
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