load capacity MINI Convertible 2009 Owner's Manual

Things to remember when driving
94
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can
assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo bay as they
could damage the vehicle.<
MINI: Cargo bay
Cargo bay cover
Do not place any objects on the cover,
otherwise they could endanger the car's
occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden
swerving, or they may damage the cover.<
When you open the tailgate, the cargo bay cover
is raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.
1.Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate.
2.Pull the cover out of the holders toward
the rear.
Expanding the cargo bay
The rear set backrest is split. Both sides can be
folded separately to expand the cargo bay.1.Pull the lever.
2.Fold rear seat backrests forward.
When folding the backrest back up, make
sure that the seat's locking mechanisms
engage properly. Otherwise, cargo could be
thrown around in the event of sharp braking or
swerving and endanger the occupants.<
Adjusting rear seat backrest*
Expand the cargo bay by raising the split rear
seat backrests to a steeper angle.
1.Pull the lever, arrow1, and fold the rear seat
backrest forward.
2.Fold up the lever of the backrest lock until it
audibly engages, arrow2.
3.Fold back the backrest until it engages.
If the rear seat backrests are positioned at
a steeper angle, do not install child-
restraint systems in the rear of the vehicle as
their protective features may be ineffective.<
MINI Convertible:
Luggage compartment
Do not place any objects on the luggage
compartment roll-up cover, as this may
damage the cover or the convertible top.<

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.

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
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
159
Weights
MINI
MINI Convertible
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,568/1,165 2,679/1,215 2,701/1,225
>Automatic transmis-
sion lbs/kg 2,646/1,200 2,723/1,235 –
Approved gross weight
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 3,384/1,535 3,494/1,585 3,516/1,595
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 3,461/1,570 3,538/1,605 –
Approved front axle load
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 1,830/830 1,918/870 1,918/870
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 1,907/865 1,962/890 –
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,664/755 1,664/755 1,675/760
Approved roof load
capacitylbs/kg 165/75 165/75 165/75
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/
Liters5.7 - 24.0/
160 - 6805.7 - 24.0/
160 - 6805.7 - 24.0/
160 - 680
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,745/1,245 2,855/1,295 2,877/1305
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 2,822/1,280 2,921/1,325 –

Technical data
160
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
Approved gross weight
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 3,560/1,615 3,671/1,665 3,693/1675
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 3,638/1,650 3,737/1,695 –
Approved front axle load
>Manual transmission
>Automatic trans-
mission lbs/kg 1,863/845 1,951/885 1,962/890
lbs/kg 1,940/880 2,017/915 –
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,786/810 1,786/810 1,797/815
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/
Liters6.0-23.3/
170-6606.0-23.3/
170-6606.0-23.3/
170-660
CooperCooper SJohn Cooper Works
US gal/US quartsLitersNotes
Fuel tank 13.2/– approx. 50 Fuel grade: page103
including reserve of 2.1/– approx. 8
Window washer system incl.
headlamp washer system –/4.8 approx. 4.5 For more details: page51

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

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

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
167
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs126
– of the instruments77
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps74
Limit153
Load95
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo96
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking22
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal20
– from inside22
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access26
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals20
– from inside22
– from outside19
Low beams74
– automatic74
– replacing bulb127
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support36
Luggage compartment
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual release24
– increasing the capacity95
– opening from the inside24
Luggage compartment lid
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual release24
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Tailgate23
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay23
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack97
Lumbar support36
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires115
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system120Malfunction
– convertible top32
– trunk lid24
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control60
Manual air distribution81
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door102
– power convertible top32
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
– trunk lid24
Manual transmission46
Manual washing123
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling82
Maximum speed
– with winter tires115
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch137
Microfilter
– for air conditioner81
– for automatic climate
control83
– MINI Maintenance
System120
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System120
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System120
Mirror dimming feature39
Mirrors39
– exterior mirrors39
– heating39
– interior rearview mirror39
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest86
– refer to separate Owner's
ManualMobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest86
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System131
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety4
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor66
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
48
– refer to Wiper system49
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints37
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments87
New tires114
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data156
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope139
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis120
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications103
Odometer53
Oil consumption117
Oil level117
Oil, refer to Engine oil117
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal135
Onboard tool kit126

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