ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
91
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
RSC – Run-Flat Tires
You will recognize Run-Flat Tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side of
the tire, page92.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires regularly for tread wear, signs
of damage and for foreign objects lodged in the
tread. Check the tread depth.
Tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 1/8 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
1/16 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 1/8 in/
3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of
water are present on the road surface.
Winter tires
When winter tires wear down past a tread depth
of 1/6 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
suitable for winter conditions. In the interest of
safety, new tires should be installed.
Minimum tread depth
Wear indicators in the base of the tread groove
are distributed around the tire's circumference;
the letters TWI, for Tread Wear Indicator, on the
tire's sidewalls identify tires that incorporate
these wear indicators. When tire tread is worn
down to the level of the wear indicators, the
remaining tread depth is 1/16 in/1.6 mm.
Tire damage
Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels,
tires and suspension parts to be more suscepti-
ble to road hazard and consequential damages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. The same
applies to any other abnormal road behavior,
such as pulling severely to the right or left.
In these cases, reduce speed immediately
and have wheels and tires thoroughly
checked. To do so, drive carefully to the nearest
MINI Dealer or tire shop that works according to
MINI repair procedures with correspondingly
trained personnel. If necessary, have the vehicle
towed there.
Tire damage can be extremely dangerous for
vehicle occupants and other road users.<
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 4706 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 47 of 2006.
For various reasons, such as the development of
brittleness, the manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends tire replacement after no more than
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
93
Run-Flat Tires*
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires and vice versa, mount
Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. Keep in mind
that no space-saver spare tire 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 dam-
aged.<
Special characteristics of winter tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
winter tires for driving in adverse winter road
conditions. Although all-season M+S tires pro-
vide better winter traction than summer tires,
they generally fail to provide the same levels of
cold-weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view. Spe-
cialist tire dealers and your MINI Dealer can sup-
ply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
that you swap the front wheels with the rear
wheels and vice-versa at intervals of 3,000 to
4,000 miles/5,000 to 7,000 km. This will counter
the varying rates of tire wear at the front and
rear axles, which will have a positive effect on the handling characteristics of your MINI. The
direction in which the tires rotate should be kept
the same.
Snow chains*
Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-safe and recommended. Con-
tact your MINI Dealer for more details.
Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front
wheels with the following tires.
>175/65 R 15 M+S
>175/60 R 16 M+S
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph or 50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.<
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
109
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The screw connection of the space-saver spare
tire is in the cargo area under the floor mat, on
the base of the storage compartment for the tire
change set.
1.Unscrew the screw connection with the spe-
cial wrench.
2.Take out the cover panel.
3.Screw the lifting handle from the onboard
tool kit onto the thread.
4.Raise the lifting handle slightly.
5.Squeeze the securing spring.
6.The space-saver spare tire is released and
must be held by the lifting handle.
7.Lower the space-saver spare tire with the
lifting handle.
8.Unscrew the lifting handle.9.Pull the space-saver spare tire underneath
the vehicle out towards the rear.
10.Position the space-saver spare tire with the
valve facing upward.
11.Unscrew the valve extension from the valve
of the space-saver spare tire.
12.Unscrew the dust cap from the extension
and place it on the valve of the space-saver
spare tire.
