2011 Mini Cooper Convertible Owners Manual

Roller sun blind The roller sun blind can be opened and closed independently of the glass sunroof.

MINI: closing The window can be closed in the same way by pressing the switch up.

Following interruptions in electrical power supply After a power failure, there is a possibility that the glass sunroof can only be tilted. In this case, have the system initialized. The manufacturer of your MINI recommends that you have this work done by your MINI dealer.

Windows

To prevent injuries, exercise care when closing the windows.

Take the remote control with you when you leave the car; otherwise, children could operate the electric windows and possibly injure them- selves.<

If, after a window is opened and closed several times in close succession, the win- dow can only be closed and not opened, the sys- tem is overheated. Let the system cool for sev- eral minutes with the ignition switched on or the engine running.<

Opening

MINI Convertible: closing In order to close the window, press the switch up. The window closes until you release the switch.

Initializing electric power windows

If the battery was disconnected, e.g. for changing batteries or vehicle storage,

reinitialize the power window switch; otherwise, the windows will not be lowered. MINI Convertible: opening the convertible top is not possible.< 1. Close the doors. 2. Open both windows. 3. Close both windows. In the event of a system malfunction, please contact your MINI dealer.

MINI Convertible: central power window unit

> Press the switch downward.

The window opens until you release the switch.

> Tap the switch downward.

As soon as the remote is ready, the windows will open automatically. Tap the switch again to stop the opening movement.

> Press the switch downward.

First the rear windows, then the front win- dows open until the button is released.

> Tap the switch downward.

With ignition turned on: rear and front win- dow open automatically. Tap the switch again to stop the opening movement.

To close the window, push the button upward and hold.

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Do not close the windows until the closing procedure for the convertible top is fin-

ished. Otherwise, it is not ensured that the side windows will close properly against the rubber seals of the convertible top. Convertible top, refer to page 31.<

After switching off the ignition When the ignition is switched off, the windows can still be operated for approx. 1 minute as long as no door is opened.

Take the key with you when you leave the car; otherwise, children could operate the

electric windows and possibly injure them- selves.<

MINI: pinch protection system This function does not apply to the MINI Con- vertible. If the closing force exceeds a specific value as a window closes, the closing action is interrupted and the window reopens slightly.

Even though there is the pinch protection system, always ensure that the window's travel path is clear; otherwise, the safety system might fail to detect certain kinds of obstructions, such as thin objects, and the window would con- tinue closing. Do not install any accessories that might inter- fere with window movement. Otherwise, the pinch protection system could be impaired.<

Closing without pinch protection If there is an external danger, or if ice on the win- dows, etc., prevents you from closing the win- dows normally, the window can be closed man- ually. 1. Press the switch upward and hold it there. Pinch protection is limited and the window reopens slightly if the closing force exceeds a certain value.

2. Press the switch upward again within

approx. 4 seconds and hold it there. The window closes without pinch protection.

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Convertible top with integrated sliding sunroof

To conserve battery power, if possible operate the convertible top only while the

engine is running. Prior to closing the convertible top, check for and remove all debris from the windshield frame; otherwise, the closing of the top may be hampered.<

Opening and closing the sliding sunroof

To open: Press the switch backward until the desired posi- tion or the end position is reached. To close: Press the switch forward. The sliding sunroof can be operated up to a road speed of 74 mph / 120 km/h.

Power convertible top The fully automatic convertible top provides protection from the weather, combined with simple and easy operation. So that you can get the most enjoyment out of your MINI Convertible, here are some helpful tips: > It is recommended that you close the con-

vertible top whenever the vehicle is parked. The closed convertible top not only protects the vehicle interior from damage due to unforeseen bad weather, but also provides a certain degree of protection against theft. Always keep your valuables inside the locked luggage compartment, even if the convertible top is closed.

> Do not mount any roof rack systems on the

> Ensure the cargo does not push against the

convertible top.

