87
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE Information for your safetyIt is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving safety and driving comfort that
depend on the condition of the tires and
the maintenance of the specified tire pres-
sure.
Check tire inflation pressures regu-
larly, including the space-saver spare
tire: at least twice a month and before long
journeys. Failure to observe this precaution
can result in incorrect tire pressures, which
cause unstable handling response as well
as tire damage, and can ultimately lead to
an accident. Do not drive with deflated, i.e.
flat, tires except if Run Flat tires are fitted.
A flat tire greatly impairs steering and brak-
ing response, and can lead to complete loss
of control over the vehicle.
mum of 1.25 miles / 2 km or when the vehi-
cle has been parked for at least 2 hours.
Warm tires have higher pressures.
After correcting the tire inflation
pressure, reinitialize the Flat Tire
Monitor, refer to page 62.<
Tire inflation pressures for original
tiresThe tire inflation pressures in psi and kilo-
pascal are given on the placard on the B-pil-
lar that is visible when the driver's door is
open.Inflation pressures for other tiresIn the following tire pressure table, all pres-
sures are specified in the psi / kilopascal
units of pressure and apply to tires at ambi-
ent temperature.
In order to determine the correct
inflation pressures for your tires,
refer to the values for the tire size in ques-
tion.<
Checking the inflation pressure on the
space-saver spare tireBehind the bumper there is a valve exten-
sion accessible from the outside for check-
ing the inflation pressure.Run Flat tiresRun Flat tires consist of self-contained tires
and special rims. The tire reinforcement
ensures that the tire offers some residual
safety in the event of pressure drop and
driving remains possible to a restricted
degree, refer to page 93. The vehicle is
equipped with Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page 62.
89
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TIRE CODINGKnowing the tire code on the tire's sidewall
makes it easier for you to choose and iden-
tify the correct tires.Tire sizee.g. 205/45 R 17 84 V
Nominal width in mm
Cross-sectional
ratio in %
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load index,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter,
in front of the R on ZR tires
Speed code letters:
Q= bis 105 mph / 160 km/h
T= up to 118 mph / 190 km/h
H= up to 131 mph / 210 km/h
V= up to 150 mph / 240 km/h
W= up to 167 mph / 270 km/hTire Identification NumberTires with DOT codes meet the guidelines
of the U.S. Department of Transportation. DOT code:
e.g. DOT xxxx xxx 3603
Manufacturer's code
for tire make
Tire size and
tire version
Tire age
Tire ageThe manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends replacing all tires, including the
space-saver spare tire, regardless of actual
wear, after 6 years at the latest.
The date on which the tire was manufac-
tured is indicated by the code on the side-
wall:
DOT … 3603 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in Week 36 of the year 2003.Uniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found where applica-
ble on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
DOT quality grades Treadwear 200
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.< Tread wearThe tread wear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and one-half, 1 γ times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
91
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TIRE CONDITION Tire tread Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects
lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.
The tread depth should not fall below
1/8 in / 3 mm.
Below 1/8 in / 3 mm tread pattern depth,
there is an increased risk of hydroplaning,
even at relatively moderate speeds and
with only small amounts of water on the
road.
Below a tread depth of 1/6 in / 4 mm, win-
ter tires display a perceptible decrease in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions, and should be replaced in the
interest of safety.Wear indicators in the tread-groove base,
arrow, are spread around the circumfer-
ence of the tire and are marked on the side
wall of the tire with TWI, Tread Wear Indi-
cator. The indicators in the tread indicate at
1/16 in / 1.6 mm tread depth that the
legally permitted wear limit has been
reached.
Tire damage
Unusual vibrations while driving can
indicate tire damage or other dam-
age to the vehicle. This may be caused, for
example, by driving over a curb. This is also
true for abnormalities in the vehicle's han-
dling characteristics, such as a pronounced
tendency to pull to the left or right. Should
this occur, respond by immediately reduc-
ing your speed. Proceed carefully to the
nearest MINI Dealer or professional tire
center, or have the vehicle towed there to
have its wheels and/or tires inspected or
controlled. Tire damage – up to and includ-
ing blowouts – can endanger the lives of
both the vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
92
WHEEL AND TIRE REPLACEMENT
Unprofessional attempts by laymen
to service 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.<
The correct wheel and tire combination
also affects various systems that would
otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS or DSC.