Due to its different dimensions, the dam-
aged 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 handling
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 ear-
liest opportunity and correct it if neces-
sary. Replace the defective tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced.<
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page106.<
Additional safety measures when chang-
ing tires:
From A to Z
134
From A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System54
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle5
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control68
Additives
– coolant96
– engine oil96
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner65
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control66
Airbags57
– sitting safely28
– warning lamp58
Air conditioner64
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner65
– automatic climate control66
– ventilation68
Air distribution
– automatic67
– individual65
– manual65
Air flow rate65,66
– air conditioning system65
– automatic climate control66
– heating, ventilation65
Airing, refer to Ventilation68
Air outlets, refer to Air vents64
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure86
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode65,67
Air supply
– air conditioner65
– automatic climate control66
– ventilation68Air vents64
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications85
Alarm system, preparation
package24
Alarm system preparation
package24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires93
All-Season Traction Control
ASC54
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode65,67
Âmbient lighting63
Antenna, care100
Antifreeze
– coolant96
– washer fluid
42
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights132
Approved engine oils96
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights132
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest71
Arrival time
– computer46
ASC All-Season Traction
Control54
Ashtray72
Assistant systems, refer to
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC54
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC54
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control67
Audio device, external71Automatic
– air distribution67
– air flow rate67
– cruise control42
– headlamp control59
Automatic climate control64
– automatic air distribution67
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC67
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
– interlock37
– overriding selector lever
lock39
– shiftlock38
– sport program38
AUTO program for automatic
climate control67
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device71
Average fuel consumption45
– setting the units47
Average speed46
Axle loads, refer to
Weights132
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting63
Backrests, refer to Seats28
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb105
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps105
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch112
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away114
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
139
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals20
– from inside22
– from outside19
Low beams59
– automatic59
– replacing bulb103
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support29
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo area23
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Tailgate23
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack80
Lumbar support29
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires93
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system98
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control51
Manual air distribution65
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
Manual operation
– door lock21
– fuel filler door84
– tailgate23
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission39
Manual transmission37
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling67
Maximum speed
– with winter tires93
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch112
Microfilter
– for air conditioner66
– for automatic climate
control68
– MINI Maintenance System98Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance System98
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System98
Mirror dimming feature32
Mirrors31
– exterior mirrors31
– heating31
– interior rearview mirror32
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest71
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest71
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobile phones in the
vehicle76
Mobility System106
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor55
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher39
– refer to Wiper system40
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints30
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments71
New tires92
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data130
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope114
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis98
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications85
Odometer44
Oil, refer to Engine oil95
Oil consumption95
Oil level95
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal111
Onboard tool kit102
Opening and closing
– convenient access24
– from inside22
– from outside19
– using the door lock21
– via the remote control19
Opening and unlocking
– from inside22
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation68
Outlets, refer to Air vents64
Output, refer to Engine
data130
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control67
Outside temperature
display44
– changing the unit of
measure47
– on computer47
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature44
P
Paintwork, care100
Parking
– vehicle36
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
Distance Control53
Parking brake37
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb104
Parking lamps/low beams59
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle5
From A to Z
140
Pathway lighting59
PDC Park Distance Control53
Personal Profile18
Plastic parts, care101
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control68
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner66
Power failure111
Power windows26
Power windows, refer to
Windows26
Pressure, tires86
Pressure monitoring, tires55
– Flat Tire Monitor55
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor55
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness35
Radio readiness35
– switched off35
– switched on35
Rain sensor40
Range, refer to Cruising
range45
Reading lamps63
Rear fog lamp62
– replacing bulb106
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps105
– replacing bulb105
Rear seat backrest, folding78
Rear seats
– folding the backrests78
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors31
Rear window defroster65,67
Recirculated-air mode65,67
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode65,67Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest29
Refueling84
Releasing
– bonnet94
Remote control18
– battery renewal25
– convenient access24
– garage door opener69
– malfunctions21,25
– service data98
– tailgate21
Replacement fuses, refer to
Fuses111
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs102
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires92
