belt MINI Convertible 2009 User Guide

Things to remember when driving
96
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be four 150 lbs. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The
greater the weight of the occupants, the less
cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
rear seat backrests.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
respective opposite buckle.
>Do not stack higher than the top edge of the
backrests.
MINI
MINI Convertible
Securing cargo
>Secure smaller and lighter items using re-
taining or draw straps
*.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing larger
and heavier objects are available at your
MINI Dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided
for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them
are located on the forward wall of the
cargo bay.

Wheels and tires
112
Tire coding
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the
tire makes it easier to identify and choose the
right tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking trac-
tion tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction char-
acteristics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must
e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires225/45 R 17 91 V
e.g.
Manufacturer's
code for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0309

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
125
Interior plastic parts
These include:
>Plastic surfaces
>Lamp glass
>Display panes
>Mat parts
Only clean with water and, if necessary, solvent-
free plastic cleaners.
Do not use solvents such as alcohol, lac-
quer thinner, cold cleaners, fuel, or similar,
as these will damage the surfaces.<
Decorative strips*
Only clean decorative strips with moist cloths.
Wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Safety belts
Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and
thus have a negative impact on safety.
Do not clean chemically, as this may
destroy the webbing.<
Displays
To clean displays such as radios or display ele-
ments, use a display cleaning cloth or a soft,
non-scratching, lint-free cloth.
Avoid pressing too hard when cleaning
the display as this can cause damage.<
Do not use chemical or abrasive house-
hold cleaning agents. Keep fluids of any
kind away from the device. Surfaces or electrical
components may otherwise become corroded
or damaged.<
CD/DVD drives
Do not use cleaning CDs as this could
damage parts of the drive.<
Vehicle storage
If you are not going to drive your car for more
than three months, please ask for advice from
your MINI dealer or a workshop that works
according to MINI manufacturer specifications.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
141
Indicator and warning lamps
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var-
ious combinations and colors in indicator area 1 or2. See the table for information on causes and
how to react. Note whether a lamp comes on
alone or in combination with another. Some
lamps can light up in different colors. Corre-
sponding distinctions are made in the text.
12Cause What to do
Turn signals
High beams/headlamp flasher
switched on
Fog lamps switched on
Rear fog lamp switched on
Fasten safety belts Fasten your safety belt, refer also to
page38.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Outside temperature warning Drive cautiously, refer also to page53.

Indicator and warning lamps
144
Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements,
page, 120.
Lights up in yellow:The engine will
start the next time the start/stop but-
ton is touched, possibly without the
brake or clutch being depressed
Remote control malfunctioning or,
in cars with convenient access,
not detectedThe engine cannot be started.
Have the remote control checked,
if necessary.
Remote control battery is dischargedUse the remote control for a longer
journey or, in cars with convenient
access, replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/or airbag
system failedHave the system checked immedi-
ately. Fasten the safety belts anyway.
Power steering failed You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Steering response will be
markedly different. Have the system
checked without delay.
Lights up in red:
Engine malfunction
Stop the car and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Full engine power no longer available You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the engine
checked as soon as possible.
12Cause What to do

From A to Z
162
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control83
Additives
– coolant118
– engine oil118
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner80
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control81
Air conditioner79
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation83
Air distribution
– automatic82
– individual81
– manual81
Air flow rate80,81
– air conditioning system80
– automatic climate control81
– heating, ventilation80
Air outlets, refer to Air vents79
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure104
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,82
Air supply
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation83
Air vents79
Airbags71
– sitting safely35
– warning lamp73
Airing, refer to Ventilation83AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications103
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires115
Always Open Timer55
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,82
Ambient lighting78
Antenna, care122
Antifreeze
– coolant118
– washer fluid51
Antilock Brake System ABS64
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system
24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights159
Approved engine oils118
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights159
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest86
Ashtray88
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC64
Audio device, external86
AUTO program for automatic
climate control82
Automatic
– air distribution82
– air flow rate82
– cruise control51
– headlamp control74
Automatic climate control79
– automatic air distribution82Automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– interlock46
– overriding selector lever
lock48
– shiftlock46
– sport program47
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device86
Average fuel consumption54
– setting the units57
Average speed55
Axle loads, refer to
Weights159B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting78
Backrests, refer to Seats35
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb129,130
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch137
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away139
Battery135
– charging135
– disposal27,135
– jump starting137
– temporary power failure135
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed139
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts38
Belts, refer to Safety belts38
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate80,81
Bonnet116

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
165
Engine
– breaking in92
– data156
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature53
– speed156
– starting44
– starting, convenient
access26
– switching off45
Engine compartment117
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant118
Engine oil
– adding118
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils118
– approved engine oils118
– capacity118
– checking level117
– dipstick117
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements58
– MINI Maintenance
System120
Engine oil level, checking117
Engine output, refer to Engine
data156
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine44
Error messages, refer to Check
Control60
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC64
Event data recorders121
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system92
Exterior mirrors39
– adjusting39
– automatic heating39
– folding in and out39
External audio device86
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away138
– for tying down loads96F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control60
Failure of an electrical
consumer135
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder38
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts38
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner81
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control83
Fine wood, care125
First aid pouch137
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock44
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires114
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM68
Flat Tire Monitor FTM66
– indicating a flat tire67
– initializing the system66
– snow chains66
– system limits66
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition113
Floor mats, care124
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb128,130
Folding rear seat backrest94
Folding roof, refer to
Convertible top with
integrated sliding sunroof30
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely93
Footwell lamps77
For your own safety4
Front airbags71
Front fog lamps77
– indicator lamp141
– replacing bulb128
Front seat adjustment35Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows81,82
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor66
Fuel103
– gauge54
– high-quality brands103
– quality103
– specifications103
– tank capacity160
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge54
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge54
Fuel filler door102
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction102
Fuses135
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control84
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption54
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge54
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel103
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission46
– manual transmission46
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– manual transmission46
General driving notes92
Glass sunroof, electric27
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing28
– raising28
– remote control20
Glove compartment85
Grills, refer to Air vents79

