
MOBILITYWheels and tires
212
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 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 76.
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 dang
er 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 
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003  

MOBILITYEngine compartment
216
The oil quantity corresponding to the difference 
between the two marks on the dipstick is 
1USquart/1liter.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 above the lower mark on the 
dipstick, page 215.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km; 
otherwise, the engine could be dam-
aged. <
If too much motor oil 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 choosing oil, make sure that it 
belongs to one of the SAE viscosity classes 
0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40 an d 5W-30; otherwise, 
malfunctions and 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 oils are not available, up 
to 1 US quart/1 liter of another oil with the fol-
lowing specification 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
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003  

MOBILITYMaintenance
218
Maintenance
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and 
optional equipment that is offered in the model 
range is described. Equipment is also described 
that is not available because of, for example, 
selected options or coun try version. This also 
applies to safety relate d functions and systems.
MINI Maintenance System
The MINI Maintenance System supports the 
preservation of the traffic and operating safety 
of your MINI. The objectiv e is to optimize efforts 
with respect to minimal vehicle maintenance 
costs.
If and when you come to sell your MINI, a com-
prehensive record of serv icing will prove a signif-
icant benefit.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take the different 
driving conditions of your MINI into account. 
Condition Based Service uses this to determine 
the current and future se rvice requirements. By 
letting you define a service and maintenance 
regimen that reflects your own individual 
requirements, the system builds the basis for 
trouble-free driving. On the Control Display, you can have the 
remaining times or distan
ces for selected main-
tenance tasks and any legally prescribed dates 
displayed, page 64.
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement information  in the remote control 
while you are driving. Your  MINI dealer can read 
out this data from the remote control unit, and 
propose an optimized  maintenance approach. 
Whenever you take your car in for servicing you 
should therefore hand your MINI dealer the 
remote control unit that you last used.
Make sure that the date is always set cor-
rectly, page 67; otherwise, the effective-
ness of Condition Based Service CBS is not 
assured. <
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US mode ls and Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian 
models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models for 
additional information on service requirements.
The manufacturer of the MINI recom-
mends that you have  service and repair 
operations performed at  your MINI dealer. 
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warran ty Information Booklet 
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries ver-
ify that your vehicle has received the specified 
regular maintenance. <
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003  

MaintenanceMOBILITY
 219
Socket for On-Board 
Diagnosis OBD
The primary components that make up the 
emissions can be checked by a device via the 
OBD socket.
Emissions
The warning lamps come on. The vehicle 
is producing higher emissions. You can 
continue your journey, but moderate 
your speed and exercise due caution. 
Have the car checked as soon as possible.
Under certain circumstances, one of the lamps 
will flash or light up continuously. This indicates 
excessive misfiring or a malfunction in the 
engine. If this happens,  reduce your speed and 
visit the nearest MINI dealer as soon as possible. 
Severe misfiring can quickly lead to serious dam-
age of emissions-related components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter. In addition, 
mechanical engine components can become 
damaged.
If the fuel cap is not properly tightened, 
the OBD system may conclude that fuel 
vapors are escaping, causing an indica-
tor to light up. If the fuel cap is then tightened, 
the indicator should go out within a few days.
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003  

MOBILITYCare
220
Care
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and 
optional equipment that is offered in the model 
range is described. Equipment is also described 
that is not available because of, for example, 
selected options or coun try version. This also 
applies to safety relate d functions and systems.
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care helps to maintain the 
value of your MINI.
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends 
using manufacturer-approved products to clean 
and care for your vehicle.
Your MINI dealer would be pleased to advise 
you on cleaning and care products and services 
for your MINI.
The ingredients of original MINI Care Prod-
ucts have been tested, and the products 
have been tested in the laboratory and in prac-
tice. They offer optimum care and protection for 
your vehicle. <
Do not use any cleansers containing alco-
hol or solvents as these may cause dam-
age. <
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous 
or health-damaging substances. Follow 
the warning and hazard instructions on the 
packaging. For interior cleaning, always open 
the doors or windows of the vehicle. 
Do not use any products that are not intended 
for cleaning the vehicle. <
External care
Washing your vehicle
Especially during the winter months the 
vehicle should be frequently washed. Dirt 
and road salt can damage the vehicle. <
After washing the vehicle, apply the 
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise, 
water can reduce braking efficiency over the 
short term and the brake rotors can corrode. <
Regularly open the hood and clear out any 
debris such as leaves th at may have collected in 
the region of the windshield.
Car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.
Do not use automatic high-pressure car 
washes; otherwise, water may drip into 
the vehicle around the windows. <
Before driving in to the car wash, check if the sys-
tem is suitable for your  MINI. Observe the fol-
lowing points:
> Vehicle dimensions, page 246
> If necessary: fold in the outside mirrors, 
page 44
> Maximum permissible tire width
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than 
4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the chassis could 
be damaged. <
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
> Unscrew the rod antenna.
> Deactivate the rain sensor to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
> Deactivate rear window wiper and protect it 
from damage. Ask the car wash operator 
about measures that can be taken to protect 
the wipers.
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003  

