tires MINI COOPER 2012 Owner's Manual
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Page 142 of 207

Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
141
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 th e specifications of the
MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out
properly, there is a danger of subsequent
damage 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 of ten 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. Alth ough 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 su ited 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 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 page 70. Your MINI dealer will
be glad to advise you.
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
highest 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 ow n 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
the use of winter tires on snowy roads or if
temperatures drop below 45 7/ +7 6.
Although all-season M+S tires provide better
winter traction than summer tires, they
generally fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
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MOBILITYWheels and tires
142
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. 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 different 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 fine-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-safe and recommended.
Contact your MINI deal er 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 ch ains, it can be useful
to briefly deactivate DSC or activate DTC, refer to
page 65.<
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Replacing componentsMOBILITY
153
Replacing components
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or count ry version. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
Toolkit
Your vehicle comes with a toolkit that varies
with the equipment version; it is stored under-
neath the flat load floor.
With Mobility Kit
MINI
1 Sealant bottle
2 Extractor hook
3 Vehicle jack
4 Wheel stud wrench
5 Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver, towing
eyelet
6 Compressor
MINI Clubman
1Compressor
2 Wheel stud wrench
3 Vehicle jack
4 Torx insert bit for screwdriver
5 Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver, towing
eyelet
6 Extractor hook
7 Sealant bottle
Run-flat tires or space-saver spare tire
The toolkit includes a pouch with a plastic bag in
which you can place the damaged wheel.
MINI
1Folding chock and cove r for defective wheel
2 Extractor hook
3 Wheel stud wrench
4 Vehicle jack
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MOBILITYReplacing components
160
3.Replace the bulb.
4. Insert the lamp.
MINI Clubman: license plate lamps
5 watt bulb, C 5 W
1.Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the
left in the tab of the lamp housing, arrow 1.
2. Remove the lamp, arrow 2.
3. Replace the bulb.
4. Insert the lamp.
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED techno logy for operation. In
the event of a malfunction, contact your MINI
dealer or a workshop th at 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 the hazard warning
flashers.
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.
should be followed depending on the equip-
ment included in your vehicle:
> MINI Mobility Kit, refer to the following
section
> Run-flat tires, page 162
> Tire change with space-saver spare tire,
page 162
MINI Mobility Kit
Preparations
Use of the MINI Mobility Kit may be ineffective 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
Kit.
Do not remove foreign bodies which have
penetrated the tire if possible.
Follow the instructions on using the
Mobility Kit 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 adhesive label with speed
limit
2 Filling hose
Note the use-by date on the sealant
bottle. <
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MOBILITYReplacing components
162
Stowing Mobility Kit
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
bottle 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 dirt ying the cargo area.
5. Stow Mobility Kit back in the vehicle.
Distributing the sealant.
Immediately 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 com-
pressor directly onto the tire valve.
3. Insert the plug 5 into the power socket in
the vehicle interior.
4. Adjust tire pressure to 1.8 bar/26 psi. With
the engine running:
> To increase the inflatio n pressure: switch on
the compressor. To ch eck the current infla-
tion pressure, switch off the compressor.
Do not run the comp ressor 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 m
aintain the inflation
pressure, drive the vehicle again, refer to
Distributing the sealan t. Then repeat steps
1to4.
If an inflation pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi still can-
not be reached, then the tire is too heavily dam-
aged. Contact your ne arest 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 Kit refilled.
Changing wheels
Run-flat tires
Tire change for run-flat tires:
> Prepare for tire change, page 164
> Jack up vehicle, page 164
> Tighten lug bolts, page 165
Space-saver spare tire
Tire change with space-saver spare tire:
>Remove the space-saver spare tire,
page 163
> Prepare for tire change, page 164
> Jack up vehicle, page 164
> Mount space-saver spare tire, page 164
> Tighten lug bolts, page 165
> Drive with space-saver spare tire, page 163
MINI: 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.
