MINI Coupe 2012 Owner's Guide
Manufacturer: MINI, Model Year: 2012, Model line: Coupe, Model: MINI Coupe 2012Pages: 218, PDF Size: 3.84 MB
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>The car’s inclination changes, for example if 
an attempt is made to ja ck it up and steal the 
wheels or to raise it prior to towing it 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 haza rd warning flashers
Arming and disarming
General information
Whenever the car is locked or unlocked, the 
alarm system is armed or disarmed.
Door lock with armed alarm system
Because of the design, un locking the door lock 
may trigger the alarm  in some countries.
To turn off the alarm, unlock the vehicle using 
the remote control or switch on the ignition.
Tailgate with armed alarm system
Even when the alarm syst em 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.
Panic mode
You can activate the alarm system if you find 
yourself in a dangerous situation.
Press the  button for at least 2 seconds.
Switching off the alarm: 
Press any button.
Switching off an alarm
> Unlock the car with  the remote control.
> Insert the key fully into the ignition lock.
> In cars with Comfort Access, press the button 
on the door lock.
Display on the revolution counter
When the system is armed, all LEDs pulse. After 
approx. 16 minutes one LED flashes.
>LEDs pulse or LED flashes: system is armed.
> One LED flashes at short intervals:
Doors, the hood or the tailgate are not prop-
erly closed. Even if these are not closed fully, 
the remaining items ar e deadlocked and the 
LEDs pulse after approx. 10 seconds for 
approx. 16 minutes. Afterwards, one LED 
flashes.
The interior movement detector is not acti-
vated.
> LEDs go out after the vehicle is unlocked:
No attempt was made to tamper with the 
car.
> LEDs flash after unlocking until the key is 
inserted in the ignition, but for no longer 
than approx. 5 minutes: an attempt was 
made to tamper with the vehicle.
Tilt alarm sensor
The vehicle's inclination  is monitored. The alarm 
is triggered, for instance , if an attempt is made 
to steal the vehicle's wheels or tow it away.
Interior movement detector
Before the interior movement detector can 
operate correctly, the windows and glass roof 
must be closed.
MINI Convertible, MINI Roadster
The passenger compartment is monitored up to 
the height of the seat's  surface. This way, the 
anti-theft alarm system including the interior 
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motion sensor are armed, even if the convertible 
top is open. Falling objects, e.g. tree leaves, may 
trigger a false alarm, refer to Avoiding false 
alarms.
Avoiding false alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and the interior movement 
detector can be swit ched off together.
This prevents false alarms, e.g. in the following 
situations:
> In duplex garages
> When being transported on car-carrying 
trains, ferries or trailers
> If pets are to remain inside the car
Switching off the tilt alarm sensor and 
interior movement detector
>Press the  button on the remote 
control twice in succession.
> Lock the vehicle twice with the integrated 
key.
LEDs flash in short succession for approx. 
2 seconds.
The tilt alarm sensor an d the interior movement 
detector are switched of f until the car is next 
unlocked and locked.
Comfort Access
The concept
Access to the vehicle is po ssible without the use 
of the remote control. All you need to do is wear 
the remote control close to your body, e.g. in 
your jacket pocket. Th e vehicle automatically 
detects the remote control within the imme-
diate vicinity or in the passenger compartment.
Comfort Access supports  the following func-
tions:
> Unlocking/locking the vehicle
> Unlocking the tailgate separately
> Starting the engine >
MINI Convertible: Convenient closing and 
soft-top control with  the remote control for 
Comfort Access
> MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster: closing the side 
windows
Functional requirements
>There are no external malfunction sources in 
the vicinity.
> For locking, the remo te control must be 
outside of the vehicle.
> The vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked 
again until after approx. 2 seconds.
> The engine can only be started if the remote 
control is in the vehicle.
> The doors and tailgate must be closed to 
operate the windows.
Comparison to standard remote controls
The indicated function can be operated by 
pressing the buttons or via Comfort Access.
Instructions on openin g and closing are found 
starting on page 22.
If you notice a brief  delay while opening or 
closing the windows or cover, the system 
is checking whether a re mote control is inside 
the vehicle. Repeat the opening or closing pro-
cedure, if necessary. <
Unlocking
Press button 1.
Depending on the setting, refer to Unlocking 
mode on page 24, only the driver's door or the 
entire vehicle is unlocked.
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Press the button again to lock the vehicle 
again.<
Convenient opening with the remote control, 
refer to page 24.
Locking
Press button 1.
MINI Convertible, MINI Roadster: 
Window and convertible top operation
If a remote control is inside the vehicle, the win-
dows and convertible top can be opened and 
closed after the radio is ready to operate.
Unlocking the tailgate separately
Press the button on the outside of the tailgate.
Corresponds to pressing the  button.
