steering MINI Convertible 2009 User Guide

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
71
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
MINI:
1Front airbags
2Side airbags in backrests
3Head airbags at the front and rearMINI Convertible:
1Front airbags
2Side/head airbags in the backrests
Protective effect
Observe the instructions on page35 to
ensure the best possible personal pro-
tection.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the head
and side airbags help provide protection in the
event of side impact. The relevant side airbag
supports the side upper body area. The head air
bag supports the head.
The side/head airbag in the MINI Convertible
protects the head during impact.
The airbags are designed to not be triggered in
every type of collision, e.g. not in minor acci-
dents, certain rollover situations or rear impacts.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way.
Keep the dashboard and window on the passen-
ger side free from obstruction, i.e. do not cover it
with adhesive film or coverings, and do not affix
any holders such as for a navigation device or a
mobile phone.
Do not attach seat covers, cushions or other
objects not specifically approved for seats with
integral side airbags to the front seats. Do not hang items of clothing such as coats or jackets
over the backrests. Do not attempt to remove
the airbag retention system from the vehicle. Do
not modify the individual components of the
system or its wiring in any way. This includes the
upholstered covers on the steering wheel,
instrument panel, seats and roof posts, as well as
the sides of the roof lining. Do not attempt to
remove or dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a MINI Dealer
or a workshop that works according to repair
procedures of the manufacturer of your MINI
with correspondingly trained personnel and has
the required explosives licenses. Otherwise,
unprofessional attempts to service the system
could lead to failure in an emergency or undes-
ired airbag activation, either of which could
result in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
93
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page113.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise greater clutch wear will result.<
For information on driving off using Hill Start
Assist*, refer to page65.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is actively taking effect.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this process
helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that
Then full braking force will be immediately avail-
able when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis-
sion, page47.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-
ing action will not be present or there will be no
power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail
to cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic climate
control is in operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may
continue to run for some time after the engine is
switched off. This will generate noise in the
engine compartment.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
97
Comply with the information enclosed with
the load-securing devices.
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerves are necessary.
Do not exceed the approved gross weight and
axle loads, page159; otherwise the vehicle's
operating safety is no longer assured and the
vehicle will not be in compliance with the certifi-
cation regulations.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants. Do not secure cargo using the fastening
points for the tether strap, page42; they may
become damaged.<
MINI: Roof-mounted
luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option for
your MINI. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to
advise you. Comply with the installation instruc-
tions supplied with the rack system.
Mounting points
Remove the cover panel.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect
on vehicle handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the applicable data under Weights
on page159.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and
should not be too large in area. Heavy items
should always be placed at the bottom.
When loading, make sure that there is sufficient
space for the movement of the glass sunroof
and that no objects protrude into the swiveling
area of the tailgate; otherwise damage can
occur.
Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers, and take corners gently.
Rear luggage rack*
A specially designed rear luggage rack is avail-
able for your MINI/MINI Convertible as optional
accessory. Please read the in information pro-
vided in the assembly instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points can be found under the
covers inside the bumper.
Push out the covers from the respective
recesses.
Loading the rear luggage rack
When loading the rack, please ensure not to
exceed the permissible roof load, the permissi-
ble gross vehicle weight, and the axle weight.

Replacing components
130
Changing
1.Screw out the desired bulb counterclock-
wise, arrows1.
Additional bulbs are located behind the
sidewall of the cargo bay, arrow 2.
2.To insert the new bulb and replace the
cover, proceed in reverse order.
Rear fog lamp*
21 watt bulb, P 21 W
Access to the lamp via the back or underside of
the bumper.
The illustration shows the fog lamp in the
bumper of the MINI Cooper.
1.Screw out the bulb holder counterclockwise.
2.Screw out and replace the bulb.
3.To insert the new bulb and bulb holder, pro-
ceed in reverse order.
License plate lamps
5 watt bulb, C 5 W1.Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the
left in the tab of the lamp housing, arrow1.
2.Remove the lamp, arrow 2.
3.Replace the bulb.
4.Insert the lamp.
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation. In
the event of a malfunction, contact your MINI
Dealer or a workshop that has specially trained
personnel working in accordance with the spec-
ifications of your MINI manufacturer.
Repairing a flat tire
Safety measures in the event of a break-
down:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from mov-
ing traffic and switch on the hazard warning
flashers.
Turn the steering wheel until the front wheels
are in the straight-ahead position and engage
the steering wheel lock. Engage the parking
brake and shift into 1st or reverse gear or place
the selector lever in position P.
All passengers should be outside the vehicle and
in a safe place, e.g. behind a guardrail.
Erect a warning triangle or warning flasher at the
appropriate distance if necessary. Comply with
all safety guidelines and regulations.<
In the event of a flat tire, different procedures
should be followed depending on the equip-
ment included in your vehicle:
>MINI Mobility System, refer to the following
section
>Run-Flat Tires, page114

