Convertible MINI Roadster 2013 Owner's Guide
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Operation while drivingThe convertible top can be opened or closed
while driving at vehicle speeds up to approx.
20 mph/30 km/h.
Pay close attention to the traffic
When operating the convertible top while
driving, pay extra attention to the traffic to
avoid an accident. If possible, do not move the
convertible top while driving in reverse because your view to the rear is severely limited during
the procedure. Do not operate the convertible
top while the vehicle is moving through curves, on uneven road surfaces, or in wind. ◀
For better control The indicator lamp lights up. Movement
of the convertible top is completed. The
convertible top is fully opened.
The indicator lamp lights up. Movement
of the convertible top is completed.
Close the convertible top using the han‐
dle.
Malfunction The "convertible top not locked" indicator lamp
lights up and a message appears on the Control
Display.
Interruption Danger
A convertible top that is not fully opened
or closed is a source of danger. ◀
The automatic sequence of movements is inter‐
rupted immediately if the switch for convertible top operation is released. The sequence can be
continued in the desired direction by pushing
or pulling the switch.
When the opening or closing procedure is inter‐
rupted because the switch is released, the
convertible top remains in the position in whichit stopped. The sequence can be continued us‐
ing the switch.
The opening or closing procedure is also inter‐
rupted when it is blocked mechanically. To be
able to reactivate the convertible top in this
case:1.Switch the ignition off and on again.2.Press the switch to continue the sequence
in the desired direction.
Opening and closing the convertible top
Switch on the radio ready state or the ignition, refer to page 64.
If possible, conserve the battery by only operat‐
ing the convertible top while the engine is run‐
ning.
Before closing the convertible top, remove all
foreign objects from the windshield frame that
could prevent the top from closing properly.
Opening
1.Fold out the handle and turn it all the way
to the end, arrow.Seite 50ControlsOpening and closing50
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2.Push the unlocked convertible top upward
at the handle and open it about a hand's
width.3.Press the switch back to open the
convertible top. The windows opens during
this procedure.
Closing
1.Press the switch forward.2.Pull the convertible top onto the windshield
frame.3.Turn the handle clockwise until it engages
audibly.
The convertible top is locked.
If the convertible top was open for a
lengthy period, it may be necessary to ap‐
ply greater force when locking the top.4.Fold the handle back in.5.Close the windows if necessary.Manual closing in case of electrical
malfunction
Only close the convertible top manually if
there is an electrical malfunction
Only close the convertible top manually if this is
absolutely necessary; never open it manually.
Damage may occur if incorrectly operated. The
closing procedure must be fully completed;
otherwise, there is a risk of injury or damage. ◀
Before closing
Lower the side windows slightly, switch off the
engine, and switch off the ignition.1.Take out the cover plate, refer to
page 116.2.Take out the cargo area insert, arrow.3.Using the hex key from the onboard vehicle
tool kit, unscrew the gold-colored screw,
see arrow, all the way to the stop, approx.
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Closing1.Hold on to the convertible top frame and
guide it to the windshield frame.2.Fold out the handle and turn it counter‐
clockwise all the way to the stop.3.Pull the convertible top onto the windshield
frame.4.Turn the handle clockwise until it engages
audibly.
The convertible top is locked.
MINI Roadster: wind de‐
flector
The wind deflector keeps air movements in the
passenger compartment to a minimum when
the convertible top is open and provides a
comfortable ride, even at high speeds.
Do not allow pointed object to come into con‐
tact with the wind deflector as these may dam‐
age the net.
Before installing
1.Take the wind deflector out of the storage
pouch.2.Unfold the wind deflector, arrow.Installation1.Insert the wind deflector with parts 1 facing
back into the holders 2 on the rollover bars.2.Push the wind deflector down until it en‐
gages, arrow 3.
Attach the wind deflector properly
The wind deflector must be firmly en‐
gaged; otherwise, it may come lose from the
fixations at high speeds. ◀
Removing The unit is removed in the reverse order from
which it was mounted. Pull the wind deflector
upward out of the holders.
Storage
Fold up the wind deflector 1 and slide it into
the storage pouch 2.
The wind deflector can be stored on the rear
storage shelf behind the seats, refer to
page 120.
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Backrest tilt
Pull the lever, arrow 1, and apply your weight
to the backrest or lift it off, as necessary, ar‐
rows 2.
Lumbar support
You can also adjust the contour of the backrest
to obtain additional support in the lumbar re‐
gion.
The upper hips and spinal column receive sup‐
plementary support to help you maintain a re‐
laxed, upright sitting position.
Turn the wheel to increase or decrease the cur‐
vature.
Entry in the rear
MINI Convertible: entry in the rear.
