbags MINI:

MINI Convertible:

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 indicator lamp shows whether the front passenger airbags are activated or deactivated. > The indicator lamp comes on as intended

when a child in a specially designated child restraint system is detected on the seat. The front and side airbags for the front pas- senger are not activated.

Most child seats are detected by the system. This particularly applies to

child seats that were required by the NHTSA at the time of manufacture of the vehicle. After installing a child seat, check that the indicator lamp for the front passenger air- bags comes on. It indicates that the child seat has been detected and that the front passenger airbags are deactivated.<

> The indicator lamp does not come on as long 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 pas- senger are activated.

> The indicator lamp does not come on if the

seat is empty. The front and side airbags for the front pas- senger are not activated.

72

Operational readiness of airbag system

As of radio readiness, page 44, the warning lamp comes on briefly to indicate that the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners are oper- ational.

Airbag system malfunction > The warning lamp does not come on when radio readiness or the ignition 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.<

MINI Convertible: Rollover protection system The rollover system is automatically activated during an accident or dangerous driving situa- tion, during extreme tilt of the longitudinal axis, or during loss of ground contact. The roll bar located behind the rear seat headrest is pro- jected within a fraction of a second. In addition to the reinforced windshield frame, the rollover protection system ensures the nec- essary head clearance for all occupants of the vehicle.

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 seat belt tensioner

and the multilevel airbag system will protect you.<

Lowering If the rollover protection system releases acci- dentally, have your MINI Service 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 pro- tective 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 sys- tem or malfunctions. Check the system regularly and in order to ensure a long service life of all functions, it is mandatory to maintain the service intervals, refer to page 58.<

73

Lamps

Parking lamps/low beams

0 Lamps off and daytime running lights 1 Parking lamps and daytime running lights 2 Low-beam headlamps and welcome lamps 3 Automatic headlamp control*, daytime run-

ning lights and welcome lamps

When you open the driver's door with the igni- tion switched off, the exterior lighting is auto- matically switched off if the light switch is in position 0, 2 or 3. Switch on the parking lamps if necessary, switch position 1.

Parking lamps Turn the light switch to position 1. The front, rear and side vehicle lighting is switched on. Activation of lights on one side of the vehicle for parking, page 76.

The parking lamps will discharge 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.<

Low beams Turn the light switch to position 2. The low beams come on when the ignition is on.

74

Automatic headlamp control* When the switch is in position 3, the low beams are switched on and off automatically depend- ing on ambient light conditions, e.g. in a tunnel, in twilight, or if there is precipitation. The headlamps may also come on when the sun is sitting low on a blue sky. When driving into tunnels with bright overhead lights, there may be a delay before the head- lamps come on. The low beams remain switched on indepen- dent of the ambient lighting conditions when you switch on the fog lamps*. If the daytime running lights are activated, page 75, the low beams are always switched on with the light switch in position 3 and the igni- tion on. The exterior lamps are automatically switched off after the vehicle is parked.

The automatic headlamp control cannot serve as a substitute for your personal

judgment in determining when the lamps should be switched on in response to ambient lighting conditions. For example, the system cannot detect fog or hazy weather. To avoid safety risks, you should respond to these kinds of low-visibility situations by switching the head- lamps on manually.<

Welcome lamps If you leave the light switch in the low beam or automatic headlamp control position when you switch off the ignition, the parking lamps and interior lamps come on for a certain time as soon as the vehicle is unlocked.

Pathway lighting If you activate the headlamp flasher after switching off the ignition with the lamps switched off, the low beams come on and remain on for a certain time. The setting is stored for the remote control in use, refer to Personal Profile, page 18.

Setting the duration or deactivating the function