Have the wheels balanced after each tire or
wheel replacement.
The manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends that you avoid using
retread tires, as this could impair driving
safety. This is due to the possible variations
in casing structures and, in some cases, to
their extreme age, which can lead to a
decrease in their durability.<
The correct wheels and tires
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.<
Recommended tire makes:
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread
configuration from a single manufacturer.
In the event of a flat tire, remount the pre-
vious wheel and tire combination as soon
as possible.
Run Flat tires:
If your MINI is equipped with Run Flat tires
– refer to Run Flat tires – use only these
tires, since no space-saver spare tire may be
available in the event of a flat. Special characteristics of winter tires The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends winter tires for driving in adverse
winter road conditions. While all-season
tires with the M+S designation provide bet-
ter winter traction than summer tires, they generally do not achieve the full perfor-
mance of winter tires.
For mounting winter tires, refer to the
descriptions under Tire condition, page 91,
and Wheel and tire replacement.
Run Flat tires:
If your MINI is equipped with Run Flat tires
– refer to Run Flat tires – use only these
tires, since no space-saver spare tire may be
available in the event of a flat.
Observing speeds:
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the winter 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. The technicians at your MINI
Dealer will be glad to assist you with the
required professional knowledge and spe-
cialized equipment.<
StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, protecting
them against light whenever possible. Pro-
tect the tires against contact with oil,
grease and fuel. Do not exceed the maxi-
mum tire inflation pressure specified on
the tire sidewall.
99
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ENGINE OILAdding engine oil
Only top up oil when the oil level has
dropped to just above the lower
notch of the dipstick. However, never allow
the level to drop below the lower notch.<
MINI engines are designed to operate
without oil additives; the use of addi-
tives could lead to damage in some cases.
That is also valid for the Continuously Vari-
able automatic Transmission (CVT), the
gear box and the power assisted steering.<
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you have the oil changed at
your MINI Dealer.
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that come
into contact with oil should be thoroughly
washed with soap and water.
Always store oil, grease, etc., out of reach of
children. Comply with all warning labels
and information on lubricant containers.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of used oil.
service life of an engine. Based on extensive
testing, the manufacturer of your MINI
approves only certain grades of engine oil.
Use only approved MINI High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain MINI High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil, you can add small
amounts of synthetic oil in between oil
changes. Only use oils with the API SH spec-
ification or higher.
Ask your authorized MINI Dealer for
details concerning the specific MINI
High Performance Synthetic Oil or syn-
thetic oils which have been approved.<
Viscosities Viscosity is the oilflow rating as established
in SAE classes.
The choice of the proper SAE class depends
on the climatic conditions in the area
where your MINI is used.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used at all ambient tem-
peratures.
102
MINI MAINTENANCE SYSTEMThe MINI Maintenance System has been
designed as a reliable means of providing
maximum driving and operating safety,
and as cost-effective for you as possible.
Please bear in mind that regular mainte-
nance is not only necessary for the safety of
your vehicle, but also plays a significant
role in maintaining the resale value of the
vehicle.
Service interval displayWhile conventional systems specify main-
tenance according to fixed distances
driven, the MINI Maintenance System takes
account of the operating conditions of the
vehicle, for distances can be driven in many
different ways:
60,000 miles / 100,000 km short distance
operation can not be equated with
60,000 miles / 100,000 km long distance
operation from a maintenance standpoint.
The condition-based MINI Maintenance
System includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual use of the vehicle
covers every kind of operating situation.
People who drive very little, i.e. much less
than 6,000 miles / 10,000 km per year,
should have the engine oil changed at least
every 2 years since oil deteriorates over
time, regardless of use.
For more information on the service inter-
val display, refer to page 56.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models For additional information on maintenance
intervals and procedures, please refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
As a precaution against rust, it is advisable
to have the body checked for damage from
rocks or gravel at the same time, depending
upon operating conditions.
