MINI Coupe 2012 Owner's Manual
Manufacturer: MINI, Model Year: 2012, Model line: Coupe, Model: MINI Coupe 2012Pages: 218, PDF Size: 3.84 MB
Page 141 of 218

MOBILITYRefueling
140
Refueling
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 coun try version. This also 
applies to safety relate d functions and systems.
General information
Switch off the engine before refueling; 
otherwise, fuel cannot be added to the 
tank and a message will be displayed. <
Take all precautionary measures and 
observe all applicable regulations when 
handling fuel. Do not carry any spare fuel con-
tainers in your vehicle.  They can develop a leak 
and cause an explosion or cause a fire in the 
event of an accident. <
Fuel filler flap
Opening
1.Open the fuel filler flap.
2. Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise.
3. Place the fuel cap in the bracket attached to 
the fuel filler flap.
Closing
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly 
hear a click.
Do not pinch the band attached to the 
cap; otherwise, the ca p cannot be closed 
properly and fuel vapors can escape. A message 
will be displayed if the fuel cap is loose or 
missing. <
Manually releasing the fuel filler flap
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can 
manually release the fuel filler flap:
MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster:
1.Remove the cover from the left-hand side-
wall of the cargo area.
2. Pull on the green knob with the fuel pump 
symbol. The fuel filler flap is released.
MINI Convertible:
1. Remove the cover from the left-hand side-
wall of the cargo area.
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RefuelingMOBILITY
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2.Pull on the green knob with the fuel pump 
symbol. The fuel filler flap is released.
Observe the following when refueling
Take all precautionary measures and 
observe all applicable regulations when 
handling fuel; otherwise, there is a danger of 
personal injury and property damage. <
Do not overfill the fuel tank; otherwise, 
overflowing fuel can cause damage to the 
environment and the vehicle.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid lifting the filler 
nozzle while filling the tank, as that would lead 
to
> premature pump shutoff
> reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor 
recovery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks 
off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity
If the range displayed is less than 
30 miles/50 km, be sure to refuel; other-
wise, engine functions are not guaranteed and 
damage could occur. <
Approx. 13.2 US gal/50 liters, including the 
reserve capacity of 2.1 US gal/8 liters.
Fuel specifications
Gasoline
For optimum fuel efficiency, the gasoline should 
be free of sulfur or as low in sulfur as possible.
Fuels that are labeled at  the pump as containing 
metal may not be used.
Do not fill the tank with leaded gasoline or 
gasoline that contai ns metal additives, 
such as manganese or iron; otherwise, long term 
damage to the catalytic converter or other com-
ponents may result. <
Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of up to 
10 %, that is, E10, can be used.
The ethanol should meet the following quality 
standards:
US: ASTM 4806-xx
CAN: CGSB-3.511-xx
xx: Always observe currently valid standards.
Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel 
containing 85 % ethanol, nor with Flex-
Fuel. Otherwise, the engine and fuel supply 
system will be damaged. <
The engine is knocking regulated. Therefore, 
different grades of gasoline can be used for 
refueling.
Recommended gasoline grades
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends:
> AKI 91.
> John Cooper Works AKI 93.
Minimum grade
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends 
AKI 89.
Do not use any gasoline below the speci-
fied minimum fuel grade. Otherwise, the 
engine could be damaged. <
If you use gasoline with  this minimum AKI rating, 
the engine may produce knocking sounds when 
starting at high external  temperatures. This has 
no effect on the engine life.
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MOBILITYRefueling
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The use of poor quality fuels may result in 
harmful engine deposits or damage. Addi-
tionally, problems rela ting to driveability, 
starting and stalling, es pecially under certain 
environmental conditions  such as high ambient 
temperatures and high altitudes, may occur.
If driveability problems  are encountered, we 
recommend switching to a high quality gasoline 
brand and a higher octane grade - AKI number - 
for a few tankfuls. To avoid harmful engine 
deposits, it is highly recommended to purchase 
gasoline from BP or Top Tier retailers.
Failure to comply with these recommendations 
may result in a need  for unscheduled mainte-
nance. <
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Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
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Wheels and tires
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.
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 pres-
sure.
Checking pressure
Check the tire inflatio n pressure regularly 
and correct it, if nece ssary: at least twice a 
month and before starting  long trips. If you fail 
to observe this precaution you may be driving 
on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condition 
that can not only compromise your vehicle's 
driving stability, but also  lead to tire damage and 
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. 
