2002 MINI Hardtop 2 Door change wheel

38
AIRBAGS TRANSPORTING CHILDRENDo not make any changes yourself to the
individual components and wiring. This
includes the padded cover of the steering
wheel, in the instrument panel and the roof
supports, as well as the sides of the roof-
liner and the original backrest covers on the
front seats. Do not attempt to remove or
dismantle the steering wheel. In view of
the applicable safety regulations, arrange
for your MINI center to dispose of the
airbag generators. Unprofessional
attempts to service the system could lead
to failure in an emergency or undesired
airbag activation, either of which could
result in personal injury. Do not touch the
individual components directly after the
system has been triggered, as otherwise
there is a danger of burns.<
At all times, occupants should sit
upright and be properly restrained
(infants and small children in appropriate
child-restraint systems; larger children and
adults using the safety belts). Never let an
occupant's head rest near or on a head
airbag because the inflating airbag could
cause serious or fatal injury. A child which
is not properly restrained could place his or
her head on or near the airbag.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp on the instru-
ment panel shows the airbag
system status starting from igni-
tion key position 1.
System operational:
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly.
System malfunction:
>The indicator lamp does not come on
>The indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine has been started, or it comes
on during normal driving.
A system defect could prevent the airbags
from deploying in response to a severe
impact occurring within the system's
normal triggering range.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible by your MINI center.
Children younger than 13 years and/or
smaller than 5 ft (150 cm) should only
travel in the rear in suitable restraint
systems.
Commercially-available child-restraint
systems are designed to be secured with a
lap belt or with the lap belt portion of a
combination lap/shoulder belt. Improperly
or inadequately installed restraint systems
can increase the risk of injury to children.
Always read and follow the instructions
that come with the system.
If you use a child-restraint system with a
tether strap:

84
TIRE REPLACEMENT WHEEL AND TIRE COMBINATIONS Tire age The date on which the tire was manufac-
tured is indicated by the code on the side-
wall:
DOT ... 1202 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in Week 12 of the year 2002.
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends replacement of all tires Ð including
the space-saver spare tire, after no more
than 6 years. Safety (run-flat) tires*
For replacement, use only safety tires,
as in the event of a flat tire there is no
space-saver spare tire.
You will recognize safety tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the
side of the tire, see pages 110, 80.<
The right choiceThe factory-approved normal tires and
safety tires are matched to the vehicle and
have been selected to provide optimum
driving safety and the desired driving
comfort.
Never mount wheels and tires that
have not been specifically approved
by the manufacturer for use on your partic-
ular model. Although other wheels and
tires may theoretically have the same
dimensions, variations in factors such as
manufacturing tolerances can result in
contact between tire and bodywork, ulti-
mately leading to serious accidents. The
manufacturer cannot evaluate non-
approved wheels and tires to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of the
vehicle if they are fitted.<
The manufacturer has tested certain tire
brands in each size, categorized them as
safe for use on the road, and approved
them. Contact your MINI center for more
details.
The correct wheel and tire combina-
tion affects various systems that
would otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS,
ASC+T and DSC.
For this reason, use only tires of the same
manufacture and tread configuration. In
the event of a flat tire, for example,
remount the approved wheel and tire
combination as soon as possible.<
StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, protecting
them against light whenever possible.
Protect the tires against contact with oil,
grease and fuel.Tire changes between axlesDepending on individual operating condi-
tions, different wear patterns appear on
the front and rear axles. In the interests of
safety and optimized handling characteris-
tics, a change between the axles is not
recommended.

85
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
WINTER TIRESSNOW CHAINS
*
Choosing the right tire
The manufacturer recommends winter
tires (M+S radial tires) for driving in adverse
winter road conditions. While so-called all-
season tires (M+S designation) provide
better winter traction than summer tires
with the load ratings S, T, H, V, W, they do
not achieve the performance of winter
tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and steering
response, install winter tires made by the
same manufacturer having the same tread
configuration on all four wheels.
Before purchasing winter tires, check
whether your MINI is fitted with safety
tires. You will recognize safety tires by a
circular symbol containing the letters RSC
on the side of the tire, see page 110. In this
case, use only safety tires, as in the event of
a flat tire there is no space-saver spare tire.
Only winter tires recommended by the
manufacturer of your MINI should be
fitted. Any MINI center will be glad to
advise you on the selection of the right
winter tires for the relevant operating
conditions.
Observing speeds
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents.
Have this work performed by skilled profes-
sionals only. Your MINI center will be glad
to assist you with both their expertise and
the proper equipment for your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire inflation pressure
Once the tire wears to below 0.16 in
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
tible decrease in their ability to cope with
winter driving conditions, and should be
replaced in the interest of safety.<
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures and be sure to have the wheel
and tire assemblies balanced every time
you change the tires.
The use of narrow-link snow chains is
permitted in pairs only and only on
the front wheels with the following tires:
175/65 R 15
175/60 R 16
When fitting, comply with the manufac-
turer's instructions.<
With chains, do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph (50 km/h).<
After fitting the snow chains, do not
activate the Flat Tire Monitor.
When driving with snow chains, it can be
helpful to switch off the ASC+T or DSC for
a brief period, see pages 60, 61.<