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
131
>Tire change with space-saver spare tire,
page133
MINI Mobility System with onboard tool
kit and tire change set*
Follow the instructions on using the Mobil-
ity System found on the compressor and
the sealant bottle.<
Do not remove foreign bodies which have pen-
etrated the tire if possible.
Pull the sticker for the speed restriction off and
apply it to the steering wheel.
The Mobility System with onboard tool kit and
tire change set
* is located under the floor mat in
the cargo bay.
1Filling canister
2Hexagon wrench
*
3Vehicle jack*
4Wheel stud wrench
5Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver,
towing eyelet
6Compressor
7Package with filling hose, valve remover,
valve insert and speed restriction label
Use of the Mobility System may be ineffec-
tive if the tire puncture measures approx.
1/8 in/4 mm or more. Contact the nearest MINI
Dealer if the tire cannot be made drivable with
the Mobility System.<
Liquid sealant
1Filling hose
2Filling canister
Filling
1.Shake the filling canister.
2.Screw the filling hose onto the filling
canister.
3.Unscrew the dust cap from the valve of the
defective tire.
4.Screw out the valve core with the valve
remover. The valve remover is located in a
package with the filling hose.
5.Remove the cap from the filling hose.
6.Push the filling hose onto the tire valve.
7.Hold the filling canister with the cap down
and squeeze.
8.Squeeze the entire contents of the canister
into the tire.
9.Remove the filling hose.
10.Screw the valve core into the tire valve with
the valve remover.
In the event of a lost or dirty valve core
you will find another valve core in the
package with the filling hose.
Remember that the liquid canister must be
replaced every four years if the equipment has
not been used.<
Compressor
Connector, cable and connection hose are
stored in the compressor housing.

Replacing components
134
9.Pull the space-saver spare tire underneath
the vehicle out towards the rear.
10.Position the space-saver spare tire with the
valve facing upward.
11.Unscrew the valve extension from the valve
of the space-saver spare tire.
12.Unscrew the dust cap from the extension
and place it on the valve of the space-saver
spare tire.
Due to its different dimensions, the dam-
aged wheel cannot be placed in the recess
for the space-saver spare tire.<
Driving with the space-saver spare tire
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. Changes may
occur in vehicle handling such as lower track sta-
bility during braking, longer braking distances
and changes in self-steering properties when
close to the handling limit. These properties are
more noticeable with winter tires.<
Only one space-saver spare tire may be
mounted at one time. Mount a wheel and
tire of the original size as soon as possible, to
avoid any safety risks.<
Check the tire inflation pressure at the ear-
liest opportunity and correct it if neces-
sary. Replace the defective tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced.<
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page130.<
Additional safety measures when chang-
ing tires: Only change the tire when parked on a surface
that is level, firm and not slippery.
The vehicle or the jack could slip sideways on
soft or slippery support surfaces, such as snow,
ice, flagstones, etc.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the engine
when the vehicle is supported by the jack; other-
wise there is a risk of fatal injury.<
1.Place the foldable chock
* behind the front
wheel on the other side of the vehicle or in
front of the wheel if the vehicle is on an
incline. If the wheel is changed on a surface
with a more severe slope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from
rolling.
2.Uncover the lug bolts if necessary.
If the wheel is equipped with a hub cover,
pry it off using the screwdriver from the tire
change kit.
3.Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.
Jacking up the vehicle
The vehicle jack is designed for changing
wheels only. Do not attempt to raise
another vehicle model with it or to raise any load
of any kind. To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury.<
1.Place the jack at the jacking point closest to
the wheel.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
139
Access to screw thread
Push out the cover of the towing eye out of the
recess in the bumper.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page44, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable. Do not
tow the vehicle with just the rear axle raised, as
this would allow the steering to turn. <
There is no power assist while the engine is off.
Thus, braking and steering will require increased
effort.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Tow vehicles with automatic transmission
only with a tow truck or with the front
wheels lifted; otherwise the transmission can be
damaged.<
Towing with a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should b e o n t h e s a m e s i d e
on both vehicles. Should it prove impossible to
avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please
observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
Towing with a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
Towing with a tow truck
Have the MINI or MINI Convertible transported
by a tow truck with a so-called lift sling or on a
flatbed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise damage
may result.<