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge45
Reservoir for washers42
Restraint systems
– for children33
– refer to Safety belts30
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
– manual transmission37
Roadside Assistance112
Roadside parking lamps61
– replacing bulb104
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements49
Roof load capacity132
Roof-mounted luggage
rack80
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away114
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires92
Rubber parts, care100
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires92Run-Flat Tires92
– puncture56
– replacing92
– tire inflation pressure86
– winter tires93
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-Flat
Tires92
S
Safety belts30
– damage31
– indicator lamp31
– reminder31
– sitting safely28
Safety belts, care101
Safety systems
– airbags57
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC54
– Antilock Brake System
ABS54
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC54
– safety belts30
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires92
Screw thread for tow
fitting113
Seat adjustment
– mechanical29
Seats28
– adjusting the seats29
– heating30
– sitting safely28
Securing the vehicle
– from inside22
– from outside19
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock37
– manual override39
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
141
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance112
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance112
Service data in the remote
control98
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS98
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS98
Service requirements49
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode47
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
– manual transmission37
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions38
Side airbags57
Side turn signal indicator
– replacing bulb105
Side windows, refer to
Windows26
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely28
– airbags28
– safety belts28
– with head restraint28
Size, refer to Dimensions131
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric26
Slot for remote control35
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray72
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment71
Snow chains93
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances72
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
OBD98Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires108
– inflation pressure86
Spare fuses111
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils96
Speed130
– with winter tires93
Speed control, refer to Cruise
control42
Speedometer12
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo area78
Sport button39
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems53
Start/stop button35
– starting the engine36
– switching off the engine36
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine36
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting112
Starting difficulties, refer to
Special starting
conditions36
Starting the engine
– start/stop button35
Start-off assistance, refer to
– ASC54
– Hill Start Assist55
Start-off assistance, refer to
DSC54
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steering wheel32
– adjustment32
– buttons on steering wheel11
– lock35
– shift paddles38
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic37
Storage compartment, front
passenger side72
Storage compartments71Storage space
– cargo area78
– storage compartments71
Storing the vehicle101
Storing tires93
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments71
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires86
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine36
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button35
Switching the cooling function
on and off68
Symbols4T
Tachometer44
Tailgate23
– convenient access24
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually23
– opening/closing23
– opening from outside23
– opening manually23
– unlocking with remote
control21
Tail lamps105
– replacing bulb105
Tank volume, refer to
Capacities133
Technical data130
Technical modifications5
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest71
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature display
– ice warning44
– outside temperature44
– setting the units47
From A to Z
142
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature44
Temperature setting
– air conditioner65
– automatic climate control67
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo80
The individual vehicle5
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp106
Three-point safety belt30
Tightening the lug bolts
– keys108
– torque110
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts110
Tire change set
– MINI Mobility System108
– space-saver spare tire108
Tire failure
– MINI Mobility System106
– space-saver spare tire108
Tire inflation pressure86
– loss56
– space-saver spare tire86
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor55
Tire Quality Grading90
Tires
– age91
– breaking in76
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels108
– condition91
– damage91
– flat tire92
– inflation pressure86
– minimum tread depth91
– new tires92
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor55
– puncture56
– size90
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth91
– winter tires93
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-Flat Tires92Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit102
Torque130
– lug bolts110
Tow bar114
Tow fitting113
– screw thread113
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away113
Towing113
– car with automatic
transmission114
– methods
114
Tow rope114
Tow-starting113
Track width, refer to
Dimensions131
Traction control, refer to
– DSC Dynamic Stability
Control54
Trailer towing
– trailer load and gross
weight132
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
– manual transmission37
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic39
Transporting children safely33
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo80
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread91
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer44
Triple turn signal activation40
Trip odometer44
Trunk lamp, refer to Cargo area
lamp62
Trunk lid, refer to Tailgate23
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions131
Turn signal indicator
– front, replacing bulb104
– rear, replacing bulb105
– side, replacing bulb105Turn signal indicators39
– indicator lamp12
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading80
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
UTQR90
Units
– average consumption47
– temperature47
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control69
Universal remote control69
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking24
Unlocking
– from inside22
– from outside19
– tailgate24
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access24
Upholstery, care100
V
Valve
– dust cap109
Vehicle
– battery111
– breaking in76
– cargo loading78
– dimensions131
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment95
– parking36
– storage101
– weight132
Vehicle jack108
Ventilation
– air conditioner68
Vents, refer to Air vents64
Vents, refer to Ventilation68
Volume of cargo area132