
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 67
Sport button*
Pressing the button causes your MINI to respond 
even more sportily.
>Engine responds more spontaneously to 
movements of the accelerator.
>Steering response is more direct.
With automatic transmission:
>More rapid gear shifting in Sport program.
Activating the system
Press the SPORT button.
The LED lights up.
SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
>Press the SPORT button again.
>Switch off the engine.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor detects pressure loss in a 
tire by comparing the rotating speeds of the 
individual tires while moving.
If a tire loses pressure, its rolling circumference 
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 exter-
nal 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
*, page133, the Flat Tire Monitor can-
not function.
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
*.< 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 69
>With a medium load: 
2 persons, cargo bay full, or 4 persons 
without luggage: 
approx. 94 miles/150 km
>With a full load: 
4 persons, load compartment full: 
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph or 80 km/h; otherwise, 
an accident may occur. 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.<
Tire Pressure 
Monitor TPM*
The concept
TPM checks the inflation pressures of the four 
mounted tires during a trip. The system notifies 
you if there is a significant loss of pressure in one 
or more tires.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat 
tire, the system must be reset while all tire infla-
tion pressures are correct.
Always use wheels with TPM electronics. Other-
wise, the system may malfunction.
Each time a tire inflation pressure has 
been corrected or a wheel or tire has been 
changed, reset the system.<
System limitations
TPM cannot warn you in advance of sud-
den severe tire damage caused by outside 
influences.<
The system does not work correctly if it has not 
been reset; for example, a flat tire may be indi-
cated even though the tire inflation pressures 
are correct.
The system is inactive and cannot indicate a flat 
tire if a wheel without TPM electronics, such as a 
compact spare wheel
*, has been mounted, or if 
TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to other 
systems or devices using the same radio fre-
quency.
Resetting the system
Each time a tire inflation pressure has 
been corrected or a wheel or tire has been 
changed, reset the system.<
Using the button in the turn indicator 
lever
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.
4.Repeatedly press the button briefly until the 
symbol for Tire Pressure Monitor and 
"ACTIVE" are displayed. 

Technology for driving comfort and safety
70
The Tire Pressure Monitor can be reset using 
"RESET".
5.Press and hold the button until "RESETTING" 
appears.
6.Start driving.
After driving a few minutes, the set inflation 
pressures in the tires are accepted as the tar-
get values to be monitored. The system 
reset is completed during your drive, and 
c a n  b e  i n t e r r u p t e d  a t  a n y  t i m e .  W h e n  d r i v i n g  
resumes, the reset is continued automati-
cally. The indicator lamp goes out after the 
system reset is completed.
Message for low tire inflation pressure
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, page114.<
Normal tires
1.Determine which tire is damaged.
If this cannot be determined, contact 
your MINI dealer.<
2.Repair the flat tire or change the damaged 
tire, refer to page132.
Run-flat tires*
1.Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steering 
maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of 
50 mph/80 km/h.
Do not continue driving if the vehicle is 
not equipped with run-flat tires; oth-
erwise, a serious accident could result.<
2.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 bay full, or 4 persons 
without luggage: 
approx. 94 miles/150 km
>With a full load: 
4 persons, load compartment full: 
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h; otherwise, an 
accident may occur. 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.< 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 71
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in yel-
low and then lights up continuously; the 
larger warning lamp comes on in yel-
low. No punctures can be detected.
This type of message is shown in the following 
situations:
>If there is a malfunction.
Have the system checked.
>If a wheel without TPM electronics has been 
mounted.
>If TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to 
other systems or devices using the same 
radio frequency.
Message for unsuccessful system reset
Both warning lamps come on in yellow. 
The system is not reset after a tire has 
been changed, for example.
Check the tire inflation pressure and 
reset the system, page69.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring 
Systems
Each tire, including the spare, should be che-
cked monthly when cold and inflated to the 
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle 
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of a 
different size than the size indicated on the vehi-
cle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you 
should determine the proper tire inflation pres-
sure for those tires. As an added safety feature, 
your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pres-
sure monitoring system TPMS that illuminates a 
low tire pressure telltale when one or more of 
your tires are significantly under-inflated. 
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale 
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires 
as soon as possible, and inflate them to the 
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly 
under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat 
and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also 
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and 
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping 
ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substi-tute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the 
driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire 
pressure, even if underinflation has not reached 
the level at which the TPMS low tire pressure tell-
tale illuminates.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined 
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash 
for approximately one minute and then remain 
continuously lit. This sequence will continue 
upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as the 
malfunction exists. When the malfunction indi-
cator is illuminated, the system may not be able 
to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. 
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of 
reasons, including the installation of replace-
ment or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle 
that prevent the TPMS from functioning prop-
erly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale 
after replacing one or more tires or wheels on 
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or 
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to 
continue to function properly. 

Things to remember when driving
98
You can find the applicable data under Weights 
on page 157.
Saving fuel
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif-
ferent factors. The implementation of certain 
measures, your driving style and regular mainte-
nance can have an influence on fuel consump-
tion and on the environmental impact.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts no longer in use
Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof- or rear-mounted 
luggage racks whenever you are not using 
them.
Attached parts on the vehicle affect its aerody-
namics and increase fuel consumption.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct tire inflation 
pressure at least twice a month and before start-
ing on a long trip.
Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis-
tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump-
tion and tire wear.
Drive off immediately
Do no t wa it for t he eng ine to  warm u p wh ile  the 
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right 
away, but at moderate engine speeds. This is the 
fastest way for the cold engine to reach its oper-
ating temperature.
Think ahead while driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by 
maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle 
driving ahead.
Driving smoothly and anticipating impending 
traffic situations reduces fuel consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use first gear only for driving off. In second and 
higher gears, accelerate smoothly to a suitable 
engine and road speed. In doing so, avoid high 
engine speeds and shift up early.
When you reach your desired traveling speed, 
shift to the highest suitable gear and drive at 
constant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers 
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red traffic light, take your 
foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast 
to a halt in the highest suitable gear.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off 
the accelerator and let the vehicle coast in a 
suitable gear.
Fuel supply is shut off automatically when the 
vehicle is coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy 
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy 
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings or 
in traffic congestions.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to achieve 
good economy and a long vehicle life. The man-
ufacturer of your MINI recommends having the 
vehicle serviced by a MINI dealer. Also note the 
MINI Maintenance System, page119. 

Wheels and tires
104
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 
pressure.
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.
After adjusting the tire inflation pressure, 
reinitialize the flat tire monitor, page67, 
or reset the tire pressure control, page69.<
Checking the tire inflation pressure of 
the space-saver spare tire*
A valve extension for checking the inflation pres-
sure is located behind the bumper.
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. 

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 105
The maximum permissible speed for these 
tire pressures is 100 mph or 160 km/h. Do 
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 law could 
occur. 

Wheels and tires
106
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
175/65 R 15 84 H
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H
195/55 R 16 87 H RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC33/230 33/230 33/230 33/230 38/260 38/260
Emergency wheel: 
115/70 R 15 90 M60/420 60/420 – – 60/420 60/420
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page157.