tire pressure MINI COOPER 2011 Owner's Manual

Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
145
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 MINI recommends the use
of winter tires on roads during the winter, or if
temperatures drop below 45 7/ +7 6.
Although all-season M+S tires provide better
winter traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally 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 accidents. <
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter ti res, 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
pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles
Depending on the individual use, front and rear
tires may exhibit diff erent 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 fi ne-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-s afe and recommended.
Contact 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 chains, it can be useful
to briefly deactivate the DSC or activate the DTC,
refer to page 68.<

CareMOBILITY
153
Care
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
Products have been tested, and the
products have been tested in the laboratory
and in practice. They offer optimum care and
protection for your vehicle. <
Do not use any cleansers containing
alcohol or solvents as these may cause
damage. <
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 brakin g efficiency over the
short term and the brake rotors can corrode. <
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 into the car wash, check if the
system is suitable for your MINI. Observe the
following points:
> Vehicle dimensions, page 189
> If necessary: fold in the outside mirrors,
page 41
> 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
unintentional wiping.
> Deactivate the rear window wiper
* and
protect it from damage. Ask the car wash
operator about measures that can be taken
to protect the wipers.
> Remove addition al attachments, e.g. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a
possibility that they could be damaged.
> Inserting the remote control into the ignition
lock.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the ca r wash, make sure that
the vehicle can roll:
1. Place the remote control, even with Comfort
Access, in the ig nition lock.
2. Move the selector lever to position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch off the engine.
5. Insert the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.

MOBILITYReplacing components
164
8Pressure gauge for indicating the tire
inflation pressure
9 Release button for reduci ng the tire inflation
pressure
Connector, cable and connection hose are
stored in the compressor housing.
Using the Mobility System
To repair a tire puncture with the Mobility
System, proceed as follows:
> Filling the tire with sealant
> Distributing the sealant
> Correct the tire inflation pressure
Filling the tire with sealant
Proceed in the specified order; otherwise,
sealant may emerge under high
pressure. <
1. Shake the sealant bottle.
2. Pull the connecting hose 6 completely out of
the compressor housing and screw it onto
the connector of the sealant bottle. Make
sure that the hose is not kinked.
3. Insert the sealant bo ttle on the compressor
housing in an upright position.
4. Unscrew the dust cap from the valve of the
defective wheel and screw the filling hose 2
of the sealant bottle onto the valve.
5. Ensure that the compre ssor is switched off.
6. Insert the plug 5 into the lighter socket/
power socket in the vehicle interior,
page 93. 7.
With the engine running:
Switch on the compressor and let is run for
approx. 3 to 8 minutes to fill the tire with
sealant and achieve a ti re inflation pressure
of approx. 26 psi/180 kPa.
When filling the tire with sealant, the
inflation pressure can briefly rise to
approx. 73 psi/500 kPa. Do not switch off
the compressor during this phase. <
Do not run the compressor for longer
than 10 minutes; otherwise, the
device will overheat and possibly be
damaged. <
8. Switch off the compressor.
If an air pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa is not
reached:
1. Unscrew the filling hose 2 from the wheel
and drive the vehicle forward and backward
approx. 33 ft/10 m to distribute the liquid
sealant in the tire evenly.
2. Inflate the tire again with the compressor.
If an inflation pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa
still cannot be reached, the tire is too
heavily damaged. Please contact the nearest
MINI dealer. <
Stowing Mobility System
1.Unscrew filler hose 2 of the sealant bottle
from the wheel.
2. Unscrew connecting hose of the
compressor 6 from the sealant bottle.
3. Connect the filler hose 2 of the sealant bot-
tle to the unoccupied connection on the
sealant bottle.
This prevents the rest of the sealant from
escaping from the bottle.
4. Wrap the empty sealant bottle in suitable
material to avoid dirtying the cargo area.
5. Stow Mobility System back in the vehicle.

