109
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
NEW WHEELS AND TIRES
The correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends mounting only wheels and
tires that it has specifically approved 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, ultimately leading to serious
accidents. The manufacturer of your MINI
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 mounted.<
Your MINI Dealer will be glad to inform you
about the correct wheel and tire combina-
tion for your vehicle.
The correct wheel and tire combination is
also important for various systems that
would otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS or
DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand
and tread configuration. In the event of tire
damage, remount the previous wheel and
tire combination as soon as possible.
Run Flat tires
For your own safety, use Run Flat tires
when mounting new tires or replacing
summer tires with winter tires or vice
versa. Keep in mind that no spare wheel is
available in the event of a flat. Your MINI
Dealer will be glad to advise you.
For safety reasons, the manufacturer
of your MINI recommends having
Run Flat tires replaced, not repaired, if they
are damaged.<
Tire designation
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your
MINI recommends certain tire brands. You
can recognize these by the clearly visible
designation on the tire's sidewall.
When used properly these tires meet the
highest standards regarding safety and
handling characteristics.
133
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE*CHANGING TIRES
9. Pull out the space-saver spare tire
towards the rear underneath the vehi-
cle
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 place it on the valve of the
space-saver spare tire.
Due to its different dimensions, the
damaged wheel cannot be placed in
the recess for the space-saver spare tire.<
Driving with the space-saver spare tire
Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a speed of
50 mph / 80 km/h.
You must expect changes in vehicle han-
dling such as lower track stability during
braking, longer braking distances and
changes in self-steering properties when
close to the handling limit. These effects
are more pronounced when driving with
winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire may
be mounted at one time. Reinstall a
wheel and tire of the original size as soon
as possible.<
Check the tire inflation pressure at
the earliest opportunity and correct it
if necessary. Replace the defective tire as
soon as possible and have the new wheel/
tire assembly balanced.<
Additional safety measures in the
event of a tire change:
Change the tire only on a level, firm surface
which is not slippery.
The vehicle or the jack could slip sideways
on soft or slippery support surfaces, such as
snow, ice, flagstones, etc..
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 capac-
ity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported by
the jack – risk of fatal injury.<
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions
regarding flat tires on page131.<
1. For vehicles with a space-saver spare
tire:
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.
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
163
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps129
Tailgate29
emergency operation30
indicator lamp17
opening from the outside29
releasing manually30
remote control26
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel tank
capacity151
Tank gauge, refer to Fuel
gauge66,67
Technical data146
Technical modifications7
Technical modifications, refer
to For your own safety7
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Temperature display
ice warning69
outside temperature69
setting units69
Temperature grades106
Temperature warning69
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control64 Threaded hole for towing
eyelet142
Three-point safety belt46
Through-loading system88,89
Tightening the lug bolts
keys131,135
torque134
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts134
Tire change set
MINI Mobility System137
Run Flat tires108
space-saver spare tire131
Tire failure131
MINI Mobility System135
space-saver spare tire131
Tire inflation pressure101
reinflation136
Tire pressure monitor, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor73
Tire pressure monitoring, Flat
Tire Monitor73
Tire puncture
Run Flat tires74 Tires
age105
break-in procedures96
changing133
condition106
damage107
flat tire108,131
inflation pressure101
replacement109
size, refer to New wheels and
tires109
storage110
tread106
wear indicator, refer to Tire
tread106
winter tires110
Tires with emergency
properties, refer to Run Flat
tires108
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit126
Torque
engine146
lug bolts134
Tow bar142
Tow rope142
Towing141
with automatic
transmission142,143
Towing eyelet141
Tow-starting143 Track width, refer to
Dimensions147,148
Traction grades106
Transmission
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
manual transmission55
Transmission lock, refer to
Range selection56
Transmission malfunction,
refer to Malfunction58
Transporting children safely50
Transporting securely, refer to
Securing the load92
Trap protection,
glass sunroof, electric34
Trash container, refer to
Ashtray85
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread106
Treadwear grade105
Trip odometer66
Trunk, refer to Luggage
compartment in the MINI
Convertible89
Turn signal indicators60
indicator lamp19
Turn signal indicators on the
side, bulb replacement129
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions147,148