Have your vehicle's maintenance and
repairs performed at your MINI
Dealer. Be sure that all maintenance work
is confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models. These entries are your
proof that the vehicle has received regular
maintenance. They are also a requirement
for warranty claims.<
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
138
A
ABS Antilock Brake System 61
indicator lamp 16, 17
Accessories, refer to
For your own safety 7
Your individual vehicle 6
Activated-charcoal filter 72
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air mode 68, 71
Air conditioning
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 71
Air conditioning system 67
Air distribution
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 71
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation 69, 72
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 87
Air supply
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 72
Air, drying, refer to Air
conditioning 68, 71
Airbags 65
indicator lamp 16
safe seating position 31
AKI, refer to Fuel quality 85 All Season traction Control
(ASC) 59
indicator lamp 16, 17
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires 92
Antenna 103
Antifreeze
coolant 100
washer fluid 98
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 61
indicator lamp 16, 17
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights 134
Approved engine oils 99
Approved gross vehicle weight,
refer to Weights 134
ASC All Season traction
Control 59
indicator lamp 16, 17
Ashtray 74
Assistant systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC) 59
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 60
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution 71
Automatic
air distribution 71
air supply 71
cruise control 52 Automatic car washes 103
Automatic climate control 70
Automatic headlamp range
control for xenon lamps,
refer to Daytime driving
lamps 48
Average consumption
setting units 58
Average speed
setting units 58
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 134
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats 33
Backup lamp 44
bulb replacement 114
Bar, towing 128
Battery 124
disposal 22, 124
indicator lamp 15
jump-starting 126
remote control 22
Belts, refer to Safety belts 35
Beverage holders 74
Blower
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 72
Blower, refer to Air flow 68, 72 Blowers, refer to Draft-free
ventilation 69, 72
BMW 6
Bonnet 95
indicator lamp 16
Bore, refer to Engine data 132
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders 74
Brake discs
brake system 86
break-in procedures 82
Brake fluid 101
adding 101
level 86
warning lamp 15
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 114
Brake pads 86
break-in procedures 82
warning lamp 16
Brake system 86
brake fluid level 86
brake pads 86
disc brakes 86
warning lamp 16
Brake wear warning
brake pads 86
warning lamp 16
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
139
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Brakes 86
ABS 61
brake fluid 101
break-in procedures 82
handbrake 43
indicator/warning
lamps 15, 16
Breaking in 82
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 111
Buttons in multifunction
steering wheel 18
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 46
C
California Proposition
65 warning 107
Capacities 135
Car care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle 103
Car keys, refer to Keys 22
Car radio, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner,
connecting, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket 74
Car wash 103 Car wash, refer to Washing
your vehicle 103
Car-care products 103
Care, vehicle 103
Cargo area 75
cover 75
emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation 27
foldable rear backrest 75
lid, refer to Tailgate 27
volume, refer to Weights 134
Cargo area lamps
bulb replacement 116
Cargo area net 77
Carpet care 104
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Catalytic converter, refer to
High temperatures 83
CBC Cornering Brake Control 61
warning lamp 16
CD changer, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
CD operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Center high-mount brake lamp
bulb replacement 114
Central locking system 23
interior 26
Changing bulbs, refer to Lamps
and bulbs 111 Changing tires
space-saver spare tire 117
Charge-current indicator
light 15
Child seat, refer to Child-
restraint systems 38
Child-restraint systems 38
Chock, folding
MINI Mobility System 121
Run Flat tires 93
space-saver spare tire 117
Chrome parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle 104
Chrome-plated parts, care 104
Cigarette lighter 74
Cigarette lighter socket 74
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated air mode 68, 71
Cleaning the rear window 51
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle 103
Clock 56
Closing
from inside 26
from outside 23
Clothes hooks 83
Clutch
break-in procedures 82
Cockpit 12
Cold start, refer to
Starting the engine 41 Compact disk operation, refer
to Owner's Manual for Radio
Compartments 73
Compression, refer to Engine
data 132
Compressor, refer to MINI
Mobility System
operation, refer to
Reinflating tires 122
storage location 110
Computer, refer to Onboard
computer 57
Condensed water, refer to Air
conditioning 68, 71
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory 37
Consumption, refer to Average
consumption 58
Consumption, refer to Current
consumption 58
Contents 2
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 45
ignition 41
indicator lamp 47
interlock 41
selector lever lock 45
shiftlock 45
towing 129