flat tire MINI COOPER 2003 Owners Manual

3
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX

Driving:
Ignition lock45
Starting the engine46
Switching off the engine47
Parking brake47
Manual transmission48
Continuously Variable automatic Trans-
mission (CVT)49
Parking lamps/Low beams52
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher52
Instrument lighting53
Fog lamps53
Interior lamps53
Light-emitting diodes54
Washer/wiper system54
Cruise control56
Everything under control:
Odometer58
Tachometer58
Fuel gauge58
Coolant temperature gauge59
Service interval display60
Clock60
Computer60
Technology for safety and driving
convenience:
Automatic Stability Control plus Traction
(ASC+T)62
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)63
Flat Tire Monitor64
Park Distance Control (PDC)66
Controlling the climate for pleasant
driving:
Air conditioning system67
Automatic climate control70
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment73
Ashtray/Beverage holder73
Cigarette lighter/12 V power supply73
Loading and transporting cargo:
Cargo area cover74
Foldable rear backrest74
Loading cargo75
Roof-mounted luggage rack76

Operation, care, maintenance
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures80
General driving notes81
Refueling82
Fuel specifications83
Antilock Brake System (ABS)83
Brake system84
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure85
Tire condition87
Tire replacement87
Wheel and tire combinations89
Winter tires89
Snow chains90
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CONTENTS

4
In the engine compartment:
Bonnet91
Engine compartment – MINI COOPER92
Engine compartment – MINI COOPER S93
Washer fluid94
Engine oil94
Coolant96
Brake fluid97
Maintenance and care:
MINI Maintenance System98
Caring for your vehicle99
Vehicle immobilization101
Laws and regulations:
OBD socket102
Technical modifications103
California Proposition 65 warning103

Owner service procedures
Replacement procedures:
On-board tool kit106
Windshield wiper blades106
Lamps and bulbs107
Repairing a flat tire112
Changing tires –
MINI with space-saver spare tire112
Flat tire –
Run Flat tires116
MINI Mobility System118
Battery122
Fuses123
Giving and receiving assistance:
Warning triangle124
First-aid kit124
Jump-starting124
Towing126
Technical data
Engine data130
Dimensions131
Weights132
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16
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS

Yellow: stop immediately
Flat Tire Monitor
●
Flashes: tire failure.
Reduce speed immediately and
stop the vehicle.
With Run Flat tires:
Carefully reduce the driving speed to below
50 mph / 80 km/h and continue to a safe
location.
In both cases, avoid hard brake applications
and steering maneuvers. Check the tire
inflation pressures.
Conduct in the event of a flat tire, refer to
pages 112, 116.
General information on the system, refer to
page 64
Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously
Brake warning lamp together with
the gold indicator lamp for ABS,
EBD and ASC+T/DSC:
The control system ABS, EBD and
ASC+T/DSC has failed. Drive cau-
tiously and defensively. Avoid full
brake applications. Please have the
system checked by your MINI
Dealer as soon as possible.
More information on pages 62, 63
Brake warning lamp together with
the yellow indicator warning lamps
ABS, EBD and ASC+T/DSC for
Canadian models.
Red: an important reminder
Brake warning lamp
with parking brake applied.
More information on the parking
brake on page 47

Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Fasten safety belts
●
Lights up for several seconds or,
depending on the version, until
after the safety belts are fastened. A sig-
nal

*
also sounds depending on the version.
More information on page 38
Depending on the level of equipment,
the indicator lamp is in the vicinity of
the navigation system.
<
Airbags
●
Please have the system inspected
at your MINI Dealer.
More information on pages 33, 40
Depending on the level of equipment,
the indicator lamp is in the vicinity of
the navigation system.
<
Bonnet/Tailgate
Lights up when the bonnet and/or
tailgate are open.
More information on pages 27, 91

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17
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX

INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS

Yellow: check as soon as possible
Flat Tire Monitor
●
Stays lit: the system is defective.
Please have the system inspected
at your MINI Dealer.
More information on page 64
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
●
ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able. Please have the system inspected at
your MINI Dealer.
More information on pages 83
ABS indicator lamp for Canadian
models.

Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stabil-
ity Control (DSC)
●

Indicator lamp flashes:
System active: drive and braking forces are
regulated.
The indicator lamp stays lit: ASC+T/DSC
switched off with button or defective. In
the event of a defect: please have the sys-
tem inspected at your MINI Dealer.
More information on pages 62, 63
Service Engine Soon
●
If the warning lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a malfunction in the
emissions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains operational,
you should have the systems checked by
your MINI Dealer at the earliest possible
opportunity.
Service Engine Soon warning lamp
for Canadian models.
Engine electronics
*

●
Malfunction in the engine electron-
ics. You can continue to drive with
reduced engine output or engine speed.
Please have the system inspected at your
MINI Dealer.
Check Filler Cap
*
●
This indicator lamp comes on when
the fuel filler cap is loose or miss-
ing. Close the filler cap tightly:
Refer to page 82
Depending on the level of equipment,
the indicator lamp is in the vicinity of
the navigation system.
<

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64
FLAT TIRE MONITORThe conceptThe tire inflation pressure is determined
from the signals of the ABS sensors.
The system provides an alert whenever the
tire inflation pressure drops below the
pressure in any other tire. RequirementSo that the system can "familiarize" itself
with the correct inflation pressure, please
do the following:
1. Check the tire inflation pressure in all
tires
2. Compare them with the inflation pres-
sure table, see page 86, and adjust the
pressures if necessary
3. Initialize the system.
Check the tire inflation pressure reg-
ularly and correct it if necessary, see
page 85.<
Flat tire
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster informs you by flash-
ing when the tire inflation pressure
of a tire deviates from the "learned" values.
In addition, an acoustic signal is sounded.
>Vehicles with Run Flat tires, see notes on
pages 85, 88, 116
>Vehicles with normal tires, see notes on
pages 85, 112.
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot alert you
to severe and sudden tire damage
caused by external factors. Another factor
which the Flat Tire Monitor does not recog-
nize is the balanced and very gradual pres-
sure loss that takes place in all tires over an
extended period of time.<
MalfunctionsAs long as there is still a malfunction, the
yellow indicator lamp on the instrument
cluster will stay lit up.
The indicator lamp also lights up in the
event of a system malfunction.
Please contact your MINI Dealer in these
cases.
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OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
FLAT TIRE MONITORInitializing the systemOnly initialize the system if the inflation
pressure has been corrected or changed,
e.g. after a tire change.
1. Ignition key in position 2
2. Press the button long enough for the
yellow indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster to light up for a few seconds
3. Start the engine.
After a few minutes driving time, the Flat
Tire Monitor sets the current inflation pres-
sure in the tires as the target values to be
monitored.Do not initialize the system when
snow chains are fitted. When driving
with snow chains, false alarms can occur or
pressure losses might not be detected.<
In the following situations false
alarms can also occur under certain
circumstances or the detection of inflation
pressure loss can be delayed:
>When driving on roads covered with
snow or on other slippery road surfaces
>With a sporty driving style – slip at the
driven wheels, high lateral accelera-
tions.<
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85
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TIRE INFLATION PRESSUREInformation for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort if used properly.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and – above all else –
driving safety that depend on the condition
of the tires and the maintenance of the
specified tire pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent
cause of tire damage. It also significantly
influences the roadholding ability of your
MINI.
Check tire inflation pressures regu-
larly – at least every two weeks and
before beginning a longer trip. Failure to
observe these precautions can result in
incorrect tire pressures, which cause unsta-
ble handling response as well as tire dam-
age, and can ultimately lead to an accident.
Also check the inflation pressure on the
space-saver spare tire. and makes recommended by the manufac-
turer of your MINI, which can be asked for
from your MINI Dealer.
Inflation pressures are on a sticker attached
to the B-pillar and visible with the driver's
door open.Checking tire inflation pressuresAll pressures are specified in the standard
units of pressure for your country – psi/
kilopascal – and apply to cold tires, i.e. tires
at ambient temperature.
After correcting the tire inflation pressure,
reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, see
page 64.
Checking the inflation pressure on the
space-saver spare tireBehind the bumper there is a valve exten-
