Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
133
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
134
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 64.
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 66. 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
135
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 62.<
MOBILITYReplacing components
154
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The space-saver spare tire is located under the
tire change set in the cargo area.
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 151.< 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. <
180
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
INDEX
A
ABS Antilock Brake System61
Accessories, refer to Your individual vehicle 4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle 22
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 82
Adaptive Light Control 74
Additives
– coolant 139
– engine oil 138
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 79
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 80
Air conditioner 78
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 79
– automatic cl imate control80
– ventilation 82
Air distribution
– automatic 81
– individual 80
– manual 80
Air flow rate 79,81
– air conditioning system 79
– automatic cl imate control81
– heating, ventilation 79
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 78
Air pressure, checking, refer to Tire inflation pressure 128
Air recirculation, refer to Recir-
culated-air mode 79,81
Air supply
– air conditioner 79
– automatic cl imate control80
– ventilation 82 Air vents
78
Airbags 69
– sitting safely 32
– warning lamp 71
Airing, refer to Ventilation82
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 127
Alarm system 27
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 135
Ambient air, refer to Recircu- lated-air mode 79,81
Ambient lighting 77
Antenna, care 142
Antifreeze
– coolant 139
– washer fluid 49
Anti
lock Brake System ABS 61
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system 27
Anti-theft system 21
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 178
Approved engine oils 138
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 178
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest 85
Ashtray 87
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 61
Audio device, external 85
AUTO program for automatic climate control 81
Auto radio, refer to Radio MINI
Boost CD 100
Automatic
– air distribution 81
– air flow rate 81
– cruise control 49
– headlamp control 72Automatic climate control
78
– automatic air distribution 81
Automatic station search 101
Automatic station storage 102
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 43
– interlock 44
– overriding selector lever lock 45
– shiftlock 44
– sport program 45
AUX In connection 100
AUX-IN, refer to External audio device 85
Average fuel consumption 52
– setting the units 55
Average speed 52
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 178
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 77
Backrests, refer to Seats 33
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 150
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 157
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 159
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 123
Battery 155
– charging 155
– disposal 30,155
– jump-starting 157
– temporary power failure 155
Battery renewal
– remote control 30
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
185
Individual air distribution80
Individual settings, refer to Personal Profile 20
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 65
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 64
– glass roof, electric 30
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays 12
Instrument lighting 76
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit 10
Instrument panel, refer to Displays 12
Integrated key 20
Integrated universal remote control 83
Interior lamps 76
– remote control 23
Interior rearview mirror 36
– automatic dimming feature 36
Interlock 44
Intermittent mode of the wipers 47
Internet page 4
J
Jacking points 154
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles 48
Jumpering, refer to Jump- starting 157
Jump-starting 157
K
Key Memory, refe r to Personal
Profile 20
Key, refer to Keys/remote controls 20
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access 28Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
Access 28
Keypad dialing 118
Kickdown 44
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 44
Knock control 127
L
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs 147
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams 72
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 95
LATCH child restraint fixing system 39
Leather care 144
LEDs light-emitting diodes 147
Length, refer to Dimensions 177
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement 151
Liftgate
– Comfort Access 29
Liftgate, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 23
Light alloy wheels, care 144
Light switch 72
Light-emitting diodes LEDs 147
Lighter 87
– socket 87
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs 147
– of the instruments 76
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps 72
Limit 172
Listening to test scan
– Radio MINI Boost CD 102
Load 94
Load securing equipment, refer to Secu ring cargo95
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking 25 Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal 22
– from inside 25
– from outside 22
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 28
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 22
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
Longlife oils
– approved motor oils 138
Low beams 72
– automatic 72
– replacing bulb 148
Lower back suppo rt, refer to
Lumbar support 33
Luggage compartment doors,
refer to Split Rear Barn
Doors 26
Luggage compartment
partition net, refer to Cargo
net 93
Luggage rack, re fer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 95
Lumbar su
pport 33
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 135
