2005 Mini Cooper Owners Manual

15

INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS

Technology that monitors itself The system runs a check on the indicator and warning lamps marked by + each time you switch on the ignition. They each light up once for different periods of time. If a malfunction should occur in one of these systems, the corresponding lamp does not go out after the engine is started or it lights up while the vehicle is moving. You will see below the correct way to react to this.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current + The battery is no longer being charged. Indicates a defective alter-

nator drive belt or a problem with the charge circuit. Please contact your MINI Dealer.

If the drive belt is defective, do not continue driving. The engine could be

damaged due to overheating. When the power-assist is deactivated, increased steering effort is required.<

Engine oil pressure + The engine oil pressure is too low. Pull over immediately and switch

off the engine. Please contact your MINI Dealer.

Do not continue driving; otherwise, the engine could be damaged because of inadequate lubrication.<

Brake warning lamp + Lights up although the parking brake is released. The brake fluid level is too low. Before driving further, be sure to comply with the information on pages 96 and 111. Have the system checked immediately.

Display of the malfunction described above in Canadian mod- els.

If equipped with a navigation system or Cockpit Chrono Pack:

Coolant temperature warning lamp in the navigation system or Cockpit Chrono Pack +

Lights up while driving: Engine is too hot. Pull over to the side of the road immediately, switch off the engine and allow it to cool down, refer also to page 64. Have the system checked immediately.

16

INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS

Yellow: stop immediately Flat Tire Monitor + The warning lamp indicates a flat tire or a system malfunction. In the

event of a flat tire, an acoustic signal also sounds. Reduce speed immediately and stop the vehicle. It is possible that the acoustic signal was not heard. In this case, in order to deter- mine if there is a flat tire or a system mal- function: 1. Switch off the ignition, ignition key posi-

tion 0

2. Switch the ignition back on, ignition key

position 2, or start the engine.

If an acoustic signal sounds, you have a flat tire. Otherwise, the system has a malfunc- tion or has failed. For instructions on how to proceed further, refer to Flat Tire Monitor starting on page 71.

Depending on the equipment ver- sion, the indicator lamp is in the area

of the navigation system or the Cockpit Chrono Pack.<

Red and yellow: continue driving cautiously

Brake warning light together with yellow indicator lamp for ABS, CBC, EBD and ASC/ DSC: The driving stability control has failed. Drive cautiously and defen- sively. Avoid full brake applications. Have the system checked as soon

as possible. More information on pages 68, 69. Display of the malfunction described above in Canadian mod- els.

Red: an important reminder

Brake warning lamp with parking brake applied. More information on the parking

brake on page 53.

Warning lamp in Canadian models.

Fasten safety belts + Lights up for several seconds or until the driver has fastened his or

her safety belt. A signal* also sounds depending on the version. More information on page 45.

Depending on the equipment ver- sion, the indicator lamp is in the area

of the navigation system or the Cockpit Chrono Pack.<

Bonnet/Tailgate Lights up when the bonnet and/or tailgate are open.

More information on pages 29, 105.

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INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS

Red: check as soon as possible

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Airbags + There is a malfunction in the airbag system. Have the system checked

as soon as possible. More information on page 73.

Antilock Brake System (ABS) + The ABS has failed. Conventional braking efficiency is available. Have

the system checked as soon as possible. More information on page 70.

Depending on the equipment ver- sion, the indicator lamp is in the area

of the navigation system or the Cockpit Chrono Pack.<

Brake pads The brake pads have reached the minimum safe limit for lining wear. Have the brake pads replaced immediately. More information on page 96.

Depending on the equipment ver- sion, the indicator lamp is in the area

of the navigation system or the Cockpit Chrono Pack.<

Display of the malfunction described above in Canadian mod- els. All Season traction Control (ASC)/ Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) + Indicator lamp flashes:

System active: drive and braking forces are regulated. The indicator lamp stays lit: ASC/DSC deac- tivated with button or defective. In the event of a defect: Have the system checked as soon as possible. More information on pages 68, 69.

