2011 Mini Cooper Convertible Owners Manual

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.

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.

70

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

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 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 upholstery in the center of the steering wheel, on the instrument cluster, the doors, and the roof pillars as well as the sides of the headliner. 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.

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.

71

MINI Convertible: Roll- over 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.<

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 NHTSA at the time of manufacture of the vehicle. After installing a child seat, check that the indica- tor lamp for the front passenger airbags 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.

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.<

72

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, welcome lamps, and Adaptive Light Control*

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 75.

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.

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. Adaptive Light Control* is active. 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 74, 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.

73

8. Briefly press the button to select:

The function is deactivated.

...

Select the appropriate duration, e.g. 40 seconds.

9. Press the button for a longer period.

The setting is stored.

Daytime running lights* The light switch can remain in the lamps off, parking lamps or automatic headlamp control* position. In the lamps off position, the exterior lighting is automatically switched off after the vehicle is parked. In the parking lamps position, the park- ing lamps will stay on after the ignition is switched off. Switch on the parking lamps separately if needed.

Activating/deactivating daytime running lights The setting is stored for the remote control in use, refer to Personal Profile, page 18. 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.

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 44. 2. Briefly press the button in the turn signal

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.

74

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, arrow.

Activating Adaptive Light Control With the ignition switched on, turn the light switch to position 3, refer to page 73. Standstill function*: to avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the Adaptive Light Control directs light toward the front passenger side when the vehi- cle is at a standstill. In reverse, the Adaptive Light Control is not acti- vated.

Malfunction A message is displayed. The Adaptive Light Control is malfunctioning or failed. Have the system checked as soon as pos- sible.

High beams/ roadside parking lamps

7. Press and hold the button until the display

changes.

8. Briefly press the button to select:

Daytime running lights activated.

Daytime running lights deactivated.

9. Press the button for a longer period.

The setting is stored.

Adaptive Light Control*

The concept Adaptive Light Control is a variable headlamp control system that enables better illumination of the road surface. Depending on the steering angle and other parameters, the light from the headlamp follows the course of the road.

1 Turn signals/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-

75

s

tery might not have enough power to start the engine.<

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

Fog lamps*

MINI

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

MINI Convertible

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.<

Guide fog lamps* When the switch is in position 3, guide fog lamps are switched on for a wider light distribution up to a speed of 68 mph/110 km/h.

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.

> Turn on front fog lamps: Press the switch upward > Turn on rear fog lamps:

Press the switch downward

To switch them off, press the switch upward or downward again.

76

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 area lamp are controlled automatically.

To reduce the drain on the battery, a short while after the ignition is switched off,

refer to Start/Stop button on page 44, all lights in the vehicle's passenger compartment are switched off.<

Switching interior lamps on/off manually

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. In front: press the switch. In the rear: press the button.

Ambient lighting*

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

The color changes in stages.

> Press the switch toward the rear. The brightness changes in stages.

Intermediate settings and colors are possible.

For a continuous color change in the ambient lighting, press and hold the

switch toward the front for longer than 10 seconds.<

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, draft-free venti-

lation

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 reduce the drain on the battery.

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. 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.

To cool the air more quickly and intensely when the outside temperature is high, you

can switch on the recirculated-air mode.<

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 the windows fog in recirculated-air mode, switch off the recirculated-air

mode and increase the air volume if necessary. The recirculated-air mode should not be used over an extended period of time; otherwise, the air quality in the passenger compartment will deteriorate continuously.<

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. The rear window heating is lowered

or switched off entirely to reduce the drain on the battery.

79

e

Air distribution

Direct the flow of air to the windows area Intermediate settings are possible.

, to the upper body

or to the footwell

Windshield heating*

The windshield heating is switched off automatically after a short time. The front window heating is low-

ered or switched off entirely to reduce the drain on the battery.

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*

1 Air flow rate, manual 2 AUTO program 3 Recirculated-air mode 4 Maximum cooling 5 Air distribution, manual

6 Temperature 7 Defrosting windows and removing conden-

sation

8 Cooling function 9 Rear window defroster 10 Windshield heating*

80

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

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 reduce the drain on the battery. 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, toward 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.<

Recirculated-air mode

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

the air currently 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 in the passenger compartment will deteriorate continuously.<

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.

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-

81

e

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.

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 58.

Defrosting windows and removing condensation

Ventilation

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.

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.

Cooling function The passenger compartment can only be cooled while the engine is running.

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

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. The recirculated-air mode may be switched on auto- matically. When the AUTO button is pressed, the cooling function switches on automatically.

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 is 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 44. 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 in 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 seconds, alter the distance.

83

s

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 in 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.

5. To program other original hand-held trans-

mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.

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.

Do not exceed a distance of 50 m from the radio 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.

84

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, the glove compartment can be ventilated and, if the cooling function* is switched on, can also be cooled.

Opening Rotate the switch in the direction of the arrow.

Closing Rotate the switch in the opposite direction of the arrow until it is in the vertical 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*.

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

Closing Push the cover forward.

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

> When connecting two Apple devices such as an iPod via the USB audio interface and an iPhone via the snap-in adapter*, one of the respective devices will be supported for audio playback.

Connecting via the USB audio interface

1 Connection for audio playback:

TRS connector 1/8"/3.5 mm

2 USB interface*

Apple iPod/iPhone Use the special cable adapter for Apple iPods/ iPhones to produce the connection. The cable adapter is required for a proper connection. For additional information, contact your MINI dealer or visit the Internet at www.mini.com/ connectivity. To play audio tracks over the car's speaker sys- tem, 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 car's speaker sys- tem, connect the USB device to port 2. To control an external audio device via the radio, refer to the owner's manual for the radio.

Notes

Do not expose the audio device to extreme environmental conditions, e.g. very high temperatures, refer to the Owner's Manual of the audio device. Otherwise, the audio device may become damaged, which could compromise safety while driving.<

86

> 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.

> Do not connect devices such as fans or

lamps to the USB audio interface.

> Do not connect USB hard discs. > 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.<

Do not push unsuitable containers forcibly into the cupholder. Otherwise, you may

damage it.<

Ashtray* The ashtray is located in one of the cupholders 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. 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.

MINI Convertible The storage compartment cannot be locked.

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.<

In the cargo area Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you have the following storage options: > Hooks* for hanging up items such as shop- ping or tote bags on the left and right side- walls of the cargo area

> Net* on the rear cargo well and side trim for smaller objects; for attaching to the lashing eyes and the hook* on the cargo area side- wall

Cupholders and ashtray*

Cupholders Two cupholders are located in the front of the center console; another is in the rear at the back of the center console.

Use lightweight, nonbreakable containers and do not transport hot beverages. Oth- erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident.<

87

s

Power socket in cargo area

MINI

Pull out the cover.

MINI Convertible

Pull out the cover.

88

E

89

AT A GLANCE

CONTROLS

DRIVING TIPS

DRIVING TIPS

COMMUNICATIONS

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.

General driving notes

Close the liftgate

Only drive with the liftgate closed. Failure to do so may endanger passengers or

other road users or may damage the vehicle in the event of an accident or a braking and eva- sive maneuver. In addition, exhaust gas may flow into the passenger compartment.< If special circumstances make it absolutely nec- essary to drive with the liftgate 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

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

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 kickdown 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.

92

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 124.

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 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 functioning properly.

Objects in the movement range of the pedals

Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects out of the movement range of the pedals; otherwise, they may inhibit the function of the pedals during driving. Do not place additional floor mats onto an exist-