MINI Coupe 2012 Service Manual
Page 41 of 218
CONTROLSOpening and closing
40
Opening
1.Fold the handle out and rotate until it 
reaches the end stop, arrow.
2. Using the handle, push the unlocked con-
vertible top upwards and open about six 
inches.
3. Get out of the vehicle.
4. Guide the convertible top toward the rear.
5. Push the convertible  top downward with a 
slight momentum until it audibly engages.
Closing
1. Switch on the ignition so that the windows 
can be automatically lowered slightly. 
Remove the wind deflector if necessary.
2. Press button 1 .
The convertible top is unlocked and moves 
slightly upward.
3. Get out of the vehicle.
4. Guide the convertible top forward.
5. Pull convertible top onto the windshield 
frame
6. Turn handle clockwise until there is an 
audible click. 
The convertible top is locked.
If the convertible top has been open 
for a longer time, a greater force for 
locking may be necessary.<
7. Fold the handle back in.
MINI Roadster: 
semi-automatic 
convertible top
General information
The fully automatic convertible top provides 
protection from the weather, combined with 
simple and easy operation.
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most 
enjoyment out of your MINI Roadster:
>It is recommended th at you close the con-
vertible top whenever the vehicle is parked. 
The closed convertible top not only protects 
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 914  786 - \251  07/12  BMW AG  
Page 42 of 218
Opening and closingCONTROLS
 41
the vehicle interior from damage due to 
unforeseen bad weather, but also provides a 
certain degree of protection against theft. 
Always keep your valuables inside the 
locked luggage compartment, even if the 
convertible top is closed.
> If the temperature drops below +14  7/
–10  6, do not operate the convertible top; 
otherwise, damage may occur.
> Do not mount any roof rack systems on the 
convertible top.
For reasons of safety, operate the conver-
tible top only while the vehicle is not 
moving, if possible.
During the opening an d closing operation, 
ensure that no one is in jured by the convertible 
top linkage or other moving  parts. Keep children 
away from the pivoting range of the convertible 
top.
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.
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 leave a wet convertible top open for 
more than one day, since the humidity may 
cause damages. <
While opening and closing, the convertible 
top pivots upward. If operating the con-
vertible top inside a garage or under a bridge, 
or similar low structure, ensure the minimum 
clearance is 6.5 ft/2 m; otherwise, the vehicle 
may be damaged. <
Operating while driving
The convertible top may be opened or closed 
while driving not faster  than 20 mph/30 km/h.
Only operate the convertible top when 
traffic conditions permit and vehicle con-
trol is not affected; otherwise, an accident may 
occur. Do not operate the convertible top when the 
vehicle is moving in reverse, because rear visibi-
lity is severely restrict
ed while the convertible 
top is opening or closing. Do not operate the 
convertible top when driving on winding and 
rough roads or during windy conditions. <
For better control
Indicator lamp lights up. Convertible top 
has stopped moving.  Convertible top is 
fully open.
Indicator lamp lights  up. Convertible top 
has stopped moving. Close convertible 
top using the handle.
Malfunction
The "Convertible top not locked" indicator lamp 
lights up, see page 182.
Interruption
A convertible top which is not completely 
open or closed is hazardous. <
The automatic movement  is immediately inter-
rupted when the switch for the convertible top 
operation is released. The procedure can be 
continued in the desired  direction by pressing 
the appropriate switch.
If the opening or closing  operation is interrupted 
by releasing the switch, the convertible top 
remains in the current position. The procedure 
can be continued by pressing the appropriate 
switch.
The opening and closing pr ocedure 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 switch to continue the procedure 
in the desired direction.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 914  786 - \251  07/12  BMW AG  
Page 43 of 218
CONTROLSOpening and closing
42
Opening and closing the convertible top
Switching on radio readiness or ignition, see 
page55.
To spare the battery, operate the conver-
tible top only when the engine is running, 
if possible.
Before closing the convertible top, remove any 
foreign objects from the windshield frame that 
may interfere with the closing of the convertible 
top. <
Opening
1.Fold the handle out and rotate until it 
reaches the end stop, arrow.
2. Using the handle, push the unlocked 
convertible top upwards and open about six 
inches.
3. Push switch back to open the convertible 
top. The windows open during this proce-
dure.
Closing
1.Press the switch forward.
2. Pull convertible top onto the windshield 
frame
3. Turn handle clockwise until there is an 
audible click. 
