MOBILITYWheels and tires
142
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all pa ssenger 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
separately or in combin ation, 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, page 143.
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 foreign 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 condit
ions. 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 th e 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
Driving over rough or damaged road surfaces, as
well as debris, curbs, and other obstacles can
cause serious damage to wheels, tires, and sus-
pension parts. This is more likely to occur with
low-profile tires, which provide less cushioning
between the wheel and the road. Be careful to
avoid road hazards and reduce your speed,
especially if your vehi cle is equipped with low-
profile tires.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indi cate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect . This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by drivin g over curbs. The same
applies to any other abnormal road behavior,
such as pulling severely to the right or left.
In these cases, reduce speed immediately
and have wheels and tires thoroughly
checked. To do so, drive carefully to the nearest
MINI dealer or a specialized tire shop that has
specially trained personnel working in accor-
dance with the specifications of the MINI manu-
facturer. If necessary, have the vehicle towed
there.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 828 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
143
Otherwise, tire damage can be extremely dan-
gerous for vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 1012 means that the tire was manufac-
tured during the 10th week of 2012.
For various reasons, such as the development of
brittleness, the manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends tire replacemen t after no more than
6 years, regardless of th e 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 continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page69.
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 th e specifications of the
MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety ha
zards. 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 of ten wide variations in
tire age, which can result 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. Alth ough 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 manufactur er of your MINI can-
not evaluate non-approved wheels and tires to
determine if they are su ited 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 combination 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. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure 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
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 828 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
MOBILITYWheels and tires
144
puncture, refer to page71. Your MINI dealer will
be glad to advise you.
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your MINI
recommends certain tire brands. They are
marked with a clearly vi sible 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 ow n 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 45 7/ +7 6. 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
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 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.
>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 ch ains, it can be useful
to briefly deactivate DSC or activate DTC, refer to
page 66.<
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 828 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
MOBILITYReplacing components
160
In the event of a flat tire, different procedures
should be followed depending on the equip-
ment included in your vehicle:
>MINI Mobility Kit, refer to the following
section
> Run-flat tires, page 143
MINI Mobility Kit
The Mobility Kit is located under the left front
seat.
Preparations
Use of the MINI Mobility Kit may be ineffective if
the tire puncture measures approx. 1/8 in/4 mm
or more. Contact the nearest MINI dealer if the
tire cannot be made drivable with the Mobility
Kit.
Do not remove foreign bodies which have
penetrated the tire if possible.
Follow the instructions on using the Mobil-
ity Kit found on the compressor and the
sealant bottle. <
Remove the adhesive label for the speed limit
from the sealant bottle an d affix it to the steer-
ing wheel.
Sealant and compressor
1 Sealant bottle and adhesive label with speed
limit
2 Filling hose
Note the use-by date on the sealant
bottle. < 3
Holder for the sealant bottle
4 Compressor
5 Plug and cable for the socket in the vehicle
interior, page 93
6 Connection hose to connect the compressor
and sealant bottle or the compressor and
wheel
7 On/off switch
8 Pressure gauge for indi cating the tire infla-
tion pressure
9 Release button for reduci ng the tire inflation
pressure
Connector, cable and connection hose are
stored in the co mpressor housing.
Using the Mobility Kit
To repair a tire puncture with the Mobility Kit,
proceed as follows:
>Filling the tire with sealant.
> Distributing the sealant.
> Correct the tire in flation pressure.
Filling the tire with sealant.
Proceed in the specified order; otherwise,
sealant may emerge under high pres-
sure. <
1. Shake the sealant bottle.
2. Pull the connecting hose 6 completely out of
the compressor housing and screw it onto
the connector of the sealant bottle. Make
sure that the hose is not kinked.
3. Insert the sealant bo ttle on the compressor
housing in an upright position.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 828 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
MOBILITYReplacing components
162
If the tire cannot maintain the inflation
pressure, drive the vehicle again, refer to
Distributing the sealan t. Then repeat steps
1to4.
If an inflation pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi still
cannot be reached, then the tire is too heavily
damaged. Contact your nearest MINI dealer. <
Driving on
Do not exceed the permitted maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h; doing so may
result in an accident. <
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Have the Mobility Kit refilled.
Changing wheels
The pouch with the wheel changing kit is stored
under the flat load floor.
It includes:
> Vehicle jack
> Reversible ratchet
> Wheel stud wrench
> Extractor hook for wheel center cover
> Chock
Preparing for a wheel change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page 159.<
Additional safety measures when chang-
ing tires:
Only change the tire wh en parked on a surface
that is level, firm and not slippery.
The vehicle or the jack could slip sideways on
soft or slippery support surfaces, such as snow,
ice, flagstones, etc.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the engine when the vehicle is supported by the jack; other-
wise, there is a risk of fatal injury.
<
1. Place the foldable chock
behind the front
wheel on the other side of the vehicle or in
front of the wheel if the vehicle is on an
incline. If the wheel is changed on a surface
with a more severe sl ope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from
rolling.
2. Uncover the lug bolts if necessary.
3. Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.
Jacking up the vehicle
The vehicle jack is designed for changing
wheels only. Do not attempt to raise
another vehicle model with it or to raise any load
of any kind. To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury. <
1. Place the jack at the jacking point closest to
the wheel.
The jack base must be perpendicular to the
surface beneath the jacking point.
