MINI COOPER 2011 Owner's Guide
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Opening and closingCONTROLS
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If you notice a brief delay while opening or
closing the windows, the glass roof or the
convertible top, the system is checking whether
a remote control is inside the vehicle. Repeat the
opening or closing procedure, if necessary. <
To unlock
Press button 1.
Depending on the setting, refer to Unlocking
mode on page 22, only the driver's door or the
entire vehicle is unlocked.
Press the button again to lock the vehicle
again. <
Convenient opening with the remote control,
refer to page 22.
Locking
Press button 1.
MINI Convertible: if a remote control is inside the
vehicle, windows and convertible top can be
opened and closed as of radio readiness.
Unlocking the liftgate separately
Press the button on the outside of the liftgate.
If the vehicle detects that a remote control
has been accidentally left inside the
locked vehicle's cargo area after the liftgate is
closed, the liftgate will reopen slightly. The
hazard warning flashers flash and an acoustic
signal
* sounds. <
Windows and glass roof, electric*
If the engine is switched off, you can still operate
the windows and glass roof so long as a door or
the liftgate has not been opened.
If the doors and liftgate are closed again and the
remote control is located inside the vehicle, the
windows and the glass ro of can be operated
again.
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock to
be able to operate the windows or glass roof
when the engine is switched off and the doors
are open.
Switching on radio readiness
Switch on radio readiness by briefly pressing the
Start/Stop button, page 46.
Do not depress the brake or the clutch;
otherwise, the engine will start. <
Starting the engine
The engine can be started or the ignition can be
switched on when a remote control is inside the
vehicle. It is not necessa ry to insert a remote
control into the ignition lock, page 46.
Switching off the engine in cars with
automatic transmission
The engine can only be switched off when the
selector lever is in position P, page48.
To switch the engine off when the selector lever
is in position N, the remote control must be in
the ignition lock.
Before driving a vehicle with automatic
transmission into a car wash
1. Insert remote control into ignition lock.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Move the selector lever to position N.
4. Switch off the engine.
The vehicle can roll.
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Malfunction
Comfort Access may malfunction due to local
radio waves.
If this happens, open or close the vehicle via the
buttons on the remote control or using the
integrated key.
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock
and start the engine.
Warning lamps
The warning lamp lights up when an
attempt is made to start the engine: the
engine cannot be started. The remote
control is not inside the vehicle or is malfunction-
ing. Take the remote control with you inside the
vehicle or have it checked. If necessary, insert
another remote control in to the ignition lock.
The warning lamp lights up when the
engine is running: the remote control is
no longer inside the vehicle. After the
engine is switched off, the engine can only be
restarted within approx. 10 seconds.
The indicator lamp comes on: replace
the battery in the remote control.
Replacing the battery
The remote control for Comfort Access contains
a b a t t e r y t h a t w i l l n e e d t o b e r e p l a c e d f r o m t i m e
to time.
1. Remove the cover.
2. Insert the new battery with the plus side
facing up.
3. Press the cover on to close.
Take the old battery to a recycling center
or to your MINI dealer. <
Glass roof, electric*
To prevent injuries, exercise care when
closing the glass roof and keep it in your
field of vision until it is shut.
Take the key with you when you leave the car;
otherwise, children could operate the roof and
possibly injure themselves. <
Tilting
>Press the switch backwa rd to the resistance
point and hold it there.
Both glass roofs are tilted.
Releasing the switch stops the movement.
> With the ignition switched on, press the
switch backward beyond the resistance
point.
Both closed roofs are tilted fully.
Pressing again stops the movement.
Opening, closing
With the ignition switched on and the glass roof
tilted, press the switch backward and hold it
there.
The front glass roof opens.
The rear glass roof is closed.
Releasing the switch stops the movement.
The glass roof can be closed in the same way by
pressing the sw itch forward.
The front glass roof remain s in a tilted position.
The rear glass roof is tilted. Pressing on the
switch again closes both roofs completely.
Convenient operation via door lock or Comfort
Access, refer to page 22,24, 29.
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Roller sun blind
The roller sun blind can be opened and closed
independently of the glass roof.
Following interruptions in electrical
power supply
After a power failure, there is a possibility that
the glass roof 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
window can only be closed and not opened, the
system is overheated. Let the system cool for
several minutes with the ignition switched on or
the engine running. <
Opening
>Press the switch downward.