If the vehicle detects that a remote control 
has been accidentally left inside the 
locked vehicle's cargo area after the tailgate is 
closed, the tailgate will reopen slightly. The 
hazard warning flashers flash and an acoustic 
signal sounds. <
Windows, electric
If the engine is switched off, you can still operate 
the windows 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 can be operated again.
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock to 
be able to operate the windows when the 
engine is switched off  and the doors are open.
Switching on radio readiness
Switch on radio readiness by pressing the Start/
Stop button, page55.
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, page 55.
Switching off the engine in cars with 
automatic transmission
The engine can only be switched off when the 
selector lever is in position P, page 57.
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 le ver to position N.
4. Switch off the engine.
The vehicle can roll.
Malfunction
Comfort Access may malf unction due to local 
radio waves, e. g. due to the presence of a 
mobile phone in the immediate vicinity of the 
remote control or the  charging of a mobile 
phone in the vehicle.
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 lights up 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 co ntrol into the ignition 
lock.
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The warning lamp lights up 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  Comfort Access contains 
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 
facing up.
3. Press the cover on to close.
Take the old battery to a recycling center 
or to 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 
window can only be closed and not opened, the 
system is overheated. Let the system cool for 
several minutes with the ignition switched on or 
the engine running. <
Opening
>Press the switch downward.
The window opens until you release the 
switch.
> Push the switch downward. 
As of radio readiness, the windows will open 
automatically. Push the switch again to stop 
the opening movement.
To open the window a crack, press the switch 
down twice in quick succession.
Closing
In order to close the window, press the switch 
up. The window closes until you release the 
switch.
Initializing electric power windows
If the battery was disconnected, e.g. for 
changing batteries or vehicle storage, 
reinitialize the power wi ndows; otherwise, the 
windows will not be lowered.<
1. Close the doors.
2. Open both windows.
3. Close both windows.
In the event of a system malfunction, please 
contact your MINI dealer.
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MINI Convertible: central power window 
unit
>Press the switch downward.
First the rear windows, then the front 
windows open until the switch is released.
> Push the switch downward. 
With ignition turned on: rear and front 
window open automatically. 
Push the switch again  to stop the opening 
movement.
To close the window, push the switch upward 
and hold.
Do not close the windows until the closing 
procedure for the convertible top is 
finished. Otherwise, it is not ensured that the 
side windows will clos e properly against the 
rubber seals of the convertible top. Convertible 
top, refer to page 35.<
After switching off the ignition
When the ignition is switched off, the windows 
can still be operated for approx. 1 minute as 
long as no door is opened.
Take the key with you when you leave the 
car; otherwise, children could operate the 
electric windows and possibly injure them-
selves. <
MINI Convertible: 
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 conv ertible 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 
position 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.
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most 
enjoyment out of your MINI Convertible:
>It is recommended th at 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. 
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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 convertible 
top; otherwise, damage 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 op erated and result in 
property 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.
During the opening an d closing operation, 
ensure that no one is in jured by the convertible 
top linkage or other moving  parts. Keep children 
away from the pivoting range of the convertible 
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 6.5 ft/2 m; otherwise, the vehicle 
may be damaged. 
tions.
> Please ensure the luggage compartment 
roller cover is in its lo west position, refer to 
page 109; otherwise, the convertible top 
cannot be opened.
> Ensure the cargo does not push against the 
luggage compartment roller cover from 
below.
> Make sure that the  tailgate is closed.
Opening and closing  the convertible top
To open:
Press the switch backward  in order to open the 
sliding/tilting sunroof. Pr essing the switch again 
opens the convertible top.
To close:
Press the switch forward
Operating while driving
The convertible top may be opened or closed 
while driving not faster than 20 mph/30 km/h.
While operating the convertible top, pay 
close attention to the surrounding traffic; 
otherwise, an accident may happen. Try to avoid 
operating the convertible top while reversing 
the vehicle since the rear view is very limited 
during the convertible  top's movement. Do not 
operate the convertible top when driving on 
winding and rough roads or during windy condi-
tions. <
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For better control
>The LED lights up during convertible top 
operation until the opening or closing pro-
cedure is completely finished.
> The LED flashes after releasing the switch. 
The opening or closing procedure has not 
yet been completed. The procedure can 
be continued in the desired direction by 
pressing the appropriate switch.
> The "Convertible top not locked" indicator 
lamp lights up; refer to page 182.
Interruption
A convertible top which is not completely 
open or closed is hazardous.<
The automatic movement is immediately inter-
rupted when the switch for the convertible top 
operation is released. The procedure can be 
continued in the desired direction by pressing 
the appropriate switch.
If the opening or closing procedure is inter-
rupted by releasing the respective switch, the 
convertible top stays in  its current position for 
several seconds before it  slowly moves into a 
more stable position. The procedure can be con-
tinued by pressing the appropriate switch.
