spare wheel MINI COOPER 2011 Owners Manual

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
70
Functional requirement
The system must have been initialized while the
tire inflation pressure was correct; otherwise,
reliable signaling of a fl at tire is not ensured.
Initialize the system afte r every correction of the
tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.
System limitations
Sudden serious tire damage caused by
external influences cannot be indicated in
advance. <
A natural, even pressure loss in all four tires
cannot be detected. Therefore, check the tire
inflation pressure regularly.
In the following situatio ns, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
> System has not been initialized
> Driving on snowy or sl ippery road surface
> Performance-oriented style of driving: slip in
the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration
> Snow chains are attached
When the vehicle is driven with a space-saver
spare tire
*, page 166, the Flat Tire Monitor
cannot function.
Initializing the system
The initialization process adopts the set inflation
tire pressures as refere nce values for the detec-
tion of a flat tire. Init ialization is started by
confirming the in flation pressures.
Do not initialize the system when driving with
snow chains.
Using the button in the turn signal lever
1. Start the engine, but do not start driving.
2. Press the button on the turn signal indicator
as often as necessary until "SET/INFO" is
displayed.
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4. Press the button as often as necessary until
the corresponding symbol and "RESET" are
displayed.
5. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
6. Start driving.
Initialization is completed while the car is on
the move, without any feedback.
The initialization is completed during
driving, which can be interrupted at any
time. When driving resumes, the initialization is
continued automatically. <

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
72
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM*
The concept
Measuring the inflation pressure in the four
mounted tires. The system notifies you if there is
a significant loss of pressu re in one or more tires.
Functional requirement
The system must have been reset while the
inflation pressure was correct; otherwise, reli-
able signaling of a flat tire is not ensured.
Always use wheels with TPM electronics to
ensure that the system will operate properly.
Reset the system again af ter each correction of
the tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.
System limitations
Sudden, serious tire damage caused by
external influences cannot be indicated in
advance. <
The system does not operate correctly if it has
not been reset. For exampl e, a flat tire may be
indicated despite correct tire inflation pressures.
The system is inactive an d cannot indicate a flat
tire:
> If a wheel without TPM electronics, e.g. a
compact spare wheel
*, is mounted.
> Interference with TPM by other systems or
devices with the sa me transmission
frequency.
Resetting the system
Reset the system again af ter each correction of
the tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.
Using the button in the turn signal lever
1. Start the engine, but do not start driving.
2. Press the button on the turn signal indicator
as often as necessary until "SET/INFO" is
displayed.
3. Press and hold the button until the display
changes.
4. Press the button as often as necessary until
the symbol for Tire Pressure Check and
"ACTIVE" is displayed.
The Tire Pressure Monitor can be reset by
selecting "RESET".
5. Press and hold the button until "RESETTING"
is displayed.

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
74
Since the possible driving distance depends to a
considerable degree on the strain exerted on
the vehicle while driving, it can be shorter or,
with a gentle driving style, can also be longer,
depending on the speed, road condition, exter-
nal temperature, vehicle load, etc.
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
A loss of tire inflation pressure results in a
change in the handling characteristics, e.g.
reduced lane stability during braking, a longer
braking distance and altered self-steering
properties. <
Vibrations or loud no ises while driving can
indicate complete failure of the tire.
Reduce your speed and bring the vehicle to a
stop; otherwise, pieces of tire may come off,
which could result in an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving and contac t your MINI dealer.<
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in yel-
low and then lights up continuously; the
larger warning lamp lights up in yellow.
No flat tire can be detected.
Display in the following situations:
> Wheel without TPM electronics is mounted:
If need be, have it checked by your MINI
dealer.
> Malfunction:
Have the system checked.
> TPM was unable to complete the resetting
procedure; reset the system again.
The small warning lamp flashes in
yellow and then lights up continuously;
the larger warning lamp lights up in
yellow. No punctures can be detected.
Display in the following situation:
> Malfunction because of other equipment or
devices, same radio frequency:
After leaving the interference area, the
system is again active automatically.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring
Systems
Each tire, including the spare, should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. If yo ur vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehi-
cle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation pres-
sure for those tires. As an added safety feature,
your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pres-
sure monitoring system TPMS that illuminates a
low tire pressure telltal e when one or more of
your tires are significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should st op and check your tires
as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat
and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping
ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substi-
tute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the
driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underi nflation has not reached
the level at which the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale illuminates.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunct ion, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and then
remain continuously lit. This sequence will con-
tinue upon subsequent vehicle startups as long
as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, includ ing the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction

MOBILITYWheels and tires
134
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressures
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tires' service life, but also
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving
safety that depend on the condition of the tires
and the maintenance of the specified tire
pressure.
Checking pressure
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
and correct it, if necessary: at least twice a
month and before starting long trips. If you fail
to observe this precauti on you may be driving
on tires with incorrect ti re pressures, a condition
that can not only compromise your vehicle's
driving stability, but also l e a d t o t i r e d a m a g e a n d
the risk of an accident. Do not drive with
deflated, i.e. flat tires, except when using run-
flat tires. A flat tire will seriously impair your
vehicle's handling and braking response.
Att empt s to drive o n a flat t ire can lead to lo ss of
control over the vehicle. <
Check the tire inflation pressures only on cold
tires. This means after a maximum of 1.25 miles/
2 km driving or when the vehicle has been
parked for at least 2 hou rs. When tires are warm,
the tire inflation pressure is higher.
After adjusting the tire inflation pressure,
reinitialize the flat tire monitor, page 70,
or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, page 72.<
Checking the tire inflation pressure of
the space-saver spare tire*
A valve extension for checking the inflation
pressure is located behind the bumper.
Inflation pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct inflation
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient
temperature.
The tire inflation pressures apply to the
tire sizes approved and the tire brands
recommended by the manufacturer of your
MINI. Your MINI dealer will be glad to advise
you. <
For correct identificati on of the right tire
inflation pressures, observe the following:
> Tire sizes for your vehicle
> Maximum allowable driving speed

MOBILITYWheels and tires
136
MINI Cooper tire inflation pressures
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
Speeds up to a
max. of 100 mph / 160 km/h Speeds including those
exceeding
100 mph / 160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the
table are indicated in psi/kilo-
pascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature
175/65 R 15 84 T M+S
175/65 R 15 84 H M+S
175/65 R 15 84 H
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC 33/230 33/230 38/260 38/260
Space-saver spare tire:
115/70 R 15 90 M Speed up to a max. of 50 mph/80 km/h
60/420
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page191.

Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
139
MINI Cooper Convertible tire inflation pressures
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
Speeds up to a
max. of 100 mph / 160 km/h Speeds including those
exceeding
100 mph / 160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the
table are indicated in psi/kilo-
pascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature
175/65 R 15 84 T M+S
175/65 R 15 84 H
175/65 R 15 84 H M+S
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC 35/240 35/240 38/260 38/260
Space-saver spare tire:
115/70 R 15 90 M Speeds up to a max. of 50 mph/80 km/h
60/420
More details on the perm issible load and weights can be found on page 191.

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.<

Replacing componentsMOBILITY
157
Replacing components
Onboard vehicle toolkit
Your vehicle comes with an onboard vehicle
toolkit that varies with the equipment version; it
is stored underneath the flat load floor.
With the MINI Mobility System*
1Sealant bottle
2 Hexagon wrench
*
3Extractor hook*
4Vehicle jack*
5Wheel stud wrench
6 Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver, towing
eyelet
7 Compressor
Run-flat tires* or space-saver spare tire*
1Folding chock* and cover for defective
wheel
2 Extractor hook
*
3Wheel stud wrench
4 Vehicle jack
5 Special wrench for removing the space-
saver spare tire
6 Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver
7 Towing eyelet
8 Lifting handle
The onboard vehicle tool kit includes a pouch
with a plastic bag in which you can place the
damaged wheel.

Replacing componentsMOBILITY
163
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation. In
the event of a malfunction, contact your MINI
dealer or a workshop that has specially trained
personnel working in accordance with the
specifications of your MINI manufacturer.
Repairing a flat tire
Safety measures in the event of a break-
down:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from moving
traffic and switch on th e hazard warning flash-
ers.
Turn the steering wheel until the front wheels
are in the straight-ahead position and engage
the steering wheel lock. Engage the parking
brake and shift into 1st or reverse gear or place
the selector lever in position P.
All passengers should be outside the vehicle and
in a safe place, e.g. behind a guardrail.
Erect a warning triangle or warning flasher at the
appropriate distance if necessary. Comply with
all safety guidelines and regulations. <
In the event of a flat tire, different procedures
should be followed depending on the equip-
ment included in your vehicle:
> MINI Mobility System, refer to the following
section
> Run-flat tires, page 165
> Tire change with space-saver spare tire,
page 165
MINI Mobility System*
Preparations
Use of the MINI Mobility System may be ineffec-
tive if the tire puncture measures approx. 1/8 in/
4 mm or more. Contact the nearest MINI dealer
if the tire cannot be made drivable with the
Mobility System. Do not remove foreign bodies which have
penetrated the tire if possible.
Follow the instructions on using the Mobil-
ity System found on the compressor and
the sealant bottle. <
Remove the adhesive label for the speed limit
from the sealant bottle and affix it to the
steering wheel.
Sealant and compressor
1 Sealant bottle and adhesi ve label with speed
limit
2 Filling hose
Note the use-by date on the sealant
bottle. <
3 Holder for the sealant bottle
4 Compressor
5 Plug and cable for the socket in the vehicle
interior, page 93
6 Connection hose to connect the compressor
and sealant bottle or the compressor and
wheel
7 On/off switch

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.