MINI Coupe 2013 Owner's Manual

Changing wheels and
tires
Mounting Information on mounting tires
Have mounting and balancing performed
only by a service center or tire specialist.
If this work is not carried out properly, there is
the danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards. ◀
Wheel and tire combination Information on the right wheel and tire combi‐
nation and rim version for your vehicle can be
obtained from the service center.
Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair
the function of a variety of systems such as ABS
or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle re‐
sponse, use only tires with a single tread con‐
figuration from a single manufacturer.
Following tire damage, have the original wheel
and tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.
Approved wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle recom‐
mends that you use only wheels and tires that
have been approved for your particular vehicle
model.
For example, despite having the same official
size ratings, variations can lead to body contact
and with it, the risk of severe accidents.
The manufacturer of your vehicle cannot evalu‐
ate non-approved wheels and tires to deter‐
mine if they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of the vehi‐
cle if they are mounted. ◀Wheels with electronics for TPM Tire
Pressure Monitor
When mounting new tires or changing from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise, the
Tire Pressure Monitor will not be able to detect
a flat tire, refer to page 95. Your service center
will be glad to advise you.
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your ve‐
hicle recommends certain tire brands. These
are indicated by the clearly visible marking on
the tire sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling.
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires.
Retreaded tires
Possibly substantial variations in the de‐
sign and age of the tire casing structures can
limit service life and have a negative impact on
road safety. ◀
Winter tires The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
winter tires for winter roads or at temperatures
below +45 ℉/+7 ℃.
Although so-called all-season M+S tires do pro‐
vide better winter traction than summer tires,
they do not provide the same level of perform‐
ance as winter tires.
Seite 231Wheels and tiresMobility231
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 919 017 - II/13

Maximum speed of winter tires
If the maximum speed of the vehicle is higher
than the permissible speed for the winter tires,
then display a corresponding sign in the field of
vision. You can obtain this sign from the tire
specialist or from your service center.
Maximum speed for winter tires
Do not exceed the maximum speed for
the winter tires; otherwise, tire damage and ac‐
cidents can occur. ◀
Run-flat tires When mounting new tires or changing fromsummer to winter tires or vice versa, use run-
flat tires for your own safety. Also, a compact
wheel is not available in case of a flat tire. Your
service center will be glad to advise you.
Rotating wheels between axles
Different wear patterns occur on the front and
rear axles, depending on the individual condi‐
tions of use.
To ensure even wear on the tires, the wheels
can be rotated between the axles. Your service
center will be glad to advise you.
After changing the tires, check the tire inflation
pressure and correct it if necessary.
Storage 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 side wall of the tire.Run-flat tires
Label
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-flat tires are tires with special rims that
support themselves for a limited period of time.
The sidewall reinforcement ensures that the
tire can continue to be used to a limited extent
if it has lost pressure and even if it has become
completely depressurized.
For continued driving in the event of a flat tire,
refer to page 94.
Correcting a flat tire Safety measures in case of a breakdown
▷Park the vehicle as far as possible
from passing traffic and on solid
ground. Switch on the hazard warn‐
ing system.▷Let the steering wheel lock engage with the
wheels in the straight-ahead position, set
the handbrake, and engage first gear or re‐
verse, or engage selector lever position P.▷Have all vehicle occupants get out of the
vehicle and ensure that they remain out‐
side the immediate area in a safe place,
such as behind a guardrail.Seite 232MobilityWheels and tires232
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 919 017 - II/13

▷If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is required, set it up on the
roadside at an appropriate distance from
the rear of the vehicle. Comply with all
safety guidelines and regulations. ◀
The procedure to correct a flat tire depends on
the equipment in the vehicle:
▷Run-flat tires, refer to page 232.▷MINI Mobility System, refer to page 233.▷Wheel change with a compact wheel, refer
to page 249.
MINI Mobility System
Notes
▷Follow the instructions on using the Mobi‐
lity System found on the compressor and
sealant bottle.▷Use of the Mobility System may be ineffec‐
tive if tire damage is greater than approx.
1/8 in/4 mm in size.▷Contact the nearest service center if the tire
cannot be made drivable.▷If possible, do not remove foreign bodies
that have penetrated the tire.▷Pull the speed limit sticker off the sealant
bottle and apply it to the steering wheel.
Sealant and compressor
1Sealant bottle and speed limit sticker2Filling hose
Note the use-by date on the sealant bottle.3Holder for the sealant bottle4Compressor5Connector and cable for the lighter socket/
socket in passenger compartment   114.6Connection hose for connecting the com‐
pressor and sealant bottle or the compres‐
sor and wheel7On/off switch8Pressure gauge for displaying the tire infla‐
tion pressure9Release button for reducing the tire infla‐
tion pressure
The connector, cable, and connecting hose are
stowed in the compressor housing.
Using the Mobility System
To repair a flat tire with the Mobility System,
proceed as follows:
▷Filling the tire with sealant▷Distributing the sealant▷Correcting the tire inflation pressure
Filling the tire with sealant
Adhere to the specified sequence
Adhere to the specified sequence of the
steps; otherwise, sealant may escape under
high pressure. ◀
1.Shake the sealant bottle.2.Pull the connection hose 6 fully out of the
compressor housing and screw it onto the
sealant bottle connection. Ensure that the
connection hose is not kinked.Seite 233Wheels and tiresMobility233
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 919 017 - II/13

3.Insert the sealant bottle into the compres‐
sor housing in a vertical position.4.Unscrew the dust cap off of the valve of the
defective wheel and screw the filling hose 2
of the sealant bottle onto the valve.5.Ensure that the compressor is switched off.6.Insert connector 5 into the lighter socket/
socket in the passenger compartment, refer
to page 114.7.When the engine is running:
Switch on the compressor and let it run for
approx. 3 to 8 minutes to fill sealant into
the tire and achieve a tire inflation pressure
of approx. 1.8 bar/26 psi.
While sealant is being filled, the inflation
pressure may intermittently rise to approx.
5 bar/73 psi. Do not switch off the com‐
pressor in this phase.8.Switch off the compressor.
Do not allow the compressor to run too
long
Do not allow the compressor to run longer than
10 minutes; otherwise, the device will overheat
and may be damaged. ◀
If an air pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi is not
reached:
1.Unscrew the filling hose 2 from the wheel
and drive forward and back approx.
33 ft/10 m to evenly distribute the sealant
in the tire.2.Inflate the tire again using the compressor.If the inflation pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi is still
not reached, the tire is too heavily damaged.
Contact the nearest service center.
Stowing the Mobility System1.Unscrew the filling hose 2 of the sealant
bottle from the wheel.2.Unscrew the compressor connection hose 6
from the sealant bottle.3.Connect the filling hose 2 of the sealant
bottle with the free connector on the seal‐
ant bottle.
This prevents left-over sealant from escap‐
ing from the bottle.4.Wrap the empty sealant bottle in suitable
material to avoid dirtying the cargo area.5.Stow the Mobility System back in the vehi‐
cle.
Distributing the sealant
Drive approx. 3.1 miles/5 km to evenly distrib‐
ute the sealant.
Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. If
possible, do not drop below a speed of
10 mph/20 km/h.
Correcting the tire inflation pressure
1.After driving approx. 3.1 miles/5 km, or
about 10 minutes, stop in a suitable loca‐
tion.2.Screw the connection hose 6 of the com‐
pressor directly onto the tire valve.3.Insert the connector 5 into the power
socket in the passenger compartment.4.Correct the tire inflation pressure to
1.8 bar/26 psi. When the engine is running:▷To increase the inflation pressure:
switch on the compressor. To check the
currently set inflation pressure, switch
off the compressor.▷To reduce the inflation pressure: press
the release button 9.Seite 234MobilityWheels and tires234
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 919 017 - II/13

Do not allow the compressor to run too
long
Do not allow the compressor to run longer than
10 minutes; otherwise, the device will overheat
and may be damaged. ◀
If the inflation pressure is not maintained, take
the vehicle on another drive, distributing the
sealant, refer to page 234. Then repeat steps
1 to 4 once.
If the inflation pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi is still
not reached, the tire is too heavily damaged.
Contact the nearest service center.
Continuing the trip Note the maximum speed
Do not exceed the maximum speed of
50 mph/80 km/h; otherwise, accidents can oc‐
cur. ◀
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the wheel balanced.
Have the Mobility System refilled.
Snow chains
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been
tested by MINI, classified as safe for use, and
recommended. Consult your service center for more information.
Use only in pairs on the front wheels, equipped
with tires of the following size:▷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 when using snow chains.
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 may be useful to tempora‐
rily deactivate DSC or activate DTC, refer to
page 101.Seite 235Wheels and tiresMobility235
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 919 017 - II/13

Engine compartmentVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it alsodescribes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
Important features in the engine compartment
1Vehicle identification number2Battery, under the cover   2523Dip stick for engine oil  2384Engine oil filler neck  2385Coolant expansion tank   2406Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlamp
and window washer system   697Engine compartment fuse box   253Hood
Notes Working in the engine compartment
Never attempt to perform any service or
repair operations on your vehicle without the
necessary professional technical training.If you are unfamiliar with the statutory guide‐
lines, have any work on the vehicle performed
only by a service center.
If this work is not carried out properly, there is
the danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards. ◀Seite 236MobilityEngine compartment236
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 919 017 - II/13

