Mini MINI E, Owner'S Manual, Page: 55 / 120

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53
Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the front pas-
senger seat cushion determines whether and
how the seat is occupied. The front and side air-
bags for the front passenger are activated or
deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior rear-
view mirror shows the current status of
the front passenger airbags, deactivated or acti-
vated, refer to Status of front passenger airbags
below.
<
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Transport-
ing children safely, page
30 .
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in certain
positions; the indicator lamp for the front pas-
senger airbags comes on. In such cases, the pas-
senger should change his or her sitting position
so that the front passenger airbags are activated
and the indicator lamp goes out. If the desired
airbag status cannot be achieved by changing
the sitting position, do not transport passengers
on the front passenger seat. Do not attach
covers, cushions, ball mats or other items to the
front passenger seat unless they are specifically
recommended by the manufacturer of your
MINI. Do not place any items under the seat
which could press against the seat from below.
Otherwise a correct analysis of the seat cushion
is not ensured.
<
Status of front passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags shows the functional status of the front
passenger's front and side airbags in accordance
with whether and how the front passenger seat
is occupied. The indicator lamp shows whether
the front passenger airbags are activated or
deactivated.
> The indicator lamp comes on as intended
when a child in a specially designated child-
restraint system is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the
system. This particularly applies to
child seats that were required by the NHTSA
at the time of manufacture of the vehicle.
After installing a child's seat, check that the
indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags comes on. It indicates that the child's
seat has been detected and that the front
passenger airbags are deactivated.
<
> The indicator lamp does not come on as long
as a person of sufficient size and in a correct
sitting position is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are activated.
>
The indicator lamp does not come on if the
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
Beginning with the accessory position, page 32 ,
the warning lamp comes on briefly to indicate
that the entire airbag system and the belt ten-
sioners are operational.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 601 475 - © 11/08 BMW AG