Replacing componentsMOBILITY
165
Distributing the sealant
Immediate drive approx. 3.1 miles/5 km so that
the sealant evenly distributes itself.Do not exceed speeds of 50 mph/
80 km/h.
If possible, do not drop below 10 mph/
20 km/h.<
Adjusting the tire pressure
1. After driving approx. 3.1 miles/5 km or
10 minutes, stop at a suitable location.
2. Screw the connection hose 6 of the
compressor directly onto the tire valve.
3. Insert the plug 5 into the power socket in
the vehicle interior.
4. Correct inflation pressu re to 26 psi/180 kPa.
With the engine running:
> To increase the inflatio n pressure: switch on
the compressor. To check the current infla-
tion pressure, switch off the compressor.
Do not run the compressor for longer
than 10 minutes; otherwise, the
device will overheat and possibly be
damaged. <
> To decrease the inflation pressure: press the
release button 9.
If the tire cannot ma intain the inflation
pressure, drive the vehicle again, refer to
Distributing the sealan t. Then repeat steps
1to4.
If an inflation pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa still
cannot be reached, the tire is too heavily dam-
aged. Contact the nearest MINI dealer. <
Driving on
Do not exceed the permitted maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h; doing so may
result in an accident. <
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced.
Have the Mobility System refilled.
Changing wheels
Run-flat tires*
Tire change for run-flat tires:
> Prepare for tire change, page 166
> Jack up vehicle, page 167
> Tighten lug bolts, page 167
Space-saver spare tire*
Tire change with space-saver spare tire:
>Remove the space-saver spare tire,
page 165
> Prepare for tire change, page 166
> Jack up vehicle, page 167
> Mount space-saver spare tire, page 167
> Tighten lug bolts, page 167
> Drive with space-saver spare tire, page 166
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The screw connection of the space-saver spare
tire is under the floor mat in the cargo area, on
the base of the storage compartment for the tire
change set.
1. Unscrew the screw connection with the
special wrench.
2. Take out the cover panel.
3. Screw the lifting handle from the onboard
vehicle toolkit onto the thread.

MOBILITYReplacing components
166
4.Raise the lifting handle slightly.
5. Squeeze the securing spring.
6. The space-saver spare tire is released and
must be held by the lifting handle.
7. Lower the space-saver spare tire with the
lifting handle.
8. Unscrew the lifting handle.
9. Pull the space-saver spare tire underneath
the vehicle out toward the rear.
10. Position the space-save r spare tire with the
valve facing upward.
11. Unscrew the valve extension from the valve
of the space-saver spare tire. 12.
Unscrew the dust cap from the extension
and place it on the valve of the space-saver
spare tire.
Due to its different dimensions, the
damaged wheel cannot be placed in the
recess for the space-saver spare tire. <
Driving with the space-saver spare tire
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. Changes may
occur in vehicle handling such as lower track
stability during braking, longer braking dis-
tances and changes in self-steering properties
when close to the handling limit. These proper-
ties are more noticeable 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 inflat ion pressure at the
earliest opportunity and correct it if
necessary. Replace the defe ctive tire as soon as
possible and have the ne w wheel/tire assembly
balanced. <
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page 163.<
Additional safety measures when chang-
ing tires:
Only change the tire wh en 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. <

MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
180
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is
activated, refer also to page68
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC
are deactivated, refer also to page 67Driving stability limited during
acceleration and cornering.
Driving style must be adjusted.
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC
have failed. Driving stability limited during
acceleration and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
Indication in US models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Tire Pressure
Monitor, have failed, refer also to
page 67 Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kickdown position. Have the system
checked immediately.
Indication
* in Canadian models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Moni-
tor or the Tire Pressure Monitor
*,
have failed, refer also to page 67Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kickdown position. Have the system
checked immediately.
12Cause What to do

Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
181
Vehicles with Flat Tire Monitor*
Light up in yellow and red:
>Tire damage Carefully bring the car to a stop.
Observe the information starting on
page
69.
> Flat Tire Monitor not initialized Initialize Flat Tire Monitor, page
70.
Light up in yellow:
Flat Tire Monitor failed. Punctures are
not indicated Have the system checked.
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor
*
Light up in yellow and red:
There is a flat tire or substantial loss
in tire pressure Carefully bring the car to a stop.
Observe the information starting on
page
72.
12Cause What to do

MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
182
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor*
Light up in yellow:
Tire Pressure Monitor not initializedCheck the inflation pressure and reset
the system, page
73.
The small lamp flashes yellow and
then stays on, the large lamp lights
up in yellow:
> Tire Pressure Monitor failed.
Punctures are not indicated Have the system checked.
> Wheel mounted without TPM
electronics Have the system checked.
> The TPM is temporarily malfunc-
tioning due to other systems or
devices using the same radio
frequency.
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor
*
The small lamp flashes yellow and
then stays on, the large lamp lights
up in yellow:
> Tire Pressure Monitor failed.
Punctures are not indicated Have the system checked.
> Wheel mounted without TPM
electronics Have the system checked.
12Cause What to do

194
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
INDEX
A
ABS Antilock Brake System67
Accessories, refer to Your individual vehicle 4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle 23
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 88
Adaptive Light Control 80
Additives
– coolant 149
– engine oil 149
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 85
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 86
Airbags 75
– sitting safely 37
– warning lamp 77
Air conditioner 84
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 85
– automatic cl imate control86
– ventilation 88
Air distribution
– automatic 87
– individual 86
– manual 86
Air flow rate 85,87
– air conditioning system 85
– automatic cl imate control87
– heating, ventilation 85
Airing, refer to Ventilation88
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 84
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure 134Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 85,87
Air supply
– air conditioner 85
– automatic climate control 86
– ventilation 88
Air vents 84
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 133
Alarm system 27
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 145
Always Open Timer 58
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 85,87
Ambient lighting 83
Antenna, care 153
Antifreeze
– coolant 14
9
– washer fluid 53
Antilock Brake System ABS 67
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system 27
Anti-theft system 21
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights 191
Approved engine oils 149
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights 191
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 92
Ashtray 93
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
Audio device, external 91Automatic
– air distribution
87
– air flow rate 87
– cruise control 54
– headlamp control 78
Automatic climate control 84
– automatic air distribution 87
Automatic station search 107
Automatic station storage 108
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
– interlock 49
– overriding selector lever lock 50
– shiftlock 49
– sport program 49
AUTO program for automatic climate control 87
Auto radio, refer to Radio MINI Boost CD 106
AUX-IN, refer to External audio device 91
AUX In connection 106
Average fuel consumption 57
– setting the units 61
Average speed 57
Axle loads, refer to Weights 191
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 83
Backrests, refer to Seats 38
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 161,162
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 169
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 172

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
197
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 93
Drive-off assistan t, refer to Hill
Assist 69
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 69
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams 78
Driving notes 96
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Assist 69
Driving stability control systems 67
Driving through water 97
Driving tips, refer to Driving notes 96
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 88
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 67
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 68
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 67
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 68
E
Eject button 112
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top 34
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
– liftgate 26
Electric power windows
– initializing 31
Electronic brake-force distribution 67
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 67Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top 34
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
– liftgate 26
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 50
Emergency services, refer to Roadside Assistance 169
Engine
– breaking in 96
– data 188
– overheated, refer to Coolant temperature 149
– speed 188
– starting 47
– starting, Comfort Access 28
– switching off 47
Engine compartment 147
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 149
Engine oil
– adding 148
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils 149
– alternative oil types 149
– approved engine oils 149
– capacity 148
– checking level 147
– dipstick 147
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 62
– MINI Maintenance System 151
Engine oil level, checking 147
Engine output, refer to Engine data 188
Engine starting, refer to Starting the engine 47
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 67
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system 96 Exterior mirrors
41
– adjusting 41
– automatic heating 41
– folding in and out 41
External audio
device91,106
External temperature display
– change units of measure 61
– in the on-board computer 61
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away 171
– for tying down loads 101
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 64
Failure of an electrical consumer 168
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 40
Fast forward
– CD 112
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 64
Filter
– microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 88
– microfilter for air
conditioner 86
Fine wood, care 156
First aid pouch 169
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 46
Flash when locking/
unlocking 23
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 144
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 72
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 69
– indicating a flat tire 71
– initializing the system 70
– snow chains 70
– system limits 70
Flat tires, refer to Tire condition 143