2009 MINI COOPER tires

Wheels and tires
102
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.
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.
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 do not swap the front wheels with the
rear wheels as this may impair the handling of
your MINI.
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
MINI John Cooper Works Clubman:
>185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
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.
When driving with snow chains, it can be useful
to briefly deactivate the DSC or activate the DTC
(see page58).<
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117
Rear fog lamp*
21 watt bulb, P 21 W
Access to the lamp via the back or underside of
the bumper.
The illustration shows the fog lamp in the
bumper of the MINI Cooper.
1.Screw out the bulb holder counterclockwise.
2.Screw out and replace the bulb.
3.To insert the new bulb and bulb holder, pro-
ceed in reverse order.
License plate lamps
5 watt bulb, C 5 W
1.Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the
left in the tab of the lamp housing, arrow1.
2.Remove the lamp, arrow 2.
3.Replace the bulb.
4.Insert the lamp.
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation. In
the event of a malfunction, contact your MINI
Dealer or a workshop that has specially trained
personnel working in accordance with the spec-
ifications of your MINI manufacturer.
Repairing a flat tire
Safety measures in the event of a break-
down:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from moving
traffic and switch on the hazard warning flash-
ers.
Turn the steering wheel until the front wheels
are in the straight-ahead position and engage
the steering wheel lock. Engage the parking
brake and shift into 1st or reverse gear or place
the selector lever in position P.
All passengers should be outside the vehicle and
in a safe place, e.g. behind a guardrail.
Erect a warning triangle or warning flasher at the
appropriate distance if necessary. Comply with
all safety guidelines and regulations.<
In the event of a flat tire, different procedures
should be followed depending on the equip-
ment included in your vehicle:
>MINI Mobility System, refer to the following
section
>Run-Flat Tires, page101
>Tire change with space-saver spare tire,
page119
MINI Mobility System with onboard tool
kit and tire change set*
The MINI Mobility System with onboard tool kit
and tire change set
* is located under the floor
mat in the cargo bay.
1Filling canister
2Hexagon socket
*
3Vehicle jack*
4Wheel stud wrench
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Replacing components
118
5Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver, towing
eyelet
6Compressor, hose with manometer and plug
for cigarette lighter socket
7Package 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, page81.
3.Switch on compressor2.
4.Inflate the tire to at least 26 psi/180 kPa and
at most 36 psi/250 kPa.
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 an air pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa is not
reached:
1.Unscrew hose 1 and drive the vehicle for-
ward and backward about 33 ft/10 m to dis-
tribute the liquid sealant in the tires evenly.
2.Repeat the procedure.
If an air pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa still
cannot be reached, the tire is too severely
damaged. Please contact the nearest MINI
Dealer.<
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119
Distributing liquid sealant
Immediately drive for approx. 10 minutes, so
that the liquid sealant is uniformly distributed.
Do not exceed speeds of 40 mph/
60 km/h.
If possible, do not drop below 10 mph/
20 km/h.<
Checking tire inflation pressure
1.After driving for approx. 10 minutes, pull
over at a suitable location.
2.Screw the hose with manometer back onto
the tire valve.
3.Check the tire inflation pressure.
The tire pressure must be at least
18 psi/130 kPa. If it is not, do not con-
tinue driving.<
If a tire pressure of at least 18 psi/130 kPa is dis-
played:
1.Switch on the compressor. Correct the tire
inflation pressure to the specified value,
page94.
2.Replace the tire as soon as possible.
Driving on
Do not exceed the permitted maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h; doing so may
result in an accident.<
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Have the MINI Mobility System refilled.
Tire change set
When changing a tire, always observe the safety
measures and the procedure for changing tires
described below.
In case of a flat tire the tire change set is
not needed due to the availability of the
MINI Mobility System.<
Changing wheels
Space-saver spare tire*
To change a space-saver spare tire, proceed as
follows:
>Remove space-saver spare tire, page120
>Prepare for tire change, page121
>Jack up vehicle, page121
>Mount space-saver spare tire, page121
>Tighten lug bolts, page121
>Drive with space-saver spare tire, page120
Tire change set for a space-saver spare
tire*
On vehicles with a space-saver spare tire, the
tire change set with onboard tools is stored
under the floor mat in the cargo bay.
1Chock, folding
2Hub cover remover
3Wheel stud wrench
4Vehicle jack
5Special wrench for removing the space-
saver spare tire
6Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver
7Towing eyelet
8Lifting handle
The onboard tool kit includes a pouch with a
plastic bag in which you can place the damaged
wheel.