The convertible top is locked.
If the convertible top has been open 
for a longer time, a greater force for 
locking may be necessary.<
4. Fold the handle back in.
5. If necessary, close windows.
Manual closing in the event of an 
electrical malfunction
Only close the convertible top manually if 
it is absolutely nece ssary. 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
Move the side windows slightly down, stop the 
engine and switch off the ignition.
1. Remove the cover  plate, see page109.
2. Remove luggage area tray, arrow.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 914  786 - \251  07/12  BMW AG  
Page 44 of 218
Opening and closingCONTROLS
 43
3.Using the Allen wrench from the tool kit, 
turn the gold-colored  screw, see arrow, in 
the direction of the ar row by about four or 
five rotations all the way to the stop.
Closing
1. Grasp the convertible to p by the convertible 
top frame and guide to the windshield 
frame.
2. Unfold the handle and rotate counter-clock-
wise all the way to the stop.
3. Pull convertible top onto the windshield 
frame
4. Turn handle clockwise until there is an 
audible click. 
The convertible top is locked.
MINI Roadster: 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 pleasant drive, even at higher speeds.
Do not let the wind deflector come into 
contact with pointy objects as these may 
damage the net. <
Before installing
1.Take the wind deflector out of the storage 
pouch.
2. Fold the wind deflector open, arrow.
Installing
1.With the parts 1 pointing rearward, insert 
the wind deflector into the recesses 2 in the 
rollover bar.
2. Slide the wind deflector downward until it 
engages, arrow 3.
The wind deflector must engage firmly; 
otherwise it can come loose at high 
speeds. <
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 914  786 - \251  07/12  BMW AG  
Page 45 of 218
CONTROLSOpening and closing
44
Removing
Remove the deflector following the reverse 
sequence. Pull the wind deflector upward out of 
the recesses.
Storage
Fold the wind deflector1 closed and slide it into 
the storage pouch 2.
The wind deflector can be stored in the rear 
storage area behind the seats, refer to 
page 101.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 914  786 - \251  07/12  BMW AG  
Page 46 of 218
AdjustmentsCONTROLS
 45
Adjustments
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and 
optional equipment that is offered in the model 
range is described. Equipment is also described 
that is not available because of, for example, 
selected options or count ry version. This also 
applies to safety related functions and systems.
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 
accident. To ensure th at the safety systems 
operate with optimal efficiency, we strongly 
urge you to observe the instructions contained 
in the following section.
For additional information on transporting 
children safely, refer to page 51.
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 deployed. 
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 passeng ers keep their heads 
away from the side/h ead airbag; otherwise 
injuries can occur when  airbags are deployed. <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 indivi-
duals. This effect is usually only temporary.
For airbag locations as well as additional infor-
mation, refer to page 85.
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 47.
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 
clothing and regularly pull the belt in the upper-
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 914  786 - \251  07/12  BMW AG  
Page 47 of 218
CONTROLSAdjustments
46
body area taut; otherwise, its restraining effect 
could be impaired.<
Safety belts, refer to page 48.
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 47 and on damaged safety belts 
on page 49.
Seat adjustment
Observe the instructions on page 46 to 
ensure the best possible personal protec-
tion. <
Longitudinal adjustment
Pull the lever, arrow 1, and slide the seat into the 
desired position, arrows 2.
After releasing the lever,  move the seat slightly 
forward or back so that it engages properly.
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.
Lumbar support
You can also adjust the contour of the backrest 
to obtain additional support in the lumbar 
region.
The upper hips and spinal column receive 
supplementary support to help you maintain 
a relaxed, upright sitting position.
Turn the wheel to increase or decrease the cur-
vature.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 914  786 - \251  07/12  BMW AG  
Page 48 of 218
AdjustmentsCONTROLS
 47
MINI Convertible: getting in back
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: access to lateral 
storage tray
1. Pull up the lever on  the seat backrest, 
arrow 1.
The backrest folds forward.
2. Move the seat forwar d by pushing on the 
backrest, arrow 2.
Return seat to original position
The driver's seat has a mechanical memory 
function for the forwar d/back setting and the 
backrest adjustment.
1. Slide the seat to return to its starting posi-
tion.
