wheel MINI COOPER 2004 Owner's Manual

65
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
AIRBAGS1Side airbags in seatback on the driver
and passenger side: front
2Head airbags on the driver and passenger
sides for both rows of seats: front/rear
3Front airbags on the driver and passen-
ger sidesProtective effectThe front airbags supplement the safety belts
by providing additional protection for the
driver and front passenger in the event of a
frontal collision in which the protection
afforded by the belts alone may no longer be
sufficient.
When needed, the head and side airbags help
to furnish protection in the event of side
impact.
Each of the side airbags is designed to help
support the seat occupant's upper body.
The airbags are designed to not be trig-
gered in certain types of collisions, e.g. in
minor accidents, certain kinds of vehicle
rollover and rear impact.
For information on the ideal seating position,
refer to page 31.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them
or modify them in any other way. Do not fit
covers, cushions or other items to the front
seats that have not been specially approved
for seats with side airbags. Do not hang cloth-
ing, e. g. jackets, over the backrests.
Do not attempt to remove the airbag
restraint system from the vehicle. Do not
make any changes yourself to the individual
components and wiring. This includes the
padded covers of the steering wheel, instru-
ment panel and roof supports, as well as the
sides of the roofliner and the original back-
rest covers on the front seats. Do not attempt
to remove or dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components
directly after the system has been triggered,
as otherwise there is a danger of burns. In the
event of malfunctions, immobilization or use,
i.e. triggering, of the airbag restraint system
in accordance with its intended function,
please commission a MINI Dealer with the
inspection, repair or disassembly. Unprofes-
sional attempts to service the system could
lead to failure in an emergency or undesired
airbag activation, either of which could result
in personal injury. In view of the applicable
safety regulations, please arrange for your
MINI Dealer to dispose of the airbag genera-
tors.<
Airbag warning information is also pro-
vided on the sun visors.Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the display
elements shows the status of the
entire airbag system and the seat
belt tensioners starting from ignition key
position 1.
System operational:
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly.
System malfunction:
>The indicator lamp does not come on
starting from ignition key position 1
>The indicator lamp stays lit
>The indicator lamp lights up while driving.
ProCarManuals.com

71
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL
*
Automatic air distribution and supply
Automatic program (AUTO):
Indicator lamp lights up.
Automatic adjustment of the air distribu-
tion and supply, and adaptation of the
specified temperatures to external influ-
ences, i.e. outside temperature and sun-
light.
In the automatic program (AUTO), the air
conditioner is activated automatically.
You can change the unit from 6 to
7 by keeping extended pressure on
the button.<
Switching the automatic climate
control on/off
The blower, heating and air condi-
tioner are switched off.
To switch the automatic climate control on
again: Press any button of the automatic
climate control.
Air conditioning
Air conditioner switched on: indi-
cator lamp lights up.
The air is cooled and dehumidified and –
depending on the temperature setting –
rewarmed.
In the automatic program (AUTO), the air
conditioner is activated automatically.
Condensation on the windows is reduced
when the air conditioning is turned on.
Condensation forms in the air condi-
tioning system during operation, and
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of con-
densed water on the ground are therefore
normal. Supply of outside air into the vehi-
cle is blocked: indicator lamp lights
up.
The air within the vehicle is recirculated.
In the automatic program (AUTO) in hot
weather conditions, the recirculated air
mode is activated temporarily to enable
faster cooling.
Do not run the recirculated air mode
over a longer period of time, as the air
quality in the vehicle's interior will other-
wise diminish.<
If the windows fog up in the recircu-
lated air mode, turn the recirculated
air mode off and if necessary increase the
air supply.<
Rear window defroster and windshield
heating*
Rear window defroster and wind-
shield heating switched on:
Indicator lamp lights up.
As long as the indicator lamp is lit, the
heating operates at high power output –
rapid defrosting.
Indicator lamp goes out.
The heating continues to run with reduced
power output and then switches itself off
automatically.
Temperature
Setting the temperature:
Move or turn the wheel in the
appropriate direction to increase
the temperature step by step.
The figures in the display provide a general
indication of interior temperature. When
you start the vehicle, the system ensures
that the selected temperature is achieved
as quickly as possible and then maintained.
Permanent heating with maximum
power output at temperature selec-
tion HI. Permanent cooling at LO.<
ProCarManuals.com