2. Slide reversible ratche t onto the fixture on
the jack, arrow 1.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 828 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
188
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System65
Accepting a call 125
Accessories, see Vehicle equipment 4
Acknowledgment signals for locking/unlocking vehicle 24
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 85
Adaptive Light Control 78
Adding engine oil 147
Additives
– coolant 148
– engine oil 147
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 82
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 83
Airbags 73
– sitting safely 34
– warning lamp 75
Air conditioner 81
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 82
– automatic cl imate control83
– ventilation 85
Air distribution
– automatic 84
– individual 83
– manual 83
Air flow rate 82,84
– air conditioning system 82
– automatic cl imate control84
– heating, ventilation 82
Airing, refer to Ventilation85
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 81
Air pressure, checking, refer to Tire inflation pressure 136Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 82,84
Air supply
– air conditioner 82
– automatic climate control 83
– ventilation 85
Air vents 81
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 135
Alarm system 28
ALL4 all-wheel drive system 67
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires 144
All-wheel drive, refer to ALL4 67
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 82,
84
Am bient li
ghti
ng80
Antenna, care 151
Antifreeze
– coolant 148
– washer fluid 53
Antilock Brake System ABS 65
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 28
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 186
Approved engine oils 147
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 186
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest 90
Ashtray 93
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 65
Audio device, external 90Automatic
– air distribution
84
– air flow rate 84
– cruise control 53
– headlamp control 76
Automatic climate control 81
– automatic air distribution 84
Automatic station search 109
Automatic station storage 110
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 47
– interlock 48
– overriding selector lever lock 49
– shiftlock 48
– sport program 49
AUTO program for automatic climate control 84
Auto radio, refer to Radio MINI Boost CD 108
AUX-In, refer to External audio device 90
AUX-In connection 108
Average fuel consumption 56
– setting the units 59
Average speed 57
Axle loads, refer to Weights 186
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 80
Backrests, refer to Seats 35
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 158,159
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 165
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 167
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 828 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
191
Driving notes96
Driving off on inclines, refer to Hill Assist 67
Driving stability control
systems 65
Driving through water 97
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes 96
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 85
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 65
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 66
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 65
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 65
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC 66
E
Eject button 114
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 134
Electronic brake-force
distribution 65
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 65
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 134
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 49
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance 165
Ending a call 126
Engine
– breaking in 96
– data 184
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature 148
– speed 184
– starting, Comfort Access 30Engine compartment
145
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 148
Engine oil
– additives, refer to Approved engine oils 147
– alternative oil types 147
– approved engine oils 147
– capacity 147
– checking level 146
– dipstick 146
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 61
– MINI Maintenance System 149
Engine oil level, checking 146
Engine output, refer to Engine data 184
Engine starting, refer to Starting the engine 46
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 65
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system 97
Exterior mirrors 39
– adjusting 39
– automatic dimming feature 40
– automatic heating 40
– folding in and out 39
External audio device 90,108
External care 151
External temperature display
– change units of measure 59
– in the onboard computer 59
External tem peratur
e
warning 56
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing away 167
– for tying down loads 102
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 62
Failure of an electrical consumer 164
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 37
Fast forward
– CD 113
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 62
Faulty
– tire 69
Filter
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 85
– microfilter for air
conditioner 83
Fine wood, care 154
First aid pouch 165
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 45
Flash when locking/
unlocking 24
Flat load floor 100
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 143
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 70
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 68
– indicating a flat tire 69
– initializing the system 68
– snow chains 68
– system limits 68
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition 142
Floor mats, care 153
Floor plate, refe r to Flat load
floor 100
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 157
Folding rear seat backrest 98
Footbrake, refer to Braking safely 97
Footwell lamps 79
For your own safety 4
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 828 - \251 07/12 BMW AG
Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
193
Indicator and warning lamps 13,169
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 71
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 79
Individual air distribution 83
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile 22
Inflation pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 70
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 68
– glass roof, electric 32
Initializing the
– compass, see Calibration 89
Instrument lighting 79
Instrument panel, refer to Cockpit 10
Instrument panel, refer to Displays 12
Integrated key 22
Integrated universal remote control 86
Interior lamps 79
– remote control 25
Interior rearview mirror 40
– automatic dimming
feature 40
Interlock 48
Intermittent mode of the wipers 51
Internal care 153
Internet page 4
J
Jacking points 162
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles 52
Jumpering, refer to Jump- starting 165
Jump-starting 165
K
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 22
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort Access 30
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access 30
Key Memory, refer to Personal Profile 22
Keypad dialing 126
Kickdown 48
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 48
Knock control 135
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams 76
Lamps and bulbs, replacing bulbs 155
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 102
LATCH child restraint fixing
system 42
Leather care 153
LEDs light-emitting diodes 156
Length, refer to Dimensions 185
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement 159
Light
– automatic headlamp control 76
Light alloy wheels, care 153
Light-emitting diodes LEDs 156
Lighter 93
– socket 93
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs 155
– of the instruments 79
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps 76
Light switch 76
Limit 180 Listening to test, scan
– radio MINI Boost CD
110
Load 101
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo 102
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking 27
Locking
– adjusting confirmation signal 24
– from inside 27
– from outside 24
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 30
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 24
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
Longlife oils
– approved motor oils 147
Low beams 76
– automatic 76
– replacing bulb 156
Lower back suppo rt, refer to
Lumbar support 35
Luggage compartment
– doors, refer to Tailgate 28
Luggage compartment
partition net, refer to Cargo
net 100
Luggage rack, re fer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 103
Lumbar support 35
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 144
Maintenance, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Maintenance system 149
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control 62
Manual air distribution 83
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 828 - \251 07/12 BMW AG