Engine + The exhaust emissions have deteri- orated.

Have the vehicle checked as soon as possi- ble.

Display of the malfunction described above in Canadian mod- els. Engine electronics* + The engine electronics are mal- functioning. You can continue to

drive with reduced engine output or engine speed. Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible.

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INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS

Yellow: for your information

Green: for your information

Blue: for your information

The warning lamp* comes on. The gas cap is not correctly closed or missing. Check if the gas cap is

correctly closed.

Depending on the equipment ver- sion, the indicator lamp is in the area

of the navigation system or the Cockpit Chrono Pack.<

Turn signal indicator Flashes when turn signal indicator is on.

Rapid flashing: at least one of the turn sig- nal indicators has failed. More information on page 58.

Cruise control Lights up when the cruise control is activated: operation via the multi- function steering wheel or multifunction sports steering wheel. More information on page 61.

High beams Comes on when the high beams are on or the headlamp flasher is

actuated. More information on page 58.

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MULTIFUNCTION STEERING WHEELS*

Steering wheels with multifunctions The control buttons integrated within the multifunction steering wheel and the mul- tifunction sports steering wheel have been designed to allow you to operate a number of accessories both quickly and safely, without taking your eyes from the road: >Some audio source functions >Cruise control.

Steering wheel 1 Call up and continue cruise control 2 Activate/interrupt/deactivate cruise

control

3 Store and accelerate cruise control 4 Store and decelerate cruise control

Right: 5 Volume 6 Changing between radio, CD or cassette

20

Left: 5 Operation of:

>Radio

Press briefly: next/previous station stored in memory Extended pressure: station scan

>CD/MD

Press briefly: jump to next track Extended pressure: search within cur- rent title >Cassette

Press briefly: jump to next track or stop fast forward Extended pressure: fast forward/ rewind

If the Wave radio is installed, the above options for cassette

player operation are not available.<

MULTIFUNCTION STEERING WHEELS*

5 Fast forward/rewind

>Radio

Press briefly: next/previous station stored in memory Extended pressure: station scan

>CD/MD

Press briefly: jump to next track Extended pressure: search within cur- rent title >Cassette

Sports steering wheel 1 Call up and continue cruise control 2 Store and accelerate cruise control 3 Activate/interrupt/deactivate cruise

control

4 Store and decelerate cruise control

Press briefly: jump to next track or stop fast forward Extended pressure: fast forward

If the Wave radio is installed, the above options for cassette

player operation are not available.<

6 Volume

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22

OVERVIEW

CONTROLS

OPERATION, CARE, MAINTENANCE

OWNER SERVICE PROCEDURES

TECHNICAL DATA

INDEX

23

Controls

CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM

The concept The central locking system is ready for operation whenever the driver's door is closed. The doors, the tailgate and the fuel filler door are unlocked or locked. The central locking system locks or unlocks your vehicle: >When operated from the outside via the

remote control as well as via the door lock

>When operated from the inside via a

switch.

If operated from outside, the anti-theft sys- tem is activated at the same time. This pre- vents the doors from being unlocked via safety lock buttons or door handles. In the event of a sufficiently severe acci- dent, the central locking system unlocks automatically. The hazard warning system and interior lamps are also switched on.

KEYS

2 Spare key

For keeping in a safe place, e.g. in your wallet. This key is not intended for con- stant use

The key set It includes three keys. Depending on the equipment version, it contains the follow- ing types of keys: 1 Master keys with remote control.

They determine the functions of the Key Memory. Certain functions in your vehi- cle may operate differently depending on the key

In every master key there is an extended-life battery that is

charged automatically in the ignition lock as you drive. Therefore, use any otherwise unused master key for a longer journey every six months so that its battery can be charged.<

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OPENING AND CLOSING: FROM OUTSIDE

Via remote control When the vehicle is unlocked or locked, the anti-theft system is also deactivated/acti- vated and the interior lamp is switched on/ off.

