winter tires MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2011 Owners Manual

Wheels and tires
124
performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent lev-
els of performance on the laboratory test wheel
that exceed 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, page125.
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 legis-
lation 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 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.<

125
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 3010 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 30 of 2010.
For various reasons, such as the development of
brittleness, the manufacturer of your MINI rec-
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, page66.
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 page68. Y o u r M I N I d e a l e r w i l l
be glad to advise you.

Wheels and tires
126
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 snowy roads or if temperatures
drop below 457/ +76. 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.
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 cen-
ter.
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
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. 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
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 page64.<

145
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
3.Screw the lifting handle from the onboard
vehicle tool kit onto the thread.
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-saver 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 dam-
aged 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 sta-
bility during braking, longer braking distances
and changes in self-steering properties 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 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 page141.<
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.<

Everything from A to Z
172
Everything from A to Z
INDEX
A
ABS Antilock Brake System63
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle21
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control82
Adaptive Light Control75
Additives
– coolant129
– engine oil129
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner79
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control80
Air conditioner78
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control80
– ventilation82
Air distribution
– automatic81
– individual80
– manual80
Air flow rate79,81
– air conditioning system79
– automatic climate control81
– heating, ventilation79
Air outlets, refer to Air vents78
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure118
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,81
Air supply
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control80
– ventilation82
Air vents78Airbags70
– sitting safely35
– warning lamp72
Airing, refer to Ventilation82
AKI, refer to fuel grade117
Alarm system25
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires126
Always Open Timer55
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,81
Ambient lighting77
Antenna, care133
Antifreeze
– coolant129
– washer fluid
51
Antilock Brake System ABS63
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system25
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights169
Approved engine oils129
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights169
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest85
Ashtray87
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC63
Audio device, external85
AUTO program for automatic
climate control81
Automatic
– air distribution81
– air flow rate81
– cruise control51
– headlamp control73
Automatic climate control78
– automatic air distribution81Automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– interlock46
– overriding selector lever
lock48
– shiftlock46
– sport program47
AUX-IN, refer to External audio
device85
Average fuel consumption54
– setting the units57
Average speed54
Axle loads, refer to
Weights169B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting77
Backrests, refer to Seats36
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb140,141
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch148
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away150
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter113
Battery146
– charging147
– disposal28,147
– jump-starting148
– temporary power failure147
Battery renewal
– remote control28
Being towed150
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts38
Belts, refer to Safety belts38
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders87

177
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo97
LATCH child restraint fixing
system42
Leather care135
LEDs light-emitting diodes138
Length, refer to
Dimensions167
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement141
Liftgate24
– Comfort Access27
– emergency operation24
– manually releasing24
– opening from outside24
– opening/closing24
– unlocking with remote
control21
Light switch73
Light-alloy wheels, care135
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs138
Lighter87
– socket87
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs137
– of the instruments76
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps73
Limit163
Load96
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo97
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking23
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal21
– from inside23
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access26
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals21
– from inside23
– from outside19
Low beams73
– automatic73
– replacing bulb138Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support36
Luggage compartment
– emergency operation, refer
to Manually releasing24
– increasing the capacity95
– opening from the inside24
Luggage compartment lid
– emergency actuation, refer
to manually releasing24
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Liftgate24
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo area
24
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack97
Lumbar support36
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires126
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system131
Malfunction
– convertible top32
– liftgate24
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control60
Manual air distribution80
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap116
– liftgate24
– power convertible top32
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
Manual transmission46
Manual washing134
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling81
Maximum speed
– with winter tires126Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch148
Microfilter
– for air conditioner80
– for automatic climate
control82
– MINI Maintenance
System131
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System131
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System131
Mirror dimming feature40
Mirrors39
– exterior mirrors39
– heating39
– interior rearview mirror40
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume108
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing104
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest85
– pairing104
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
– What to do if…107
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest85
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System142
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor65
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher48
– refer to Wiper system49
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11

179
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Restraint systems
– for children41
– refer to Safety belts38
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– manual transmission46
Roadside Assistance148
Roadside parking lamps75
– replacing bulb139
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements58
Roof load capacity169
Roof-mounted luggage
rack97
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away151
RSC Run-flat System
Component, refer to Run-flat
tires125
Rubber parts, care135
Run-flat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires125
Run-flat tires125
– flat tire66
– tire inflation pressure118
– tire replacement125
– winter tires126
S
Safety belt
– number35
Safety Belt Reminder39
Safety belts38
– damage39
– indicator lamp39
– reminder39
– sitting safely35
Safety belts, care136
Safety systems
– airbags70
– Antilock Brake System
ABS63
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC63
– safety belts38Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires125
Screw thread for tow
fitting150
Seat adjustment
– mechanical36
Seats36
– adjusting the seats36
– heating38
– sitting safely35
Securing the vehicle
– from inside23
– from outside19
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock46
– overriding manually48
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance148
Service data in the remote
control131
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS131
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance148
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS131
Service requirements58
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode57
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– manual transmission46
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions46
Side airbags70Side turn signal
– replacing bulb140
Side windows, refer to
Windows29
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely35
– airbags35
– safety belts35
– with head restraint35
Size, refer to Dimensions167
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric28
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector33
Slot for remote control44
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray87
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing113
– use102
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment85
Snow chains126
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis
OBD131
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances87
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires144
– inflation pressure118
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire144
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils129
Speed166
– with winter tires126
Speedo, refer to
Speedometer12
Speedometer12
Split rear backrest, refer to
Through-loading system95
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo area94
Sport button64
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems62

Everything from A to Z
180
Start/Stop button44
– starting the engine45
– switching off the engine45
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump-starting148
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine45
Starting the engine
– Start/Stop button44
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC63
– Hill Assist64
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing4
Steering wheel40
– adjustment40
– buttons on steering wheel11
– lock44
– shift paddles47
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic46
Storage area
– cargo area94
Storage compartment, front
passenger side86
Storage compartments86
Storage space
– storage compartments86
Storage space, refer to
– Luggage compartment in the
MINI Convertible95
Storing the vehicle136
Storing tires126
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments86
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires118
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine45
Switching off the engine
– Start/Stop button44
Switching the cooling function
on and off82
Symbols4T
Tachometer53
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps140
– replacing bulb140
Tail lamps140
Tank volume, refer to
Capacities170
Technical data166
Technical modifications5
Telephone102
– hands-free system110
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest85
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
– voice commands111
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature display
– setting the units57
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature53
Temperature setting
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control81
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control51
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo97
The individual vehicle4
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp141
Three-point safety belt38
Through-loading system95
Tightening the lug bolts
– keys144
– torque146
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening lug bolts146
Tire change set
– space-saver spare tire144Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor66
– indicator/warning lamp66
– MINI Mobility System142
– run-flat tires66
– space-saver spare tire144
– Tire Pressure Monitor67
Tire inflation pressure118
– loss66
– space-saver spare tire118
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM67
– limitations of system67
– resetting system67
– warning lamp68
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor65
Tire Quality Grading123
Tires
– age125
– breaking in92
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels144
– condition124
– damage124
– inflation pressure118
– inflation pressure loss68
– minimum tread depth124
– new tires125
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor65
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM67
– puncture66
– size123
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth124
– winter tires126
– with emergency operation
properties125
Tires with emergency
operation properties, refer to
Run-flat tires125
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-flat tires125
Tools, refer to On-board
vehicle tool kit137
Torque166
– lug bolts146

Everything from A to Z
182
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system49
Winter tires126
– storage126
Wiper blade replacement137
Wiper system49
Work in the engine
compartment127
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to
On-board vehicle tool
kit137
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb138