112
NEW WHEELS AND TIRESThe 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 TiresFor 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 designationFor 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.
135
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 tireDrive 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 tires only on a flat, solid and non-
slippery surface.
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 page133.<
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
166
Tires
age108
break-in procedures98
changing135
condition109
damage110
flat tire111,133
inflation pressure104
replacement112
size, refer to New wheels and
tires112
storage113
tread109
wear indicator, refer to Tire
tread109
winter tires113
Tires with emergency
properties, refer to Run-Flat
Tires111
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit128
Torque
engine148
lug bolts136
Tow bar144
Tow rope144
Towing143
with automatic
transmission144,145
Towing eyelet143
Tow-starting145 Track width, refer to
Dimensions149,150
Traction grades109
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 load94
Trash container, refer to
Ashtray86
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread109
Treadwear grade108
Trip odometer67
Trunk, refer to Luggage
compartment in the MINI
Convertible91
Turn signal indicators61
indicator lamp19
Turn signal indicators on the
side, bulb replacement131
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions149,150 U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading108
Units
average consumption71
average speed71
temperature70
Universal garage door
opener88
Universal remote control88
Unlocking
bonnet114
from inside28
from outside26
Used batteries, refer to
Disposal140
Using antifreeze64,118
V
Vacuum cleaner, connecting,
refer to Cigarette lighter
socket87
Valve
core137
dust cap135
remover137
spare137
Valve remover, refer to
Onboard tool kit137 Valve stem and replacement
valve, refer to Onboard tool
kit137
Vanity mirror, illuminated48
Vehicle
battery140
break-in procedures98
care122
dimensions149
loading cargo92
parking100
storage125
washing122
weight151,152
Vehicle battery140
Vehicle identification number,
refer to Engine
compartment115,116
Vehicle illumination, refer to
Lamps60
Vehicle Memory49
Ventilation, draft-free81,84
Ventilation, refer to
Air conditioning system81
Automatic climate control83
Ventilation, refer to Draft-free
ventilation81,84
Volume
luggage
compartment151,152