Compliance statement: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol- lowing two conditions: >This device may not cause harmful inter-

ference, and

>this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Any unauthorized modifications or changes to these devices could void the user's authority to operate this equip- ment.<

Children might be able to lock the doors from the inside. Always take the vehicle keys with you so that the vehi- cle can be opened again from the outside at any time.<

For US owners only The transmitter and receiver units comply with part 15 of the FCC, Federal Communi- cations Commission, regulations. Opera- tion is governed by the following: FCC ID: LX8765S LX8765E LX8CAS

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OPENING AND CLOSING: FROM OUTSIDE

cally. The anti-theft system is not activated. To deadlock the vehicle, refer to the next column.<

Locking and securing Press button The hazard warning system flashes once.

You can have the vehicle's automatic locking feature activated/deacti-

vated.<

button for a longer

Convenience opening mode Press and hold the period. In the MINI, the windows and the glass sunroof are opened. In the MINI Convertible, the windows and the folding roof are opened. To open the convertible top on the MINI Convertible: release the button and press it again until the convertible top is com- pletely open.

Convenience closing is not possible by means of the remote control.<

You can have remote control opening of the windows, glass sunroof or con-

vertible top activated/deactivated.<

button briefly.

Unlocking the tailgate Press the The rear and side turn signal indicators flash twice. The tailgate can be unlocked separately if the vehicle has been locked via central lock- ing.

Open the tailgate within 20 seconds, refer to page 29, or it will otherwise

be locked again automatically. The rear and side turn signal indicators flash once. If the tailgate was previously locked, then it is locked again after it is closed. Before and after each journey, make sure that the tailgate was not opened acciden- tally.<

1 Unlocking and convenience opening 2 Locking and securing 3 Unlocking the tailgate

To unlock 1. Press the

button once.

The driver's door is unlocked. The interior lamps are switched on and the hazard warning flashers flash twice*

2. Press the

button twice.

First the driver's door will unlock, then the entire vehicle.

You can have this function activated/ deactivated.<

If none of the vehicle doors are opened within 2 minutes, the central locking system locks the vehicle automati-

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OPENING AND CLOSING: FROM OUTSIDE

Malfunction Local radio waves can interfere with func- tions of the remote control. If this occurs, lock and unlock the vehicle via a door lock. In the event of a system malfunction, please contact your MINI Dealer. You can also obtain replacement keys there.

If it is no longer possible to lock the vehicle with the remote control, then

the battery is discharged. Use the corre- sponding key for a longer journey so that its battery can be recharged, refer to page 24.<

Via the door lock 1. One turn of the key in the driver's door

lock unlocks the driver’s door only.

2. Turning the key a second time unlocks

the other door, the tailgate and the fuel filler door.

You can have this function activated/ deactivated.<

If the vehicle has been properly locked, the hazard warning system flashes once. When the vehicle is unlocked, the hazard warning system flashes twice*.

Manual operation In the event of an electrical malfunction, the driver's door can be unlocked or locked by turning the key in the door lock to the end positions.

Convenience closing via the door lock You can also close the power windows, glass sunroof or the convertible top via the door lock. With the door closed, hold the key in the locking position. In the MINI Convertible, the convertible top is closed first and then the side windows.

You can have the closing of the win- dows and glass sunroof via the door

lock activated/deactivated.<

27

OPENING AND CLOSING: FROM INSIDE

To lock >Briefly press the switch downward or >push down the safety lock buttons on

To unlock and open the doors 1. Briefly press the switch upward 2. Pull the door handle above the armrest

the doors.

After you have driven off, the central locking system automatically locks

your vehicle once a certain speed has been reached.<

You can have this function activated/ deactivated and the speed set.<

Do not lock the safety lock buttons while driving, since these doors will

not unlock automatically in the event of an accident. Children might be able to lock the doors from the inside. Always take the vehicle's keys with you so that you can open the vehicle again from the outside at any time.<

or pull the door handle for each door twice: to unlock and open.