> When opening the wet convertible top, e.g.,

after driving in the rain, water drops may enter the luggage compartment. In order to avoid water stains or soiling, remove all objects from the luggage compartment, if necessary.

If the temperature drops below +10 7/ –12 6, do not operate the convertible

top; otherwise, damage may occur. Do not leave a wet convertible top open for more than one day, since the humidity may cause damages. Do not place any objects on the convertible top, as they could otherwise fall off while the con- vertible top is being operated and result in prop- erty damage or personal injury. If the rollover protective system is extended, do not operate the convertible top. Always completely finish the operation of the convertible top. Driving off before an opening or closing procedure is completely finished can lead to property damage or personal injury. Do not reach into the moving parts during the opening and closing procedure. Keep children away from the pivoting range of the convertible top. For safety reasons, only operate the convertible top while the vehicle is standing.<

While opening and closing, the convertible top pivots upward. If operating the con-

vertible top inside a garage or under a bridge, or similar low structure, ensure the minimum clear- ance is 7 ft/2 m; otherwise, the vehicle may be damaged.<

Before opening and closing > Please observe the previous safety instruc-

tions.

> Please ensure the luggage compartment

roller cover is in its lowest position, refer to page 95; otherwise, the convertible top can- not be opened.

luggage compartment roller cover from below.

> Make sure that the liftgate is closed.

Opening and closing the convertible top

To open: Press the switch backward in order to open the sliding/tilting sunroof. Pressing the button again opens the convertible top. To close: Press the switch forward

Operating while driving The convertible top may be opened or closed while driving not faster than 20 mph/30 km/h. While operating the convertible top, pay close attention to the surrounding traffic; otherwise, an accident may happen. Try to avoid operating the convertible top while reversing the vehicle since the rear view is very limited during the convertible top's movement. Do not operate the convertible top when driving on winding and rough roads or during windy condi- tions.<

For better control > The LED lights up during convertible top

operation until the opening or closing pro- cedure is completely finished.

> The LED flashes after releasing the switch. The opening or closing procedure has not yet been completed. The procedure can be continued in the desired direction by press- ing the appropriate button.

> The indicator lamp Convertible top not

locked, refer to page 153, lights up.

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Interruption

A convertible top which is not completely open or closed is hazardous.<

The automatic movement is immediately inter- rupted when the button for the convertible top operation is released. The procedure can be continued in the desired direction by pressing the appropriate button. If the opening or closing procedure is inter- rupted by releasing the respective button, the convertible top stays in its current position for several seconds before it slowly moves into a more stable position. The procedure can be con- tinued by pressing the appropriate button. The opening and closing procedure is also inter- rupted in case of a mechanical blockage. In this case, in order to operate the convertible top again: 1. Switch off the ignition and then switch it on

again.

2. Press the button to continue the procedure

in the desired direction.

Opening and closing procedure

Do not interrupt and restart the closing procedure several times one after

another, or the convertible top mechanism could be damaged.<

If the convertible top can be moved in only one direction after several consecutive

attempts to operate it, the convertible top sys- tem has overheated. Allow the system to cool down for approx. 4 minutes.<

If the battery was disconnected, e.g. for changing batteries or vehicle storage,

reinitialize the power windows, refer to page 29. Otherwise, the windows cannot be lowered or the convertible top cannot be opened.<

Convenient operation For convenient operation using the remote con- trol, refer to page 19; for operation via the door lock, refer to page 22.

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Manual closing in the event of an electrical malfunction

Only close the convertible top manually if it is absolutely necessary. Never open it

manually. Improper handling of the convertible top can result in damage. The closing procedure must be completely finished. Otherwise, dam- age or injury could result.<

Before closing 1. Remove allen key and screwdriver from

vehicle tools, refer to page 137.

2. Pry out luggage compartment lamp from

the left side trim using the screwdriver.

3. Use the screwdriver and turn the gold-col- ored screw, see arrow, one and a half turns in the direction of the arrow.

Releasing the convertible top 1. Push cover panel forward, see arrow 1. 2.

