engine MINI Convertible 2009 Owner's Manual

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
5
ics, requires specially adapted maintenance and
repair methods. Therefore, have the necessary
work on your MINI only carried out by a MINI
Dealer or a workshop that has specially trained
personnel working in accordance with the spec-
ifications of the MINI manufacturer. If this work
is not carried out properly, there is a danger
of subsequent damage and related safety
hazards.<
Parts and accessories
For your own safety, use genuine parts
and accessories approved by the manu-
facturer of the MINI.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by the manufacturer of the MINI
and Original MINI Parts, you simultaneously
acquire the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by the manufacturer of the MINI
to ensure optimum performance when installed
on your vehicle.
The manufacturer of the MINI warrants these
parts to be free from defects in material and
workmanship.
The manufacturer of the MINI will not accept any
liability for damage resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by the man-
ufacturer of the MINI.
The manufacturer of the MINI cannot test every
product made by other manufacturers to verify
if it can be used on a MINI safely and without risk
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its occu-
pants.
Original MINI Parts, MINI Accessories and other
products approved by the manufacturer of the
MINI, together with professional advice on using
these items, are available from all MINI Dealers.
Installation and operation of non-MINI
approved accessories such as alarms, radios,
amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension
components, brake dust shields, telephones,
including operation of any mobile phone from
within the vehicle without using an externally
mounted antenna, or transceiver equipment, for
instance, CBs, walkie-talkies, ham radios or sim-
ilar accessories, may cause extensive damage to
the vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere with the vehicle's electrical system or affect the valid-
ity of the MINI Limited Warranty. See your MINI
Dealer for additional information.<
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
the emission control devices and systems
may be performed by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using any certified
automotive part.<
California Proposition 65 warning
California law requires us to issue the following
warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components found in the interior fur-
nishings in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects and reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash your
hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that have
caused cancer in laboratory animals. Always
protect your skin by washing thoroughly with
soap and water.<
Service and warranty
We recommend that you read this publication
thoroughly.
Your MINI is covered by the following wa-
ranties:
>New Vehicle Limited Warranty
>Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
>Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
>Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
>California Emission Control System Limited
Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is
listed in the Service and Warranty Information

REFERENCE
AT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
11
3Always Open Timer55
7Ignition lock44
8Buttons
* on steering wheel
9Horn: the entire surface
10Adjusting the steering wheel40
11Releasing the bonnet116 4Tachometer12
Instrument lighting77
Resetting the trip odometer53
5
Wiper system49
6Switching the ignition on/off and
starting/stopping the engine44
Continuing cruise control
*51
Right:
Storing speed and accelerating or
decelerating
Left:
Increase or reduce volume
Activating/deactivating cruise
control
*52
Telephone
*:
Accepting and ending a call, start-
ing dialing
* of selected phone
number and redialing if no phone
number is selected
Activating/deactivating voice
activation system
*
Changing radio station
Selecting music track
Scrolling through phone book and
lists with stored phone numbers

REFERENCE
AT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
13
Indicator and
warning lamps
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in
various combinations and colors in indicator
area 1 or2.
Some lamps are checked for proper functioning
and thus come on briefly when the engine is
started or the ignition is switched on.
What to do in case of a malfunction
A list of all indicator and warning lamps, as well
as notes on possible causes of malfunctions and
on how to respond, can be found starting on
page141.

Opening and closing
24
MINI Convertible
The maximum load that may be placed on
the open trunk lid is 175 lbs/80 kg.<
Manual release in the MINI Convertible
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can
also unlock the tailgate manually.
1.Use the integrated key and open the back-
rest 1 lock.
2.Press button2 and fold down backrest
together with the belt strap.
3.Pull the handle, see arrow. The tailgate is
released.
Closing
Make sure that the closing path of the
tailgate is clear, otherwise injuries may
occur. the tailgate make it easier to pull it down.
Alarm system*
The principle
The alarm system, when activated, reacts if:
>A door, the engine compartment lid or the
tailgate is opened
>There is movement inside the car
>The car's inclination changes, for instance if
an attempt is made to jack it up and steal the
wheels or to raise it prior to towing away
>There is an interruption in the power supply
from the battery
The alarm system briefly indicates unauthorized
entry or tampering by means of:
>An acoustic alarm
>Switching on the hazard warning flashers
Arming and disarming
Whenever the car is locked or unlocked, the
alarm system is armed or disarmed.
Even when the alarm system is armed, you can
open the tailgate by means of the button
on the remote control.
When you subsequently close the tailgate it is
again locked and monitored.
On certain national-market versions,
unlocking via the door lock triggers off the
alarm.<

