winter tires MINI COOPER 2008 Owners Manual

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
103
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory
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 sep-
arately or in combination, 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, page104.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires regularly 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 1/8 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
1/16 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 1/8 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 1/6 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
suitable for winter conditions. 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 the tire's circumference;
the letters TWI, for Tread Wear Indicator, on the
tire's sidewalls identify tires that incorporate
these wear indicators. When tire tread is worn
down to the level of the wear indicators, the
remaining tread depth is 1/16 in/1.6 mm.
Tire damage
Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels,
tires and suspension parts to be more suscepti-
ble to road hazard and consequential damages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving 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 tire shop that works according to
MINI repair procedures with correspondingly
trained personnel. If necessary, have the vehicle
towed there.
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 ... 4707 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 47 of 2007.
For various reasons, such as the development of
brittleness, the manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ProCarManuals.com

Wheels and tires
104
ommends tire replacement 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 continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page60.
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 danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety hazards. 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 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. 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 and 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
puncture, refer to page62. Your MINI Dealer will
be glad to advise you.
ProCarManuals.com

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
105
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your MINI
recommends certain tire brands. They are
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 own 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
winter tires for driving in adverse winter road
conditions. Although all-season M+S tires pro-
vide 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. Spe-
cialist tire dealers and your MINI Dealer can sup-
ply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against 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
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
that you do not swap the front wheels with the
rear wheels.
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
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 chains, you may find it
helpful to deactivate ASC or DSC temporarily,
refer to page58.<
ProCarManuals.com

Replacing components
124
Driving with the space-saver spare tire
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
You must expect changes in vehicle handling
such as lower track stability during braking,
longer braking distances and changes in self-
steering properties when close to the handling
limit. These effects are more pronounced when
driving with winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire may be
mounted at one time. Mount a wheel and
tire of the original size as soon as possible, to
avoid any safety risks.<
Check the tire inflation pressure at the ear-
liest opportunity and correct it if neces-
sary. Replace the defective tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced.<
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page119.<
Additional safety measures when chang-
ing tires:
Only change the tire when 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 slope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from roll-
ing.
2.Uncover the lug bolts if necessary.If the wheel is equipped with a hub cover,
pry it off using the screwdriver from the tire
change kit.
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.During jacking up, insert the jack head in the
square recess of the jacking point.
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised off the ground.
Mounting the space-saver spare tire
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.
ProCarManuals.com

From A to Z
150
From A to Z
Index
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control75
Additives
– coolant108
– engine oil108
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner72
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control73
Airbags64
– sitting safely30
– warning lamp65
Air conditioner71
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner72
– automatic climate control73
– ventilation75
Air distribution
– automatic74
– individual73
– manual73
Air flow rate72,73
– air conditioning system72
– automatic climate control73
– heating, ventilation72
Airing, refer to Ventilation75
Air outlets, refer to Air vents71
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure96
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode72,74
Air supply
– air conditioner72
– automatic climate control73
– ventilation75
Air vents71AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications95
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires105
All-Season Traction Control
ASC58
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode72,74
Ambient lighting70
Antenna, care112
Antifreeze
– coolant108
– washer fluid46
Antilock Brake System ABS58
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights146,147
Approved engine oils108
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to
Weights146,147
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest78
Arrival time
– computer50
Ashtray80
Assistant systems, refer to
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC58
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC58
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control74
Audio device, external78
Automatic
– air distribution74
– air flow rate74
– cruise control46
– headlamp control66Automatic climate control71
– automatic air distribution74
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC74
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
– interlock41
– overriding selector lever
lock43
– shiftlock41
– sport program42
AUTO program for automatic
climate control74
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device78
Average fuel consumption49
– setting the units51
Average speed50
Axle loads, refer to
Weights146,147
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting70
Backrests, refer to Seats30
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb117
– replacing bulbs in MINI118
– replacing bulbs in MINI
Clubman118
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch127
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away129
Battery125
– charging125
– disposal27,125
– jump starting128
– temporary power failure125
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed129
ProCarManuals.com

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
155
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo89
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system37
LEDs light-emitting diodes115
Length, refer to
Dimensions145
Level load floor in MINI
Clubman87
License plate lamp
– replacing bulbs in MINI119
– replacing bulbs in MINI
Clubman119
Light-alloy wheels, care112
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs115
Lighter80
– socket80
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs115
– of the instruments69
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps66
Light switch66
Limit141
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo89
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking22
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal20
– from inside22
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access26
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals20
– from inside22
– from outside19
Low beams66
– automatic66
– replacing bulb115
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support31
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay23
Luggage compartment doors,
refer to Splitdoor23Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Tailgate23
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack89
Lumbar support31
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires105
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system110
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control55
Manual air distribution73
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic42
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door94
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission43
Manual transmission41
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling74
Maximum speed
– with winter tires105
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch127
Microfilter
– for air conditioner73
– for automatic climate
control75
– MINI Maintenance
System110
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System110
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System110
Mirror dimming feature34Mirrors33
– exterior mirrors33
– heating34
– interior rearview mirror34
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest78
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest78
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System120
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety4
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor59
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher43
– refer to Wiper system44
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints32
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments79
New tires104
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data144
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope130
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis110
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications95
Odometer48
Oil, refer to Engine oil107
Oil consumption107
ProCarManuals.com

