Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
195
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 regula rly for tread wear, signs
of damage and for foreig n 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 exam ple, European legis-
lation 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
Due to low-profile tires, please note that wheels,
tires and suspensions parts are more susceptible
to road hazards 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 ab normal road behavior,
such as pulling severely to the right or left.
In these cases, reduce speed immediately
and have wheels an d 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.
Otherwise, tire damage can be extremely dan-
gerous for vehicle occupants and other road
users. <
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 0211 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 2 of 2011.
For various reasons, such as the development of
brittleness, the manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends tire replacemen t after no more than
6 years, regardless of th e actual wear of the
tires.
MOBILITYWheels and tires
196
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 continui ng to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page 73.
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 haza rds. 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 resu lt 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 an d tire combination for
your vehicle.
The correct combin ation 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. Afte r a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pr essure Monitor TPM
electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise, the Tire
Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect a
puncture, refer to page 75. Your MINI dealer will
be glad to advise you.
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your MINI
recommends certain tire brands. They are
Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
197
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 MINI recommends the use
of winter tires on roads during the winter, or if
temperatures drop below 45 7/ +7 6.
Although all-season M+S tires provide better
winter traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally 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 ti res, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view. This
label is available at your tire dealer or MINI
dealer.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires agains t 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
Depending on the individual use, front and rear
tires may exhibit diff erent wear and tear.
In order to maintain an even wear and tear, the
wheels may be rotated between the axles. Your
MINI dealer will be glad to advise you.
Always check the inflation pressure after the tire
rotation, if necessary change the pressure.
Snow chains*
Only certain types of fi ne-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-saf e and recommended. Con-
tact your MINI deal er 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
John Cooper Works:
> 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,
refer to page 70.<
MOBILITYReplacing components
208
Replacing components
Onboard vehicle toolkit
Your vehicle comes with an onboard vehicle
toolkit that varies with the equipment version; it
is stored underneath the flat load floor.
With the MINI Mobility System*
1 Compressor
2 Wheel stud wrench
*
3Vehicle jack*
4Torx insert bit for screwdriver
5 Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver, towing
eyelet
6 Extractor hook
7 Sealant bottle
Run-flat tires* or space-saver spare tire*
1Folding chock* and cover for defective
wheel
2 Vehicle jack
3 Wheel stud wrench
4 Extractor hook
*
5Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver
6 Torx insert bit for screwdriver
7 Towing eyelet
The onboard vehicle tool kit includes a pouch
with a plastic bag in which you can place the
damaged wheel.
Wiper blades
Changing the front wiper blades
1. Fold up the wiper arm.
2. Position the wiper blade horizontally.
3. Press the securing spring, arrow.
Replacing componentsMOBILITY
213
License plate lamps
5watt bulb, C5W
1.Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the
left in the tab of the lamp housing, arrow 1.
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 acco rdance 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 th e 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.
ment included in your vehicle:
>
MINI Mobility System, refer to the following
section
> Run-flat tires, page 215
> Tire change with space-saver spare tire,
page 215
MINI Mobility System*
Preparations
Use of the MINI Mobility System may be ineffec-
tive if the tire puncture measures approx. 1/8 in/
4 mm or more. Contact the nearest MINI dealer
if the tire cannot be made drivable with the
Mobility System.
Do not remove foreign bodies which have pen-
etrated the tire if possible.
Follow the instructions on using the Mobil-
ity System found on the compressor and
the sealant bottle. <
Remove the adhesive label for the speed limit
from the sealant bottle and affix it to the steer-
ing wheel.
Sealant and compressor
1 Sealant bottle and adhesi ve label with speed
limit
2 Filling hose
Note the use-by date on the sealant bot-
tle. <
Replacing componentsMOBILITY
215
Stowing Mobility System
1.Unscrew filler hose 2 of the sealant bottle
from the wheel.
2. Unscrew connecting hose of the
compressor 6 from the sealant bottle.
3. Connect the filler hose 2 of the sealant bot-
tle to the unoccupied connection on the
sealant bottle.
This prevents the rest of the sealant from
escaping from the bottle.