MOBILITYCare
222
Removing paintwork damage
Depending on the severity of the damage, 
immediately repair stone damage or 
scratches to prevent rusting. <
The manufacturer of  the MINI recommends 
repairing paint damage professionally according 
to factory specifications with original MINI 
paints.
Preservation
Preservation is necessary when water no longer 
beads on the clean paint surface. To preserve 
the paint, only use preservatives that contain 
carnauba or synthetic waxes.
Rubber seals
Only treat with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon sprays or other silicon-
containing care products on rubber seals; 
otherwise, noise and damage could occur. <
Chrome parts
Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radiator 
grill and door handles with copious quantities of 
water and, if necessary, a shampoo additive, 
especially when contaminated with road salt. 
For additional treatmen t, use chrome polish.
Light alloy wheels
The system produces brake dust that collects on 
the light alloy wheels. Clean them regularly with 
acid-free wheel cleaner.
Do not use aggressive, acid-containing, 
highly alkaline, or abrasive cleansers or 
steam jets hotter than 140 7/60 6 a s  t h e y  m a y  
cause damage. <
External sensors
Keep the outside sensors on the vehicle 
such as the Park Di stance Control clean 
and ice-free to ensure that they function prop-
erly. <
Internal care
Upholstery/fabrics
Regularly use a vacuum  cleaner to remove sur-
face dirt.
In case of serious spots su ch as liquid stains, use 
a soft sponge or lint-free microfiber cloth and 
suitable interior cleaners. Observe the instruc-
tions on the packaging.
Clean upholstery up to the seams. Do not 
rub forcefully. <
Velcro fasteners on pants or other items of 
clothing can damage seat covers. Make 
sure that all Velcro  fasteners are closed. <
Leather/leather coverings
The leather processed by the manufac-
turer of your MINI is a high-quality natural 
product. Light variations in the grain is one of 
the typical properties of natural leather. <
Dust and road grit in th e pores and folds of the 
leather have an abrasive effect, leading to 
increased wear and causing the leather surface 
to become brittle prematurely. Use a cloth or 
vacuum cleaner to remo ve dust on a regular 
basis.
Especially when the leather has a light color, it 
should be cleaned regularl y since it tends to get 
heavily soiled.
Treat the leather twice a year using a leather 
lotion since dirt and grease will gradually attack 
the leather's protective layer.
Carpets/floor mats
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects 
out of the movement range of the pedals; 
otherwise, they may inhibit the function of the 
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an exist-
ing one or onto other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for 
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the floo r mats are securely fas-
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003  

Replacing componentsMOBILITY
 225
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with 
your bare fingers, as even minute 
amounts of contaminatio n will burn into the 
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a 
clean tissue, cloth or some thing similar, or hold 
the bulb by its base. <
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs 
at your MINI dealer. Only replace bulbs after they have cooled 
down; otherwise, you may burn your fin-
gers. <
When working on electrical systems, 
always begin by switching off the con-
sumer in question; otherwise, short circuits 
could result. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, observe 
any instructions provided  by the bulb manufac-
turer. <
Caring for headlamps, refer to page 221.
For any bulb replacement not described 
below, contact a MINI dealer or a work-
shop that has specially trained personnel work-
ing in accordance with th e specifications of the 
MINI manufacturer. <
For checking and adjusting headlamp aim, 
please contact your MINI dealer. <
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light sources for many of 
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These 
light-emitting diodes are related to conven-
tional laser diodes, and legislation de fines them 
as Class 1 light-emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers or expose the 
eyes directly to the unfiltered light source 
for several hours; otherw ise, this could cause 
irritation of the retina. <
Headlamp glass lens
In cool or humid weather, condensation may 
occur on the interiors of the headlamps. During 
trips with the headlamps on, the condensation 
disappears after a short time. The headlamps do 
not need to be changed.
Do not remove the condensation from head-
lamps, despite driving with lights on, and if con-
densation increases, e.g., because of water 
droplets, have this checked by your MINI dealer.
Xenon lamps
The service life of these bulbs is very long and 
the probability of failure very low, provided that 
they are not switched on  and off an excessive 
number of times. If a xenon lamp fails neverthe-
less, switch on the fog  lamps and continue the 
journey with great care, provided that local leg-
islation does not prohibit this.
Work on the xenon lighting system, 
including lamp  replacement, is only to be 
carried out only by your MINI dealer. Due to high 
voltage, there is a risk of fatal injury if work on 
the xenon lamps is carried out improperly. <
Halogen low beams and high beams
H13 bulb, 60/55 watts
The H13 bulb is pressurized. Therefore, 
wear safety glasses and protective gloves. 
Otherwise, there is a risk of injury if the bulb is 
damaged. <
Be careful when insta lling the cover; oth-
erwise, leaks could occur and cause dam-
age to the headlamp system. <
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003  

Replacing componentsMOBILITY
 233
MINI Countryman:
MINI Paceman:
2. Slide reversible ratchet onto the fixture on 
the jack, arrow 1.
3. As you ratchet up the jack, place the jack 
head onto the lifting point on the body, 
arrow 2.
4. Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are 
changing is raised off the ground.
Mounting the wheel
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the 
wheel.
2. Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from 
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and 
hub. Clean the lug bolts. 3.
Lift the new wheel into place.
4. Screw at least two lug bo lts finger-tight into 
opposite bolt holes.
5. Screw in the remaining bolts.
6. Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diagonal 
pattern.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Remove the jack.
Tightening the lug bolts
Tighten the lug bolts in  a diagonal pattern.
Immediately have the wheels checked 
with a calibrated torque wrench to ensure 
that the lug bolts are firmly seated. Otherwise, 
incorrectly tightened lug bolts can present a 
safety hazard. <
Tightening torque: 103.3 lb ft or 140 Nm.
Replace the defective tire  as soon as possible 
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is maintenance-free; that is, the 
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery 
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate.
If you have any questions regarding your bat-
tery, please contact your MINI dealer.
Battery replacement
Only use vehicle batteries that have been 
approved for your vehicle by the manu-
facturer; otherwise, the vehicle could be dam-
aged and systems or func tions may not be fully 
available. <
After a battery replacement, have the battery 
registered on the vehicle by your MINI dealer to 
ensure that all convenie nce functions are fully 
available and, if nece ssary, the corresponding 
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003