Attempts to drive on a flat  tire can lead to loss 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 hours. When tires are warm, 
the tire inflation pressure is higher. After adjusting the tire inflation pressure, 
reinitialize the Flat  Tire Monitor, page 80, 
or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, page 82.<
Checking the tire inflation pressure of 
the compact 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 specifie d 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 identification  of the right tire infla-
tion pressures, observe the following:
> Tire sizes for your vehicle
> Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to 
100 mph or 160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h 
and to achieve optimum dr iving comfort, adjust 
pressures to the respective tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the foll owing pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds up to a maximum of 
100 mph or 160 km/h.
These tire inflation pre ssures can also be found 
on the driver's side door pillar when the driver's 
door is open.
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MOBILITYWheels and tires
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The maximum permitted speed for these 
tire inflation pressures is 100 mph or 
160 km/h. Do not exceed this speed; otherwise, 
tire damage and accidents may occur. <
Tire inflation pressures for driving above 
100 mph or 160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in 
excess of 100 mph or 160 km/h, adjust 
pressures to the respective tire inflation 
pressures listed on the  following pages in the 
columns for traveling sp eeds including those 
exceeding 100 mph or 160 km/h. Otherwise, 
tire damage and accidents could occur. <
Observe all national and local maximum speed 
limits; otherwise, violat ions of the law could 
occur.
MINI Cooper Coupe tire inflation pressures
Tire size Tire pressures in bar/psi 
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in bar/psi for 
cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
175/65 R 15 84 T M+S Std
175/65 R 15 84 H Std
175/65 R 15 84 H M+S A/S Std
195/55 R 16 87 H RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S A/S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S A/S RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC 2.4/35 2.4/35
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC 2.6/38 2.6/38
Space-saver spare tire: 
T 115/70 R 15 90 M Speed up to a max. of 50 mph/80 km/h
4.2/60
More details on the permissible load  and weights can be found on page203.
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MINI Cooper S Coupe tire inflation pressures
MINI John Cooper Works Coupe tire inflation pressures
Tire size Tire pressures in bar/psi 
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in bar/psi for 
cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
195/55 R 16 87 V RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S A/S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC 2.6/38 2.6/38
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S A/S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC 2.8/41 2.8/41
More details on the perm issible load and weights can be found on page 203.
Tire size Tire pressures in bar/psi 
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in bar/psi for 
cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 W RSC 2.7/39 2.7/39
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC 2.9/42 2.9/42
More details on the perm issible load and weights can be found on page 203.
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MOBILITYWheels and tires
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MINI Cooper Roadster tire inflation pressures
Tire size Tire pressures in bar/psi 
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in bar/psi for 
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 A/S
195/55 R 16 87 H RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S A/S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S A/S RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC 2.4/35 2.4/35
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC 2.6/38 2.6/38
Space-saver spare tire: 
T 115/70 R 15 90 M Speed up to a max. of 50 mph/80 km/h
4.2/60
More details on the permissible load  and weights can be found on page203.
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Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
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MINI Cooper S Roadster tire inflation pressures
MINI John Cooper Works Roadster tire inflation pressures
Tire size Tire pressures in bar/psi 
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in bar/psi for 
cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
195/55 R 16 87 V RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S A/S RSC 2.6/38 2.6/38
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S A/S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC 2.8/41 2.8/41
More details on the perm issible load and weights can be found on page 203.
Tire size Tire pressures in bar/psi 
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in bar/psi for 
cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
205/45 R 17 84 W RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC 2.7/39 2.7/39
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC 2.9/42 2.9/42
More details on the perm issible load and weights can be found on page 203.
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MOBILITYWheels and tires
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MINI Cooper Convertible tire inflation pressures
Tire size Tire pressures in bar/psi 
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 bar/psi for 
cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
175/65 R 15 84 T M+S Std
175/65 R 15 84 H Std
175/65 R 15 84 H M+S A/S Std
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 A/S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S A/S RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC 2.4/35 2.4/35 2.6/38 2.6/38
More details on the permissible load  and weights can be found on page203.
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Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
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MINI Cooper S Convertible tire inflation pressures
Tire size Tire pressures in bar/psi 
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 bar/psi for 
cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
195/55 R 16 87 V RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S A/S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC 2.4/35 2.4/35 2.6/38 2.6/38
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S A/S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC 2.7/39 2.7/39 2.9/42 2.9/42
More details on the perm issible load and weights can be found on page 203.
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