The opening and closing procedure is also inter-
rupted in case of a mech anical blockage. In this 
case, in order to operate the convertible top 
again:
1. Switch off the ignition  and then switch it on 
again.
2. Press the switch to continue the procedure 
in the desired direction.
Opening and closing procedure
Do not interrupt and restart the closing 
procedure several times one after 
another, or the convertible top mechanism 
could be damaged. <
If the convertible top can be moved in only 
one direction after several consecutive 
attempts to operate it, the convertible top  system has overheated. A
llow the system to cool 
down for approx. 4 minutes. <
If the battery was disconnected, e.g. for 
changing batteries or vehicle storage, 
reinitialize the power windows, refer to page 33. 
Otherwise, the windows cannot be lowered or 
the convertible top cannot be opened. <
Convenience operation
For convenience operation using the remote 
control, refer to page24; for operation via the 
door lock, refer to page 26.
Manual closing in the event of an 
electrical malfunction
Only close the convertible top manually if 
it is absolutely necessary. Never open it 
manually. Improper handli ng of the convertible 
top can result in damage . The closing procedure 
must be completely finished. Otherwise, 
damage or injury could result. <
Before closing
1.Remove Allen key and screwdriver from 
vehicle tools,  refer to page165.
2. Pry out luggage compartment lamp from 
the left side trim using the screwdriver.
3. Use the screwdriver and turn the gold-
colored screw, refer to  arrow, one and a half 
turns in the direction of the arrow.
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Releasing the convertible top
1.Loosen bolt, arrow, with the Allen wrench 
and remove.
2. Slide cover in travel direction, arrow 1, and 
rotate out sideways, arrow  2. If necessary, 
press plastic trim, arrow  3 slightly inward.
3. Pull out the sensor from cover, arrow, and 
place on the inner side panel.
4. Using the Allen wrench, loosen second bolt, 
arrow, to unlock the convertible top. 5.
Remove bolt.
6. Slightly lift si de frame, arrow 1, and pull the 
sensor with the cable forward out of the 
guide.
7. Swing cable out sideways, arrow 2.
When putting aside, ensure that the cable is 
not clamped.
8. Release the second side frame.
Closing the co nvertible top
1.Place both hands on the convertible top on 
the respective side frame.
2. Lift out both sides at the same time, and 
swing the convertible top forward onto the 
cowl.
3. Inside the vehicle, use a screwdriver to pry 
out the cover in the center of the roof.
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Closing the sliding sunroof
1.Insert the hexagon wrench into the recess in 
the center of the roof and push upward, 
refer to arrow 1.
2. Turn the hexagon wrench in the direction of 
arrow 2.
3. Open both locking mechanisms and remove 
the locking pieces.
Ensure that the locking pieces do not 
fall on the vehicle; otherwise it could 
be damaged. <
4. Insert the pins into th e respective recess in 
the cowl, refer to arrow.
Locking the convertible top
Turn hexagon wrench in the opposite direction 
of arrow 2 until the convertible top is securely 
locked.
Please contact your MINI dealer to have 
the electrical malfunction repaired. <
MINI Convertible: wind 
deflector
With the convertible top open, the wind deflec-
tor keeps air movement in the passenger com-
partment to a minimum, thus providing you with 
a more pleasant drive, even at higher speeds.
Do not let the wind deflector come into 
contact with pointy objects as these may 
damage the net. Do not place objects on the 
installed wind deflector.  When stowing the wind 
deflector, ensure that it is not damaged by 
objects. <
Before installing
1.Take the wind deflector out of the pouch.
2. Unfold the wind deflec tor, refer to arrows 1.
3. Press the locking device together until it 
engages, refer to arrow 2.
Installing and folding up
1.Push out retaining pin 2 on one side until it 
engages.
2. Insert wind deflector wi th retaining pins into 
the openings 1 and 2 on that side of the 
vehicle.
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3.On the opposite side of the vehicle, insert 
the retaining pin 1 into the opening, 
pushing against the spring load.
4. Push out retaining pin 2 on one side until it 
engages.
5. Fold up the upper part of the wind deflector.
If a seat is in its rearmost position, do not 
recline the backrest t oo far; otherwise, the 
wind deflector could be damaged. <
Removing and folding
Remove the deflector following the reverse 
sequence.
Push the release lever toward the center of the 
wind deflector and fold both halves together.
MINI Roadster: manual 
convertible top
General information
The fully automatic convertible top provides 
protection from the weather, combined with 
simple and easy operation.
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most 
enjoyment out of your MINI Roadster:
>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.
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 op erated and result in 
property damage or personal injury.
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.
During the opening an d closing operation, 
ensure that no one is in jured by the convertible 
top linkage or other moving  parts. Keep children 
away from the pivoting range of the convertible 
top.
Only open or close the convertible top when the 
vehicle is stopped. <
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 6.5 ft/2 m; otherwise, the vehicle 
may be damaged. <
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