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

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
163
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Brake Assist64
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements58
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs130
Brake pads, breaking in92
Brake rotors93
– brakes92
– breaking in92
Brake system92
– breaking in92
– disc brakes93
– MINI Maintenance
System120
Brakes
– ABS64
– breaking in92
– MINI Maintenance
System120
– parking brake45
– service requirements58
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely93
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance137
Break-in period92
Breaking in the clutch92
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs126
Button for starting the
engine44
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Capacities160
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery135
Car care122
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest86
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash, care122
Car washes122
Care122
– car washes122
– car-care products122
– CD/DVD drives125
– external122
– high-pressure washers122
– internal124
– leather124
– manual washing123
– upholstery and fabrics124
– windows123
– wiper blades123
Cargo area
– capacity159
Cargo bay94
– convenient access26
– cover94
– lamp77
– opening from outside23
Cargo bay, expanding94
Cargo bay lamp77
Cargo bay lid, refer to
Tailgate23
Cargo loading95
– securing cargo96
– stowing cargo96
– vehicle94
Cargo, securing96
Carpets, care124
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system92
Center armrest86
Center brake lamp130
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking system19
– convenient access26
– from inside22
– from outside19
Changing bulbs
126
Changing wheels133Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment117
Check Control60
Child's seats41
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH42
Child-restraint systems41
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire133
Chrome parts, care124
Chrome parts, refer to
Care122
Cigarette lighter88
Cleaning headlamps50
– washer fluid51
Clock53
– 12h/24h mode57
– setting time60
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks87
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine44
Comfort access
– what to observe before
entering a car wash27
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access26
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock44
Computer54
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked93
Condition Based Service
CBS120
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking/unlocking20
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances88
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption54

From A to Z
166
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights159
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb127
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake45
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags71
Head restraints37
– sitting safely35
Headlamp control,
automatic74
Headlamp flasher48
– indicator lamp11,141
Headlamps
– replacing bulb127
Headlamps, care123
Heated
– mirrors39
– rear window80,82
– seats38
Heating79
– mirrors39
– rear window80,82
– seats38
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo96
Height adjustment
– seats36
– steering wheel40
Height, refer to
Dimensions157
High beams76
– headlamp flasher76
– indicator lamp141
– replacing bulb127
High water, refer to Driving
through water93
Hill Start Assist65
Hills93
Holders for cups88
Homepage4
Horn10
Hot exhaust system92
Hydroplaning92
I
Ice warning53
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning53
Ignition44
– switched off44
– switched on44
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness44
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on44
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Ignition lock44
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,141
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM69
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting77
Individual air distribution81
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM66
– glass sunroof, electric28
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting77
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remove
control84
Interior lamps77
– remote control21
Interior rearview mirror39
– automatic dimming
feature39
Interlock46
Intermittent mode of the
wipers49Internet page4J
Jacking points134
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles51
Jump starting137
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting137
K
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile18
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18
Keyless go, refer to Convenient
access26
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Convenient
access26
Kick-down47
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
Knock control103
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs126
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams74
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo96
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system42
Leather care124
LEDs light-emitting diodes127
Length, refer to
Dimensions157
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement130
Light switch74
Light-alloy wheels, care124
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs127
Lighter88
– socket88