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MOBILITYReplacing components
164
stability during braking, longer braking
distances and changes in self-steering proper-
ties when close to the handling limit. These
properties 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 defective tire as soon as
possible and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced. <
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page 160.<
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. <
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
rolling.
2. Uncover the lug bo lts if necessary.
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.
4. Screw at least two lug bolts finger-tight into
opposite bolt holes.
5. Screw in the remaining bolts.
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194
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System64
Accepting a call 121
Accessories, see Vehicle equipment 4
Acknowledgment signals for locking/unlocking vehicle 24
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 84
Adaptive Light Control 77
Adding engine oil 145
Additives
– coolant 146
– engine oil 145
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 81
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 82
Airbags 72
– sitting safely 35
– warning lamp 73
Air conditioner 80
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 81
– automatic cl imate control82
– ventilation 84
Air distribution
– automatic 83
– individual 82
– manual 82
Air flow rate 81,83
– air conditioning system 81
– automatic cl imate control83
– heating, ventilation 81
Airing, refer to Ventilation84
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 80
Air pressure, checking, refer to Tire inflation pressure 131Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 81,83
Air supply
– air conditioner 81
– automatic climate control 82
– ventilation 84
Air vents 80
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 129
Alarm system 29
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 141
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 81,83
Ambient lighting 79
Antenna, care 149
An
tifreeze
– coolant 146
– washer fluid 52
Antilock Brake System ABS 64
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 29
Anti-theft system 23
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 191
Approved engine oils 145
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 191
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 89
Ashtray 91
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 64
Audio device, external 89
Automatic
– air distribution 83
– air flow rate 83
– cruise control 52
– headlamp control 75Automatic climate control
80
– automatic air distribution 83
Automatic station search 105
Automatic station storage 106
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 46
– interlock 47
– overriding selector lever lock 48
– shiftlock 47
– sport program 48
AUTO program for automatic
climate control 83
Auto radio, refer to Radio MINI Boost CD 104
AUX-In, refer to External audio device 89
AUX-In connection 104
Average fuel consumption 55
– setting the units 58
Average speed 56
Axle loads, refer to Weights 191
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 79
Backrests, refer to Seats 36
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 158,159
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch 167
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 170
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 124
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
197
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist 66
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 66
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 75
Driving notes 94
Driving off on inclines, refer to Hill Assist 66
Driving stability control
systems 64
Driving through water 95
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes 94
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 84
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 64
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 65
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 64
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 64
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC 65
E
Eject button 110
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 128
Electric power windows
– initializing 33
Electronic brake-force
distribution 64
Electronic Stability Program ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 64
Emergency operation, refer to Manual operation
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 128
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 48 Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance 167
Ending a call 122
Engine
– breaking in 94
– data 186
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature 146
– speed 186
– starting, Comfort Access 30
Engine compartment 143
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 146
Engine oil
– additives, refer to Approved engine oils 145
– alternative oil types 145
– approved engine oils 145
– capacity 145
– checking level 144
– dipstick 144
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements 59
– MINI Maintenance
System 147
Engine oil level, checking 144
Engine output, refer to Engine
data 186
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine 45
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 64
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 95
Exterior mirrors 39
– adjusting 39
– automatic heating 39
– folding in and out 39
External audio device 89,104
External care 149
External temperature display
– change units of measure 58
– in the onboard computer 58Eyes
– for tow-
starting and towing
away 169
– for tying down loads 99
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 61
Failure of an electrical
consumer 166
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 38
Fast forward
– CD 109
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 61
Filter
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 84
– microfilter for air
conditioner 82
Fine wood, care 152
First aid pouch 167
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 44
Flash when locking/
unlocking 24
