BMW 2004 Mini Convertible Cooper User Manual

Page 75

AIRBAGS

Protective effect

The front airbags supplement the safety
belts by providing additional protection for
the driver and front passenger in the event
of a frontal collision in which the protec-
tion afforded by the belts alone may no
longer be sufficient. When needed, the
head and side airbags help to furnish pro-
tection in the event of side impact. Each of
the side airbags is designed to help support
the seat occupant's upper body. The corre-
sponding side/head airbag in the MINI Con-
vertible or the head airbag in the MINI sup-
ports the head.

The airbags are designed to not be trig-
gered in certain types of collisions, e.g. in
minor accidents, certain kinds of vehicle
rollover and rear impact.

For information on the ideal seating posi-
tion, refer to page

Do not apply adhesive materials to
the cover panels of the airbags, cover

them or modify them in any other way. Do
not fit covers, cushions or other items to
the front seats that have not been specially
approved for seats with side airbags. Do
not hang clothing, e. g. jackets, over the
backrests.
Do not attempt to remove the airbag

restraint system from the vehicle. Do not
touch the individual components directly
after the system has been triggered, as oth-
erwise there is a danger of burns. In the
event of malfunctions, deactivation or
deployment of the airbag restraint system,
have the system checked, repaired or disas-
sembled only by a MINI Dealer or a work-
shop with specially trained personnel work-
ing in accordance with the specifications of
the MINI manufacturer and having the nec-
essary permits for handling explosive
devices. Unprofessional attempts to service
the system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or undesired airbag activation, either
of which could result in personal injury.

Airbag warning information is also pro-
vided on the sun visors.

Airbag system operational

The warning lamp in the display
elements shows the status of the
entire airbag system and the seat

belt tensioners starting from ignition key
position 1. The warning lamp goes out after
several seconds.

Airbag system malfunctioning

>The warning lamp does not come on

starting from ignition key position 1

>The warning lamp stays lit

>The warning lamp lights up while driv-

ing.

In the event of a malfunction, have
the airbag system checked immedi-

ately. Otherwise, there is a risk that the sys-
tem will not function as intended in
response to a severe impact occurring
within the system's normal triggering
range.