Wheels and tires
92
6 years, regardless of the actual wear of the
tires.
Run-Flat Tires*
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-Flat Tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a special rim. The reinforcement
in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can con-
tinue to be used subject to certain restrictions,
even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page56.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires mounted only
by your MINI Dealer or a specialized tire
shop that has specially trained personnel work-
ing in accordance with the specifications of the
MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out
properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety hazards. Make sure that
the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you avoid using retreaded
tires, as this could impair driving safety. The
causes for this include potentially different tire
casing structures and often wide variations in
tire age, which can result in a limited service
life.<
Correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends 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 dimen-
sions, variations in factors such as manufactur-
ing tolerances can result in contact between tire
and bodywork, ultimately leading to serious
accidents. The manufacturer of your MINI can-
not evaluate non-approved wheels and tires to
determine if they are suited for use, and there-
fore 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 combination for
your vehicle.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS and DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your MINI
recommends certain tire brands. They are
marked with a clearly visible MINI designation
on the sidewall of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
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.<
Maintenance
98
Maintenance
MINI Maintenance System
The MINI Maintenance System supports the
preservation of the traffic and operating safety
of your MINI. The objective is to optimize efforts
with respect to minimal vehicle maintenance
costs.
If and when you come to sell your MINI, a com-
prehensive record of servicing will prove a signif-
icant benefit.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the different
driving conditions of your MINI into account.
Condition Based Service uses this to determine
the current and future service requirements. By
letting you define a service and maintenance
regimen that reflects your own individual
requirements, the system builds the basis for
trouble-free driving.
In the tachometer, you can have the remaining
times or distances for selected maintenance
tasks and any legally prescribed dates displayed,
page49:
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement information in the remote control
while you are driving. Your MINI Dealer can read
out this data from the remote control unit, and
propose an optimized maintenance approach.
Whenever you take your car in for servicing you
should therefore hand your MINI Dealer the
remote control unit that you last used.Make sure that the date in the tachometer
i s a l w a y s s e t co rr e ct l y, p a g e51; otherwise
the effectiveness of Condition Based Service CBS
is not assured.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models for
additional information on service requirements.
The manufacturer of the MINI recom-
mends that you have service and repair
operations performed at your MINI Dealer.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries ver-
ify that your vehicle has received the specified
regular maintenance.<
Socket for Onboard Diag-
nosis OBD
Primary components that make up exhaust
emissions can be checked by a device via the
OBD socket.
This socket is located to the left of the driver's
side, on the bottom of the instrument panel.
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
135
Battery111
– charging111
– disposal26,111
– jump starting112
– temporary power failure111
Battery renewal
– remote control26
Being towed114
Belts, refer to Safety belts30
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts30
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders72
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate65,66
Bonnet94
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders72
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements49
Brake lamps
– replacing bulb105
Brake pads, breaking in76
Brake rotors77
– brakes76
– breaking in76
Brakes
– ABS54
– breaking in76
– MINI Maintenance System98
– parking brake37
– service requirements49
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely77
Brake system76
– breaking in76
– disc brakes77
– MINI Maintenance System98
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance112
Breaking in the clutch76
Break-in period76
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs102
Button for starting the
engine35
Buttons on the steering
wheel11C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders72
Capacities133
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery111
Car care100
Car-care products, refer to
Suitable car-care
products100
Care100
Cargo, securing80
Cargo area78
– capacity132
– convenient access24
– cover78
– lamp62
– lid, refer to Tailgate23
– opening from outside23
Cargo area, expanding78
Cargo loading
– securing cargo80
– stowing cargo79
– vehicle78
Car jack
– jacking points110
Car key, refer to Key/remote
control18
Carpets, care101
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest71
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash78
Car wash, refer to Care100
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system76
CBS Condition Based
Service98
CDs/DVDs, care101
Cell phones, use inside the car,
refer to Mobile phone in the
vehicle76
Center armrest71
Center brake lamp106Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking system19
– convenient access24
– from inside22
– from outside19
Changing bulbs102
Changing wheels108
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment95
Check Control51
Child's seats33
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH34
Child-restraint systems33
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire108
Chrome parts, care100
Chrome parts, refer to
Care100
Cigarette lighter72
Cleaning headlamps41
– washer fluid42
Clock44
– 12h/24h mode47
– setting time50
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks72
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine36
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access24
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock35
Computer45
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked77
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
vehicle locking/unlocking20
From A to Z
136
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting electrical
appliances72
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption45
Consumption display
– average fuel consumption45
Control Display
– settings46
Controls and displays10
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine36
Convenient access24
– replacing the battery25
– what to observe before
entering a car wash25
Convenient operation
– windows20
Coolant96
– checking level96
– filling96
Coolant temperature44
Cooling, maximum67
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant96
Cruising range45
Cup holders72
Curb weight, refer to
Weights132
Current fuel consumption46
D
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting62
Data130
– capacities133
– dimensions131
– engine130
– weights132
Date
– setting51
Daytime running lamps60
Deactivating front passenger
airbags57Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20
Defect
– door lock21
– fuel filler door84
Defogging windows66,67
Defrosting windows66,67
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner66
– automatic climate control67
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows66,67
Differential, breaking in76
Digital clock44
Dimensions131
Dipstick, engine oil95
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals39
Displacement, refer to Engine
data130
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting62
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– of coolant96
– remote control battery26
– vehicle battery111
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements49
Distance warning, refer to PDC
Park Distance Control53
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock21
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, manual operation21
DOT Quality Grades90
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders72
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Start Assist55
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button39Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams59
Driving notes76
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Start Assist55
Driving stability control
systems53
Driving through water77
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes76
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function68
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control54
E
Electrical malfunction
– door lock21
– fuel filler door84
Electronic brake-force
distribution54
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock21
– fuel filler door84
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission39
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance112
Engine
– breaking in76
– data130
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature44
– speed130
– starting36
– starting, convenient
access24
– switching off36
Engine compartment95
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant96
ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
137
Engine oil
– adding96
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils96
– approved engine oils96
– capacity96
– checking level95
– dipstick95
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements49
– MINI Maintenance System98
Engine oil level, checking95
Engine output, refer to Engine
data130
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine36
Error messages, refer to Check
Control51
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability Control54
Event data recorders99
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system76
Exterior mirrors31
– adjusting31
– automatic heating31
– folding in and out31
External audio device71
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away113
– for tying down loads80
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control51
Failure of an electrical
consumer111
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts30
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder31Filter
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control68
– microfilter for air
conditioner66
Fine wood, care101
First aid pouch112
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock35
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor56
– indicator/warning lamp56
– Run-Flat Tires56,92
Flat Tire Monitor FTM55
– indicating a flat tire56
– initializing the system55
– malfunction56
– snow chains55
– system limits55
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition91
Floor mats, care101
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb104,106
Folding rear seat backrest78
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely77
Footwell lamps62
For your own safety5
Front airbags57
Front fog lamps62
– indicator lamp116
– replacing bulb104
Front seat adjustment28
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows66,67
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor55
Fuel85
– gauge45
– high-quality brands85
– quality85
– specifications85
– tank capacity133
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge45Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge45
Fuel filler door84
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction84
Fuses111
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control69
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption45
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel85
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge45
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission37
– manual transmission37
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
– manual transmission37
General driving notes76
Glass sunroof, electric26
– convenient operation20,21
– opening, closing26
– raising26
– remote control20
Glove compartment70
Grills, refer to Air vents64
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights132
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb103
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake37
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags57
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