106
REPAIRING A FLAT TIRE CHANGING TIRES Ð MINI WITH SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
Safety measures in the event of a flat
tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Switch on the hazard
warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead wheel position and engage the
steering lock. Engage the parking brake and
shift into 1st or reverse gear (selector lever
in P).
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail, for
instance).
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on the
roadside at an appropriate distance from
the rear of the vehicle. Comply with all
safety guidelines and regulations.<
In the event of a flat tire, different proce-
dures should be followed depending on the
equipment included in your MINI:
>Vehicles with space-saver spare tire, see
next column
>Vehicles with safety tires, see page 110.
Additional safety measures in the
event of a wheel change: change the
wheel only on a level, firm surface which is
not slippery.
Avoid jacking the vehicle on a soft or slip-
pery support surface (snow, ice, loose
gravel, etc.), as either the vehicle or the jack
could slip sideways.
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 Ð risk of fatal injury.<
To change a space-saver tire, proceed as
follows:
>Remove the space-saver spare tire, see
page 107
>Prepare the vehicle, see page 108
>Jack up the vehicle, see page 108
>Fit the space-saver spare tire, see
page 109
>Tighten the lug bolts, see page 109
>Drive with space-saver spare tire, see
page 109.
Tire change setOn vehicles with a space-saver spare tire,
the tire change set is stored in the luggage
compartment under the floor mat.
1 Chock, folding
2 Hubcap remover
3 Wheel stud wrench
4 Jack
5 Spanner
6 Tow fitting
7 Lifting handle

107
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
CHANGING TIRES Ð MINI WITH SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The screw connection of the space-saver
spare tire is in the luggage compartment
under the floor mat, on the base of the
storage compartment for the tire change
set.
1. Loosen the screw connection using the
wheel stud wrench
2. Take out the cover panel
3. Screw the lifting handle from the
onboard tool kit onto the thread
4. Raise the lifting handle slightly
5. Squeeze the securing springs
6. The space-saver spare tire is released
and must be held by the lifting handle
7. Lower the space-saver spare tire with
the lifting handle
8. Unscrew the lifting handle again

108
CHANGING TIRES Ð MINI WITH SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
9. Pull out the space-saver spare tire
towards the rear underneath the
vehicle
10. Position the space-saver spare tire with
the valve facing upwards
11. Unscrew the valve extension from the
valve of the space-saver spare tire
12. Unscrew the dust cap from the exten-
sion and attach to the space-saver
spare tire.
Preparing the vehicle
Read and comply with the safety
precautions provided on page 106.<
1. Secure the vehicle to prevent it from
rolling:
Place the folding chock behind the front
wheel on the other side of the vehicle;
on downward inclines, place it in front
of this wheel.
If the wheel is changed on a surface with
a more severe slope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from
rolling
2. Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.
Jacking up the vehicle1. Place the jack at the jacking point closest
to the wheel.
The jack base must be perpendicular to
the surface beneath the jacking point

109
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
CHANGING TIRES Ð MINI WITH SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
2. Insert the jack head for jacking up in the
square recess of the jacking point
3. Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you
are changing is raised from the ground.
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.<
Fitting the space-saver spare tire1. Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel
2. Remove accumulations of mud or dirt
from the mounting surfaces of the
wheel and hub. Clean the lug bolts
3. Fit the space-saver spare tire
4. Screw at least two lug bolts finger-tight
into opposite bolt holes
5. Screw in the remaining bolts
6. Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diag-
onal pattern
7. Lower the vehicle
8. Remove the jack.Tightening the lug boltsTighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
As soon as possible, have the secure
seating of the lug bolts (tightening
torque 72 ftlb (100 Nm)) checked using a
calibrated torque wrench. Otherwise, a
wheel that might come loose can lead to a
severe accident.<
Replace the defective tire as soon as
possible and have the new wheel/tire
assembly balanced.
Driving with the space-saver spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).
You can expect changes in vehicle handling
such as delayed braking response, longer
braking distances, and changes in self-
steering properties in marginal stability
limits.
Only one space-saver spare tire may
be mounted at one time. Reinstall
wheels and tires of the same size and speci-
fication as soon as possible. Maintain
prescribed tire pressures, see page 80.<
Only use full hubcaps approved by
the manufacturer. Otherwise there is
no guarantee that the hubcap fits securely.
The hubcap must not be fitted to the space-
saver spare tire, as it could be damaged.<
Check and correct the tire inflation
pressure at the earliest opportu-
nity.<

110
FLAT TIRE Ð SAFETY (RUN-FLAT) TIRES
*
You will recognize safety tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the
side of the tire.
Safety tires consist of self-contained tires
and special rims. The tire reinforcement
ensures that the tire retains some residual
safety in the event of pressure drop and
driving remains possible to a restricted
degree.
The reinforcement on the flanks of
the safety tires means that it is
usually not possible to detect an air loss
from outside.<
Flat tire The yellow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up to indicate a flat tire.
In addition, a gong sounds, see
pages 17, 62.
1. Reduce vehicle speed carefully to under
50 mph (80 km/h), avoiding hard brake
applications and steering maneuvers
2. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h)
3. Identify damaged tires; check tire infla-
tion pressures on all four wheels at the
next opportunity, see page 80
4. Correct the tire inflation pressure if you
wish to continue your journey and this is
permitted, see next column
5. Have damaged tires changed by your
MINI center, see page 84.
Your MINI center has the information
needed for working with safety tires
and is equipped with the necessary special
tools. They provide advice if you wish to
replace the tires on your MINI or wish to
re-equip from summer to winter tires Ð or
vice versa, see also pages 80, 84, 85.<
For safety reasons, do not have a
damaged safety tire repaired.<
Continuing driving with a damaged
tireDriving can continue under certain condi-
tions with safety tires, depending on the
vehicle load and the severity of the tire
damage, at a maximum speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).
You can determine the possible mileage for
continued driving on the basis of the
following general indications:
>Tire inflation pressure 0 bar (0 psi):
approx. 95 miles (150 km)
>Tire inflation pressure 0.5 bar Ð 1 bar
(7.2 psi Ð 14.5 psi): approx. 300 miles
(500 km)
>Tire inflation pressure greater than 1 bar
(14.5 psi): approx. 600 miles (1,000 km).