Maintenance, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Maintenance system 140
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control 58
Manual air distribution 80
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 45
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
186
Manual operation
– door lock24
– fuel filler flap 126
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 45
Manual station search 102
Manual transmission 43
Manual washing 143
Master key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 20
Maximum cooling 81
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 135
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 157
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 80
– for automatic climate control 82
– MINI Maintenance System 140
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance System 140
Microphone for telephone 14
MINI Internet page 4
MINI Maintenance System 140
Mirror dimming feature 36
Mirrors 36
– exterior mirrors 36
– heating 36
– interior rearview mirror 36
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume 117
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing 114
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 85
– pairing 114
– refer to separate Owner's Manual
– What to do if… 116
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest 85 Mobile phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System 151
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety 5
Monitoring syst em for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 63
MP3 105
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 46
– refer to Wiper system 47
Multifunctional steering wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
Music tracks
– playing a track 106
– random order 106
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 34
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments 86
New tires 134
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data 176
Number of safety belts 32
Nylon rope, refer to Tow rope 159
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
On-Board Diagnosis 141
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel specifications 127
Odometer 51
Oil consumption 137
Oil level 137
Oil, refer to Engine oil 137
Oil types 138
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal 155
Onboard vehicle toolkit 146Opening and closing
– Comfort Access
28
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
– using the door lock 24
– using the remote control 21
Opening and unlocking
– from inside 25
Opening/closing the Split Rear Barn Doors 26
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation 82
Outlets, refer to Air vents 78
Output, refer to Engine data 176
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control 81
Overheated engine, refer to Coolant temperature 139
P
Paintwork, care143
Park Distance Control PDC 60
Parking
– vehicle 42
Parking aid, refer to Park Distance Control PDC 60
Parking brake 43
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb 149
Parking lamps/low beams 72
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle 4
Pathway lighting 73
PDC
– volume 100
Personal Profile 20
Phone numbers
– dialing 118
Pinch protection system
– windows 31
Plastic parts, care 144
Playing a track scan
– CD 106
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
187
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air conditioner 80
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 82
Power failure 155
Power windows 31
Power windows, refer to Windows 30
Pressure monitoring of tires, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 65
Pressure monitoring, tires 63
– Flat Tire Monitor 63
Pressure, tires 128
Protective function, refer to Pinch protection system
– windows 31
PTY 103
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor 63
R
Radio
– HD Radio103
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 20
Radio MINI Boost CD
– playing stations 102
– recalling stations 102
– satellite radio 104
– searching stations 101
– storing stations 102
– switching on/off 100
– tone control 101
– volume 100
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness 41
Radio readiness 41
– switched off 42
– switched on 41
Rain sensor 47
Range, refer to Cruising
range 52
RDS 102 Reading lamps
76
Rear door, refer to Club Door 26
Rear doors, refer to Split Rear
Barn Doors 26
Rear double doors, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 26
Rear fog lamp 75
– indicator lamp 161
– replacing bulb 150
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement 150
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps 150
Rear seat backrest, folding 92
Rear seats
– folding down the backrests 92
Rear window defroster 79,81
Rearview mirror, refer to Mirrors 36
Reception
– quality 102
– radio station 101
Recirculated-air mode 79,81
Recirculation of air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 79,81
Reclining seat, refer to Backrest 33
Refueling 126
Releasing
– hood 136
Remote control 20
– battery renewal 30
– Comfort Access 28
–
garage door opener 83
– malfunctions 23,29
– service data 140
– Split Rear Barn Doors 23
Replacement remote control 20
Replacing bulbs, refer to Lamps and bulbs 147
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires 134
Reporting safety defects 6Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge 51
Reservoir for washer systems 49
Reset, resetting tone settings 101
Restraint systems
– for children 38
– refer to Safety belts 35
Reverse
– CD 106
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 44
– manual transmission 43
Roadside Assistance 157
Roadside parking lamps 75
– replacing bulb 149
Roadworthiness te st, refer to
Service requirements 56
Roof load capacity 178
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 95
Rope, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 159
RSC Run-flat System Component, refer to Run-flat
tires 134
Rubber parts, care 143
Run-flat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires 134
Run-flat tires 134
– flat tire 64
– tire inflation pressure 128
– tire replacement 134
– winter tires 135
S
Safety belt
– number32
Safety Belt Reminder 35