Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
195
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent lev-
els of performance on the laboratory test wheel
that exceed the minimum required by law.The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combinat ion, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure. <
RSC - run-flat tires*
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side of
the tire, page196.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Designation for specia lly 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 0.12 in/
3 mm, although, for exam ple, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 0.12 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 0.16 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. If the tire tread has been
driven down to the wear indicators, a tread
depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has been reached.
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. <
MOBILITYWheels and tires
196
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 replacement after no more than
6 years, regardless of the actual wear of the
tires.
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 71.
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 73. Your MINI dealer will
be glad to advise you.
Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
197
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 your MINI recommends the
use of winter tires on snowy roads or if temper-
atures drop below 457/ +76. Although all-sea-
son 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 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 side wall 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.
> 195/60 R 16 M+S
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 68.<
236
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
INDEX
A
ABS Antilock Brake System67
Accessories, refer to Your individual vehicle 4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle 28
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 87
Adaptive Light Control 80
Additives
– coolant 200
– engine oil 200
Address, entering 115
Address for navigation
– entering 109,115
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 84
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 85
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control 131
Air conditioner 83
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 84
– automatic cl imate control85
– ventilation 87
Air distribution
– automatic 86
– individual 85
– manual 85
Air flow rate 84,86
– air conditioning system 84
– automatic cl imate control86
– heating, ventilation 84
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 83
Air pressure, checking, refer to Tire inflation pressure 190Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 84,86
Air supply
– air conditioner 84
– automatic climate control 85
– ventilation 87
Air vents 83
Airbags 76
– sitting safely 37
– warning lamp 78
Airing, refer to Ventilation87
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 189
Alarm system 31
ALL4 all-wheel drive system 69
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 197
All-wheel drive, refer to
ALL4 69
AM, wa
veband 132
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 84,86
Ambient lighting 82
Antenna, care 204
Antifreeze
– coolant 200
– washer fluid 53
Antilock Brake System ABS 67
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 31
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights 226
Approved engine oils 200
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights 226
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 91
Arrival time
– computer 57
– route guidance 118Ashtray
92
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
Audio 130
– controls 130
– switching on/off 130
– tone control 131
– volume 130
Audio device, external 90
AUTO program for automatic climate control 86
Automatic
– air distribution 86
– air flow rate 86
– cruise control 53
– headlamp control 79
Automatic climate control 83
– automatic air distribution 86
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 48
– interlock 48
– overriding selector lever
lock 50
– shiftlock 48
– sport program 49
Auxiliary phone 164
AUX-IN connection 142
AUX-IN, refer to External audio
device 90
Average fuel consumption 56
– setting the units 58
Average speed 56
Avoiding highways for navigation 118
Axle loads, refer to Weights 22
6
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
243
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter tires 197
Main menu 17
Maintenance, refer to Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Maintenance system 202
Malfunction warnings, refer to Check Control 62
Manual air distribution 85
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 49
Manual operation
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 188
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 50
Manual transmission 48
Manual washing 205
Map
– changing scale 121
Map for navigation
– entering destination 114
Master key, refe r to Integrated
key/remote control 26
Maximum cooling 86
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 197
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 218
MENU button 16
Menus, refer to On-board computer 16
Messages 179
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 85
– for automatic climate
control 87