In order to unlock the convertible top use the allen key to loosen the screws of the locking devices, see arrows 2.

3. Release the second side frame.

Closing the convertible top 1. Place both hands on the convertible top on

the respective side frame.

2. Lift out both sides at the same time, and

swing the convertible top forward onto the cowl. Inside the vehicle, use a screwdriver to pry out the cover in the center of the roof.

3.

To close the sliding sunroof 1.

Insert the hexagon wrench into the recess in the center of the roof and push upward, see arrow 1.

2. Turn the hexagon wrench in the direction of

arrow 2.

3. Open both locking mechanisms and remove

4.

the locking pieces. Insert the pins into the respective recess in the cowl, see arrow.

To lock the convertible top Turn hexagon wrench in the opposite direction of arrow 2 until the convertible top is securely locked.

Please contact your MINI dealer to have the electrical malfunction repaired.<

Wind deflector* With the convertible top open, the wind deflec- tor keeps air movement in the passenger com- partment to a minimum, thus providing you with a more pleasant drive, even at higher speeds. Do not let the wind deflector come into contact with pointy objects as these may

damage the net. Do not place objects on the installed wind deflector. When stowing the wind deflector, ensure that it is not damaged by objects.<

Before installing 1. Take the wind deflector out of the pouch. 2. Unfold the wind deflector, see arrows 1.

3. Press the locking device together until it

engages, see arrow 2.

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Push the release lever toward the center of the wind deflector and fold both halves together.

Installing and folding up

1. Push out retaining pin 2 on one side until it

2.

engages. Insert wind deflector with retaining pins into the openings 1 and 2 on that side of the vehicle.

3. On the opposite side of the vehicle, insert

the retaining pin 1 into the opening, pushing against the spring load.

4. Push out retaining pin 2 on one side until it

engages.

5. Fold up the upper part of the wind deflector. If a seat is in its rearmost position, do not recline the backrest too far; otherwise, the

wind deflector could be damaged.<

Removing and folding Remove the deflector following the reverse sequence.

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Adjustments

Sitting safely The ideal sitting position can make a vital contri- bution to relaxed, fatigue-free driving. In con- junction with the safety belts, the head restraints and the airbags, the seated position has a major influence on your safety in the event of an acci- dent. To ensure that the safety systems operate with optimal efficiency, we strongly urge you to observe the instructions contained in the follow- ing section. For additional information on transporting chil- dren safely, refer to page 41.

Airbags

Always maintain an adequate distance between yourself and the airbags. Always

grip the steering wheel on the rim, with your hands in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, to minimize the risk of injury to the hands or arms in the event of the airbag being triggered off. No one and nothing should come between the airbags and the seat occupant. Do not use the cover of the front airbag on the front passenger side as a storage area. Ensure that the front passenger is correctly seated, e.g. that no feet or legs are propped against the dashboard. Otherwise, leg injury could result if the front airbag suddenly deployed. Make sure that occupants keep their heads away from the side airbag and do not lean against the head-level airbag in the MINI; other- wise injuries can occur when the airbag is trig- gered.< Even if you follow all the instructions, injuries resulting from contact with airbags cannot be fully excluded, depending on the circumstances. The ignition and inflation noise may provoke a mild hearing loss in extremely sensitive individ- uals. This effect is usually only temporary. For airbag locations and additional information on airbags, refer to page 70.

Head restraint A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the risk of neck injury in the event of an accident. Adjust the head restraint in such a way that its center is at approx. ear level. Oth- erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident.< Head restraints, refer to page 37.

Safety belt Before every drive, make sure that all occupants wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the safety belt as an additional safety device, but they do not represent a substitute.

