2003 MINI COOPER winter tires

3
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX

Driving:
Ignition lock45
Starting the engine46
Switching off the engine47
Parking brake47
Manual transmission48
Continuously Variable automatic Trans-
mission (CVT)49
Parking lamps/Low beams52
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher52
Instrument lighting53
Fog lamps53
Interior lamps53
Light-emitting diodes54
Washer/wiper system54
Cruise control56
Everything under control:
Odometer58
Tachometer58
Fuel gauge58
Coolant temperature gauge59
Service interval display60
Clock60
Computer60
Technology for safety and driving
convenience:
Automatic Stability Control plus Traction
(ASC+T)62
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)63
Flat Tire Monitor64
Park Distance Control (PDC)66
Controlling the climate for pleasant
driving:
Air conditioning system67
Automatic climate control70
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment73
Ashtray/Beverage holder73
Cigarette lighter/12 V power supply73
Loading and transporting cargo:
Cargo area cover74
Foldable rear backrest74
Loading cargo75
Roof-mounted luggage rack76

Operation, care, maintenance
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures80
General driving notes81
Refueling82
Fuel specifications83
Antilock Brake System (ABS)83
Brake system84
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure85
Tire condition87
Tire replacement87
Wheel and tire combinations89
Winter tires89
Snow chains90
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86
TIRE INFLATION PRESSUREModel Tires
Pressures specified in psi/kilopascal
MINI COOPER175/65 R 15 30/210 30/210 35/240 35/240
195/55 R 16
205/45 R 1730/210 30/210 35/240 35/240
All winter tires 33/230 33/230 38/260 38/260
Space-saver spare tire 61/420 61/420 61/420 61/420
MINI COOPER S195/55 R 16 30/210 30/210 35/240 35/240
205/45 R 17
195/55 R 16 M+S
205/45 R 17 M+S33/230 33/230 38/260 38/260
175/60 R 16 M+S 36/250 36/250 41/280 41/280
All-season tires – M+S – should be inflated to the same pressures as summer tires. Figures as stated here apply to the manufacturer’s
approved or recommended tires; your MINI Dealer will be happy to provide information on request.
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89
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
WHEEL AND TIRE COMBINATIONS WINTER TIRESThe right choiceThe factory-approved normal and Run Flat
tires are matched to your vehicle and have
been selected to provide optimum safety
and driving comfort if used properly.
The manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends never mounting wheels
and tires that have not been specifically
approved by the manufacturer for use on
your particular 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 of your MINI cannot evaluate
non-approved wheels and tires to deter-
mine if they are suited for use, and there-
fore cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are fitted.<
The manufacturer of your MINI has tested
certain tire brands in each size, categorized
them as safe for use on the road, and
approved them. Contact your MINI Dealer
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.
Choosing the right tireThe manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends winter tires – M+S radial tires – for
driving in adverse winter road conditions.
While so-called all-season tires with M+S
designation provide better winter traction
than summer tires with the load ratings S,
T, H, V, W, they do not achieve the perfor-
mance 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 Run Flat
tires. You will recognize Run Flat tires by a
circular symbol containing the letters RSC
on the side of the tire, see page 116. In this
case, use only Run Flat tires, as in the event
of a flat tire there is no space-saver spare
tire.
Any MINI Dealer will be glad to advise you
on the selection of the right winter tires for
the relevant operating conditions.
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90
WINTER TIRES SNOW CHAINS
*
Observing speeds
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled profes-
sionals only. Your MINI Dealer will be glad
to assist you with both their expertise and
the proper equipment for your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire inflation pressure
Below a tread depth of
3/16 in /
4 mm, winter tires display a percepti-
ble 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.
Only certain types of snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your
MINI, classified as road-safe and approved.
Contact your MINI Dealer for more details.
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you use these fine-link snow
chains only. Their use is only permitted in
pairs on the front wheels on winter tires of
the following type:
175/65 R 15.
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 62, 63.<
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116
FLAT TIRE– RUN FLAT TIRES
*
You will recognize Run Flat tires by a circu-
lar symbol containing the letters RSC on
the side of the tire.
Run Flat 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 Run Flat tires means that it is usu-
ally 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,
64.
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 85
4. Correct the tire inflation pressure if you
wish to continue your journey and this is
permitted, see next text section
5. Have damaged tires changed by your
MINI Dealer, see page 88.Your MINI Dealer has the information
needed for working with Run Flat
tires and is equipped with the necessary
special tools. They provide advice if you
wish to replace the tires on your MINI, or re-
equip from summer to winter tires or vice
versa, also see pages 85, 88, 89.<
For safety reasons, do not have a
damaged safety tire repaired.<
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121
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
FLAT TIRE – MINI MOBILITY SYSTEM
*
Checking tire inflation pressure
1. After driving for 10 minutes:
Screw hose with manometer back onto
the tire valve
2. Check tire pressure
The tire inflation pressure must be
at least 18.8 psi / 130 kPa.
If it is not, do not continue driving.<
If 18.8 psi / 130 kPa are displayed:
3. Ignition key position 1:
Turn on compressor 2. Correct tire infla-
tion pressure to the prescribed value, see
tire inflation pressure table, page 86
4. Replace the tire as soon as possible.
The use of the MINI Mobility System
may be ineffective with tire damage
larger than approx.
3/16 in / 4 mm. Please
contact the nearest MINI Dealer if the tire
cannot be made drivable with the MINI
Mobility System.<
Driving on
Do not exceed the permitted maxi-
mum speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h,
otherwise an accident could happen.<
Replace the defective tire as soon as
possible and have the new wheel/tire
assembly balanced.
Have the MINI Mobility System refilled.
Please contact your MINI Dealer. They pro-
vide advice if you wish to replace the tires
on your MINI or re-equip from summer to
winter tires or vice versa.<
Tire change setYour MINI is additionally equipped with a
tire change set. This is located in the MINI
COOPER in the cargo area under the floor
mat.
When changing a tire, always observe the
safety measures on page 112, and follow
the procedure described on page 114 ff.
In case of a flat tire the tire change
set is not necessary due to the avail-
ability of the MINI Mobility System.<
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
141
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Q
Quality grading, tire88
R
Radiator96
Radio, see separate Owner's
Manual
Rain sensor54
Reading lamps53
bulb replacement110
Rear backrest
foldable74
Rear fog lamp
bulb replacement109
Rear lamps48,109
Rear shelf, see Cargo area
cover74
Rear window defroster
air conditioning system68
automatic climate
control71
Rear window wiper55
replacing106
Rearview mirror39
Recirculated air mode
air conditioner system68
automatic climate
control71
Recirculation of air68,71
Reclining seat34 Recommended grades of
oil96
Refueling, fuel filler door82
Remaining distance for
service60
Remote control23
battery22
changing battery22
initialization22
Removing fog on windows
air conditioning system69
automatic climate
control72
Replacement key22
Reporting safety defects8
Reserve indicator light58
Restore tire inflation
pressure120
Restraint system41
Reverse gear48,50
Rod antenna99
Roller sun blind, rear window
blind30
Roof load132
Rope, towing126
Rubber parts100
Run Flat tires85,88,116
winter tires89 S
Safety belts16,33
adjusting38
care100
Safety lock buttons26
Seat heater36
Securing cargo75
Selector lever
shiftlock45,49
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
for US models98
Service interval
display60,98
Setting up the car44
Shiftlock49
Side airbags40
Side turn signal indicators
bulb replacement108
Sitting safely with airbags33
Sitting safely with safety
belts33
Size131
Sliding/tilt sunroof29
convenience
operation25,29
Snow chains90
Space-saver spare tire
changing tires112
Spare key22
Speed130 Speed control see Cruise
control56
Speed, winter tires90
Split rear backrest74
Spray jets55
Standing lamps52
bulb replacement108
Starting46
problems46,124,126
with a discharged
battery124
Steering lock45
Storage, tires89
Storing the vehicle101
Sun visors39
Switches12
Symbols6
T
Tachometer13,14,58
Tail lamps
bulb replacement109
Tailgate16,27
manually unlocking27
opening, remote control24
Tank display58
Technical data130
Technical modifications103
Temperature
air conditioning system68
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
142
automatic climate
control71
engine coolant59
high81
layering69,72
outside temperature61
tires88
The right tires89
Third brake lamp
bulb replacement110
Tilt alarm sensor31
remote control25
turning off32
Tire change set112,117
Tire failure16
Tire inflation pressure85,90
Tires85,89
all-season tires89
break-in80
changing112
condition87,90
damage87
inflation pressure85
M+S tires89
pressure85
replacement87
Run Flat tires85,88,116
snow chains90
storage89
temperature88
the right choice89 tread87
winter tires89
with emergency running
properties, see Run Flat
tires85,88,116
Tools106
Torque130
Total weight132
Tow bar126
Tow socket for towing
eyelet126
Towing126
with Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)127
Towing eyelet126
Towing rope126
Traction88
Transmission48
Transmission malfunction
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)51
Transporting children
safely41
Tread wear88
Trip odometer58
Trunk
cover, see Cargo area
cover74
lid, see Tailgate27 opening, remote control24
see Cargo area
volume132
Turn signal indicators18,52
bulb replacement108
Turning off
engine47
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading88
Unwanted alarm32
V
Valve core and
spare valve118
Valve remover118
Vanity mirror
bulb replacement111
illuminated39
Vehicle
breaking-in80
dimensions131
exterior finish99
operating46
parking81
starting46
storing101
turning off47
washing99
weight132 Vehicle Memory44
Ventilation
draft-free69,72
heater67
Vents, ventilation72
W
Warning lamp15
Warning triangle124
Warranty98
see Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
for US models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet
for Canadian models
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models98
Washer systems94
Washer/wiper system54
Waste container73
Water on roadways
deep water81
Weight132
Wheel and tire
combination89
Wheel chock
foldable112,117,118
Wheel lug bolts
wrench112,113,118
Wheelbase131
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