From A to Z
168
Opening and closing
– convenient access26
– from inside22
– from outside19
– using the door lock22
– via the remote control19
Opening and unlocking
– from inside22
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation83
Outlets, refer to Air vents79
Output, refer to Engine
data156
Outside temperature
display53
– changing unit of measure57
– on onboard computer57
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control82
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature53
P
Paintwork, care123
Park Distance Control PDC63
Parking
– vehicle45
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC63
Parking brake45
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb128
Parking lamps/low beams74
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting74
Personal Profile18
Pinch protection system
– windows29
Plastic parts, care125
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner81
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control83
Power convertible top30
Power failure135Power windows28
Power windows, refer to
Windows28
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
Pressure monitoring, tires66
– Flat Tire Monitor66
Pressure, tires104
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– windows29
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor66
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness44
Radio readiness44
– switched off44
– switched on44
Rain sensor49
Range, refer to Cruising
range54
Reading lamps78
Rear fog lamp77
– indicator lamp141
– replacing bulb130
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement130
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps129
Rear luggage rack*97
Rear seat backrest, folding94
Rear seats
– folding the backrests94
Rear window heating80,82
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors39
Recirculated-air mode80,82
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,82
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest36
Refueling102Releasing
– bonnet116
Remote control18
– battery renewal27
– convenient access26
– garage door opener84
– malfunctions21,27
– service data120
– tailgate21
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs126
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires114
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge54
Reservoir for washer
systems51
Restraint systems
– for children41
– refer to Safety belts38
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic
47
– manual transmission46
Roadside Assistance137
Roadside parking lamps76
– replacing bulb128
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements58
Roof load capacity159
Roof-mounted luggage
rack97
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away139
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires114
Rubber parts, care124
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires114
Run-Flat Tires114
– flat tire67
– new tires114
– tire inflation pressure104
– winter tires115

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
169
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-Flat
Tires114
S
Safety belts38
– damage39
– indicator lamp38
– reminder38
– sitting safely35
Safety belts, care125
Safety systems
– airbags71
– Antilock Brake System
ABS64
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC64
– safety belts38
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires114
Screw thread for tow
fitting139
Seat adjustment
– mechanical36
Seats35
– adjusting the seats36
– heating38
– sitting safely35
Securing the vehicle
– from inside22
– from outside19
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock46
– overriding manually48
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance137
Service data in the remote
control120
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS120Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance137
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS120
Service requirements58
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode57
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– manual transmission46
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions46
Side airbags71
Side turn signal indicator
– replacing bulb129
Side windows, refer to
Windows28
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely35
– airbags35
– safety belts35
– with head restraint35
Size, refer to Dimensions157
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric27
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector33
Slot for remote control44
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray88
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment86
Snow chains115
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
OBD120
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances88
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires133
– inflation pressure104
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire133Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils118
Speed156
– with winter tires115
Speed control, refer to Cruise
control51
Speedometer12
Split rear backrest, refer to
Through-loading system95
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo bay94
Sport button65
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems63
Start/stop button44
– starting the engine44
– switching off the engine45
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting137
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine44
Starting the engine
– start/stop button44
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC64
– Hill Start Assist65
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing4
Steering wheel40
– adjustment40
– buttons on steering wheel11
– lock44
– shift paddles47
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic46
Storage area
– cargo bay94
Storage compartment, front
passenger side87
Storage compartments87
Storage space
– storage compartments87
Storage space, refer to
– Luggage compartment in the
MINI Convertible94
Storing the vehicle125
Storing tires115

From A to Z
170
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments87
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires104
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine45
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button44
Switching the cooling function
on and off83
Symbols4
T
Tachometer53
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps129
– replacing bulb129
Tail lamps129
Tailgate23
– convenient access26
– opening from outside23
– opening/closing23
– unlocking with remote
control21
Tank volume, refer to
Capacities160
Technical data156
Technical modifications4
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest86
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature display
– ice warning53
– outside temperature53
– setting the units57
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature53
Temperature setting
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control82
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo96The individual vehicle4
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp130
Three-point safety belt38
Through-loading system95
Tightening the lug bolts
– keys133
– torque135
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts135
Tire change set
– MINI Mobility System132
– space-saver spare tire133
Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor67
– indicator/warning lamp67
– MINI Mobility System131
– Run-Flat Tires67
– space-saver spare tire133
– Tire Pressure Monitor68
Tire inflation pressure104
– loss67
– space-saver spare tire104
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM68
– limitations of system68
– resetting system68
– warning lamp
69
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor66
Tire Quality Grading112Tires
– age113
– breaking in92
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels133
– condition113
– damage113
– inflation pressure104
– inflation pressure loss69
– minimum tread depth113
– new tires114
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor66
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
– puncture67
– Run-Flat Tires114
– size112
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth113
– winter tires115
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-Flat Tires114
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit126
Torque156
– lug bolts135
Tow bar139
Tow fitting138
– screw thread139
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away138
Tow rope139
Towing138
– car with automatic
transmission139
– methods139
Tow-starting138
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor68
Track width, refer to
Dimension157
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC64
Trailer operation
– trailer loads and gross vehicle
weight159