Number of safety belts

Never allow more than one person to wear a single safety belt. Never allow

infants or small children to ride in a passenger's lap. Make sure that the belt in the lap area sits low across the hips and does not press against the abdomen. The safety belt must not rest against the throat, run across sharp edges, pass over hard or fragile objects or be pinched. Fasten the safety belt so that it is pulled taut across the lap and shoulder, fitting the body snugly without any twists. Otherwise, the belt could slide over the hips in the event of a frontal collision and injure the abdomen. Avoid wearing bulky cloth- ing and regularly pull the belt in the upper-body area taut; otherwise, its restraining effect could be impaired.< Safety belts, refer to page 38.

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Seats

Height

Note before adjusting

Never attempt to adjust your seat while the vehicle is moving. The seat could

respond with unexpected movement, and the ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an accident. On the front passenger seat as well, do not incline the backrest too far to the rear while the vehicle is being driven; otherwise, there is a dan- ger in the event of an accident of sliding under the safety belt, eliminating the protection nor- mally provided by the belt.< Comply with the instructions on head restraint height on page 37 and on damaged safety belts on page 39.

Seat adjustment

Observe the instructions on page 36 to ensure the best possible personal protec-

tion.<

Longitudinal adjustment Pull the lever, arrow 1, and slide the seat into the desired position, arrows 2. After releasing the lever, move the seat slightly forward or back so that it engages properly.

Pull up or push down the lever repeatedly, arrows 1, until the desired height is reached, arrows 2.

Backrest

Pull the lever, arrow 1, and apply your weight to the backrest or lift it off, as necessary, arrows 2.

Lumbar support* You can also adjust the contour of the backrest to obtain additional support in the lumbar region. The upper hips and spinal column receive sup- plementary support to help you maintain a relaxed, upright sitting position.

Turn the wheel to increase or decrease the cur- vature.

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Getting in back

Head restraints

1. Pull up the lever on the seat backrest,

arrow 1. The backrest folds forward.

2. Move the seat forward by pushing on the

backrest, arrow 2.

Return seat to original position The driver's seat has a mechanical memory function for the forward/back setting and the backrest adjustment. 1. Slide the seat to return to its starting posi-

tion.

Do not fold the backrest up until the seat is in its previous position. Other- wise, the seat will engage in its current posi- tion. In this case, adjust the longitudinal position manually, page 36.<

2. Fold the backrest back up to lock the seat. When moving the seat backward, ensure that you do not cause personal injury or

property damage. Before driving off, engage the front seats and seat backrests. Otherwise, there is a risk of acci- dent due to unexpected movement.<

Correctly adjusted head restraint A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.

Correctly adjust the head restraints of all occupied seats; otherwise, there is an

increased risk of injury in an accident.<

Height Adjust the head restraint so that its center is approximately at ear level.

Distance Adjust the distance so that the head restraint is as close as possible to the back of the head.

Height adjustment

To raise: pull up. To lower: press the button, arrow 1, and slide the head restraint down.

Removing Only remove a head restraint if no one will be sitting on the seat in question.

Reinstall the head restraint before trans- porting passengers, as otherwise the head

restraint cannot provide its protective func- tion.<

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Switching on Press once for each temperature level. Three LEDs indicate the highest temperature. If you continue driving within the next 15 min- utes, the seat heating is automatically activated at the previously set temperature. The temperature is lowered or the heating is switched off entirely to reduce the drain on the battery. The LEDs stay lit.

Switching off Press button longer.

Safety belts

Observe the instructions on page 36 to ensure the best possible personal protec-

tion.< Before every drive, make sure that all occupants wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the safety belt as an additional safety device, but they do not represent a substitute.

Front and rear seats

Closing Make sure you hear the lock engage in the belt buckle. The upper belt anchor is suitable for adults of any stature as long as the seat is adjusted prop- erly, page 36.

MINI: front 1. Pull up as far as it will go. 2. Fold the backrest forward slightly. 3. Press button 1 and pull the head restraint

out as far as it will go.

4. Fold back the backrest.

MINI Convertible: front 1. Pull up as far as it will go. 2. Fold the backrest forward slightly. 3. Press button 1 and pull the head restraint

out as far as it will go.

