
 69
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Continued driving with a flat tire
When driving with a damaged tire:
1.Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu-
vers.
2.Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
3.At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If the inflation pressure is correct in all four 
tires, then the Tire Pressure Monitor may not 
have been reset. The system must then be 
reset.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of 
tire inflation pressure:
The distance it is possible to drive with a flat tire 
depends on the load and the stress on the vehi-
cle while driving.
With an average load, it may be possible to drive 
for approx. 50 miles/80 km.
When driving with damaged tires, the handling 
characteristics change, e.g. the vehicle will skid 
sooner when braking, braking distances will be 
longer, or self-steering response will change. 
Adapt your driving style accordingly. Avoid turn-
ing abruptly and driving over obstacles such as 
curbs, potholes, etc.
Since the possible driving distance depends to a 
considerable degree on the strain exerted on 
the vehicle while driving, it can be shorter or, 
with a gentle driving style, can also be longer, 
depending on the speed, road condition, out-
side temperature, vehicle load, etc.
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
A loss of tire inflation pressure results in a 
change in the handling characteristics, e.g. 
reduced lane stability during braking, a longer 
braking distance and altered self-steering prop-
erties.<
Vibrations or loud noises while driving can 
indicate complete failure of the tire. 
Reduce your speed and bring the vehicle to a 
stop; otherwise, pieces of tire may come off, 
which could result in an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving and contact your MINI center.<
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in yel-
low and then lights up continuously; the 
larger warning lamp comes on in yel-
low. No punctures can be detected.
This type of message is shown in the following 
situations:
>If there is a malfunction.
Have the system checked.
>If a wheel without TPM electronics has been 
mounted.
>If TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to 
other systems or devices using the same 
radio frequency.
Message for unsuccessful system reset
Both warning lamps come on in yellow. 
The system is not reset after a tire has 
been changed, for example.
Check the tire inflation pressure and 
reset the system, page67.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring 
Systems
Each tire, including the spare, should be 
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the 
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle 
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of a 
different size than the size indicated on the vehi-
cle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you 
should determine the proper tire inflation pres-
sure for those tires. As an added safety feature, 
your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pres-
sure monitoring system TPMS that illuminates a 
low tire pressure telltale when one or more of 
your tires are significantly underinflated. 
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale 
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires 
as soon as possible, and inflate them to the 
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly 
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat 
and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also 
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and 
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping 
ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substi- 

Technology for driving comfort and safety
72
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the 
system. This particularly applies to 
child seats that were required by NHTSA at 
the time of manufacture of the vehicle. After 
installing a child seat, check that the indica-
tor lamp for the front passenger airbags 
comes on. It indicates that the child seat has 
been detected and that the front passenger 
airbags are deactivated.<
>T h e  i n d i c a t o r  l a m p  d o e s  n o t  c o m e  o n  a s  l o n g  
as a person of sufficient size and in a correct 
sitting position is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are activated.
>The indicator lamp does not come on if the 
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
As of radio readiness, page44, the warning 
lamp comes on briefly to indicate that the entire 
airbag system and the belt tensioners are oper-
ational.
Airbag system malfunction
>The warning lamp does not come on when 
radio readiness or the ignition is switched 
on.
>The warning lamp stays lit continuously.
In the event of a fault in the airbag system, 
have it checked without delay; otherwise, 
there is the risk that the system will not function 
as intended even if a severe accident occurs.<
MINI Convertible: Roll-
over protection system
The rollover system is automatically activated 
during an accident or dangerous driving situa-
tion, during extreme tilt of the longitudinal axis, 
or during loss of ground contact. The roll bar 
located behind the rear seat headrest is pro-
jected within a fraction of a second.
In addition to the reinforced windshield frame, 
the rollover protection system ensures the nec-
essary head clearance for all occupants of the 
vehicle.
Never block the travel path of the rollover 
protection system with any objects. 
Alwa ys wea r your safe ty belt , it protects you in a  
minor car accident and, depending on the 
severity of the accident, the seat belt tensioner 
and the multilevel airbag system will protect 
you.<
Lowering
If the rollover protection system releases acci-
dentally, have your MINI Service check it.
If the rollover protective system is 
extended, do not operate the convertible 
top.
Never attempt to modify the individual compo-
nents or the electrical wiring of the rollover pro-
tective system.
Have the necessary work on the rollover protec-
tion system of your MINI only carried out by an 
authorized MINI dealer.
Faulty repair may lead to the failure of the sys-
tem or malfunctions.
Check the system regularly and in order to 
ensure a long service life of all functions, it is 
mandatory to maintain the service intervals, 
refer to page58.< 