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Replacing components
120
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The screw connection of the space-saver spare
tire is under the floor mat in the cargo bay, 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.<
Towing eye
Driving with the space-saver
spare tire
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. Changes may
occur in vehicle handling such as lower track sta-
bility during braking, longer braking distances
and changes in self-steering properties when
close to the handling limit. These properties are
more noticeable with winter tires.<
Only one space-saver spare tire may be
mounted at one time. Mount a wheel and
tire of the original size as soon as possible, to
avoid any safety risks.<
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.<
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Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page117.<
Additional safety measures when chang-
ing tires:
Only change the tire when parked on a surface
that is level, firm and 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 capacity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the engine
when the vehicle is supported by the jack; other-
wise there is a risk of fatal injury.<
1.Place the foldable chock
* behind the front
wheel on the other side of the vehicle or in
front of the wheel if the vehicle is on an
incline. If the wheel is changed on a surface
with a more severe slope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from roll-
ing.
2.Uncover the lug bolts if necessary.
If the wheel is equipped with a hub cover,
pry it off using the screwdriver from the tire
change kit.
3.Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.
Jacking up the vehicle
The vehicle jack is designed for changing
wheels only. Do not attempt to raise
another vehicle model with it or to raise any load
of any kind. To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury.<1.Place the jack at the jacking point closest to
the wheel.
The jack base must be perpendicular to the
surface beneath the jacking point.
2.During jacking up, insert the jack head in the
square recess of the jacking point.
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised off the ground.
Mounting the space-saver spare tire
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Clean the lug bolts.
3.Lift the new wheel into place.
4.Screw at least two lug bolts finger-tight into
opposite bolt holes.
5.Screw in the remaining bolts.
6.Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diagonal
pattern.
7.Lower the vehicle.
8.Remove the jack.
Tightening the lug bolts
Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
Immediately have the wheels checked
with a calibrated torque wrench to ensure
that the lug bolts are firmly seated. Otherwise,
incorrectly tightened lug bolts can present a
safety hazard.<
Tightening torque: 103.3 lb ft or 140 Nm.
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
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From A to Z
146
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control76
Additives
– coolant105
– engine oil105
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner73
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control74
Air conditioner72
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner73
– automatic climate control74
– ventilation76
Air distribution
– automatic75
– individual74
– manual74
Air flow rate73,75
– air conditioning system73
– automatic climate control75
– heating, ventilation73
Air outlets, refer to Air vents72
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure94
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode73,75
Air supply
– air conditioner73
– automatic climate control74
– ventilation76
Air vents72
Airbags64
– sitting safely29
– warning lamp66
Airing, refer to Ventilation76AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications93
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires102
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode73,75
Ambient lighting71
Antenna, care109
Antifreeze
– coolant105
– washer fluid44
Antilock Brake System ABS57
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights144
Approved engine oils105
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights144
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest79
Arrival time
– computer49
Ashtray81
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC57
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control75
Audio device, external79
AUTO program for automatic
climate control75
Automatic
– air distribution75
– air flow rate75
– cruise control45
– headlamp control67
Automatic climate control72
– automatic air distribution75Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC75
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– interlock40
– overriding selector lever
lock41
– shiftlock40
– sport program40
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device79
Average fuel consumption48
– setting the units50
Average speed49
Axle loads, refer to
Weights144B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting71
Backrests, refer to Seats29
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb116
– replacing bulbs in MINI116
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch123
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away126
Battery122
– charging122
– disposal27,122
– jump starting123
– temporary power failure122
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed125
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts32
Belts, refer to Safety belts32
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders81
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Engine oil
– adding105
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils105
– approved engine oils105
– capacity105
– checking level104
– dipstick104
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements52
– MINI Maintenance
System107
Engine oil level, checking104
Engine output, refer to Engine
data142
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine38
Error messages, refer to Check
Control54
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC57
Event data recorders108
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system84
Exterior mirrors33
– adjusting33
– automatic heating33
– folding in and out33
External audio device79
External care
– 109
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away125
– for tying down loads88
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control54
Failure of an electrical
consumer122
Fasten safety belts reminder,
refer to Seat belt
reminder32
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts32Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner74
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control76
Fine wood, care111
First aid pouch123
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock37
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires101
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM61
Flat Tire Monitor FTM59
– indicating a flat tire60
– initializing the system59
– malfunction60
– snow chains59
– system limits59
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition100
Floor mats, care111
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb115,117
Folding rear seat backrest86
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely85
Footwell lamps70
For your own safety4
Front airbags64
Front fog lamps70
– indicator lamp128
– replacing bulb115
Front seat adjustment29
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows74,76
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor59
Fuel93
– gauge48
– high-quality brands93
– quality93
– specifications93
– tank capacity144
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge48Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge
48
Fuel filler door92
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction92
Fuses122
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control77
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption48
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge48
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel93
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission40
– manual transmission39
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission39
General driving notes84
Glass sunroof, electric27
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing27
– raising27
– remote control20
Glove compartment79
Grills, refer to Air vents72
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights144
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb114
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake39
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags64
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