Wheels and tiresMobility
135
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, page136.
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
136
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 63.
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 65. Your MINI dealer will
be glad to advise you.
Wheels and tiresMobility
137
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 61.<
180
ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System60
Accessories, refer to Your individual vehicle 4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle 22
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 80
Adaptive Light Control 73
Additives
– coolant 140
– engine oil 140
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 77
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 78
Air conditioner 76
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 77
– automatic cl imate control78
– ventilation 80
Air distribution
– automatic 79
– individual 78
– manual 78
Air flow rate 77,79
– air conditioning system 77
– automatic cl imate control79
– heating, ventilation 77
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 76
Air pressure, checking, refer to Tire inflation pressure 130
Air recirculation, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 77,79 Air supply
– air conditioner
77
– automatic climate control 78
– ventilation 80
Air vents 76
Airbags 68
– sitting safely 32
– warning lamp 70
Airing, refer to Ventilation80
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 129
Alarm system 26
ALL4 all-wheel drive system 62
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 137
All-wheel drive, refer to
ALL4 62
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 77,79
Ambient lighting 75
Antenna, care 144
An
tifreeze
– coolant 140
– washer fluid 49
Antilock Brake System ABS 60
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system 26
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 178
Approved engine oils 140
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 178
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 83
Ashtray 85
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 60
Audio device, external 83
AUTO program for automatic climate control 79 Auto radio, refer to Radio MINI
Boost CD 102
Automatic
– air distribution 79
– air flow rate 79
– cruise control 49
– headlamp control 71
Automatic climate control 76
– automatic air distribution 79
Automatic station search 103
Automatic station storage 103
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 43
– interlock 44
– overriding selector lever
lock 45
– shiftlock 44
– sport program 45
AUX In connection 102
AUX-IN, refer to External audio
device 83
Average fuel consumption 52
– setting the units 54
Average speed 52
Axle loads, refer to Weights 178
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 75
Backrests, refer to Seats 33
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 151
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch 158
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 160
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 124
ReferenceEverything from A to Z
186
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-mounted luggage
rack 97
Lumbar support 33
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 137
Maintenance, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Maintenance system 142
Malfunction warn ings, refer to
Check Control 57
Manual air distribution 78
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 45
Manual operation
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 128
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 45
Manual station search 103
Manual transmission 43
Manual washing 145
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 20
Maximum cooling 79
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 137
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 158
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 78
– for automatic climate
control 80
– MINI Maintenance System 142 Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance System 142
Microphone for telephone 14
MINI Internet page 4
MINI Maintenance System 142
Mirror dimming feature 37
Mirrors 36
– exterior mirrors 36
– heating 36
– interior rearview mirror 36
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume 119
– connecting, refer to Mobile phone, pairing 116
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 83
– pairing 116
– what to do if…. 118
Mobile phone, installation location, refer to Center
armrest 83
Mobility System 152
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety 5
Monitoring syst em for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 62
MP3 107
Mu
ltifunction 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 107
– random order 107
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 34
Nets, refer to Storage compartments 84
New tires 136
Number of cylinders, refer to Engine data 176
Number of safety belts 32
Nylon rope, refer to Tow rope 161
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
On-Board Diagnosis 143
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel specifications 129
Odometer 51
Oil consumption 139
Oil level 139
Oil, refer to Engine oil 139
Oil types 140
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal 156
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access 27
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
– using the door lock 24
– using the remote control 21
Opening and unlocking
– from inside 24
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation 80
Outlets, refer to Air vents 76
Output, refer to Engine data 176
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control 79
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature 141
ReferenceEverything from A to Z
188
Roadside Assistance158
Roadside parking lamps 74
– replacing bulb 150
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements 55
Roof load capacity 178
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 97
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 161
RSC Run-flat System Component, refer to Run-flat
tires 136
Rubber parts, care 145
Run-flat System Component RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires 136
Run-flat tires 136
– flat tire 63
– Flat Tire Monitor 63
– tire inflation pressure 130
– tire replacement 136
– winter tires 137
S
Safety belt
– number32
Safety Belt Reminder 36
Safety belts 35
– damage 36
– indicator lamp 36
– reminder 36
– sitting safely 32
Safety belts, care 147
Safety systems
– airbags 68
– Antilock Brake System ABS 60
– driving stability control systems 59
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 60
– safety belts 35
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires 136 Satellite radio
105
– enabling 105
Scan, listening to test
– Radio MINI Boost CD 104
Screw thread for tow fitting 160
Searching
– CD player 107
– radio 103
Searching for a music track
– CD 107
Seat adjustment
– mechanical 33
– rear 34
Seats 33
– adjusting the seats 33
– heating 35
– sitting safely 32
Securing the vehicle
– from inside 24
– from outside 21
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 44
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock 44
– overriding manually 45
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 44
Service car, refe r to Roadside
Assistance 158
Service data in the remote control 142
Service Interval Display, refer to Condition Based Service
CBS 142
Service, refer to Roadside Assistance 158
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS 142
Service requirements 55
Setting the time format 103Setti
ngs
– clock, 12 h/24 h mode 54
Settings and information 52
Shift paddles 45
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 45
– manual transmission 43
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions 44
Side airbags 68
Side marker lamps, replacing bulbs 151
Side turn signal
– replacing bulb 151
Side windows, refer to Windows 30
Signal horn, refer to Horn 10
Sitting safely 32
– airbags 32
– safety belts 32
– with head restraint 32
Size, refer to Dimensions 177
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass roof, electric 29
Slot for remote control 41
Smokers' package, refer to Ashtray 85
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing 124
– use 114
Snap-in adapter, refer to Center armrest storage
compartment 83
Snow chains 137
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis OBD 143
Socket, refer to Connecting electrical appliances 86
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils 140
Speed 176
– with winter tires 137
Speed-dependent volume 102
Everything from A to ZReference
189
Speedo, refer to Speedometer 12
Speedometer 12
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo area 92
Sport button 62
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems 59
Start/Stop button 41
– starting the engine 42
– switching off the engine 42
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump-starting 158
Starting, refer to Starting the engine 42
Starting the engine
– Start/Stop button 41
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC 60
– Hill Assist 62
Stations, refer to Radio MINI
Boost CD 104
Status of this Owner's Manual at time of printing 4
Steering wheel 37
– adjustment 37
– buttons on steering wheel 11
– lock 41
– shift paddles 45
Steptronic, refer to Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 43
Storage area
– cargo area 92
Storage compartments 84
Storage space
– storage compartments 84
Storing the vehicle 147
Storing tires 137
Stowage, refer to Storage compartments 84
Summer tires, re fer to Wheels
and tires 130
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10
Switching off
– engine 42 Switching off the engine
– Start/Stop button
41
Switching on
– CD player 102,107
– Radio MINI Boost CD 102
Switching the co oling function
on and off 80
Symbols 4
T
Tachometer 51
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps 151
– replacing bulb 151
Tail lamps 151
Tank volume, refer to Capacities 179
Technical data 176
Technical modifications 5
Telephone 114
– hands-free system 122
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 83
– voice commands 122
Temperature display
– setting the units 54
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature 141
Temperature setting
– air conditioner 77
– automatic climate control 79
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 49
Tensioning straps, refer to Securing cargo 96
The individual vehicle 4
Third brake lamp, refer to Center brake lamp 152
Three-point safety belt 35
Tightening the lug bolts
– torque 156
Tightening torque, refer to Tightening lug bolts 156
Time
– setting 103 Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor
63
– indicator/warning lamp 63
– MINI Mobility System 152
– run-flat tires 64
– Tire Pressure Monitor 64
Tire inflation pressure 130
– loss 63
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 64
– limitations of system 65
– resetting system 65
– warning lamp 65
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor 62
Tire Quality Grading 134
Tires
– age 136
– breaking in 90
– changing, refe r to Changing
wheels 155
– condition 135
– damage 135
– inflation pressure 130
– inflation pressure loss 65
– minimu
m tread depth 135
– new tires 136
– pressure monitoring, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 62
– pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 64
– puncture 63
– size 134
– wear indicators, refer to Minimum tread depth 135
– winter tires 137
– with emergency operation properties 136
Tires with emergency
operation properties, refer to
Run-flat tires 136
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-flat tires 136
Tone
– control 103
– middle setting 103
Everything from A to ZReference
191
Windows30
– closing 30
– convenient operation 22
– opening 30
– pinch protection system 31
– safety switch 31
Windshield
– cleaning 48
– defrosting and removing condensation 78,80
Windshield wiper blades, changing 148
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system 47
Winter tires 137
– storage 137
Wiper blade replacement 148
Wiper system 47
WMA 107
Work in the engine compartment 138
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb 149