Wheels and tires
126
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 MINI recommends the use
of winter tires on snowy roads or if temperatures
drop below 457/ +76. Although all-season
M+S tires provide 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. This
label is available at your tire dealer or MINI cen-
ter.
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
Depending on the individual use, front and rear
tires may exhibit different 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 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
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 page64.<
133
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Care
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care helps to maintain the
value of your MINI.
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
using manufacturer-approved products to clean
and care for your vehicle.
MINI Service would be pleased to advise you on
cleaning and care products and services for your
MINI.
The ingredients of original MINI Care Prod-
ucts have been tested, and the products
have been tested in the laboratory and in prac-
tice. They offer optimum care and protection for
your vehicle.<
Do not use any cleansers containing alco-
hol or solvents as these may cause dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous
or health-damaging substances. Follow
the warning and hazard instructions on the
packaging. For interior cleaning, always open
the doors or windows of the vehicle.
Do not use any products that are not intended
for cleaning the vehicle.<
External care
Washing your vehicle
Especially during the winter months the
vehicle should be frequently washed. Dirt
and road salt can damage the vehicle.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise,
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and the brake rotors can corrode.<
Car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.
Do not use automatic high-pressure car
washes; otherwise, water may drip into
the vehicle around the windows.<
Before driving into the car wash, check if the sys-
tem is suitable for your MINI. Observe the fol-
lowing points:
>Vehicle dimensions, page167
>If necessary: fold in the outside mirrors,
page39.
>Maximum permissible tire width
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than
4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the chassis could
be damaged.<
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Unscrew the rod antenna.
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
>Deactivate the rear window wiper
* and pro-
tect it from damage. Ask the car wash oper-
ator about measures that can be taken to
protect the wipers.
>Remove additional attachments, e.g. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a pos-
sibility that they could be damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that
the vehicle can roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with Comfort
Access, in the ignition lock.
2.Move the selector lever to position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Insert the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Indicator and warning lamps
162
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when
you wish to switch off the ignition,
page44.
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, page129.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in red:
Service appointment overdue Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page58.
Lights up in yellow:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page58.
12Cause What to do
Everything from A to Z
172
Everything from A to Z
INDEX
A
ABS Antilock Brake System63
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle21
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control82
Adaptive Light Control75
Additives
– coolant129
– engine oil129
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner79
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control80
Air conditioner78
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control80
– ventilation82
Air distribution
– automatic81
– individual80
– manual80
Air flow rate79,81
– air conditioning system79
– automatic climate control81
– heating, ventilation79
Air outlets, refer to Air vents78
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure118
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,81
Air supply
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control80
– ventilation82
Air vents78Airbags70
– sitting safely35
– warning lamp72
Airing, refer to Ventilation82
AKI, refer to fuel grade117
Alarm system25
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires126
Always Open Timer55
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,81
Ambient lighting77
Antenna, care133
Antifreeze
– coolant129
– washer fluid
51
Antilock Brake System ABS63
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system25
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights169
Approved engine oils129
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights169
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest85
Ashtray87
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC63
Audio device, external85
AUTO program for automatic
climate control81
Automatic
– air distribution81
– air flow rate81
– cruise control51
– headlamp control73
Automatic climate control78
– automatic air distribution81Automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– interlock46
– overriding selector lever
lock48
– shiftlock46
– sport program47
AUX-IN, refer to External audio
device85
Average fuel consumption54
– setting the units57
Average speed54
Axle loads, refer to
Weights169B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting77
Backrests, refer to Seats36
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb140,141
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch148
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away150
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter113
Battery146
– charging147
– disposal28,147
– jump-starting148
– temporary power failure147
Battery renewal
– remote control28
Being towed150
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts38
Belts, refer to Safety belts38
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders87
Everything from A to Z
178
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints37
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments86
New tires125
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data166
Number of safety belts35
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope151
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
On-Board Diagnosis131
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications117
Odometer53
Oil consumption128
Oil level128
Oil, refer to Engine oil128
Oil types129
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal147
On-board vehicle tool kit137
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access26
– from inside23
– from outside19
– using the door lock22
– using the remote control19
Opening and unlocking
– from inside23
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation82
Outlets, refer to Air vents78
Output, refer to Engine
data166
Outside temperature display
– change units of measure57
– in the onboard computer57
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control81
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature53
P
Paintwork, care135
Park Distance Control PDC62
Parking
– vehicle45
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC62
Parking brake45
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb139
Parking lamps/low beams73
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting73
Personal Profile18
Phone numbers
– dialing108
Pinch protection system
– windows30
Plastic parts, care136
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner80
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control82
Power convertible top30
Power failure147
Power windows29
Power windows, refer to
Windows29
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM67
Pressure monitoring, tires65
– Flat Tire Monitor65
Pressure, tires118
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– windows30
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor65
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness44
Radio readiness44
– switched off44
– switched on44
Rain sensor49
Range, refer to Cruising
range54
Reading lamps77
Rear fog lamp76
– indicator lamp152
– replacing bulb141
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement141
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps140
Rear seat backrest, folding94
Rear seats
– folding the backrests94
Rear window defroster79,82
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors39
Recirculated-air mode79,81
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,81
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest36
Refueling116
Releasing
– hood127
Remote control18
– battery renewal28
– Comfort Access26
– garage door opener83
– liftgate21
– malfunctions22,27
– service data131
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs137
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires125
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge53
Reservoir for washer
systems51