The window opens until you release the
switch.
> Push the switch downward.
As of radio readiness, the windows will open
automatically. Push the switch again to stop
the opening movement.
MINI: closing
The window can be closed in the same way by
pressing the switch up.
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 wi ndow 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: ce ntral power window
unit
> Press the switch downward.
First the rear windows, then the front
windows open until the switch is released.
> Push the switch downward.
With ignition turned on: rear and front
window open automatically.
Push the switch again to stop the opening
movement.
To close the window, push the switch 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 33.<
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 closin g 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
continue 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
windows, etc., prevents you from closing the
windows normally, the window can be closed
manually.
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.
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 conv ertible 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 th at 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
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Opening and closingCONTROLS
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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
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 op erated and result in
property 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 proc edure. 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, en sure the minimum clear-
ance is 6.5 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 lo west position, refer to
page 99; otherwise, the convertible top
cannot be opened.
> Ensure the cargo does not push against the
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. Pr essing the switch 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
conditions. <
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For better control
>The LED lights up during convertible top
operation until the opening or closing
procedure 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
pressing the appropriate switch.
> The indicator lamp Convertible top not
locked, refer to page 174, lights up.
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
continued by pressing the appropriate button.
The opening and closing procedure is also inter-
rupted in case of a mech anical 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
system has overheated. A llow 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 31.
Otherwise, the windows cannot be lowered or
the convertible top cannot be opened. <
Convenient operation
For Convenient operation using the remote
control, refer to page21; for operation via the
door lock, refer to page 24.
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 handli ng of the convertible
top can result in damage . The closing procedure
must be completely finished. Otherwise,
damage or injury could result. <
Before closing
1.Remove Allen key and screwdriver from
vehicle tools, refer to page157.
2. Pry out luggage compartment lamp from
the left side trim using the screwdriver.
3. Use the screwdriver and turn the gold-
colored screw, refer to arrow, one and a
half turns in the direction of the arrow.
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Releasing the convertible top
1.Push cover panel forward, refer to arrow 1.
2. In order to unlock the convertible top use
the Allen key to loosen the screws of the
locking devices, refer to arrows 2.
3. Release the second side frame.
Closing the co nvertible 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.
3. Inside the vehicle, use a screwdriver to pry
out the cover in the center of the roof.
To close the sl iding sunroof
1.Insert the hexagon wren ch into the recess in
the center of the roof and push upward,
refer to arrow 1.
2. Turn the hexagon wrench in the direction of
arrow 2.
3. Open both locking mechanisms and remove
the locking pieces.
4. Insert the pins into the respective recess in
the cowl, refer to 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. <
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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 deflec tor, refer to arrows 1.
3. Press the locking device together until it
engages, refer to arrow 2.
Installing and folding up
1.Push out retaining pin 2 on one side until it
engages.
2. Insert wind deflector wi th 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, push-
ing 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 re armost position, do not
recline the backrest to o far; otherwise, the
wind deflector could be damaged. <
Removing and folding
Remove the deflector following the reverse
sequence.
Push the release lever toward the center of the
wind deflector and fold both halves together.
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AdjustmentsCONTROLS
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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 th e 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
children safely, refer to page 43.
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 inju ry 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 occupa nts 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
triggered. <
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 ex tremely sensitive individ-
uals. This effect is usually only temporary.
For airbag locations and additional information
on airbags, refer to page 75.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head rest raint in such a way
that its center is at approx. ear level.
Otherwise, there is an increased risk of injury in
the event of an accident. <
Head restraints, refer to page 39.
Safety belt
Before every drive, make sure that all occupants
wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the
safety belt as an additi onal safety device, but
they do not represent a substitute.
Number of safety belts
Never allow more th an 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 sh arp 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 40.
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CONTROLSAdjustments
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Seats
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
danger in the event of an accident of sliding
under the safety belt, eliminating the protection
normally provided by the belt. <
Comply with the instruct ions on head restraint
height on page 39 and on damaged safety belts
on page 41.
Seat adjustment
Observe the instructions on page 38 to
ensure the best possible personal
protection. <
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.
Height
Pull up or push down the lever repeatedly,
arrows 1, until the desired he ight 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.