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: access to the rear
storage shelf.
1.Pull the lever on the back of the seat up‐
ward, arrow 1.
The backrest folds forward.2.Push against the backrest to move the seat
forward, arrow 2.
Restoring the original seat position
The driver's seat has a mechanical memory
function for the forward/backward seat setting and the backrest setting.
1.Push the seat back to the original position.
Do not fold back the backrest until the seat
is in its original position; otherwise, the seat
will engage in its current position. If this
happens, adjust the forward/backward po‐
sition manually, refer to page 53.2.Fold back the backrest to lock the seat.
Note the following when moving back the
seat
When moving back the seat, ensure that per‐
sons cannot be injured and objects cannot be
damaged. Lock the front seats and front back‐
rests before driving away; otherwise, there is
the risk of an accident if the seat or backrest
moves unexpectedly. ◀
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Seat heating
Switching on
The temperature setting progresses one step
through its control sequence each time you
press the button. The maximum temperature is
reached when three LEDs are lit.
If the trip is continued within approx. 15 mi‐
nutes, the seat heating is activated automati‐
cally with the temperature set last.
The temperature is reduced, if need be, down
to no heat in order to reduce the load on the
battery. The LEDs remain lit.
Switching off
Press the button longer.
Safety beltsNumber of safety belts
Your vehicle has been fitted with safety belts
for the safety of you and your passengers:
▷MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: two safety
belts.▷MINI Convertible: four safety belts.
Notes
Always make sure that safety belts are being
worn by all occupants before driving away.
Although airbags enhance safety by providing
added protection, they are not a substitute for
safety belts.
The shoulder strap's anchorage point will be
correct for adult seat occupants of every build if
the seat is correctly adjusted.
One person per safety belt
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow infants or
small children to ride on a passenger's lap. ◀
Putting on the belt
Lay the belt, without twisting, snugly
across the lap and shoulders, as close to the
body as possible. Make sure that the belt lies
low around the hips in the lap area and does
not press on the abdomen. Otherwise, the belt
can slip over the hips in the lap area in a frontal
impact and injure the abdomen.
The safety belt must not lie across the neck, rub
on sharp edges, be routed over solid or breaka‐
ble objects, or be pinched. ◀
Reduction of restraining effect
Avoid wearing clothing that prevents the
belt from fitting properly, and pull the shoulder
belt periodically to readjust the tension across
your lap; otherwise, the retention effect of the
safety belt may be reduced. ◀
Buckling the belt
Make sure you hear the latch plate engage in
the belt buckle.
The shoulder strap's anchorage point will be
correct for adult seat occupants of every build if
the seat is correctly adjusted, refer to page 53.
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Unbuckling the belt1.Hold the belt firmly.2.Press the red button in the belt buckle.3.Guide the belt back into its reel.
MINI Convertible: rear belt guide
When fastening the safety belts on the rear
seats, ensure that the belt guide loop, arrow, is
closed.
Safety belt reminder for driver's seat
and front passenger seat
The indicator lamps light up and a sig‐
nal sounds. In addition, a message ap‐
pears on the Control Display. Check
whether the safety belt has been fas‐
tened correctly.
Damage to safety belts
In the case of strain caused by accidents or
damage:
Have the safety belts, including the safety belt
tensioners, replaced and have the belt anchors
checked.
Checking and replacing safety belts
Have the work performed only by your
service center; otherwise, it cannot be ensured
that this safety feature will function properly. ◀
Head restraints
Correctly set head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of spinal injury in the event of an accident.
Adjusting the head restraint
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
approx. at ear level.
Distance
Adjust the distance so that the head restraint is as close as possible to the back of the head.
Height adjustment
To raise: pull.
To lower: press the button, arrow 1, and push
the head restraint down.
Removing
Only remove the head restraint if no one will be
sitting in the seat in question.
1.Pull upward as far as possible.2.Press the button, arrow 1, and pull the
head restraint out completely.
To remove the head restraint, fold the backrest
forward if necessary.
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Transporting children safelyVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
The right place for chil‐
dren
Notes Children in the vehicle
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle; otherwise, they could endanger them‐
selves and other persons, e.g., by opening the
doors. ◀
MINI Convertible: children should
always be in the rear
Accident research shows that the safest place
for children is on the rear seat.
Transporting children in the rear
Transport children younger than 13 years
of age or shorter than 5 ft/150 cm in the rear
only, using child restraint fixing systems suita‐
ble for the age, weight, and height of the child;
otherwise, there is an increased risk of injury in
an accident.
