MOBILITYWheels and tires
206
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 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 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 ch ains, it can be useful
to briefly deactivate DSC or activate DTC, refer to
page 70.<
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MOBILITYEngine compartment
208
Hood
Releasing
Pull the lever.Do not clean the windshield and head-
lamps if the hood is unlocked as this may
damage the headlamp washer system. <
Opening
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the hood. <
Press the release handle and open the hood.
Closing
Close the hood from a height of approx. 16 in/
40 cm with momentum. It must be clearly heard
to engage. If you notice any signs while driving your
vehicle that the hood is not completely
closed, stop at once and close it securely.
Make sure that the closing path of the hood is
clear; otherwise, injuries may result. <
Engine oil
Engine oil consumption depends on driving style
and operating conditions, e.g., with a very
sporty driving style, the engine oil consumption
is significantly increased.
Therefore, check the engine oil level regularly
after each refueling.
Checking engine oil level
1. With the vehicle's engine at normal operat-
ing temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted
driving for at least 6 miles/10 km, park the
vehicle on a level surface.
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Pull the dipstick out after approx. 5 minutes
and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth, paper
towel or similar material.
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
the guide tube and pull it out again.
The oil level should be between the two
marks on the dipstick.
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Engine compartmentMOBILITY
209
The oil quantity corresponding to the difference
between the two marks on the dipstick is
1 US quart/1 liter.Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine. <
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum quantity of
1 US quart/1 liter of engine oil until the oil level
has dropped to just abov e the lower mark on the
dipstick, page 208.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km;
otherwise, the engine could be dam-
aged. <
If too much motor oi l is added, immedi-
ately have the vehicle checked; otherwise,
damage to the engine may result.<
Keep oils, grease, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the warnings on
the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may
result. <
Oil types for refilling
Notes
Do not use oil additives as this could result
in engine damage. <
When selecting a moto r oil, make sure
that it belongs to one of the SAE viscosity
classes 0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40 and 5W-30; oth-
erwise, malfunctions or damage to the engine
may result. <
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the
engine.
Some types of oil may not be available in every
country.
Approved oil types
Additional information on approved types of oil
can be found at a MINI dealer.
Alternative oil types
If the approved engine oi ls are not available, up
to 1 US quart/1 liter of an other oil with the fol-
lowing specifications may be used:
Gasoline engines
BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30
BMW Longlife-01
BMW Longlife-01 FE
Gasoline engines
API SM or higher specifications
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MOBILITYEngine compartment
210
Oil change
Only MINI dealers are to perform oil changes.
Coolant
Coolant consists of half water and half additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your MINI. Your MINI dealer knows
which additives are suitab le and will be glad to
advise you.
Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may result. Because addi-
tives are harmful to your health, it is important
to follow the instructions on the containers. <
Comply with the appropriate environmen-
tal protection regulations when disposing
of coolant additives. <
Coolant temperature
If the coolant, and therefore the engine, should
overheat, then a warning lamp will go on.
A message appears on the Control Display.
Checking coolant level
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns. <
Do not open the hood until the engine has
cooled down.
The coolant level is correct if it is between the
marks.
Topping off
1. Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape, then continue turning to
open.
2. Slowly fill to the correct fluid level; do not
overfill.
3. Close by turning the cap.
Have the reason for the coolant loss eliminated
as soon as possible.