Convenience opening mode Press and hold the central locking switch upwards for a longer period. In the MINI, the windows and the glass sunroof are opened. In the MINI Convertible, the windows and the folding roof are opened. To open the convertible top on the MINI Convertible: release the switch, then press and hold it upwards for a longer period until the convertible top is completely open and the windows are again closed.

With this switch, you operate the central locking system when the doors are closed. The doors and tailgate are unlocked or locked only. The anti-theft system is not activated.

If the remote control has been used to unlock only the driver's door, refer to page 26, and you touch the switch when the driver's door is open, the other door, the tailgate, and the fuel filler door are unlocked. If the driver's door is closed, touching the switch locks it.<

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TAILGATE

To open from the outside Push the button in the strip handle and open the tailgate. For information on unlocking via the cen- tral locking system, refer to page 26.

To close

To avoid injuries, as with all closing procedures be sure that the travel

path of the tailgate is clear when it is closed. Drive the vehicle only when the tailgate is completely closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could penetrate the interior of the vehicle.<

Should it be absolutely necessary to drive the vehicle with the tailgate open: 1. Close all windows, the glass sunroof as

well as the folding roof on the MINI Con- vertible

2. Sharply increase the air supply for the

heater, the air conditioning or the auto- matic climate control, refer to page 75 or 78.

Handle recesses on the MINI The handle recesses in the interior trim panel of the tailgate make it easier to pull it down.

29

TAILGATE

Manual release in the MINI In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can also unlock the tailgate manually. 1. Fold the rear seat bench upwards 2. Pull the ring.

The tailgate is released.

Tailgate on the MINI Convertible

The maximum load that may be placed on the open tailgate is 175 lb /

80 kg.<

Manual release in the MINI Convertible In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can also unlock the tailgate manually. 1. Unlock the catch for the rear backrests

with a master key or ignition key

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TAILGATE

ELECTRIC POWER WINDOWS

2. Fold the rear bench seat upward and

remove the hook attached to it

3. Using the hook, reach backward

between the convertible top and the rear backrest to pull one of the levers for releasing the folding rear backrest, refer to page 86

4. Fold rear backrests forward

5. Pull the handle, arrow. The tailgate is released.

To open the windows From ignition key position 1: >Press the switch downwards.

The window opens until you release the switch or

>briefly press the switch downwards.

The window opens automatically. Pressing the switch again stops the oper- ation.

To close the windows

Make sure that the closing range of the windows is unobstructed, other- wise personal injury could result when the windows close.<

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ELECTRIC POWER WINDOWS

From ignition key position 1: Press the switch upwards. The window closes until you release the switch.

Convenience operation For convenience operation using the remote control refer to page 26, for opera- tion via the door lock refer to page 27.

Watch the closing process to ensure that no one is injured.<

After the ignition has been switched off: You can continue using the electric power windows for a limited period as long as no one opens either of the doors. If a door is opened during operation, the opening/closing process stops immedi- ately.

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the ignition key from the lock

and remember to close the doors. Other- wise children could operate the power win- dows and injure themselves.<

To initialize power windows

If the battery is disconnected, e.g. for changing batteries or vehicle storage, reinitialize the power windows. Otherwise the windows will not be lowered when the door is opened.<

1. Close the doors 2. Close both windows 3. Hold both switches of the power win-

dows up for approx. one second.

In the event of a system malfunction, please contact your MINI Dealer.<

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Power windows in the MINI Convertible To open: >Press button briefly:

The rear windows open automatically. Pressing the switch again stops the oper- ation

>Press the button:

The rear windows open until the switch is released

>Hold the button pressed:

The rear windows open completely; then the front windows open.

To close: Press the button. The windows close until the switch is released.

From ignition key position 1: 1. Push the switch in the desired direction until you feel resistance, and hold in this position

2. Release the switch when the desired

sunroof position has been reached.

Automatic opening and closing From ignition key position 2: To open: Push the switch back past the point of resistance: The sunroof opens completely.

Do not use force to close the glass sunroof in its raised position, as dam-

age to the mechanism could result.<

After the ignition has been switched off: You can continue using the glass sunroof for a limited period as long as no one opens either of the doors. If a door is opened during operation, the opening/closing process stops immedi- ately.

To close: 1. Press the switch past the pressure point: The sunroof closes to the raised position

2. Press the switch again and keep it

depressed: The sunroof closes completely.

Touching the switch briefly during opening and closing stops the movement immedi- ately.

GLASS SUNROOF, ELECTRIC*

To raise From ignition key position 1: >Press the switch or >push the switch backwards to the resis-

tance point.

To open and close

Be sure that adequate clearance is maintained for the opening path of the glass sunroof; otherwise damage can occur. When leaving the vehicle, always remove the ignition key from the lock and remember to close the doors. Otherwise children could operate the convertible top and injure themselves.<

33

ROLLER SUN BLIND*

Manual opening and closing In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can also open and close the glass sun- roof manually: 1. Slide the cover panel towards the inte-

rior and remove it

2. Use an Allen key to turn the glass sun-

roof in the direction required.

1 Opening 1. Press the button in the handle, arrow 1

The cap is unlocked

2. Guide the roller sun blind towards the

back.

2 Closing 1. Use the handle to pull the roller sun

blind forwards

2. Engage the handle in the device,

arrow 2.

GLASS SUNROOF, ELECTRIC*

Trap protection If, while closing, the glass sunroof encoun- ters resistance within roughly the last 8 in / 20 cm, the closing procedure is interrupted and the roof reopens.

Despite the trap protection, be extremely careful that the travel path of the sunroof is not obstructed whenever it is closed. Otherwise, it is not guaranteed that the closing procedure will be inter- rupted, for instance if the obstructions offer very little resistance. You can disable the trap protection by pressing the switch past the pressure point and holding it. When closing the sunroof from the raised position, ensure that the travel path of the sunroof is not obstructed since the trap protection is not active in this position.<

Convenience operation For convenience operation using the remote control refer to page 26, for opera- tion via the door lock refer to page 27.

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FOLDING ROOF

CONVERTIBLE TOP

Power convertible top So that you can get the most enjoyment out of your MINI Convertible, please observe the following tips: >It is recommended that you close the

convertible top whenever the vehicle is parked. The closed convertible top not only pro- tects the vehicle interior from damage due to unforeseen bad weather, but also provides a certain degree of protection against theft

>Even when the convertible top is closed,

keep valuable items in the locked lug- gage compartment or in the lockable glove compartment

>Do not mount any roof rack systems on

Opening and closing From ignition key position 1: 1 To close:

Press button 1

2 To open:

Press button 2 until the desired position or the end position has been reached.

the convertible top

>To avoid damage, do not operate the

The folding roof can be operated up to a road speed of 75 mph /

120 km/h.<

convertible top at temperatures below 14 7/ –10 6.

Do not leave the convertible top folded for more than one day if it is wet, to prevent permanent damage from moisture. Do not place any objects on the convertible top, as they could otherwise fall off while the convertible top is being oper- ated and result in damage or personal injury.<

Only operate the convertible top when the vehicle is at a standstill.

Otherwise, the procedure cannot be carried out or it will be interrupted.<

Driving off before an opening or clos- ing procedure is completely finished

can lead to damage or personal injury. Do not reach into the convertible top mech- anism during the opening or closing proce- dure. Keep children away from the swivel- ing area of the convertible top while it is in operation. To close the power side windows while the vehicle is in motion, always close the rear windows first or all four windows at the same time. Otherwise the windows will not close tightly if the vehicle is being driven at higher speeds.<

35

Indicator lamps >The indicator lamp lights up during con- vertible top operation until the opening or closing procedure is completely fin- ished

>The indicator lamp flashes after the but-

ton has been released: The opening or closing procedure is not yet completely finished. The procedure can be continued in the desired direction by pressing the appro- priate button

>The indicator lamp flashes rapidly. The

convertible top cannot be operated: The luggage compartment cover is not in its lower position, refer to page 86, or the loading aid is not correctly locked, refer to page 86.

