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.<
MOBILITYUnder the hood
200
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine. <
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, page 199.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km;
otherwise, the engine could be dam-
aged. <
If too much motor oil is added, immedi-
ately have the vehicle checked; otherwise,
damage to the engine may result. <
Keep oils, grease, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the warnings on
the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may
result. <
Oil types for refilling
Notes
Do not use oil additives as this could result
in engine damage. <
When selecting a motor oil, ensure that it
belongs to one of the SAE viscosity classes
0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40 an d 5W-30; otherwise,
malfunctions or damage to the engine may
result. <
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the
engine.
Some types of oil may not be available in every
country.
Approved oil types
Additional information on approved types of oil
can be found at a dealer.
Alternative oil types
If the approved engine oils are not available, up
to 1 US quart/1 liter of another oil with the fol-
lowing specifications may be used:
Oil change
Only dealers are to perform oil changes.
Coolant
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. <
Gasoline engines
BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30
BMW Longlife-01
BMW Longlife-01 FE
Gasoline engines
API SM or higher specifications
CareMOBILITY
205
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, make sure that you maintain suf-
ficient distance from the vehicle and do not
exceed a maximum temperature of 140 7/
60 6 .
If the distance is too close, the pressure too high,
or the temperature too high, parts of the vehicle
can be damaged, or water can penetrate.
Observe the operating in structions for high-
pressure washers. <
Do not spray sensors such as the Park
Distance Control with high-pressure
washers for a long time or at a distance of less
than 1 ft/30 cm. <
Manual washing
Use a great deal of water and, if necessary, car
shampoo when washing your car by hand. Clean
the vehicle with a spon ge or a washing brush
applying a slight amount of pressure.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or turn off the ignition
to prevent unintentional wiping. <
Observe local regulati ons regarding wash-
ing vehicles by hand. <
Headlamps
Do not wipe dry and do not use abrasive or cor-
rosive cleaning agents. Remove dirt and con-
tamination, such as inse cts, by soaking with
shampoo and then washing with plenty of
water.
Do not remove accumula ted ice and snow with
an ice scraper; use window deicers instead.
Windows
Clean the outside and inside of the windows and
mirrors with a window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners
containing quartz. <
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water an d change regularly to
prevent the formation of streaks.
Wax, preservatives and dirt on the win-
dows cause streaks when the windshield
wipers are on, and can cause premature wear of
the wiper blades and interfere with the rain sen-
sor. <
Paintwork, care
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value
and protects the pain t from the long-term
effects of aggressive substances.
In some regions, envi ronmental factors can
affect the vehicl e paintwork and damage it. It is
therefore important to adjust the frequency and
extent of vehicle ca re correspondingly.
Immediately remove aggr essive materials such
as spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid, tree sap or
bird droppings to preven t damage to the paint-
work.
Removing paintwork damage
Depending on the severity of the damage,
immediately repair stone damage or
scratches to prevent rusting. <
The manufacturer of the MINI recommends
repairing paint damage pr ofessionally according
to factory specifications with original MINI
paints.
Preservation
Preservation is necessary when water no longer
beads on the clean paint surface. To preserve
the paint, only use pres ervatives that contain
carnauba or synthetic waxes.
Rubber seals
Only treat with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon spra ys or other silicon-
containing care products on rubber seals;
otherwise, noise and damage could occur. <
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
242
Engine malfunction
– indicator lamp13
Engine oil
– adding 200
– additives, refer to Approved engine oils 200
– alternative oil types 200
– approved engine oils 200
– capacity 200
– checking level 199
– dipstick 199
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 60
– MINI Maintenance System 202
Engine oil level, checking 199
Engine output, refer to Engine data 226
Engine starti ng, refer to
Starting the engine 47
Entering destination 109
Entering intersection 110
Entertainment sound output on/off 130
Entry map for destination 114
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 69
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system 98
Exterior mirrors 41
– adjusting 41
– automatic heating 41
– folding in and out 41
External audio device 93
External audio device, refer to AUX-IN connection 142
External devices
– random play sequence 145
– software update 149
External temperature display
– change units of measure 60
– in the on-board computer 60Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away 221
– for tying down loads 103
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 64
Failure of an electrical
consumer 218
Fast forward
– CD player 141
Fastening safety belts, refer to Safety belts 40
Fastest route for
navigation 118
Fault messages, refer to Check Control 64
Filter
– microfilter for air conditioner 87
– microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 89
Fine wood, care 207
First aid pouch 219
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock 46
Flash when locking/
unlocking 28
Flat load floor 102
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 196
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 74
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 71
– indicating a flat tire 73
– initializing the system 72
– snow chains 72
– system limits 72
Flat tires, refer to Tire condition 195
Floor mats, care 206
Floor plate, refer to Flat load floor 102
FM, waveband 132 Fog lamps
– replacing bulb
211,212
Folding rear seat backrest 100
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely 99
Footwell lamps 84
For your own safety 5
Front airbags 78
Front fog lamps 83
– replacing bulb 211
Front seat adjustment 38
Frost on windows, refer to Defrosting windows 87,89
FTM, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 71
Fuel 189
– gauge 56
– high-quality brands 189
– quality 189
– specifications 189
– tank volume 229
F
uel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge 56
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption 57
Fuel display, refer to Fuel gauge 56
Fuel filler flap 188
– releasing in the event of electrical malfunction 188
Fuses 218
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 90
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel
consumption 57
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel gauge 56
Gasoline, refer to Required fuel 189
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 49