4. Additionally press button 2 and pull the

head restraint out completely.

5. Fold back the backrest.

Rear 1. Pull up as far as it will go. 2. Press button 1 and pull the head restraint

out completely.

Seat heating*

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Opening 1. Grasp the belt firmly. 2. Press the red button in the buckle. 3. Guide the belt into its reel.

MINI Convertible: rear belt guide

Please ensure that the belt guide loop, arrow, is locked when putting on the rear

seat belts.<

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors

The front passenger's mirror is more con- vex than the driver's mirror. The objects seen in the mirror are closer than they appear. Do not gauge your distance from traffic behind you on the basis of what you see in the mirror; otherwise, there is an increased risk of an acci- dent.<

Safety belt reminder

Front seats

The indicator lamps come on and an acoustic signal sounds. Check whether the safety belt has been fastened cor- rectly. The "Fasten safety belts"

reminder is issued when the driver's safety belt has not been fastened. The "Fasten safety belts" reminder is also activated at road speeds above approx. 5 mph or 8 km/h if the front passenger's safety belt has not been fastened, if objects are placed on the front passenger seat, or if driver or front passenger unfasten their safety belts.

Damage to safety belts

If the safety belts are damaged or stressed in an accident: have the safety belt system

and its seat-belt tensioners replaced and the belt anchors checked. Have this work carried out only by a MINI dealer or by a workshop that has specially trained personnel working in accor- dance with the specifications of the MINI manu- facturer; otherwise, correct operation of these safety systems is not ensured.<

1 Adjusting the left or right exterior mirror 2 Folding mirrors in and out*

Manual adjustment The mirrors can also be adjusted manually: press the edge of the glass.

Folding mirrors in and out* Turn the knob beyond the pressure point in direction 2. The mirrors can be folded in at road speeds up to approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. This can be beneficial in narrow streets, for example, or for moving mirrors that were folded in by hand back out into their correct positions.

Automatic heating* At outside temperatures below a certain limit, both exterior mirrors are automatically heated while the engine is running or the ignition switched on.

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Interior rearview mirror

Steering wheel

Adjustments

Do not adjust the steering wheel position while the car is in motion; otherwise, there is a risk of accident due to an unexpected move- ment.<

1. Fold the lever down. 2. Move the steering wheel to the preferred

distance and angle to suit your seated posi- tion.

3. Swing the lever back up.

Do not use force to swing the lever back up; otherwise, the mechanism

will be damaged.<

To reduce glare from vehicles behind you when you are driving at night: Turn the knob.

Interior and exterior mirrors, automatic dimming feature*

It is controlled by two photosensors: > inside the interior rearview mirror, arrow > on the back of the mirror. For proper function: > Keep the photosensors clean > Do not cover the area between the interior

rearview mirror and the windshield

> Do not place stickers or decals on the wind-

shield in front of the mirror.

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Transporting children safely

The right place for children

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle; otherwise, they could endanger

themselves and/or other persons by opening the doors, for example.<

Children should always sit in the rear Accident research has shown that the safest place for children is on the rear seat.

Only transport children under the age of 13 or smaller than 5 ft/150 cm in the rear in a child restraint system suitable for their age, weight and size. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of an acci- dent.< Children 13 years of age or older must be buck- led in with a safety belt as soon as there no longer is any child restraint system that is appro- priate for their age, size and weight.

Only install child seats in the rear when the rear seat backrest is folded all the way

back and engaged. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of an acci- dent.<

Exception for front passenger seat

Front passenger airbags

Should it be necessary to use a child restraint system on the front passenger

seat, the front and side airbags must be deacti- vated. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of injury to the child if the airbags deploy, even if the child is seated in a child restraint system.< For more information on automatic deactivation of the front passenger airbags, refer to page 71.