4. Wrap the empty sealant bottle in suitable
material to avoid dirtying the cargo area.
5. Stow Mobility System back in the vehicle.
Distributing the sealant
Immediate drive approx. 3.1 miles/5 km so that
the sealant evenly distributes itself.
Do not exceed speeds of 50 mph/
80 km/h.
If possible, do not drop below 10 mph/
20 km/h.<
Adjusting the tire pressure
1. After driving approx. 3.1 miles/5 km or
10 minutes, stop at a suitable location.
2. Screw the connection hose 6 of the com-
pressor directly onto the tire valve.
3. Insert the plug 5 into the power socket in
the vehicle interior.
4. Correct inflation pressu re to 26 psi/180 kPa.
With the engine running:
> To increase the inflatio n pressure: switch on
the compressor. To check the current infla-
tion pressure, switch off the compressor.
Do not run the compressor for longer
than 10 minutes; otherwise, the
device will overheat and possibly be dam-
aged. <
> To decrease the inflation pressure: press the
release button 9. If the tire cannot ma
intain the inflation
pressure, drive the vehicle again, refer to
Distributing the sealan t. Then repeat steps
1to4.
If an inflation pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa still
cannot be reached, the tire is too heavily dam-
aged. Contact the nearest MINI dealer. <
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 Mobility System refilled.
Changing wheels
Run-flat tires*
Tire change for run-flat tires:
> Prepare for tire change, page 216
> Jack up vehicle, page 216
> Tighten lug bolts, page 217
Space-saver spare tire*
Tire change with space-saver spare tire:
>Remove the space-saver spare tire,
page 215
> Prepare for tire change, page 216
> Jack up vehicle, page 216
> Mount space-saver spare tire, page 217
> Tighten lug bolts, page 217
> Drive with space-saver spare tire, page 216
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The space-saver spare tire is located under the
tire change set in the cargo area.
MOBILITYReplacing components
216
1.Fold up the floor mat.
2. Unscrew the nut, arrow, and remove the
space-saver spare tire.
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 br aking, 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. <
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page 213.<
Additional safety measures when chang-
ing tires:
Only change the tire wh en 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 sl ope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from roll-
ing.
2. Uncover the lug bolts if necessary.
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.
238
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
INDEX
A
ABS Antilock Brake System69
Accessories, refer to Your individual vehicle 4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle 28
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 89
Adaptive Light Control 82
Additives
– coolant 200
– engine oil 200
Address, entering 115
Address for navigation
– entering 109,115
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 86
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 87
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control 131
Air conditioner 85
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 86
– automatic cl imate control87
– ventilation 89
Air distribution
– automatic 88
– individual 87
– manual 87
Air flow rate 86,88
– air conditioning system 86
– automatic cl imate control88
– heating, ventilation 86
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 85Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure 190
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 86,88
Air supply
– air conditioner 86
– automatic climate control 87
– ventilation 89
Air vents 85
Airbags 78
– sitting safely 37
– warning lamp 80
Airing, refer to Ventilation89
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 189
Alarm system 31
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 197
AM, waveband 132
Am
bient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 86,88
Ambient lighting 84
Antenna, care 204
Antifreeze
– coolant 200
– washer fluid 53
Antilock Brake System ABS 69
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system 31
Anti-theft system 27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights 228
Approved engine oils 200
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights 228
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 93
Arrival time
– computer 58
– route guidance 118Ashtray
94
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 69
Audio 130
– controls 130
– switching on/off 130
– tone control 131
– volume 130
Audio device, external 93
AUTO program for automatic climate control 88
Automatic
– air distribution 88
– air flow rate 88
– cruise control 54
– headlamp control 81
Automatic climate control 85
– automatic air distribution 88
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 48
– interlock 49
– overriding selector lever
lock 50
– shiftlock 49
– sport program 50
Auxiliary phone 166
AUX-IN connection 142
AUX-IN, refer to External audio
device 93
Average fuel consumption 57
– setting the units 60
Average speed 57
Avoiding highways for navigation 118
Axle loads, refer to Weights 228