CONVERTIBLE TOP

Opening and closing 1 To close 2 To open

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

while the engine is running. Before closing the convertible top, remove any foreign objects from the windshield frame. They could prevent the convertible top from closing. The loading aid must be locked and the lug- gage compartment cover must be in its lower position, refer to page 86.<

36

In ignition key position 1 or higher, with the vehicle at a standstill: 1. Observe the safety precautions

described above

2. Press the corresponding button for con- vertible top operation in order to open the folding roof. Pressing the button again opens the convertible top.

The side windows open when the button for convertible top operation

is pressed.<

Once the opening procedure is finished and the indicator lamp has gone out, press and hold the button for more than two seconds to close the windows again. During the closing procedure, the folding roof is also closed.

If the convertible top is left open for a longer period of time, it may be nec- essary to support the first automatic clos- ing procedure manually. If the convertible top stops just before the closing procedure is finished, press against the front convertible top frame from out- side in order to support the closing proce- dure while the button is pressed until the procedure continues automatically.<

CONVERTIBLE TOP

Interruption The automatic movement is immediately interrupted when the buttons for convert- ible top operation are released. The proce- dure can be continued in the desired direc- tion by pressing the appropriate buttons. Movement is also interrupted when there is a mechanical blockage. In this case, in order to operate the convertible top again: 1. Turn off the ignition and then switch it

on again

2. Press the button to continue the proce-

dure in the desired direction.

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

consecutive attempts to operate it, the convertible top system has overheated. Allow the system to cool down for approx. 20 minutes while the ignition is switched on.<

Before the closing procedure is fin- ished, do not close the side windows

with the power window buttons. Other- wise it is not ensured that the side win- dows will close properly against the rubber seals of the convertible top.<

If the opening or closing procedure is inter- rupted by releasing the buttons, the con- vertible top stays in its current position for several seconds before it slowly moves into a more stable position. The procedure can be continued by pressing the buttons.

Do not interrupt and restart the clos- ing procedure several times one after another, or the fully automatic convertible top mechanism could be damaged.<

Convenience operation For convenience operation using the remote control refer to page 26, for opera- tion via the door lock refer to page 27.

Manual closing in the event of an electrical malfunction

Only close the convertible top manu- ally if it is absolutely necessary. Never open it manually. Improper handling of the convertible top can result in damage.<

If possible, close the convertible top with the help of a second person.<

Before closing 1. Open the tailgate 2. Release the loading aid, refer to page 86
3. Remove the cover from the side panel on

the left-hand side

4. Using the screwdriver from the onboard

tool kit, refer to page 120, unscrew the corresponding screw, arrow, in the direc- tion of the arrow by rotating it one and a half turns.

37

CONVERTIBLE TOP

The closing procedure must be com- pletely finished. Otherwise, damage

or injury could result.<

Please contact your MINI Dealer to have the electrical malfunction

repaired.<

To close 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

3. Pry out the cover from the center of the

roof by using a screwdriver at the marked locations

4. Insert the special Allen key from the onboard tool kit into the designated recess

To close the folding roof: 5. Press the Allen key in the direction of

arrow 1

6. Turn the Allen key in the direction of

arrow 2

To close the convertible top completely: 7. Continue to turn the Allen key until the

convertibe top is locked in place.

38

WIND DEFLECTOR*

With the convertible top open, the wind deflector keeps air movement in the pas- senger compartment to a minimum, thus providing you with a pleasant drive, even at higher speeds. The wind deflector comes folded in a protective pouch and can be stored in the luggage compartment.

Do not allow the wind deflector to come into contact with sharp objects, as the net could otherwise be damaged. Do not place any objects on the installed wind deflector. When storing the wind deflector in the luggage compartment, make sure that it cannot be damaged by other objects.<

Before installing 1. Take the wind deflector out of the pouch 2. Fold out the wind deflector 3. Press the locking device together until it

engages.

