winter tires MINI COOPER 2011 Owners Manual

Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
143
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than
summer tires.
XL
Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires regula rly for tread wear, signs
of damage and for foreig n 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 exam ple, 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
Due to low-profile tires, please note that wheels,
tires and suspensions parts are more susceptible
to road hazards 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 ab normal road behavior,
such as pulling severely to the right or left.
In these cases, reduce speed immediately
and have wheels an d 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
dangerous for vehicle occupants and other road
users. <
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 0211 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 2 of 2011.
For various reasons, such as the development of
brittleness, the manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends tire replacemen t after no more than
6 years, regardless of th e actual wear of the
tires.

MOBILITYWheels and tires
144
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 continui ng to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page 71.
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 haza rds. 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 resu lt 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 an d tire combination for
your vehicle.
The correct combin ation 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. Afte r a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pr essure 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 page 73. Your MINI dealer will
be glad to advise you.

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.<

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. <

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

REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
200
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter tires 145
Maintenance, refer to Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Maintenance system 151
Malfunction
– convertible top 34
– liftgate 26
Malfunction warn ings, refer to
Check Control 64
Manual air distribution 86
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 49
Manual operation
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
– liftgate 26
– power convertible top 34
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 50
Manual station search 107
Manual transmission 48
Manual washing 154
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 20
Maximum cooling 87
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 145
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 169
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 86
– for automatic climate
control 88
– MINI Maintenance System 151
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
– MINI Maintenance
System 151
Microphone for telephone 14MINI Internet page
4
MINI Maintenance System 151
Mirror dimming feature 42
Mirrors 41
– exterior mirrors 41
– heating 41
– interior rearview mirror 42
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume 124
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing 120
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 92
– pairing 120
– refer to separate Owner's Manual
– What to do if… 123
Mobile phone, installation location, refer to Center
armrest 92
Mobil

e phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System 163
Modifications, technical, refer to For your own safety 5
Monitoring syst em for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 69
MP3 111
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 51
– refer to Wiper system 52
Music tracks
– playing a track 112
– random order 112
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 39
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments 92
New tires 144 Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data 188
Number of safety belts 37
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope 172
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
On-Board Diagnosis 152
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel specifications 133
Odometer 56
Oil, refer to Engine oil 147
Oil consumption 147
Oil level 147
Oil types 148
Old batteries, refer to Disposal 168
Onboard vehicle toolkit 157
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access 28
– from inside 25
– from outside 21
– using the door lock 24
– using the remote control 21
Opening and unlocking
– from inside 25
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation 88
Outlets, refer to Air vents 84
Output, refer to Engine data 188
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control 87
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature 149
P
Paintwork, care155
Park Distance Control PDC 66
Parking
– vehicle 47
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 66
Parking brake 48

REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
202
Run-flat tires144
– flat tire 71
– tire inflation pressure 134
– tire replacement 144
– winter tires 145
S
Safety belt
– number37
Safety Belt Reminder 41
Safety belts 40
– damage 41
– indicator lamp 41
– reminder 41
– sitting safely 37
Safety belts, care 156
Safety systems
– airbags 75
– Antilock Brake System ABS 67
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
– safety belts 40
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires 144
Satellite radio 110
– enabling 110
Scan, listening to test
– Radio MINI Boost CD 108
Screw thread for tow fitting 171
Searching
– CD player 112
– radio 107
Searching for a music track
– CD 112
Seat adjustment
– mechanical 38
Seats 38
– adjusting the seats 38
– heating 40
– sitting safely 37
Securing the vehicle
– from inside 25
– from outside 21 Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 49
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock 49
– overriding manually 50
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 49
Service, refer to Roadside Assistance 169
Service car, refe r to Roadside
Assistance 169
Service data in the remote
control 151
Service Interval Display, refer to Condition Based Service
CBS 151
Service requirement display, refer to Condition Based
Service CBS 151
Service requirements 62
Settings
– clock, 12 h/24 h mode 61
Setting the time format 107
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with Steptr
onic49
– manual transmission 48
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions 49
Side airbags 75
Side turn signal
– replacing bulb 161
Side windows, refer to
Windows 31
Signal horn, refer to Horn 10
Sitting safely 37
– airbags 37
– safety belts 37
– with head restraint 37
Size, refer to Dimensions 189Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass roof, electric
30
Slipstream deflector, refer to Wind deflector 36
Slot for remote control 46
Smokers' package, refer to Ashtray 93
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing 129
– use 118
Snap-in adapter, refer to Center armrest storage
compartment 92
Snow chains 145
Socket, refer to Connecting electrical appliances 93
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis OBD 152
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires 165
– inflation pressure 134
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire 165
Special oils, refer to Approved engine oils 149
Speed 188
– with winter tires 145
Speed-dependent volume 106
Speedo, refer to Speedometer 12
Speedometer 12
Split-folding rear seats 100
Split rear backrest, refer to
Split-folding rear seats 100
Split rear seat backrest, refer to Expanding the cargo area 98
Sport button 69
Stability control, refer to Driving stability control
systems 67
Start/Stop button 46
– starting the engine 47
– switching off the engine 47
Starting, refer to Starting the engine 47