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
157
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires104
Rubber parts, care113
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires104
Run-Flat Tires104
– flat tire60
– new tires104
– tire inflation pressure96
– winter tires105
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-Flat
Tires104
S
Safety belts33
– damage33
– indicator lamp33
– reminder33
– sitting safely30
Safety belts, care113
Safety systems
– airbags64
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC58
– Antilock Brake System
ABS58
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC58
– safety belts33
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires104
Screw thread for tow
fitting129
Seat adjustment
– mechanical31
Seats30
– adjusting the seats31
– heating33
– sitting safely30
Securing the vehicle
– from inside22
– from outside19
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic41Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock41
– overriding manually43
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance127
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance127
Service data in the remote
control110
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS110
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS110
Service requirements53
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode51
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic42
– manual transmission41
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions41
Side airbags64
Side door, rear, refer to
Clubdoor23
Side turn signal indicator
– replacing bulb117
Side windows, refer to
Windows28
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely30
– airbags30
– safety belts30
– with head restraint30
Size, refer to Dimensions145
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric27
Slot for remote control39Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray80
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment78
Snow chains105
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances80
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
OBD110
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires122
– inflation pressure96
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire122
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils108
Speed144
– with winter tires105
Speed control, refer to Cruise
control46
Speedometer12
Splitdoor23
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo bay86
Sport button59
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems57
Start/stop button39
– starting the engine39
– switching off the engine40
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine39
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting128
Starting the engine
– start/stop button39
Start-off assistance, refer to
– ASC58
– DSC58
– Hill Start Assist59
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing4
Steering wheel34
– adjustment34
– buttons on steering wheel11
– lock
39
– shift paddles42
ProCarManuals.com

From A to Z
158
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic41
Storage area
– cargo bay86
Storage compartment, front
passenger side79
Storage compartments79
Storage space
– storage compartments79
Storing the vehicle113
Storing tires105
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments79
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires96
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine40
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button39
Switching the cooling function
on and off75
Symbols4
T
Tachometer48
Tailgate23
– convenient access26
– opening/closing24
– opening from outside24
– unlocking with remote
control21
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps117
– replacing bulb117
Tail lamps117
– replacing bulbs in MINI118
– replacing bulbs in MINI
Clubman118
Tank volume, refer to
Capacities148
Technical data144
Technical modifications4Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest78
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature display
– ice warning48
– outside temperature48
– setting the units51
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature48
Temperature setting
– air conditioner72
– automatic climate control74
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo89
The individual vehicle4
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp119
Three-point safety belt33
Tightening the lug bolts
– keys122,123
– torque125
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts125
Tire change set
– MINI Mobility System122
– space-saver spare
tire122,123
Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor60
– indicator/warning lamp60
– MINI Mobility System120
– Run-Flat Tires60
– space-saver spare tire122
– Tire Pressure Monitor61
Tire inflation pressure96
– loss60
– space-saver spare tire
96
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor59
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM61
– limitations of system61
– resetting system61
– warning lamp62
Tire Quality Grading102Tires
– age103
– breaking in84
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels122
– condition103
– damage103
– inflation pressure96
– inflation pressure loss62
– minimum tread depth103
– new tires104
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor59
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM61
– puncture60
– Run-Flat Tires104
– size102
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth103
– winter tires105
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-Flat Tires104
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit114
Torque144
– lug bolts125
Tow bar129
Tow fitting129
– screw thread129
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away129
Towing129
– car with automatic
transmission129
– methods129
Tow rope130
Tow-starting129
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor61
Track width, refer to
Dimensions145
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC58
ProCarManuals.com

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
159
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
– manual transmission41
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic43
Transporting children safely36
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo89
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread103
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer48
Triple turn signal activation43
Trip odometer48
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions145
Turn signal indicator43
– front, replacing bulb116
– indicator lamp12
– rear, replacing bulb117
– side, replacing bulb117
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading89
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
UTQR102
Units
– average fuel consumption51
– temperature51
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control76
Universal remove control76
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking26
Unlocking
– from inside22
– from outside19
– tailgate26
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access26
Upholstery, care112
V
Valve
– dust cap123
Vehicle
– battery125
– breaking in84
– cargo loading86
– dimensions145
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment107
– parking40
– storage113
– weight146,147
Vehicle jack122,123
– jacking points124
Ventilation
– air conditioner75
Vents, refer to Air vents71
Vents, refer to Ventilation75
Volume of cargo area147
W
Warning and indicator
lamps13,131
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control55
Warning triangle127
Washer fluid46
– capacity of reservoir46
Washer fluid reservoir46
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray80
Waterfall lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting70
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water85
Wear indicators in tires, refer to
Minimum tread depth103
Weights146,147
Welcome lamps66
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions145
Wheels, new104
Wheels and tires96
Wheelslip control, refer to
– All-Season Traction Control
ASC58Wheel stud wrench
– space-saver spare
tire122,123
Width, refer to Dimensions145
Windows28
– closing28
– convenient operation20
– opening28
– pinch protection system29
Window washer, refer to
Washer fluid46
Window washer reservoir,
refer to Washer fluid
– volume, refer to
Capacities148
Windshield
– cleaning45
– defrosting and removing
condensation73,75
Windshield, defrosting, refer to
Defrosting windows73,75
Windshield washer system44
– washer fluid46
– washer nozzles46
Windshield wiper blades,
changing114
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system44
Winter tires105
– storage105
Wiper blade replacement114
Wiper blades, care113
Wiper system44
Work in the engine
compartment106
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit114
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb115
ProCarManuals.com