Trainer Background Material R50/R53 Facelift and R52 MINI ConvertibleMINI Serviceconceptinfobmw.de 2004 BMW AG Mnchen, Germany. Reprints of this manual or its parts require the written approval of the BMW AG, Mnchen. VS-12 Aftersales TrainingContentsIntroduction1 Foreword1 Product highlights2 The MINI Convertible in the market419Introduction R52 - The MINI ConvertibleForewordThe market introduction of the MINI Convertible is the most important product presentation of the MINI brand since 2001.On the one hand, the MINI Convertible will play a key role in enhancing the MINI family withtheaimofdrawingcontinuousandlasting attention to the MINI make while providing the R50/R53 series with a fresh appearance over its entire lifespan.On the other hand, the MINI Convertible represents the BMW Groups first foray into the market segment of compact Roadstersand Convertibles - a development that will be reflected in growing turnover figures.Two models of the MINI Convertible will be available as from July 2004, i.e. the MINI ONE and the MINI COOPER. It will be equipped with all the features of the MINI facelift as from its market introduction. The MINI Convertible with the top COOPER S motorization will follow about 3 months later.This publication provides an initial overview of thevehicle,itscompetitorsandtechnicaldata.From MINI to MINI ConvertibleThe MINI Convertible is an integral 4-seater which, at first glance - irrespective of whether the convertible top is up or down - is unmistakably recognizable as a real MINI.The characteristic MINI design features and proportions have been consistently incorporated in the MINI Convertible. The steeply sloping windscreen and the optimum drivers seat position in part an unforgettable open air feeling when driving with the top down.The fun factor of the new MINI Convertible is clearly evident in each of the four seating positions. The MINI Convertible is backed by an ingenious overall concept ensuring high functionality and optimum space utilization.Distinctive identityThe MINI Convertible looks its best with the convertible top folded down. The belt line slightly inclining towards the rear enhances its unmistakable appearance, emphasized by a chrome strip running right along the window line.Features such as the steep windscreen, the absenceof B-pillars,the rollbars madeof high strength aluminium tubing over the rear seat backrest and the compact folded convertible top emphasize the lines of a classic Convertible.The MINI Convertible will ensure continued growth of the MINI brand1 - The MINI Convertible with convertible top closed .2 - . and with convertible top open29Product highlightsConvertible topThe convertible top features fully automatic operation as standard. Within 15 seconds, it converts the MINI into an open-top Convertible without the need to manually release locking elements beforehand. While the folding roof slides back, the roof pillars are automatically retracted; at the same time the rear side windows are completely lowered.Folded in three layers, the convertible top finally comes to rest in a space-saving arrangement behind the rear seats. Thanks to its compact size when folded, the luggage compartment space is scarcely restricted when the convertible top is folded down. A tonneau cover is not necessary as the outer side of the front section of the convertible top covers the high-grade fabric roof.The convertible top of the MINI Convertible will be available in three colours (black, dark blue, dark green; only black for the MINI ONE Convertible). A heated rear window that ensures a clear rear view in poor weather conditions is integrated in the convertible top.Convertible with sliding roofA special feature of the MINI convertible top is the sliding roof function. At the press of abutton, the fully automatic convertible top initially horizontally slides back the convertible top cover by approximately 40 cm and only then does the complete convertible top open.By releasing the button, this “sliding roof“ can be stopped in any desired position. The side pillarsremainunchangedintheirinitialposition at the A-pillar. This unique function can be used at speeds up to 120 km/h.Roll-over protectionThanks to its rigid body structure and the restraint system, incorporating two front and seat-integrated head-thorax-side airbags as standard, the MINI Convertible conforms to the most stringent statutory crash regulations in the world.Numerous design measures ensure particularly high torsional rigidity which prevents the door sills collapsing in the event of a frontal crash while also providing the best possible degree of occupant protection in the case of side impact.The A-pillar with an integrated high-strength steeltubeprovidesahighdegreeofprotection in the event of the car rolling over while the double roll bar made of high-strength aluminiumtubewithintegratedheadrestraints protects the passengers in the rear.3 - MINI Convertible with “sliding roof“ open4 -Doubl