90
TIRE CODINGTraction The 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. 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 fail-
ure. lar symbol containing the letters RSC on
the side of the tire, refer to page 93.M+SWinter and all-season tires.
These have better winter performance
properties than summer tires.
ProCarManuals.com

91
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TIRE CONDITION Tire tread Inspect 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 below
1/8 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.
Below a tread depth of 1/6 in / 4 mm, win-
ter tires display a perceptible decrease in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions, and should be replaced in the
interest of safety.Wear indicators in the tread-groove base,
arrow, are spread around the circumfer-
ence of the tire and are marked on the side
wall of the tire with TWI, Tread Wear Indi-
cator. The indicators in the tread indicate at
1/16 in / 1.6 mm tread depth that the
legally permitted wear limit has been
reached.
Tire damage
Unusual vibrations while driving can
indicate tire damage or other dam-
age to the vehicle. This may be caused, for
example, by driving over a curb. This is also
true for abnormalities 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.<
ProCarManuals.com

92
WHEEL AND TIRE REPLACEMENT
Unprofessional attempts by laymen
to service tires can lead to damage
and accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled profes-
sionals only. Your MINI Dealer will be glad
to assist you with both their expertise and
the proper equipment for your vehicle.<
The correct wheel and tire combination
also affects various systems that would
otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS or DSC.
Have the wheels balanced after each tire or
wheel replacement.
The manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends that you avoid using
retread tires, as this could impair driving
safety. 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.<
The correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends never mounting wheels
and tires that have not been specifically
approved by the manufacturer for use on
your particular model. Although other
wheels and tires may theoretically have the
same dimensions, variations in factors such
as manufacturing tolerances can result in
contact between tire and bodywork, ulti-
mately leading to serious accidents. The
manufacturer of your MINI cannot evaluate
non-approved wheels and tires to deter-
mine if they are suited for use, and there-
fore cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are fitted.<
Recommended tire makes:
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread
configuration from a single manufacturer.
In the event of a flat tire, remount the pre-
vious wheel and tire combination as soon
as possible.
Run Flat tires:
If your MINI is equipped with Run Flat tires
– refer to Run Flat tires – use only these
tires, since no space-saver spare tire may be
available in the event of a flat. Special characteristics of winter tires The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends winter tires for driving in adverse
winter road conditions. While all-season
tires with the M+S designation provide bet-
ter winter traction than summer tires, they generally do not achieve the full perfor-
mance of winter tires.
For mounting winter tires, refer to the
descriptions under Tire condition, page 91,
and Wheel and tire replacement.
Run Flat tires:
If your MINI is equipped with Run Flat tires
– refer to Run Flat tires – use only these
tires, since no space-saver spare tire may be
available in the event of a flat.
Observing speeds:
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled profes-
sionals only. The technicians at your MINI
Dealer will be glad to assist you with the
required professional knowledge and spe-
cialized equipment.<
StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, protecting
them against light whenever possible. Pro-
tect the tires against contact with oil,
grease and fuel. Do not exceed the maxi-
mum tire inflation pressure specified on
the tire sidewall.
ProCarManuals.com

94
SNOW CHAINS
*
Only certain types of snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your
MINI, classified as road-safe and approved.
Contact your MINI Dealer for more details.
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you use only these approved
fine-link snow chains. Their use is only per-
mitted in pairs on the front wheels on win-
ter tires of the following types:
>175/65 R 15 M+S
>175/60 R 16 M+S.
When fitting, comply with the manufac-
turer's instructions. With chains, do not
exceed a speed of 30 mph / 50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor
after attaching snow chains to the
tires.
When driving with snow chains, it can be
helpful to switch off the ASC or DSC for a
brief period, refer to pages 59, 60.<
ProCarManuals.com