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
203
Starting assistance, refer to Jump-starting 169
Starting the engine
– Start/Stop button 46
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC 67
– Hill Assist 69
Stations, refer to Radio MINI Boost CD 108
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing 4
Steering wheel 42
– adjustment 42
– buttons on steering wheel 11
– lock 46
– shift paddles 50
Steptronic, refer to Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 48
Storage area
– cargo area 98
Storage compartment, front
passenger side 92
Storage compartments 92
Storage space
– storage compartments 92
Storage space, refer to
– Luggage compartment in the
MINI Convertible 99
Storing the vehicle 156
Storing tires 145
Stowage, refer to Storage compartments 92
Summer tires, re fer to Wheels
and tires 134
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10
Switching off
– engine 47
Switching off the engine
– Start/Stop button 46
Switching on
– CD player 106,111
– Radio MINI Boost CD 106
Switching the cooling function on and off 88
Symbols 4T
Tachometer 56
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps 161
– replacing bulb 161
Tail lamps 161
Tank volume, refer to Capacities 193
Technical data 188
Technical modifications 5
Telephone 118
– hands-free system 126
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 92
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
– voice commands 127
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature display
– setting the units 61
Temperature of coolant, refer to Coolant temperature 149
Temperature setting
– air conditioner 85
– automatic climate control 87
Tempomat, refer to Cruise control 54
Tensioning straps, refer to Securing cargo 101
The individual vehicle 4
Third brake lamp, refer to Center brake lamp 163
Three-point safety belt 40
Tightening the lug bolts
– keys 157
– torque 167,168
Tightening torque, refer to Tightening lug bolts 167
Time
– setting 107
Tire change set
– space-saver spare tire 157Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor
71
– indicator/warning lamp 71
– MINI Mobility System 163
– run-flat tires 71
– space-saver spare tire 165
– Tire Pressure Monitor 72
Tire inflation pressure 134
– loss 71
– space-saver spare tire 134
Tire pressure monitoring, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 69
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 72
– limitations of system 72
– resetting system 72
– warning lamp 73
Tire Quality Grading 142
Tires
– age 14

3
– breaking in 96
– changing, refe r to Changing
wheels 165
– condition 143
– damage 143
– inflation pressure 134
– inflation pressure loss 73
– minimum tread depth 143
– new tires 144
– pressure monitoring, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 69
– pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 72
– puncture 71
– size 141
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth 143
– winter tires 145
– with emergency operation
properties 144
Tires with emergency operation properties, refer to
Run-flat tires 144
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-flat tires 144

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
205
Weights191
Welcome lamps 78
Wheelbase, refer to Dimensions 189
Wheels, new 144
Wheels and tires 134
Wheel stud wrench
– space-saver spare tire 157
Width, refer to Dimensions 189
Wind deflector 36
Windows 31
– closing 31
– convenient operation 22
– opening 31
– pinch protection system 32
Window washer, refer to
Washer fluid 54
Window washer reservoir, refer to Washer fluid
– volume, refer to Capacities 193
Window washer system 52
– washer fluid 54
– washer jets 53
Windshield
– cleaning 53
– defrosting and removing condensation 86,88
Windshield wiper blades, changing 158
Windshield wipers, refer to Wiper system 52
Winter tires 145
– storage 145
Wiper blade replacement 158
Wiper system 52
WMA 111
Work in the engine compartment 146
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to Onboard vehicle toolkit 157X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb159