
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
 55
Malfunction in the driving stability 
control systems
The warning lamps come on. ASC or DSC 
is malfunctioning. 
The vehicle remains operational. Have 
the system checked as soon as possible.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead, 
otherwise unstable driving conditions 
could result.<
Hill Start Assist*
Hill Start Assist is a component of DSC and assists 
you in comfortably driving off on inclines. It is 
not necessary to use the parking brake for this.
1.Hold the MINI with the brake.
2.Release the brake and immediately drive 
off.
Hill Start Assist holds the car in place for approx. 
2 seconds after the brake is released.
Depending on vehicle load and road incli-
nation, the car may roll backwards a little 
during this time span. Drive off immediately 
after releasing the brake. Otherwise, Hill Start 
Assist will no longer hold the car in place after 
approx. 2 seconds and the car will start to roll 
backwards.<
Flat Tire Monitor FTM*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor monitors tire pressures 
while the car is being driven. The system reports 
any significant loss of pressure in one tire in rela-
tion to another.
If a tire loses pressure, its rolling radius changes, 
and this in turn alters the speed of rotation. This 
change is detected and is reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat 
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.Each time you correct the pressure in a 
tire, or change a wheel or tire, the system 
must be reinitialized.<
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor is unable to warn the 
driver of sudden, severe tire damage 
caused by external factors, nor can it identify the 
gradual loss of pressure that will inevitably occur 
in all four tires over a lengthy period of time.<
In the following situations, the system could be 
delayed or malfunction:
>System has not been initialized
>Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
>Performance-oriented style of driving: slip in 
the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration
>Snow chains are attached
When the vehicle is driven with a space-saver 
spare tire
*, the Flat Tire Monitor cannot func-
tion.
Initializing the system
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time. 
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically. 
Do not initialize the system if you are driving 
with snow chains or a space-saver spare tire
*.<
1.Start the engine, but do not start driving.
2.Briefly press the button in the turn indicator 
lever repeatedly until "SET/INFO" is dis-
played.
3.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes. 

Technology for driving comfort and safety
56
4.Briefly press the button repeatedly until the 
corresponding symbol and "RESET" are dis-
played.
5.Press and hold the button until the display 
changes.
6.Start driving.
Initialization is completed while the car is on 
the move, without any feedback.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamps come on in yellow 
and red. An acoustic signal also sounds. 
There is a flat tire or substantial loss of 
tire pressure.
1.Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with cau-
tion. Avoid sudden braking and steering 
maneuvers.
2.Check whether your vehicle is equipped 
with normal tires or Run-Flat Tires.
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires 
is a circle with the letters RSC on the 
sidewall, refer to Run-Flat Tires, page92.<
Normal tires
1.Determine which tire is damaged.
If this cannot be determined, contact 
your MINI Dealer.<
2.Repair the flat tire, refer to page106, or 
change the damaged tire, refer to page108.
Run-Flat Tires*
1.Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph 
or 80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed 
of 50 mph or 80 km/h.
Do not continue driving if the vehicle is 
not equipped with Run-Flat Tires, 
page92, otherwise a serious accident could 
result.<
2.At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If all four tires are inflated to the cor-
rect pressures, the Flat Tire Monitor 
might not have been initialized. The system 
must then be initialized.<
3.In the event of complete tire pressure loss, 
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible 
distance for continued driving on the basis 
of the following guidelines:
>With a light load: 
1 to 2 persons without luggage: 
approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With a medium load: 
2 persons, cargo area full, or 4 persons 
without luggage: 
approx. 90 miles/150 km
>With a full load: 
4 persons, cargo area full: 
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph or 80 km/h. In the event 
of pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This 
includes reduced tracking stability in braking, 
extended braking distance and altered natural 
steering characteristics. 
If unusual vibration or loud noises occur during 
the journey, this may be an indication that the 
damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce the vehi-
cle speed and stop as soon as possible. Other-
wise, sections of the tire may come loose and 
cause accidents. Do not continue driving and 
contact your MINI Dealer.<
Malfunction
The warning lamps light up in yellow. 
There is a malfunction in the Flat Tire 
Monitor or the system has failed. Have 
the system checked as soon as possible. 

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
 77
that the radiation which results from transmis-
sion will be dissipated from the vehicle inte-
rior.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, 
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge 
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can 
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact 
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be 
steered or braked properly.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining 
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread 
depth on page91.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is 
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only 
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the 
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the 
transmission may be damaged.<
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with 
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise greater clutch wear will result.<
For information on driving off using Hill Start 
Assist
*, refer to page55.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a 
situation which requires full braking, it is best to 
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the 
vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you 
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with 
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that 
ABS is actively taking effect.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly 
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every 
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure 
that this maneuver does not endanger other 
road users. The heat generated in this process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that 
Then full braking force will be immediately avail-
able when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting 
reduced efficiency of the brake system, 
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the 
gear in which the least braking is required. Even 
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to 
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly 
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by 
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing 
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis-
sion, page38.
Never drive with the clutch held down, 
with the transmission in idle or with the 
engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking 
action will not be present or there will be no 
power assistance to the brakes or steering. 
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other 
objects to protrude into the area around the 
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be 
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, 
during extended periods when the vehicle is not 
used at all, and in operating conditions where 
brake applications are less frequent, there is an 
increased tendency for corrosion to form on 
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the 
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum 
pressure which must be exerted by the pads 
during brake applications to clean the rotors is 
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the 
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating 
effect that even extended application will fail to 
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic climate 
control is in operation, and then exits under the  

Wheels and tires
86
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressures
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tires' service life, but also 
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving 
safety that depend on the condition of the tires 
and the maintenance of the specified tire pres-
sure.
Checking pressure
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly 
and correct it, if necessary: at least twice a 
month and before starting long trips. If you fail 
to observe this precaution you may be driving 
on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condition 
that can not only compromise your vehicle's 
driving stability, but also lead to tire damage and 
the risk of an accident. Do not drive with 
deflated, i.e. flat tires, except when using Run-
Flat Tires. A flat tire will seriously impair your 
vehicle's handling and braking response. 
Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to loss of 
control over the vehicle.<
Check the tire inflation pressures only on cold 
tires. This means after a maximum of 1.25 miles/
2 km driving or when the vehicle has been 
parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are warm, 
the tire inflation pressure is higher.
Checking the inflation pressure on the 
space-saver spare tire*
A valve extension for checking the inflation pres-
sure is located behind the bumper.After correcting the tire inflation pressure, 
reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, 
page55.<
Inflation pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct inflation 
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient 
temperature.
The tire inflation pressures apply to the 
tire sizes approved and the tire brands 
recommended by the manufacturer of your 
MINI. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to advise 
you.<
For correct identification of the right tire infla-
tion pressures, observe the following:
>Tire sizes for your vehicle
>Load conditions
>Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to 
100 mph or 160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h 
and to achieve optimum driving comfort, adjust 
pressures to the respective tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds up to a maximum of 
100 mph or 160 km/h.
These tire inflation pressures can also be found 
on the driver's-side door post when the driver's 
door is open.
The maximum permissible speed for these 
tire pressures is 100 mph or 160 km/h. Do  

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
 87
not exceed this speed, otherwise tire damage 
and accidents could occur.<
Tire inflation pressures for driving above 
100 mph or 160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in 
excess of 100 mph or 160 km/h, adjust 
pressures to the respective tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds including those 
exceeding 100 mph or 160 km/h. Otherwise tire 
damage and accidents could occur.<
Observe all national and local maximum speed 
limits, otherwise violations of the laws could 
occur. 

Wheels and tires
88
MINI Cooper tire inflation pressures
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Speeds up to a
max. of 100 mph / 
160 km/hSpeeds including those exceeding 
100 mph / 160 km/h
All pressure specifications 
in the table are indicated in 
psi/kilopascal with cold 
tires. Cold = ambient tem-
perature
175/65 R 15 84 T M+S
175/65 R 15 84 H M+S
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/40 R 18 82 V RSC33/230 33/230 33/230 33/230 36/250 36/250
Emergency wheel:
115/70 R 15 90 M61/420 61/420 – – 61/420 61/420
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page132. 

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
 89
MINI Cooper S tire inflation pressures
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Speeds up to a
max. of 100 mph /
160 km/hSpeeds including those exceeding 
100 mph / 160 km/h
All pressure specifications 
in the table are indicated in 
psi/kilopascal with cold 
tires. Cold = ambient tem-
perature
195/55 R 16 87 V RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC33/230 33/230 33/230 33/230 36/250 36/250
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC36/250 36/250 36/250 36/250 41/280 41/280
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC38/260 38/260 38/260 38/260 41/280 41/280
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page132. 

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
 107
6Wrench, screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver, 
towing eyelet
7Compressor, hose with manometer and plug 
for cigarette lighter socket
8Package with filling hose, valve remover and 
valve core
Use of the MINI Mobility System may be 
ineffective if the tire puncture measures 
approx. 1/8 in/4 mm or more. Contact the near-
est MINI Dealer if the tire cannot be made driv-
able with the MINI Mobility System.<
Liquid sealant
1Filling hose
2Filling canister
Filling
1.Shake the filling canister.
2.Screw the filling hose onto the filling canis-
ter.
3.Unscrew the dust cap from the valve of the 
defective tire.
4.Screw out the valve core with the valve 
remover. The valve remover is located in a 
package with the filling hose.
5.Remove the cap from the filling hose.
6.Push the filling hose onto the tire valve.
7.Hold the filling canister with the cap down 
and squeeze.
8.Squeeze the entire contents of the canister 
into the tire.
9.Remove the filling hose.
10.Screw the valve core into the tire valve with 
the valve remover.In the event of a lost or dirty valve core 
you will find another valve core in the 
package with the filling hose. 
Remember that the liquid canister must be 
replaced every four years if the equipment has 
not been used.<
Compressor
1Hose with manometer
2Compressor
3Connector for power supply
Reinflating the tire
1.Screw hose1 with manometer onto the tire 
valve.
2.Insert connector 3 into the lighter socket in 
the interior of the vehicle, page72.
3.Switch on compressor2.
4.Inflate the tire to at least 26.1 psi/1.8 bar but 
to no more than 36.2 psi/2.5 bar.
To check the air pressure, shut off the device 
for a short time.
Do not run the compressor for longer 
than 6 minutes, otherwise the device 
will overheat and possibly be damaged.<
If a pressure of 26.1 psi/1.8 bar is not reached:
1.Unscrew hose 1 and drive the vehicle for-
ward and backward about 30 ft/10 m to dis-
tribute the liquid sealant in the tires evenly.
2.Repeat the procedure.
If a pressure of 26.1 psi/1.8 bar is still not 
reached, the tire is too badly damaged. 
Please contact the nearest MINI Dealer.<