tires MINI COUPE ROADSTER CONVERTIBLE 2012 User Guide

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
pressure.
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 87,
or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, page 90.<
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
inflation 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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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 pres-
sures 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 page257.

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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 257.
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 257.

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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 page257.

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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 257.
Tire size Tire pressures in bar/psi
All pressure specifications in the
table are indicated in bar/psi for
cold tires. Cold = ambient
temperature
205/45 R 17 84 W RSC 2.7/39 2.7/39
185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
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 257.

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MINI Cooper Convertible tire inflation pressures
Tire size Tire pressures in bar/psi
Speeds up to a max. of
100mph / 160km/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 page257.

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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 257.

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MINI John Cooper Works Convertible tire inflation pressures
Tire coding
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size Speed letter
Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire size Tire pressures in bar/psi
Speeds up to a max. of
100mph / 160km/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
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 2.9/42 2.9/42
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC 2.9/42 2.9/42 3.1/45 3.1/45
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page257.
e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect
ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
(not on ZR tires)
Speed code letter,
(before the R on ZR tires)225/45 R 17 91 V
For instance:
Manufacturer's code
for tire make
tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0312

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Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades. <
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 γ) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditio ns of their use, how-
ever, and may depart si gnificantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement, as measured under con-
trolled conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking trac-
tion tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics. <
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor labo ratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
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
separately or in combin ation, 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, page 218.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than
summer tires.
XL
Designation for specia lly reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires regularly for tread wear, signs
of damage and for foreig n objects lodged in the
tread. Check the tread depth.

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Tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 1/8 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European
legislation only specifies a minimum tread depth
of 1/16 in/1.6 mm. At tr ead 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 condit ions. 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 dept h is 1/16 in/1.6 mm.
Tire damage
Driving over rough or damaged road surfaces, as
well as debris, curbs, and other obstacles can
cause serious damage to wheels, tires, and sus-
pension parts. This is more likely to occur with
low-profile tires, which provide less cushioning
between the wheel and the road. Be careful to
avoid road hazards and reduce your speed,
especially if your vehicle is equipped with low-
profile tires. Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indi
cate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect . This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by drivin g 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 a specialized tire shop that has
specially trained personnel working in accor-
dance with the specifications of the MINI
manufacturer. If necessa ry, have the vehicle
towed there.
Otherwise, tire damage can be extremely dan-
gerous for vehicle occu pants and other road
users. <
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 0312 means that the tire was manufac-
tured during the 3rd week of 2012.
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 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

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