Child restraint systems, installation

Observe the child restraint system manu- facturer's instructions when selecting,

installing and using child restraint systems. Oth- erwise, the protective effect may be dimin- ished.<

On the front passenger seat

After installing a child restraint system on the front passenger seat, make sure that the front and side airbags for the front passen- ger are deactivated; otherwise, there is an increased risk of injury if the airbags deploy.<

Seat position Before installing a child restraint system, move the front passenger seat as far back and up* as possible to obtain the best possible position for the belt. Do not change the seat position after this.

Child seat security

All rear safety belts and the safety belt for the front passenger can be prevented from being pulled out in order to secure child restraint sys- tems.

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Child restraint system with tether strap

Use the tether strap anchors to secure child restraint systems only; otherwise, the

anchors could be damaged.<

There are two additional anchors for child restraint systems with tether straps, arrows.

Placement of the tether strap

Make sure the upper retaining strap does not run over sharp edges and is not

twisted as it passes to the top anchor. Other- wise, the strap will not properly secure the child restraint system in the event of an accident.<

MINI

1 Direction of travel 2 Head restraint 3 Tether strap hook 4 Rear cargo well 5 Anchor 6 Seat backrest 7 Tether strap of the child restraint system

To lock the safety belt 1. Secure the child restraint system with the

belt.

2. Pull the belt strap all the way out. 3. Allow the belt strap to retract and pull it taut

against the child restraint system.

The safety belt is locked.

To unlock the safety belt 1. Open the belt buckle. 2. Remove the child restraint system. 3. Allow the safety belt strap to retract all the

way.

LATCH child restraint fix- ing system LATCH: lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. To install and use the LATCH child restraint system, follow the operating and safety

instructions provided by the manufacturer of the system; otherwise, the protective function of the seat may be compromised.<

Anchor points for LATCH anchors Before installing the child seat, pull the belt out of the area for the child restraint fixing system.

The anchor points for the lower LATCH anchors are located behind the labeled protective caps. Make sure that both lower LATCH anchors are properly engaged and that the child

restraint system rests firmly against the seat backrest; otherwise, the protective function of the seat may be compromised.<

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1. Push the head restraint upward. 2. Guide the tether strap between the head

1. Push the head restraint upward. 2. Unlock backrest and slightly fold forward,

restraint holders.

refer to page 95.

3. Attach the tether strap to the anchor using

3. Guide the tether strap between the head

the hook.

restraint holders.

4. Push the head restraint into its lowermost

4. Attach the tether strap to the anchor using

position.

the hook.

5. Attach the tether strap to the anchor using

5. Fold backrest back and lock in place. Push

the hook.

headrest down as far as possible.

6. Pull the retaining strap tight.

6. Pull the retaining strap tight.

MINI Convertible

Ensure that the upper strap 9 is passed between the seat backrest 8 and the roll-

over protection system with cross member 3; otherwise, the strap will not properly secure the child restraint system.<

1 Direction of travel 2 Head restraint 3 Rollover protection system with cross mem-

ber

4 Cargo area cover 5 Rear cargo well 6 Tether strap hook 7 Anchor 8 Seat backrest 9 Tether strap of the child restraint system

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Driving

Ignition lock

Inserting the key into the ignition lock

Insert the key all the way into the ignition lock. Radio readiness Individual electrical consumers can operate.

Removing the key from the ignition lock Press in the key briefly. It is ejected slightly. At the same time: > The ignition is switched off if it was on

beforehand.

Automatic transmission The key can only be removed if the selector lever is in position P: interlock.

Start/Stop button

Press the Start/Stop button to switch radio readi- ness or the ignition on and off. Do not depress the brake or clutch while doing so.

44

If the start/stop button is pressed while the clutch is depressed in the manual trans- mission or the brake pedal is depressed in the automatic transmission, the engine starts.<

Radio readiness Individual electrical consumers can operate. The time and outside temperature are displayed in the tachometer. Radio readiness is switched off automatically: > When the key is removed from the ignition

lock

> When using Comfort Access* by pushing the

button on the door handle or the

button on the remote control, refer to

Locking on page 27

> After a certain has elapsed

Ignition on Most indicator and warning lamps in indicator area 1, page 13, light up for varying lengths of time.