Flat load floor 98
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 140
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 69
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 66
– indicating a flat tire 67
– initializing the system 67
– snow chains 67
– system limits 67
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition 139
Floor mats, care 151
Floor plate, refe r to Flat load
floor 98
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 156,159
Folding rear seat backrest 97
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
199
Incoming call121
Indicator and warning lamps 13,172
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 70
Indicator lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 78
Individual air distribution 82
Individual settings, refer to Personal Profile 22
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 69
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 67
– glass roof, electric 33
Initializing the
– compass, see Calibration 88
Instrument lighting 78
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit 10
Instrument panel, refer to Displays 12
Integrated key 22
Integrated universal remote control 85
Interior lamps 79
– remote control 25
Interior rearview mirror 39
– automatic dimming feature 40
Interlock 47
Intermittent mode of the wipers 50
Internal care 151
Internet page 4
J
Jacking points 164
Jets, refer to Window washer nozzles 51
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting 168
Jump-starting 168
K
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 22
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort Access 30
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access 30
Key Memory, refer to Personal Profile 22
Keypad dialing 122
Kickdown 47
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 47
Knock control 129
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams 75
Lamps and bulbs, replacing bulbs 155
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 99
LATCH child restraint fixing
system 42
Leather care 151
LEDs light-emitting diodes 155
Length, refer to Dimensions 187
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement 159,160
Light alloy wheels, care 151
Light-emitting diodes LEDs 155
Lighter 91
– socket 91
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs 155
– of the instruments 78
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps 75
Light switch 75
Limit 183
Listening to test, scan
– radio MINI Boost CD 106Load
98
Load securing equipment, refer to Securing cargo 99
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking 26
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal 24
– from inside 26
– from outside 24
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 30
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 24
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
Longlife oils
– approved motor oils 145
Low beams 75
– automatic 75
– replacing bulb 156
Lower back suppo rt, refer to
Lumbar support 36
Luggage compartment, refer to Cargo area 28
Luggage compartment doors, refer to Split Rear Barn
Doors 28
Luggage compartment lid, refer to Tailgate 28
Luggage compartment partition net, refer to Cargo
net 98
Luggage rack, re fer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 100
Lumbar support 36
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 141
Maintenance, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
200
Maintenance system147
Malfunction warn ings, refer to
Check Control 61
Manual air distribution 82
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
Manual operation
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 128
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 48
Manual station search 105
Manual transmission 46
Manual washing 150
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 22
Maximum cooling 83
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 142
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 167
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 82
– for automatic climate
control 84
– MINI Maintenance System 147
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
– MINI Maintenance System 147
Microphone for telephone 14
MINI Internet page 4
MINI Maintenance System 147
Mirror dimming feature 40
Mirrors 39
– exterior mirrors 39
– heating 39
– interior rearview mirror 39Mobile phone
– adjusting volume
121
– connecting, refer to Mobile phone, pairing 118
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 89
– pairing 118
– refer to Telephone 89
– What to do if…. 120
Mobility Kit 160
Modifications, technical, refer to For your own safety 4
Monitoring syst em for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 66
MP3 109
Multifunctional steering wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 49
– refer to Wiper system 50
Mus
ic tracks
– playing a track 110
– random order 109
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 37
Nets, refer to Storage compartments 90
New tires 141
Number of cylinders, refer to Engine data 186
Number of safety belts 35
Nylon rope, refer to Tow rope 170
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
On-Board Diagnosis 148
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications 129 Odometer
55
Oil, refer to Engine oil 144
Oil consumption 144
Oil level 144
Oil types 145
Old batteries, refer to Disposal 165
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access 30
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
– using the door lock 26
– using the remote control 23
Opening and unlocking
– from inside 26
Outlets
– refer to Air vents 80
– refer to Ventilation 84
Output, refer to Engine
data 186
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control 83
Overheated engine, refer to Coolant temperature 146
P
Paintwork, care150
Park Distance Control PDC 63
Parking
– vehicle 45
Parking aid, refer to Park Distance Control PDC 63
Parking brake 46
Parking lamps, replacing bulb 156
Parking lamps/low beams 75
Parts and accessories, see Vehicle equipment 4
Pathway lighting 76
PDC
– volume 104
Personal Profile 22
Phone numbers
– dialing 122
Pinch protection system
– windows 34
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