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252
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System69
Accepting a call 159,171
Accessories, see Vehicle equipment 4
Acknowledgment signals for locking/unlocking vehicle 28
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 89
Adaptive Light Control 82
Adding engine oil 209
Additives
– coolant 210
– engine oil 209
Address, entering 118
Address for navigation
– entering 112,118
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 86
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 87
Adjusting the tone during audio operation, refer to
Tone control 133
Airbags 78
– sitting safely 38
– warning lamp 79
Air conditioner 85
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 86
– automatic cl imate control87
– ventilation 89
Air distribution
– automatic 88
– individual 87
– manual 87 Air flow rate
86,88
– air conditioning system 86
– automatic climate control 88
– heating, ventilation 86
Airing, refer to Ventilation89
Air outlets, refe r to Air vents86
Air pressure, checking, refer to Tire inflation pressure 195
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 86,88
Air supply
– air conditioner 86
– automatic climate control 87
– ventilation 89
Air vents 86
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 193
Alarm system 32
All-season ti res, refer to Winter
tires 206
AM, waveband 135
Ambi ent a
ir, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 86,88
Ambient lighting 84
Antenna, care 213
Antifreeze
– coolant 210
– washer fluid 54
Antilock Brake System ABS 69
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 32
Anti-theft system 27
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 242
Approved engine oils 209
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 242
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 95 Arrival time
– computer
59
– route guidance 121
Ashtray 96
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 69
Audio 132
– controls 132
– switching on/off 132
– tone control 133
– volume 133
Audio device, external 94
Automatic
– air distribution 88
– air flow rate 88
– cruise control 55
– headlamp control 81
Automatic climate control 85
– automatic air distribution 88
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 49
– Interlock 50
– overriding selector lever lock 51
– Shiftlock 50
– sport program 51
AUTO program for automatic climate control 88
Auxiliary phone 168
AUX-In, refer to External audio device 94
AUX-In connection 145
Average fuel consumption 58
– setting the units 60
Average speed 59
Av oiding highways for
navigati o
n121
Axle loads, refer to Weights 242
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
256
Engine malfunction
– indicator lamp13
Engine oil
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils 209
– alternative oil types 209
– approved engine oils 209
– capacity 209
– checking level 208
– dipstick 208
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 61
– MINI Maintenance System 211
Engine oil level, checking 208
Engine output, refer to Engine data 238
Engine starti ng, refer to
Starting the engine 48
Entering destination 112
Entering intersection 113
Entertainment sound output on/off 132
Entry map for destination 117
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 69
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 101
Exterior mirrors 42
– adjusting 42
– automatic heating 42
– folding in and out 42
External audio device 94
External audio device, refer to
AUX-In connection 145
External care 213
External devices
– random play sequence 148
– Software update 153
External temperature display
– change units of measure 60
– in the onboard computer 60Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away 233
– for tying down loads 105
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 63
Failure of an electrical
consumer 230
Fastening safety belts, refer to Safety belts 41
Fastest route for navigation 121
Fast forward
– CD player 144
Fault messages, refer to Check Control 63
Filter
– microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 89
– microfilter for air conditioner 87
Fine wood, care 216
First aid pouch 231
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock 47
Flash when locking/
unlocking 28
Flat load floor 104
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 205
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 74
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 71
– indicating a flat tire 73
– initializing the system 72
– snow chains 72
– system limits 72
Flat tires, refer to Tire condition 204
Floor mats, care 215
Floor plate, refer to Flat load floor 104
FM, waveband 135 Fog lamps
– replacing bulb
220,223
Folding rear seat backrest 103
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely 101
Footwell lamps 84
For your own safety 4
Front airbags 78
Front fog lamps 83
– replacing bulb 220
Front seat adjustment 39
Frost on windows, refer to Defrosting windows 87,89
FTM, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 71
Fuel 193
– gauge 57
– high-quality brands 193
– quality 193
– specifications 193
– tank capacity 244
Fuel c l
ock, refer to Fuel
gauge 57
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption 58
Fuel display, refer to Fuel gauge 57
Fuel filler flap 192
– releasing in the event of electrical malfunction 192
Fuses 230
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 90
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel
consumption 58
Gasoline, refer to Required fuel 193
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel gauge 57
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 50
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
258
Internal care215
Internet page 4
J
Jacking points 228
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles 54
Joystick, refer to Onboard computer 16
Jumpering, refer to Jump- starting 232
Jump-starting 232
K
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 26
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
Access 33
Keyless opening and closing, refer to Comfort Access 33
Key Memory, refer to Personal Profile 26
Keypad dialing 161,173
Kickdown 50
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 50
Knock control 193
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams 81
Lamps and bulbs, replacing bulbs 219
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 105
Last destinations 115
LATCH child restraint fixing system 45
Leather care 215
LEDs light-emitting diodes 219
Length, refer to Dimensions 239
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement 224Light alloy wheels, care
215
Light-emitting diodes LEDs 219
Lighter 96
– socket 97
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs 219
– of the instruments 83
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps 81
Light switch 81
Limit, refer to Speed limit 65
Load 104
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo 105
Lock buttons of doors, refer to Locking 30
Locking
– adjusting confirmation signal 28
– from inside 30
– from outside 28
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 33
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 28
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
Longlife oils
– approved motor oils 209
Low beams 81
– automatic 81
– replacing bulb 220
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support 39
Luggage compartment, refer to Cargo area 31
Luggage compartment doors, refer to Split Rear Barn
Doors 31
Luggage compartment lid, refer to Tailgate 31
Luggage compartment
partition net, refer to Cargo
net 104
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 106
Lumbar support 39
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 206
Main menu 17
Maintenance, refer to Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Maintenance system 211
Malfunction warnings, refer to Check Control 63
Manual air distribution 87
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 51
Manual operation
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 192
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 51
Manual transmission 49
Manual washing 214
Map
– changing scale 124
Map for navigation
– entering destination 117
Master key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 26
Maximum cooling 88
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 206
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 231
MENU button 16
Menus, refer to Onboard computer 16
Messages 182
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 87
– for automatic climate
control 89
– MINI Maintenance System 211
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