When the engine is off, switch off the igni- tion and any unnecessary electrical con-

sumers in order to preserve the battery.<

Radio readiness and ignition off All indicator and warning lamps in the displays go out. The ignition automatically turns off* when the driver's door is opened. Pressing the Start/Stop button again switches the ignition back on. The ignition is not switched off in situations such as the following: > The clutch or brake is depressed > The low beams are switched on

Starting the engine

Do not allow the engine to run in enclosed areas; otherwise, inhalation of the noxious exhaust gases can lead to loss of consciousness and death. Exhaust gases contain carbon mon- oxide, an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas. Never leave an unattended vehicle with the engine running; otherwise, such a vehicle repre- sents a potential safety hazard. Before leaving the car while the engine is run- ning, place the transmission in neutral or move the selector lever to position P and forcefully apply the parking brake to prevent the car from moving.<

Avoid frequent starting in quick succes- sion or repeated start attempts in which the engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel is not burned or inadequately burned and there is a danger of overheating and damaging the cat- alytic converter.< Do not let the engine warm up with the vehicle at a standstill. Move off immediately at a moder- ate engine speed. When starting the engine, do not depress the accelerator pedal.

Manual transmission Key in ignition lock or inside vehicle with Com- fort Access, refer to page 26. 1. Depress the brake. 2. Depress the clutch. 3. Press the Start/Stop button.

Automatic transmission* Key in ignition lock or inside vehicle with Com- fort Access, refer to page 26.

1. Depress the brake. 2. Shift the selector lever into position P or N. 3. Press the Start/Stop button. The starter operates automatically for a certain time, and stops automatically as soon as the engine has started.

Switching off the engine Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle.

When parking, apply the parking brake force- fully; otherwise, the vehicle could begin to roll.<

Manual transmission 1. With the car at a standstill, press the Start/

Stop button.

2. Shift into first gear or reverse. 3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.

Automatic transmission* 1. With the car at a stop, move the selector

lever to position P.

2. Press the Start/Stop button. 3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.

Before driving into a car wash By following these steps, the vehicle is able to roll: 1. Place the remote control, even with Comfort

Access, in the ignition lock.

2. Depress the brake. 3. Move the selector lever to position N. 4. Switch off the engine.

Parking brake The parking brake is primarily intended to pre- vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes the rear wheels.

Applying The lever locks in position automatically.

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Releasing

Pull slightly upward, press the button and lower the lever.

In exceptional cases, if the parking brake has to be used to slow or stop the car, do not pull the lever up too hard. In doing so, con- tinuously press the button of the parking brake lever. Otherwise, excessive force could lead to over- braking and loss of traction, i.e. fishtailing, at the rear axle.<

Manual transmission

Automatic transmission* with Steptronic In addition to the fully automatic mode, you can shift gears manually using Steptronic, page 47.

Parking the vehicle

To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always select position P and apply the parking

brake before leaving the vehicle with the engine running.<

Removing the key To remove the key from the ignition lock, first move the selector lever into position P and then switch off the engine: interlock. Remove the key from the ignition lock, refer to page 44.

Selector lever positions P R N D M/S + –

Displays in the tachometer

When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise,

the engine could be damaged if you inadvert- ently shift into 3rd or 4th gear.<

Reverse gear Select this only when the vehicle is stationary. When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a slight resistance has to be overcome.

P R N D DS M1 to M6
The selector lever position is displayed, or the current gear in the manual mode.

Changing selector lever positions > The selector lever can only be moved out of position P when the ignition is switched on or the engine is running.

> Before moving the lever away from P or N

with the vehicle stationary, first depress the brake; otherwise, the selector lever will refuse to move: shiftlock.