sion accessible from the outside for check-
ing the inflation pressure.Run Flat tiresRun Flat tires, available as an optional
extra, consist of self-contained tires and
special rims. The tire reinforcement
ensures that the tire retains residual safety
in the event of pressure drop, and driving
remains possible to a restricted degree. The
vehicle is equipped with a Flat Tire Monitor
which indicates a flat tire.
More information, see pages 64, 116.
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86
TIRE INFLATION PRESSUREModel Tires
Pressures specified in psi/kilopascal
MINI COOPER175/65 R 15 30/210 30/210 35/240 35/240
195/55 R 16
205/45 R 1730/210 30/210 35/240 35/240
All winter tires 33/230 33/230 38/260 38/260
Space-saver spare tire 61/420 61/420 61/420 61/420
MINI COOPER S195/55 R 16 30/210 30/210 35/240 35/240
205/45 R 17
195/55 R 16 M+S
205/45 R 17 M+S33/230 33/230 38/260 38/260
175/60 R 16 M+S 36/250 36/250 41/280 41/280
All-season tires – M+S – should be inflated to the same pressures as summer tires. Figures as stated here apply to the manufacturer’s
approved or recommended tires; your MINI Dealer will be happy to provide information on request.
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87
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TIRE CONDITION TIRE REPLACEMENTTire tread/tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects
lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.
The tread depth should not fall below1/8 in / 3 mm.
Below
1/8 in / 3 mm tread pattern depth,
there is an increased risk of hydroplaning,
even at relatively moderate speeds and
with only small amounts of water on the
road.
Wear indicators in the tread-groove base,
see arrow, are spread around the circum-
ference of the tire and are marked on the
side wall of the tire with TWI – Tread Wear
Indicator. The indicators in the tread indi-
cate at 1/16 in / 1.6 mm tread depth that
the legally permitted wear limit has been
reached.
Never continue to drive with a flat,
pressureless tire, except with Run Flat
tires. A pressureless, flat tire greatly
impairs steering and braking response, and
can lead to complete loss of control over
the vehicle. Avoid overloading the vehicle
so that the permitted load on the tires is
not exceeded. Overloading can lead to
overheating and increases the rate at
which damage develops inside the tires.
The ultimate result can assume the form of
a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations while driving, caused
for example by driving over a curb or simi-
lar, can indicate wheel or tire damage or
other damage to the vehicle. This is also
true for irregularities in the vehicle's han-
dling characteristics, such as a pronounced
tendency to pull to the left or right. Should
this occur, respond by immediately reduc-
ing your speed. Proceed carefully to the
nearest MINI Dealer or professional tire
center, or have the vehicle towed there to
have its wheels and/or tires inspected or
controlled. Tire damage – up to and includ-
ing blowouts – can endanger the lives of
both the vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread
configuration from a single manufacturer.
The manufacturer of your MINI tests and
approves wheel and tire combinations.
Do not use retreaded tires, since driv-
ing safety may be impaired. This is
due to the possible variations in casing
structures and, in some cases, to their
extreme age, which can lead to a decrease
in their durability. Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.<
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88
TIRE REPLACEMENT Tread wearThe tread wear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and one-half – 1 γ – times as well on
the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.TractionThe traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction per-
formance.
The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead brak-
ing traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.<
TemperatureThe temperature grades are A
– the highest
– B and C, representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under con-
trolled conditions on a specified indoor lab-
oratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to a sudden flat tire. 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
higher levels of performance on the labora-
tory test wheel than 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 combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire fai-
lure.<
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applica-
ble on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature ATire age The date on which the tire was manufac-
tured is indicated by the code on the side-
wall:
DOT ... 1202 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in Week 12 of the year 2002.
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends replacing all tires – including the
space-saver tire, regardless of actual wear –
after 6 years at the latest.Run Flat tires
For replacement, use only Run Flat
tires, as in the event of a flat tire
there is no space-saver spare tire.
You will recognize Run Flat tires by a circu-
lar symbol containing the letters RSC on
the side of the tire, see pages 85, 116.<
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