– MINI Maintenance System 202 Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance System 202
Microphone for telephone 14
MINI Connected 183
MINI Internet page 4
MINI joystick, refer to On-board computer 16
MINI Maintenance System 202
Mirror dimming feature 42
Mirrors 41
– exterior mirrors 41
– heating 41
– interior rearview mirror 41
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume 157,168
– connecting, refer to Mobile phone, pairing 154,163
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 91
– pairing 154,16
3
– What to do if…. 156,167
Mobile phone, installation location, refer to Center
armrest 91
Mobile phone preparation Bluetooth 163
Mobility System 212
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety 5
Monitor, refer to MINI controls with navigation 16
Monitoring system for tire pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 69
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 50
– refer to Wiper system 51
Multifunctional steering wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
N
Navigation
– storing current position 111
Navigation data 108
Navigation destination
– entering manually 109,115
– home address 112
Navigation instructions, refer to Switching voice
instructions on/off 122
Navigation system 108
– address book 111
– bypassing a route section 120
– continuing route
guidance 118
– destination entry 109
– dynamic route guidance 125
– entering a destination manually 109,115
– opening 108
– planning a trip 116
– route list 119
– selecting destination via
map 114
– selecting route criteria 118
– special destinations 112
– starting route guidance 118
– terminating route
guidance 118
– voice instructions 122
– volume adjustment 122
Neck support, re fer to Head
restraints 39
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments 91
New tires 196
North-facing map 120
Notes 181
Number of cylinders, refer to Engine data 224
Number of safety belts 37
Nylon rope, refer to Tow rope 221
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
245
Recirculation of air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 84,86
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest 38
Refueling 188
Releasing
– hood 198
Reminders 181
Remote control 26
– battery renewal 34
– Comfort Access 32
– garage door opener 88
– liftgate 28
– malfunctions 28,34
– service data 202
Replacement remote control 26
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 208
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires 196
Reporting safety defects 6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel gauge 55
Reservoir for washer systems 53
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings 131
Restraint systems
– for children 43
– refer to Safety belts 40
Reverse
– CD player 141
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 49
– manual transmission 48
Road map 120
Roadside Assistance 218
Roadside parking lamps 81
– replacing bulb 210
Roadworthiness te st, refer to
Service requirements 59
Roof load capacity 226
Roof-mounted luggage rack 103 Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 221
Route 118,119
– bypassing sections 120
– changing 118,120
– changing criteria 118
– displaying arrow view 119
– displaying map view 120
–
displaying streets or towns/ cities 119
– selecting 118
Route guidance 118
– bypassing a route
section 120
– changing specified route 118
– continuing 118
– distance and arrival 118
– starting 118
– voice instructions 122
– volume of voice instructions 122
Route section, changing 120
Route selection 118
RSC Run-flat System Component, refer to Run-flat
tires 196
Rubber parts, care 205
Run-flat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires 196
Run-flat tires 196
– flat tire 71
– Flat Tire Monitor 71
– tire inflation pressure 190
– tire replacement 196
– winter tires 197
S
Safety belt
– number37
Safety Belt Reminder 41
Safety belts 40
– damage 41
– indicator lamp 41
– reminder 41
– sitting safely 37 Safety belts, care
207
Safety systems
– airbags 76
– Antilock Brake System
ABS 67
– driving stability control systems 67
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 67
– safety belts 40
Safety tires, re fer to Run-flat
tires 196
Satellite radio 134
– channel, activating or deactivating 135
– channel, selecting 135
– channel, storing 136
– favorites 137
– time shift 136
– Traffic Jump 138
Screen, refer to On-board computer controls 16
Screw thread for tow fitting 220
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio 134
Seat adjustment
– mechanical 38
– rear 39
Seats 38
– adjusting the seats 38
– heating 40
– sitting safely 37
Securing the vehicle
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
Selecting new scale for navigation 121
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock 48
– overriding manually 50
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
246
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance 218
Service data in the remote control 202
Service Interval Display, refer to Condition Based Service
CBS 202
Service, refer to Roadside Assistance 218
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS 202
Service requirements 59
Setting time and date 61
Setting time zone, time, and date 61
Settings
– clock, 12 h/24 h mode 61
– date format 62
– language 65
Settings and information 57
Shift paddles 49
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 49
– manual transmission 48