46

Sport program and manual operation M/S

To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you select a driving position, depress the brake until you are ready to start.<

A lock prevents accidental shifting into selector lever positions R and P.

Overriding the selector lever lock

Press the button on the front of the selector lever, arrow.

P Park Select this only when the vehicle is stationary. The transmission locks to prevent the drive wheels from turning.

R Reverse Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.

N Neutral Select this when you are in a car wash, for exam- ple. The vehicle can roll.

D Drive, automatic position Position for normal vehicle operation. All for- ward gears are selected automatically. Under normal operation conditions, fuel con- sumption is lowest when you drive in position D.

Kickdown Kickdown enables you to achieve maximum performance. Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the full- throttle resistance point.

Move the selector lever from position D to the left into the M/S shifting slot: The Sport program is activated and DS is dis- played. This position is recommended for a per- formance-oriented driving style. To deactivate the sport program or manual mode M/S, move the selector lever to the right into position D.

Shifting with the selector lever Push the selector lever forward or pull it back to activate manual operation. Steptronic shifts the gear. > Pull the selector lever in the + direction.

Transmission shifts up.

> Push the selector lever in the – direction.

Transmission shifts down.

The selected gear is displayed in the tachome- ter, e.g. M1. To use the automatic mode again, move the selector lever to the right into position D. Upshifts and downshifts are executed only when they will result in a plausible combination of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example, a downshift that would cause the engine to over- rev will not be executed by the system. The selected gear is displayed briefly, followed by the current gear.

Shifting on the steering wheel* With the selector lever in position D, automatic drive, you can shift gears using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The transmission auto- matically switches to manual mode.

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If you do not shift gears with the shift paddles or accelerate for a certain amount of time, the transmission automatically returns to D, auto- matic drive.

5. Move the selector lever into the desired

position by pressing the button on the front of the selector lever.

Manually release the selector lever lock only when the vehicle is to be towed. Do not forget to firmly apply the parking brake prior to towing; otherwise, the vehicle may roll away.<

Turn signals/ headlamp flasher

> Pull one of the shift paddles.

Transmission shifts up.

> Push one of the shift paddles.

Transmission shifts down.

M1 through M6 are displayed in the tachometer.

Manually releasing the selector lever lock Should the selector lever refuse to move out of position P even though the ignition is switched on, the brake is depressed and the button on the selector lever is pressed, the selector lever lock can be overridden: 1. Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever. 2. Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever

until the sleeve is inside out. Disconnect the cable connector if necessary.

3.

Insert extractor hook 1 from the onboard vehicle tool kit into the loop on the passen- ger's side.

4. Pull the loop up.

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1 Turn signal 2 Headlamp flasher

Using turn signals Press the lever beyond the resistance point. To turn off manually, press the lever to the resis- tance point.

Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator lamp indicates that an indicator bulb has

failed.<

Indicating a turn briefly Press the lever as far as the resistance point for as long as you wish to indicate a turn.

Triple turn signal activation Press the lever as far as the resistance point. You can set whether the turn signal flashes once or three times.

1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 44. 2. Briefly press the button in the turn signal

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

8. Briefly press the button to select:

Brief indication of a turn.

Triple turn signal.

9. Press and hold the button until the display

changes. The setting is stored.

Wiper system

3. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

4. Briefly press the button repeatedly until the

symbol and "SET" are displayed.

1 Switching on wipers 2 Switching off wipers or brief wipe 3 Activating/deactivating intermittent mode

or rain sensor*

4 Cleaning windshield and headlamps*

5. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

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

Switching on wipers Press the lever upward, arrow 1. The lever automatically returns to its initial posi- tion when released.

7. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

Normal wiper speed Press once. The system switches to intermittent operation when the vehicle is stationary.

Fast wiper speed Press twice or press beyond the resistance point. The system switches to normal speed when the vehicle is stationary.

Intermittent wipe or rain sensor* If the car is not equipped with a rain sensor, the intermittent-wipe time is preset.

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