104
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLECare of special parts>Light-alloy wheels
*:
Use wheel cleaner especially during the
winter months, but do not use any ag-
gressive, acidic, strong alkali or rough
cleansers or steam jets above 1407/
606 . Observe the manufacturer's in-
structions
>Chrome parts
* such as bonnet grill, door
handles, etc.:
Especially if exposed to road salt, care-
fully clean these parts with plenty of
water and possibly with a shampoo addi-
tive.
For additional treatment, use chrome
polish
>Rubber parts:
Treat only with water or rubber care
products
Do not use silicon sprays or other
silicon-containing care products,
otherwise noise and damage could
occur.<
>Plastic parts, imitation leather surfaces,
headliner, lamp glass, covering glass for
the display elements, as well as matt
black molded parts:
Clean with water and, if necessary, plas-
tic care products. Do not dampen seats
and the headliner.
Never use solvents such as lacquer thin-
ner, heavy-duty grease remover, fuel or
similar
>Wood paneling
*:
Please clean wood paneling and other
wood parts only with a damp cloth. Dry
off with a soft cloth
>Safety belts:
Only clean using mild soap, leaving the
belts fitted.
Do not dry clean, as the fabric can be
destroyed.
Always roll up safety belts only when dry.
Dirty safety belts prevent unrolling and
thus negatively affect safety>Floor carpets and floor mats
*:
If heavily soiled, clean using interior
cleaner. Floor mats can be removed to
allow the interior to be cleaned
>Wiper blades:
Clean with soapy water. Replace wiper
blades twice a year, before and after the
cold season. This is particularly impor-
tant on vehicles fitted with a rain sensor.
ProCarManuals.com

113
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
LAMPS AND BULBSSide turn signal indicators 5 Watt bulb
1. Press lamp toward vehicle tailgate and
remove
2. Remove and replace the bulb.Side marker lamps3 Watt bulb
Side marker lamps in the wheelhouse pan-
eling of the bumper.
Please contact a MINI Dealer in case of a
malfunction.
Fog lamps*H11 bulb, 55 Watts
Please contact a MINI Dealer in case of a
malfunction.
Tail lampsRear lamp 3: bulb 21/5 Watts
Other bulbs: 21 Watts
1Rear fog lamp
*
red
2Turn signal indicator yellow
3Rear lamp red
4Rear lamp/Brake lamp red
ProCarManuals.com

116
LAMPS AND BULBS REPAIRING A FLAT TIRE Cargo area lamps 5 Watt bulb
1. Press the lamp cover to the left and out
with a screwdriver.
2. Remove and replace the bulb.
Footwell lamps5 Watt bulb
1. Press out the lamp cover with a screw-
driver
2. Remove and replace the bulb.Glove compartment lamp5 Watt bulb
1. Press out the lamp cover with a screw-
driver
2. Remove and replace the bulb.Safety measures in the event of a flat
tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Switch on the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead wheel position and engage the
steering lock. Engage the parking brake and
shift into 1st or reverse gear – selector lever
in P.
All passengers should be outside the vehi-
cle and well away from your immediate
working area – behind a guardrail, for
instance.
If a portable hazard warning lamp is avail-
able, set it up on the roadside at an appro-
priate distance from the rear of the vehicle.
Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.<
In the event of a flat tire, different proce-
dures should be followed depending on the
equipment included in your MINI:
>Vehicles with Run Flat tires, refer to
page 93
>Vehicles with a space-saver spare tire,
refer to the following section
>Vehicles with MINI Mobility System,
refer to page 121.
ProCarManuals.com

117
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
CHANGING TIRES: MINI WITH SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
Additional safety measures in the
event of a wheel change:
Change the wheel only on a level, firm sur-
face which is 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 capac-
ity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported by
the jack – risk of fatal injury.<
To change a space-saver tire, proceed as
follows:
>Remove space-saver spare tire, refer to
the section after the next one
>Prepare for tire change, refer to page 119
>Jack up the vehicle, refer to page 119
>Fit the space-saver spare tire, refer to
page 120
>Tighten the lug bolts, refer to page 120
>Drive with space-saver spare tire, refer to
page 120.
Tire change set On vehicles with a space-saver spare tire,
the tire change set is stored in the cargo
area under the floor mat.
1Chock, folding
2Hubcap remover
3Wheel stud wrench
4Jack
5Lug wrench
6Towing eyelet
7Lifting handle
The onboard tool kit includes a pouch with
a plastic bag in which you can place the
damaged wheel.
Removing the space-saver spare tireThe screw connection of the space-saver
spare tire is in the cargo area under the
floor mat, on the base of the storage com-
partment for the tire change set.
1. Loosen the screw connection using the
wheel lug bolt wrench
2. Take out the cover panel
ProCarManuals.com