Opening and closing
26
Convenient access*
Convenient access enables you to enter your
vehicle without having to hold the remote con-
trol in your hand. All you need to do is wear the
remote control close to your body, e.g. in your
jacket pocket. The vehicle automatically detects
the remote control within the immediate vicinity
or in the passenger compartment.
Convenient access supports the following
functions:
>Unlocking/locking the vehicle
>Unlocking the tailgate by itself
>Starting the engine
>Convenient operation
>MINI Convertible: Convertible top operation
Functional requirements
>The vehicle or the tailgate can only be
locked when the vehicle detects that the
remote control currently in use is outside of
the vehicle.
>The vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked
again until after approx. 2 seconds.
>The engine can only be started when the
vehicle detects that the remote control is
inside the vehicle.
>The doors and tailgate must be closed to be
able to operate the windows and glass
sunroof.
Comparison to standard remote controls
In general, there is no difference between using
convenient access or pressing the buttons on
the remote control to carry out the functions
mentioned above.
Instructions on opening and closing are found
starting on page18.
Special features regarding the use of convenient
access are described below.
If you notice a brief delay while opening or
closing the windows, the glass sunroof or
the convertible top, the system is checking
whether a remote control is inside the vehicle. Repeat the opening or closing procedure, if nec-
essary.<
To unlock
Press button 1.
Convenient opening with the remote control,
refer to page20.
Locking
Press button 1.
For convenient closing, press and hold button 1.
The power windows and the glass sunroof
* are
closed.
MINI Convertible: If a remote control is inside the
vehicle, windows and convertible top can be
opened and closed as soon as the remote is
operational.
Unlocking the tailgate separately
Press the button on the outside of the tailgate.
If the vehicle detects that a remote control
has been accidentally left inside the
locked vehicle's cargo bay after the tailgate is
closed, the tailgate will reopen slightly. The haz-
ard warning flashers flash and an acoustic sig-
nal
* sounds.<
Windows and glass sunroof, electric*
If the engine is switched off, you can still operate
the windows and glass sunroof so long as a door
or the tailgate has not been opened.
If the doors and tailgate are closed again and the
remote control is located inside the vehicle, the
windows and the glass sunroof can be operated
again.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
27
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock to
be able to operate the windows or glass sunroof
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, page44.
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 necessary to insert a remote
control into the ignition lock, page44.
Switching off the engine in cars with
automatic transmission
The engine can only be switched off when the
selector lever is in position P, page45.
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.
Malfunction
Convenient 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 inte-
grated key.
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock
and start the engine.
Warning lamps
The warning lamp comes on when an
attempt is made to start the engine: the
engine cannot be started. The remote
control is not inside the vehicle or is malfunc-
tioning. Take the remote control with you inside
the vehicle or have it checked. If necessary,
insert another remote control into the ignition
lock.
The warning lamp comes on 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 convenient access con-
tains a battery that will need to be replaced from
time to time.
1.Remove the cover.
2.Insert the new battery with the plus side fac-
ing up.
3.Press the cover on to close.
Take the old battery to a battery collection
point or to your MINI Dealer.<
Glass sunroof, electric*
To prevent injuries, exercise care when
closing the glass sunroof 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 sunroof
and possibly injure themselves.<