To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are resting against the wind‐
shield before you open the engine compart‐
ment. Do not open the engine hood before the
engine has cooled down; otherwise, injuries
may result. ◀
Unlocking and opening the hood1.Pull the lever.2.Lift the hood all the way.3.Press the release handle and open the
hood.
Danger of injury when the hood is open
There is a danger of injury from protrud‐
ing parts when the hood is open. ◀
Closing the hood
Close the hood from a height of ap‐
prox. 16 in/40 cm with momentum. It must be
clearly heard to engage.
Hood open when driving
If you see any signs that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, pull over im‐
mediately and close it securely. ◀
Danger of pinching
Make sure that the closing path of the
hood is clear; otherwise, injuries may result. ◀
Seite 237Engine compartmentMobility237
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 919 017 - II/13

Engine oilVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
Engine oil General information
Engine oil consumption depends on the driving
style and the conditions of use. A highly sporty
driving style, for example, results in considera‐
bly higher engine oil consumption.
Therefore, regularly check the engine oil level
after refueling.
Checking the oil level with a dip stick1.Park the vehicle on level ground when the
engine is at operating temperature, i.e., af‐
ter driving continuously for at least
6 2 miles/10 km.2.Switch the engine off.3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull out the dip
stick and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth,
paper towel, etc.4.Carefully insert the dip stick all the way into
the measuring tube and pull it out again.The oil level must be between the two
marks on the dip stick.
The oil quantity between the two marks on the
dip stick equals approx. 1 US quart/1 liter.
Do not exceed the high mark.
Do not exceed the high mark of the dip
stick. Overfilling oil damages the engine. ◀
Adding engine oil
Filler neck
Add a maximum quantity of 1 US quart/1 liter
of oil only after the corresponding message ap‐
pears on the Control Display or, in diesel en‐
gines, after the oil level is just above the low
mark of the dip stick, refer to page 238.
Add oil promptly
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km;
otherwise, engine damage could result. ◀
Seite 238MobilityEngine oil238
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 919 017 - II/13

Too much engine oil
Have the vehicle checked immediately;
otherwise, surplus oil can lead to engine dam‐
age. ◀
Protect children
Keep oil, grease, etc., out of reach of chil‐
dren and heed the warnings on the containers
to prevent health risks. ◀
Oil types for refilling
Notes No oil additives
Do not use oil additives as these may
cause engine damage. ◀
Viscosity classes of engine oils
When selecting an engine oil, ensure that
the engine oil belongs to one of the SAE viscos‐
ity classes 0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40, or 5W-30, or
malfunctions or engine damage may occur. ◀
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the
engine.
Due to national regulations, some oil types are
not available in every country.
Approved oil typesGasoline engineBMW High Performance SAE 5W-30BMW Longlife-01BMW Longlife-01 FE
Further information on approved oil types can
be obtained from the service center.
Alternative oil types
If the approved engine oils are not available, up
to 1 US quart/1 liter of an oil with the following
specification can be used:
Gasoline engineAPI SM or a higher quality standard
Oil change
An oil change should be carried out by the serv‐
ice center only.
Seite 239Engine oilMobility239
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 919 017 - II/13

CoolantVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
General information Danger of burns from hot engine
Do not open the cooling system while the
engine is hot; otherwise, escaping coolant may
cause burns. ◀
Suitable additives
Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may occur. The additives are
harmful to your health. ◀
Coolant consists of water and additives.
Not all commercially available additives are
suitable for your MINI vehicle. Ask your service
center for suitable additives.
Coolant temperature
If the coolant and therefore the engine over‐
heat, a warning lamp lights up. A message ap‐
pears on the Control Display.
Coolant level Checking1.Do not open the hood until the engine has
cooled down.2.Turn the expansion tank cap counterclock‐
wise slightly to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape; then continue turning
to open.3.The coolant level is correct if it is between
the markings. The markings are located on
the side of the coolant reservoir.
Refilling
1.Do not open the hood until the engine has
cooled down.2.Turn the expansion tank cap counterclock‐
wise slightly to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape, then continue turning
to open.3.If the coolant level is low, slowly add cool‐
ant up to the specified level; do not overfill.4.Twist the cap closed.5.Have the cause of the coolant loss elimi‐
nated as soon as possible.
Disposal
Comply with the appropriate environ‐mental protection regulations when dis‐
posing of coolant additives.
Seite 240MobilityCoolant240
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 919 017 - II/13