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer to Changing selector lever
positions 48
Short commands for the voice activation system 227
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route 118
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD player 141
Side airbags 76
Side marker lamps, replacing bulbs 211
Side turn signal
– replacing bulb 211
Side windows, refer to
Windows 35
Signal horn, refer to Horn 10Sitting safely
37
– airbags 37
– safety belts 37
– with head restraint 37
Size, refer to Dimensions 225
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass roof, electric 34
Slot for remote control 46
Smokers' package, refer to Ashtray 92
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing 174
– use 163
Snap-in adapter, refer to Center armrest storage
compartment 91
Snow chains 197
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis OBD 203
Socket, refer to Connecting electrical appliances 92
Software u
pdate 149
Speaking, refer to Voice instructions from navigation
system 122
Special destinations 112
Special oils, refer to Approved engine oils 200
Speed 224
– with winter tires 197
Speed limit 64
– setting 64
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit 64
Speed volume 131
Speedo, refer to
Speedometer 12
Speedometer 12
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo area 98
Sport button 69
Stability contro l, refer to
Driving stability control
systems 67
Start/Stop button 46
– starting the engine 46
– switching off the engine 47Starting assistance, refer to
Jump-starting 218
Starting, refer to Starting the engine 46
Starting the engine
– Start/Stop button 46
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC 67
– Hill Assist 69
State/province, for
navigation 109
Station, selecting
– radio 132
Status information on the Control Display 19
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing 4
Steering wheel 42
– adjustment 42
– buttons on steering wheel 11
– lock 46
– shift paddles 49
Steptronic, refer to Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 48
Storage area
– cargo area 98
Storage compartments 91
Storage space
– storage compartments 91
Storing a destination in the address book 111
Storing the vehicle 207
Storing tires 197
Stowage, refer to Storage compartments 91
Summer tires, refer to Wheels an
d tires 190
SW, waveband 132
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10
Switching off
– engine 47
Switching off the engine
– Start/Stop button 46
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
247
Switching on
– audio130
– CD player 130
– radio 130
Switching the cooling function on and off 87
Symbols 4
– status information 19
T
Tachometer55
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps 211
– replacing bulb 211
Tail lamps 211
Tank volume, refer to Capacities 226
Target cursor for
navigation 114
Tasks 180
Technical data 224
Technical modifications 5
Telephone
– hands-free system 160,172
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 91
– voice commands 172
Telephone receiving power, refer to Status
information 19
Temperature display
– setting the units 58
Temperature of coolant, refer to Coolant temperature 201
Temperature setting
– air conditioner 84
– automatic climate control 86
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 53
Tensioning straps, refer to Securing cargo 102
Text message 179
The individual vehicle 4
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp 212
Three-point safety belt 40Tightening the lug bolts
– torque
216
Tightening torque, refer to Tightening lug bolts 216
Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor 71
– indicator/warning lamp 71
– MINI Mobility System 212
– run-flat tires 71
– Tire Pressure Monitor 72
Tire inflation pressure 190
– loss 71,72
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 72
– limitations of system 72
– resetting system 73
– warning lamp 73
Tire pressure mo nitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor 69
Tire Quality Grading 194
Tires
– age 196
– breaking in 96
– changing, refe r to Changi
ng
wheels 214
– condition 195
– damage 195
– inflation pressure 190
– inflation pressure loss 73
– minimum tread depth 195
– new tires 196
– pressure monitoring, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 69
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 72
– puncture 71
– size 194
– wear indicators, refer to Minimum tread depth 195
– winter tires 197
– with emergency operation properties 196
Tires with emergency operation properties, refer to
Run-flat tires 196
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-flat tires 196 TMC station, refer to Traffic
information 122
Tone
– middle setting 131
Tone during audio playback
– adjusting 131
Torque 224
– lug bolts 216
Tow bar 220
Tow fitting 220
– screw thread 220
Tow fittings for tow-starting and towing away 220
Tow rope 221
Towing 219
– car with automatic
transmission 220
– methods 220
Tow-starting 219
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor 72
Track
– selecting on CD 140
Track width, refer to Dimension 225
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 67
Traffic bulletins
– categories 124
Traffic bulletins, filtering 124
Traffic congestion
– displaying traffic
information 122
– refer to Route, bypassing segments 120
Traffic information for navigation
– displaying 123
Tr
affic information in
navigation
– screen display in the map
view 124