Setting in place 1. Slide out securing pins 1 and 2 on one

side until they engage

2. Insert the wind deflector with the secur- ing pins into the designated openings on the corresponding side of the vehicle

39

WIND DEFLECTOR*

Folding up 3. Slide the securing pins on the other side

into the designated openings and engage them

4. Fold up the upper half of the wind

deflector.

When the wind deflector is installed, do not incline the seat backrests too

far toward the rear if the seats are to be moved back into their end positions, or the wind deflector could be damaged.<

Removal Release the catch on the attachment han- dle. To do so, turn the handle slightly for- ward and push it back. Then follow the steps for installing the wind deflector in reverse order.

40

Folding together To unlock, push the handle of securing pin 1 on the side into its rear-most position.

SAFE SEATING POSITION

The ideal seating position can make a vital contribution to relaxed, relatively fatigue- free driving. Together with the safety belts and airbags, the seating position also plays an important role in providing occupants with maximum levels of passive safety in an accident. To ensure that the safety sys- tems operate with optimal efficiency, we strongly urge you to observe the instruc- tions contained in the following section. For additional information about trans- porting children safely, refer to page 48.

Sitting safely with airbags

Always maintain an adequate dis- tance between yourself and all of the airbags. Always hold the steering wheel by the rim with the hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions to keep any chance of injury to hands or arms to an absolute min- imum, should the airbag be deployed. No one and nothing is to come between the airbags and the seat occupant. Do not use the front passenger airbag cover as a storage surface for objects of any kind. Ensure that the front passenger is correctly seated, i.e. that no feet or legs are propped against the dashboad. Otherwise, leg injury could result if the front passenger airbag suddenly deployed. Never let an occupant's

head rest near or on a side airbag because the inflating airbag could cause a serious or fatal injury.<

Even if all these instructions are followed, it cannot entirely be ruled out that in some circumstances injury may result from con- tact with the airbags. In sensitive individu- als, the ignition and inflation noise may induce a mild hearing loss that is usually temporary. For airbag locations and additional infor- mation on airbags, refer to page 72.

Safe seating position with safety belt Fasten your safety belt before each drive. Airbags are an additional safety device and work in conjunction with the safety belts, but do not replace them. Your vehicle is equipped with four seats, each of which is provided with a safety belt.

At all times, occupants should sit upright and be properly restrained – infants and small children in appropriate child-restraint systems; larger children and adults using the safety belts. Expectant mothers should always wear their safety belts, taking care to position the lap belt against the lower hips, where it

will not exert pressure against the abdomi- nal area. 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. Do not route the belt across your neck, or run it across sharp edges. Be sure that the belt does not become caught or jammed. Avoid twisting the belt while routing it firmly across the hips and shoulder; wear it as snugly against your body as possible and do not allow it to rest against sharp or frag- ile objects. Otherwise, the belt could slide over your hips in the event of a frontal impact and cause abdominal injury. Avoid wearing bulky clothing and pull on the lap belt periodically to retension it over your shoulder. Otherwise, the safety belt's restraint effectiveness could be reduced.<

For information on using the safety belts, refer to page 45.

41

SEAT ADJUSTMENT

Important adjustment information

Never try to adjust your seat while operating the vehicle. The seat could

respond with an unexpected movement, and the ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an accident. While driving, do not recline the backrest too far toward the rear. This especially applies to the front passenger side. If you do so, there is a risk that you will slide under the safety belt in an accident, thus reducing the protection provided by the safety belt.<

42

Longitudinal adjustment 1. Lift the handle 2. Push the seat into the desired position 3. After releasing the handle, apply pres-

sure to the seat to ensure that the latch engages securely.

Height adjustment 1. To raise:

Pull the handle up repeatedly, continu- ing until the seat reaches the desired height

2. To lower:

Push the handle repeatedly, continuing until the seat reaches the desired height.

