CONTENTS
4
In the engine compartment:
Bonnet95
Engine compartment: MINI COOPER96
Engine compartment: MINI COOPER S97
Washer fluid98
Engine oil98
Coolant100
Brake fluid101
Maintenance and care:
MINI Maintenance System102
Caring for your vehicle103
Vehicle storage105
Laws and regulations:
OBD socket106
California Proposition 65 warning107
OWNER SERVICE PROCEDURES
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit110
Windshield wiper blades110
Lamps and bulbs111
Repairing a flat tire116
Changing tires: MINI with space-saver
spare tire117
MINI Mobility System121
Battery124
Fuses125
Giving and receiving assistance:
Jump-starting126
Towing128
TECHNICAL DATA
Engine data132
Dimensions133
Weights134
Capacities135
62
FLAT TIRE MONITOR The conceptAs you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor keeps
track of the tire inflation pressure in all four
tires. The system alerts you when there is a
substantial pressure loss in one of the tires
relative to another.
The tire inflation pressures are monitored
based on the speeds of the four wheels in
relation to one another. A flat tire is
detected as the result of differences in cer-
tain speed ratios, and a warning is gener-
ated.System requirementsSo that the system can 'familiarize' itself
with the correct inflation pressure, please
do the following:
1. Check the tire inflation pressure in all
tires
2. Compare them with the inflation pres-
sure table, refer to page 88, and adjust
the pressures if necessary
3. Initializing the system.
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot alert you
to severe and sudden tire damage
caused by external factors, nor does it
detect the gradual and minor loss of pres-
sure in all four tires.<
On the other hand, the following situations
could lead to a delayed detection of pres-
sure loss or to the system not functioning:
>Driving on snow-covered or slippery
roads
>Performance-oriented driving: slip at the
drive wheels, high rates of lateral accel-
eration
>When driving with snow chains, false
warnings and undetected pressure loss
may occur
>When driving with a space-saver spare
tire, the Flat Tire Monitor cannot func-
tion.
Initializing the system
The system must be re-initialized
immediately after changing a tire
and wheel, or after correcting the pressure
in any tire. This requires a bit of driving.<
1. Before a journey, start the engine, but do
not start driving
2. Press the button long enough for the
indicator lamp in the display elements to
light up for a few seconds
3. Drive off.
It takes a few minutes before the Flat Tire
Monitor can detect a flat tire and issue an
alert.
Do not initialize the system if you are
driving with snow chains or a space-
saver spare tire.<
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.
88
TIRE INFLATION PRESSUREModel Tires
Pressures specified in psi / kilopascal
MINI COOPER175/65 R 15 84 H
175/65 R 15 84 Q M+S30 / 210 35 / 240 35 / 240 35 / 240
195/55 R 16 87 H
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S
205/45 R 17 84 V
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S30 / 210 30 / 210 35 / 240 35 / 240
175/65 R 15 84 Q M+S
175/60 R 15 82 Q M+S
195/55 R 16 87 Q M+S
205/45 R 17 84 Q M+S33 / 230 33 / 230 38 / 260 38 / 260
Space-saver spare tire T 115/70 R 15 90 M 61 / 420 61 / 420 61 / 420 61 / 420
MINI COOPER S195/55 R 16 87 V
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S30 / 210 30 / 210 35 / 240 35 / 240
205/45 R 17 84 V
205/45 R 17 84 Q M+S
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S
195/55 R 16 87 Q M+S33 / 230 33 / 230 38 / 260 38 / 260
175/60 R 16 82 Q 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.
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.
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.
93
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
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 driving
remains possible to a restricted degree in
the event of a pressure drop or even a flat
tire.
When mounting or replacing summer
Run Flat tires with winter tires, or vice
versa, use Run Flat tires again since no
space-saver spare tire is available in the
event of a flat. In this event, the manufac-
turer of your MINI recommends consulting
your MINI Dealer. Your MINI Dealer has the
necessary special equipment and expertise
for handling Run Flat tires.<
Continuing driving with a damaged
tire Depending on the load, you can continue
driving with Run Flat tires at a maximum
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h.
If there is a total loss of tire inflation pres-
sure, 0 psi / 0 kPa, or obvious tire damage,
you can gauge the mileage for continued
driving on the basis of the following indica-
tions:
>With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles / 250 km
>With a medium load:
2 persons, full cargo area, or
4 persons without luggage:
approx. 95 miles / 150 km
>With a full load:
4 persons or more, full cargo:
approx. 30 miles / 50 km.Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h. In case of
tire pressure loss you must expect changes
in vehicle handling such as lower track sta-
bility during braking, longer braking dis-
tances and changes in self-steering proper-
ties when close to the handling limit.
For safety reasons, the manufacturer of
your MINI recommends not having dam-
aged Run Flat tires repaired. In this case,
consult your MINI dealer.<
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.
In the MINI COOPER S the tire change set is
located in a separate bag which is attached
to the eyelets on the cargo area floor by
means of tie-down straps.
When changing a tire, always observe the
safety measures on page 116, and follow
the procedure described on page 117 ff.
In case of a flat tire, the tire change
set is not needed, since your MINI has
Run Flat tires.<
100
COOLANT
Do not add coolant to the cooling sys-
tem when the engine is hot. Escaping
coolant can cause burns.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are
hazardous to health. Always store these
agents in tightly-closed original containers
kept well away from the reach of children.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are
flammable. Therefore, do not spill them
over hot engine parts; otherwise they may
ignite and cause burns. Always observe the
instructions for use provided on the con-
tainer.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents.<
The illustration shows as an example the
coolant tank on the MINI COOPER.Checking coolant level Correct coolant level with cold engine,
approx. 687/206:
Up to the MAX mark of the transparent
expansion tank.
Only open the cap of the expansion
tank when the engine has cooled
down. The needle on the coolant tempera-
ture gauge in the display elements must be
no higher than in the first quarter; other-
wise there is a danger of scalding.<
To add coolantMINI COOPER:
1. Slowly open the cap by pulling at the tab
to allow accumulated pressure to escape
2. Pull open the cap completely
3. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached; do not
overfill.
MINI COOPER S:
1. Open the cap by turning it slightly coun-
terclockwise to allow accumulated pres-
sure to escape
2. Unscrew and open the cap completely
3. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached; do not
overfill.
The coolant is made up of water and an
antifreeze with corrosion resistance. The
mixture ratio of 50 to 50 must be kept the
entire year due to the required anti-corro-
sion property. No other additives are
required.
Replace the coolant every four years.