 87
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
MINI Convertible
The storage compartment cannot be locked.
Clothes hooks
There are clothes hooks on the grab handles in 
the rear passenger compartment.
Items of clothing hung from the hooks 
must not obstruct the driver's view. Do not 
hang heavy objects from the hooks; otherwise, 
they could endanger the car's occupants, e.g. in 
case of heavy braking or sudden swerving.<
In the cargo area
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you 
have the following storage options:
>Hooks
* for hanging up items such as shop-
ping or tote bags on the left and right side-
walls of the cargo area
>Net
* on the rear cargo well and side trim for 
smaller objects; for attaching to the lashing 
eyes and the hook
* on the cargo area side-
wall
Cupholders and ashtray*
Cupholders
Two cupholders are located in the front of the 
center console; another is in the rear at the back 
of the center console.
Use lightweight, nonbreakable containers 
and do not transport hot beverages. Oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the 
event of an accident.
damage it.<
Ashtray*
The ashtray is located in one of the cupholders in 
the center console.
Emptying
Remove the entire ashtray.
Lighter
With the engine running or the ignition switched 
on, press in the cigarette lighter.
The lighter can be pulled out as soon as it pops 
back out.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by 
the knob only. Holding or touching it in 
other areas could result in burns. 
When leaving the car, always remove the key so 
that children cannot operate the cigarette 
lighter and burn themselves.<
Connecting electrical 
appliances
In your MINI, you can use electrical devices such 
as a flashlight, car vacuum cleaner, etc., up to 
approx. 200 watts at 12 volts, as long as one of 
the following sockets is available. Avoid damag-
ing the sockets by attempting to insert plugs of 
unsuitable shape or size.
Cigarette lighter socket
Remove the lighter* or cover from the socket. 

Wheels and tires
118
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressures
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tires' service life, but also 
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving 
safety that depend on the condition of the tires 
and the maintenance of the specified tire pres-
sure.
Checking pressure
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly 
and correct it, if necessary: at least twice a 
month and before starting long trips. If you fail 
to observe this precaution you may be driving 
on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condition 
that can not only compromise your vehicle's 
driving stability, but also lead to tire damage and 
the risk of an accident. Do not drive with 
deflated, i.e. flat tires, except when using run-
flat tires. A flat tire will seriously impair your 
vehicle's handling and braking response. 
Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to loss of 
control over the vehicle.<
Check the tire inflation pressures only on cold 
tires. This means after a maximum of 1.25 miles/
2 km driving or when the vehicle has been 
parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are warm, 
the tire inflation pressure is higher.
After adjusting the tire inflation pressure, 
reinitialize the flat tire monitor, page65, 
or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, page67.<
Checking the tire inflation pressure of 
the space-saver spare tire*
A valve extension for checking the inflation pres-
sure is located behind the bumper.
Inflation pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct inflation 
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient 
temperature.
The tire inflation pressures apply to the 
tire sizes approved and the tire brands 
recommended by the manufacturer of your 
MINI. Your MINI dealer will be glad to advise 
you.<
For correct identification of the right tire infla-
tion pressures, observe the following:
>Tire sizes for your vehicle
>Load conditions
>Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to 
100 mph or 160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h 
and to achieve optimum driving comfort, adjust 
pressures to the respective tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds up to a maximum of 
100 mph or 160 km/h.
These tire inflation pressures can also be found 
on the driver's side door post when the driver's 
door is open. 

 119
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
The maximum permitted speed for these 
tire inflation pressures is 100 mph or 
160 km/h. Do not exceed this speed; otherwise, 
tire damage and accidents may occur.<
Tire inflation pressures for driving above 
100 mph or 160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in 
excess of 100 mph or 160 km/h, adjust 
pressures to the respective tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds including those 
exceeding 100 mph or 160 km/h. Otherwise, 
tire damage and accidents could occur.<
Observe all national and local maximum speed 
limits; otherwise, violations of the law could 
occur.
MINI Cooper tire inflation pressures
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Speeds up to a
max. of 
100 mph/160 km/hSpeeds including 
those exceeding 
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in psi/kilopas-
cal with cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
175/65 R 15 84 T M+S
175/65 R 15 84 H M+S
175/65 R 15 84 H
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC33/230 33/230 38/260 38/260
Emergency wheel: 115/
70 R 15 90 M60/420 60/420 60/420 60/420
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page169. 

Wheels and tires
120
MINI Cooper S tire inflation pressures
MINI John Cooper Works tire inflation pressures
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Speeds up to a
max. of 
100 mph/160 km/hSpeeds including 
those exceeding 
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in psi/kilopas-
cal with cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
195/55 R 16 87 V RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC33/230 33/230 38/260 38/260
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC38/260 38/260 41/280 41/280
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page169.
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Speeds up to a
max. of 
100 mph/160 km/hSpeeds including 
those exceeding 
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in psi/kilopas-
cal with cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 W RSC38/260 38/260 41/280 41/280
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC 41/280 41/280 44/300 44/300
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page169. 

 121
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
MINI Cooper Convertible tire inflation pressures
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Speeds up to a
max. of 
100 mph/160 km/hSpeeds including 
those exceeding 
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in psi/kilopas-
cal with cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
175/65 R 15 84 T M+S
175/65 R 15 84 H
175/65 R 15 84 H M+S
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC35/240 35/240 38/260 38/260
Emergency wheel: 115/
70 R 15 90 M60/420 60/420 60/420 60/420
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page169. 

Wheels and tires
122
MINI Cooper S Convertible tire inflation pressures
MINI John Cooper Works Convertible tire inflation pressures
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Speeds up to a
max. of 
100 mph/160 km/hSpeeds including 
those exceeding 
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in psi/kilopas-
cal with cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
195/55 R 16 87 V RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC35/240 35/240 38/260 38/260
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC39/270 39/270 42/290 42/290
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page169.
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Speeds up to a
max. of 
100 mph/160 km/hSpeeds including 
those exceeding 
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in psi/kilopas-
cal with cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 W RSC39/270 39/270 42/290 42/290
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC 42/290 42/290 45/310 45/310
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page170.