Opening and closing
28
Raising
>Press the switch backward to the resistance
point and hold it there.
Both glass sunroofs are raised.
Releasing the switch stops the movement.
>With the ignition switched on, press the
switch backward beyond the resistance
point.
Both closed sunroofs are raised fully.
Pressing again stops the movement.
Opening, closing
With the ignition switched on and the glass sun-
roof raised, press the switch backward and hold
it there.
The front glass sunroof opens.
The rear glass sunroof is closed.
Releasing the switch stops the movement.
The glass sunroof can be closed in the same way
by pressing the switch forward.
The front glass sunroof remains in a raised posi-
tion. The rear glass sunroof is raised. Pressing on
the switch again closes both sunroofs com-
pletely.
Convenient operation via door lock or conve-
nient access, refer to page20,22,26.
Roller sun blind
The roller sun blind can be opened and closed
independently of the glass sunroof.
Following interruptions in electrical
power supply
After a power failure, there is a possibility that
the glass sunroof can only be raised. 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 win-
dow can only be closed and not opened, the sys-
tem is overheated. Let the system cool for sev-
eral minutes with the ignition switched on or the
engine running.<
Opening
>Press the switch downwards.
The window opens until you release the
switch.
>Tap the switch downwards.
A s s o o n a s t h e r e m o t e is r e a d y , t h e w i n d o w s
will open automatically. Tap 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.

Opening and closing
30
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 convertible 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 help-
ful tips:
>It is recommended that 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
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 con-
vertible top, otherwise damages 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 operated and result in prop-
erty 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 procedure. Keep children
away from the pivoting range of the conver-
tible 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, ensure the minimum
clearance is 2 m, otherwise the vehicle may be
damaged.<
Before opening and closing
>Please observe the previous safety instruc-
tions.
>Please ensure the luggage compartment
roll-up cover is in its lowest position, refer to
page95, otherwise the convertible top can-
not be opened.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
39
reminder is also activated 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 seat, or if driver or
front passenger 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 tensioners 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
accident.<
1Adjusting the left or right exterior mirror
2Folding mirrors in and out
*
Manual adjustment
The mirrors can also be adjusted manually: press
the edge of the glass.
Folding 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.
Automatic heating*
At outside temperatures below a certain limit,
both exterior mirrors are automatically heated
while the engine is running or the ignition
switched on.
Interior rearview mirror
To reduce glare from vehicles behind you when
you are driving at night:
Turn the knob.
Interior mirror, automatic dimming*
The automatic dimming feature of the interior
rearview mirror
* is controlled by two photo cells
in the mirror. One photo cell is in the mirror
frame, arrow; the other is on the back of the
mirror.
In order to ensure that the system functions cor-
rectly, keep the photo cells clean, do not cover
the area between the interior rearview mirror

Driving
44
Driving
Ignition lock
Inserting the key into the ignition lock
Insert the key all the way into the ignition lock.
Radio readiness
Individual electrical consumers can operate.
Removing the key from the ignition lock
Press in the key briefly. It is ejected slightly.
At the same time:
>The ignition is switched off if it was on be-
forehand.
Automatic transmission
You cannot take out the key unless the selector
lever is in the P position: interlock.
Start/stop button
Press the start/stop button to switch radio readi-
ness or the ignition on and off. Do not depress
the brake or clutch while doing so.When you press the start/stop button and
depress the clutch if the car has manual
transmission or the brake if the car has auto-
matic transmission, the engine starts.<
Radio readiness
Individual electrical consumers can operate. The
time and outside temperature are displayed in
the tachometer.
Radio readiness is switched off automatically:
>When the key is removed from the igni-
tion lock
>When using convenient access
* by pushing
the button on the door handle or the
button on the remote control, refer to Lock-
ing on page26
>After a certain has elapsed
Ignition on
Most indicator and warning lamps in indicator
area 1, page13, light up for varying lengths of
time.
When the engine is off, switch off the igni-
tion and any unnecessary electrical con-
sumers in order to preserve the battery.<
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps in the displays
go out.
The ignition automatically turns off
* when the
driver's door is opened. Pressing the start/stop
button again switches the ignition back on.
The ignition is not switched off in situations such
as the following:
>The clutch or brake is depressed
>The low beams are switched on
Starting the engine
Do not allow the engine to run in enclosed
spaces; otherwise inhalation of the nox-