Children 13 years of age or older must wear a
safety belt as soon as a suitable child restraint
fixing system can no longer be used, due to
their age, weight and size. ◀Installing child seats
Only install child seats in the rear when
the rear seat backrest is folded all the way back
and engaged; otherwise, there is an increased
risk of injury in an accident. ◀
Children on the front passenger seat
Front passenger airbags Should it be necessary to use a child restraint
fixing system on the front passenger seat,
make sure that the front and side airbags on
the front passenger side are deactivated, refer
to page 91.
Deactivating the front passenger airbags
If a child restraint fixing system is used in
the front passenger seat, the front passenger
airbags must be deactivated; otherwise, there
is an increased risk of injury to the child when
the airbags are triggered, even with a child re‐
straint fixing system. ◀
Installing child re‐
straint fixing systems
Notes Manufacturer's information for child re‐
straint fixing systems
To select, mount and use child restraint fixing
systems, observe the information provided by
the system manufacturer; otherwise, the pro‐
tective effect can be impaired. ◀
On the front passenger seat
Deactivating the airbags After installing a child restraint fixing system on
the front passenger seat, ensure that the frontSeite 59Transporting children safelyControls59
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and side airbags on the front passenger side
are deactivated.
Deactivating the front passenger airbags
If a child restraint fixing system is used in
the front passenger seat, the front passenger
airbags must be deactivated; otherwise, there
is an increased risk of injury to the child when
the airbags are triggered, even with a child re‐
straint fixing system. ◀
Seat position and height
Before installing a child restraint fixing system,
move the front passenger seat as far back as
possible and adjust its height to the highest po‐
sition to obtain the best possible position for
the belt and to offer optimal protection in the
event of an accident.
Do not change this seat position once it has
been set.
Child seat securityMINI Coupe, MINI Roadster
The safety belt for the passenger can be locked
to prevent it from being pulled out when it is
used to secure child restraint systems.
MINI Convertible
All rear safety belts and the safety belt for the
front passenger can be locked to prevent ex‐
tension in order to permit attachment of child
restraint fixing systems.
To lock the safety belt
1.Secure the child restraint fixing system with
the belt.2.Pull out the belt webbing completely.3.Allow the belt webbing to be pulled in and
pull it taut against the child restraint fixing
system.
The safety belt is locked.
To unlock the safety belt
1.Open the belt buckle.2.Remove the child restraint fixing system.Seite 60ControlsTransporting children safely60
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3.Allow the belt webbing to be pulled in com‐
pletely.
Pass the safety belt to the holder on the
headliner.
MINI Convertible: LATCH
child restraint fixing
system
LATCH: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.
Notes Manufacturer's information for LATCH
child restraint fixing systems
To mount and use the LATCH child restraint fix‐
ing systems, observe the operating and safety
information from the system manufacturer;
otherwise, the level of protection may be re‐
duced. ◀
Mounts for the lower LATCH anchors
The lower anchors may be used to attach the
CRS to the vehicle seat up to a combined child
and CRS weight of 65 lb/30 kg when the child is
restrained by the internal harnesses.
Correctly engage the lower LATCH an‐
chors
Make sure that the lower LATCH anchors have
properly engaged and that the child restraint
fixing system is resting snugly against the back‐
rest; otherwise, the degree of protection of‐
fered may be reduced. ◀
Before installing the child seat, pull the belt out
of the area for the child restraint fixing system.
The mounts for the lower LATCH anchors are
located behind the indicated cover caps.
Mounting LATCH child restraint fixing
systems
1.Mount the child restraint fixing system; re‐
fer to the operating instructions of the sys‐
tem.2.Ensure that both LATCH anchors are prop‐
erly connected.
Child restraint fixing
system with a tether
strap
Mounting points LATCH mounting eyes
Only use the mounting eyes for the upper
LATCH retaining strap to secure child restraint
fixing systems; otherwise, the mounting eyes
could be damaged. ◀
MINI Coupe
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There is one additional mounting point for child
restraint fixing systems with a tether strap, ar‐
row.
MINI Convertible:
There are two additional mounting points for
child restraint fixing systems with a tether strap,
arrows.
Guide of the upper LATCH retaining
strap
Retaining strap
Make sure the upper retaining strap does
not run over sharp edges and is not twisted as
it passes to the top anchor. Otherwise, the
strap will not properly secure the child restraint
fixing system in the event of an accident. ◀
MINI Coupe:
1Direction of travel2Head restraint3Separating wall4Cargo area floor5Hook for the tether strap6Mounting point7Backrest8Tether strap of the child restraint fixing sys‐
tem
MINI Convertible:
1Direction of travel2Head restraint3Rollover protection system with crossbar4Cargo cover5Cargo area floor6Hook for the tether strap7Mounting point8Backrest9Tether strap of the child restraint fixing sys‐
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