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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Under the bonnet
104
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Battery, under the cover124
2Engine oil dipstick104
3Engine oil filler neck1054Coolant expansion tank105
5Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlamp
and window washer system44
6Engine compartment fuse box122
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking engine oil level
1.With the vehicle's engine at normal operat-
ing temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted
driving for at least 6 miles/10 km, park the
vehicle on a level surface.
2.Switch off the engine.
3.Pull the dipstick out after approx. 5 minutes
and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth, paper
towel or similar material.
4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
the guide tube and pull it out again.
The oil level should be between the two
marks on the dipstick.The oil quantity corresponding to the difference
between the two marks on the dipstick is 1 US
quart/1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine.<
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
105
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum quantity of 1 US
quart/1 liter of engine oil until the oil level has
dropped to just above the lower mark on the
dipstick, page104.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km,
otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the warnings on
the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may
result.<
Oil change
Have the oil changed only by a MINI Dealer or a
workshop that has specially trained personnel
working in accordance with the specifications of
the MINI manufacturer.
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. Based on extensive testing, the man-
ufacturer of your MINI approves only certain
grades of engine oil on a regular basis.
Only use High Performance Synthetic Oil
approved by the manufacturer of your MINI.
If MINI High Performance Synthetic Oil is not
available, you can add small quantities of
another synthetic oil in between oil changes.
Only use oils with the API SM specification or
higher.
If you have any further questions regard-
ing MINI High Performance Synthetic Oil
or approved synthetic oils, your MINI Dealer will
be glad to advise you.
www.miniusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity grades
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is categorized in SAE classes.
The correct SAE grade for your MINI is deter-
mined by the climatic conditions of the region in
which you normally drive your MINI.
The approved oils are SAE 0W-40, 0W-30,
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of half water and half additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your MINI. Your MINI Dealer knows
which additives are suitable and will be glad to
advise you.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise
engine damage may result. Because addi-
tives are harmful to your health, it is important
to follow the instructions on the containers.<
Comply with the appropriate environmen-
tal protection regulations when disposing
of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.Do not open the bonnet until the engine has
cooled down.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape, then continue turning to
open.
3.The coolant level is correct if it is between
the Min and Max markings.
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137
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when
you wish to switch off the ignition,
page37.
Lights up in red:
Electric steering wheel lock malfunc-
tioningThe engine can no longer be started. If
applicable, do not switch off the
engine. Contact your MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Electric steering wheel lock engaged Move the steering wheel before start-
ing the engine.
Cruise control system failed Have the system checked.
Park Distance Control failed Have the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp
failedHave the lamps checked as soon as
possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps
checked.
Rear fog lamp failed Have the rear fog lamp checked.
Headlamp beam throw adjustment
system failedHave the headlamp beam throw
adjustment system checked.
Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, page105.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI Dealer.
12Cause What to do
ProCarManuals.com
From A to Z
148
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption48
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption48
Control Display
– settings49
Controls and displays10
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine38
Convenient access25
– replacing the battery27
Convenient operation
– windows20
Coolant105
– checking level105
– filling105
Coolant temperature47
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant105
Cooling, maximum75
Copyright2
Cruising range48
Cup holders81
Curb weight, refer to
Weights144
Current fuel consumption49
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting70
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data142
– capacities144
– dimensions143
– engine142
– weights144
Date
– setting54
Daytime running lamps68
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake assist57
Deactivating front passenger
airbags65
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
Defogging windows74,76
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows74,76
Defrosting windows74,76
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner74
– automatic climate control76
Differential, breaking in84
Digital clock47
Dimensions143
Dipstick, engine oil104
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals41
Displacement, refer to Engine
data142
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting70
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care111
Disposal
– of coolant105
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery122
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements52
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC56
Diving stability control
systems56
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock
22
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades99
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders81
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Start Assist58
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button59Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams67
Driving notes84
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Start Assist58
Driving through water85
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes84
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function76
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC58
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake assist57
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC57
Dynamic Traction Control58
E
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
Electronic brake-force
distribution57
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC57
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission41
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance123
Engine
– breaking in84
– data142
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature47
– speed142
– starting38
– starting, convenient
access25
– switching off38
Engine compartment104
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant105
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
149
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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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
151
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal20
– from inside22
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access25
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals20
– from inside22
– from outside19
Low beams67
– automatic67
– replacing bulb114
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support30
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Tailgate23
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay23
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack88
Lumbar support30
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires102
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system107
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control54
Manual air distribution74
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission41
Manual transmission39
Manual washing110
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling75
Maximum speed
– with winter tires102Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch123
Microfilter
– for air conditioner74
– for automatic climate
control76
– MINI Maintenance
System107
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System107
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System107
Mirror dimming feature33
Mirrors33
– exterior mirrors33
– heating33
– interior rearview mirror33
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest79
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest79
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System117
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety4
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor59
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher41
– refer to Wiper system42
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints31Nets, refer to Storage
compartments80
New tires101
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data142
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope126
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis107
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications93
Odometer47
Oil consumption104
Oil level104
Oil, refer to Engine oil104
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal122
Onboard tool kit113
Opening and closing
– convenient access25
– from inside22
– from outside19
– using the door lock22
– via the remote control19
Opening and unlocking
– from inside22
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation76
Outlets, refer to Air vents72
Output, refer to Engine
data142
Outside temperature
display47
– changing unit of measure50
– on onboard computer50
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control75
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature47
P
Paintwork, care110
Park Distance Control PDC56
Parking
– vehicle38
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