Do not fold the backrest up until the 
seat is in its previous position. Other-
wise, the seat will en gage in its current 
position. In this case,  adjust the longitudinal 
position manually, page 46.<
2. Fold the backrest back up to lock the seat.
When moving the seat backward, ensure 
that you do not cause personal injury or 
property damage.
Before driving off, engage the front seats and 
seat backrests. Otherwis e, there is a risk of 
accident due to unexpected movement. <
Head restraints
Correctly adjusted head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the 
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Correctly adjust the head restraints of all 
occupied seats; otherwise, there is an 
increased risk of injury in an accident. <
Height
Adjust the head restraint so that its center is 
approximately at ear level.
Distance
Adjust the distance so th at the head restraint is 
as close as possible to the back of the head.
Height adjustment
To raise: pull up.
To lower: press  the button, arrow 1, and slide 
the head restraint down.
Removing
Only remove a head restraint if no one will be 
sitting on the seat in question.
Reinstall the head restraint before trans-
porting passengers, as otherwise the head 
restraint cannot provide its protective func-
tion. <
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 914  786 - \251  07/12  BMW AG  
Page 49 of 218
CONTROLSAdjustments
48
Front
1.Pull up as far as it will go.
2. Fold the backrest forward slightly.
3. Press button 1 and pull the head restraint 
out as far as it will go.
4. Fold back the backrest.
MINI Convertible: rear
1.Pull up as far as it will go.
2. Press button 1 and pull the head restraint 
out completely.
Seat heating
Switching on
Press once for each temperature level. 
Three LEDs indicate the highest temperature.
If you continue driving within the next 
15 minutes, the seat heat ing is automatically 
activated at the previously set temperature.
The temperature is lowe red or the heating is 
switched off entirely to reduce the drain on the 
battery.
The LEDs stay lit.
Switching off
Press button longer.
Safety belts
Observe the instructions on page 46 to 
ensure the best possible personal protec-
tion. <
Before every drive, make sure that all occupants 
wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the 
safety belt as an additional safety device, but 
they do not represent a substitute.
Front and rear seats
Closing
Make sure you hear the lock engage in the belt 
buckle.
The upper belt anchor is  suitable for adults of 
any stature as long as  the seat is adjusted 
properly, page 46.
Opening
1. Grasp the belt firmly.
2. Press the red button in the buckle.
3. Guide the belt into its reel.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 914  786 - \251  07/12  BMW AG  
Page 50 of 218
AdjustmentsCONTROLS
 49
MINI Convertible: rear belt guide
Please ensure that the belt guide loop, 
arrow, is locked when putting on the rear 
safety belts. <
Safety Belt Reminder
Front seats
The indicator lamps come on and an 
acoustic signal so unds. Check whether 
the safety belt has been fastened cor-
rectly. The Safety Belt Reminder is 
issued when the driver's safety belt has not been 
fastened. The Safety Belt Reminder is also acti-
vated at road speeds above approx. 5 mph or 
8 km/h if the front passenger's safety belt has 
not been fastened, if objects are placed on the 
front passenger se at, or if driver or front passen-
ger unfasten their safety belts.
Damage to safety belts
If the safety belts are damaged or stressed 
in an accident: have the safety belt system 
and its seat-belt tensio ners replaced and the 
belt anchors checked. Have  this work carried out 
only by a MINI dealer or by a workshop that has 
specially trained personnel working in accor-
dance with the specifications of the MINI manu-
facturer; otherwise, correct operation of these 
safety systems is not ensured. <
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The front passenger's mirror is more con-
vex than the driver's mirror. The objects 
seen in the mirror are closer than they appear. 
Do not gauge your distance from traffic behind 
you on the basis of what you see in the mirror; 
otherwise, there is an increased risk of an acci-
dent. <
1 Adjusting the left or right exterior mirror
2 Tilting mirrors in and out
To adjust electrically
1.Choose a mirror, and also turn the button to 
position  1.
2. To adjust the mirror, tilt the button in the 
desired direction forwar d, backward, left or 
right.
Manual adjustment
If there is, for example, an electrical failure, press 
on the edges of the mirror glass.
Tilting mirrors in and out
Turn the knob beyond the pressure point in 
direction  2. The mirrors can be  folded in at road 
speeds up to approx. 20 mph/30 km/h.
This can be beneficial in narrow streets, for 
example, or for moving mirrors that were folded 
in by hand back out into their correct positions.
Online  Edition  for Part  no. 01 40 2 914  786 - \251  07/12  BMW AG