SEAT ADJUSTMENT

HEAD RESTRAINTS

Lumbar support* You can adjust the contour of the backrest for additional support in the curvature of your spine's lumbar region. The upper hips and spinal column receive supplementary support to help you maintain a relaxed, upright posture. Turn the wheel. The curvature is increased or decreased.

Backrest tilt 1. Pull up the lever at the inside of the seat 2. Apply weight to or remove weight from

the backrest as required

3. Release the lever so that the backrest

locks into place.

Adjusting To raise: pull the head restraint upward. To lower: press the button and push the head restraint downward.

You can reduce the risk of spinal injury and whiplash by adjusting the head restraint to a height at which it is cen- tered roughly at ear level. To avoid possible violation of traffic laws, never retract the head restraints unless the rear seats are empty. Always ensure that the head restraints are raised before trans- porting passengers in the rear seat.<

43

HEAD RESTRAINTS

ENTRY TO THE REAR

Removal 1. Pull up the head restraint, continuing

until it is at maximum extension

2. Press the button and remove the head

restraint at the same time.

Installation 1. Press the button and at the same time

insert the head restraint in the reception points

2. Adjust the head restraint.

Easy entry The Easy entry function includes a memory for the longitudinal seat and the backrest positions. 1. Push down the lever at the outside of

the seat, arrow 1. The backrest folds forward automati- cally

2. Push the seat forward, arrow 2.

Original position

Slide the seat back to its home posi- tion before folding back the backrest,

otherwise the seat is latched in at its cur- rent position. In this case, adjust the longi- tudinal position manually, refer to page 42.<

1. Push the seat back into its home posi-

tion

2. Fold the backrest back to the home posi-

tion to lock the seat.

When returning the seat to the rear position, ensure that no one is

injured and that no objects are damaged. Engage and lock both seats and backrests into position prior to driving; otherwise unexpected movement could increase the risk of accident.<

44

SAFETY BELTS

To close Make sure you hear the lock engage in the belt buckle.

Indicator lamp

Lights up for several seconds or until the driver has fastened his or her safety belt.

A signal* also sounds depending on the version.

To release 1. Press the red button in the belt buckle 2. Hold the belt 3. Guide the belt back into its reel.

Safety belt height adjustment in the MINI Use the height adjustment mechanism to adapt the safety belt to the ideal position for your own body: Press the button and at the same time push the entire unit upwards or downwards. Also observe the instructions on adjusting the seats on page 41.

Safety belt height in the MINI Convertible The seat belt height is adapted to your body size if you are sitting correctly.

Damaged safety belts

If the safety belts are damaged or stretched in an accident: have the

safety belts including the seat-belt tension- ers and any child-restraint systems replaced, and have the belt anchorages checked. Have the necessary work carried out only by a MINI Dealer or a workshop that has specially trained personnel work- ing in accordance with the specifications of the MINI manufacturer.<

45

SEAT HEATING*

STEERING WHEEL

MIRRORS

The temperatures of the seat cushions and backrests are controlled. Press once for each temperature level.

Do not adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is moving; other-

wise unexpected movement could increase the risk of accident.<

To switch off: Press the button for a longer period.

Settings 1. Push the locking lever downward 2. Adjust the desired steering wheel posi-

tion

3. Pull the lever back in.

Outside mirror adjustment 1 Switch for 4-way adjustment 2 Switch for choosing between the left and

right mirror

3 To fold the mirrors in and out*

Manual adjustment The mirrors can also be adjusted manually: Press the edge of the lens.

Electric heating* Both mirrors are heated automatically when the ignition key is in position 2.

The mirrors can be folded in up to a speed of 20 mph / 30 km/h.<

46

MIRRORS

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

Illuminated vanity mirror From ignition key position 1: 1. Fold down the sun visor 2. Fold the cover panel upwards.

Sun visors Can be swung sideways. An additional sun visor is provided on the driver's side to better protect the driver from being blinded.