winter tires MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2006 Owner's Manual

106
TIRE CODING TIRE CONDITION
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to low-
est, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction per-
formance.
The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead brak-
ing traction 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 con-
trolled conditions on a specified indoor lab-
oratory test wheel.
Sustained 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
higher levels of performance on the labora-
tory test wheel than 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 combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire fail-
ure.<
RSC: Run Flat tires
You will recognize Run Flat tires by a circu-
lar symbol containing the letters RSC on
the side of the tire, refer to page108.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter performance
properties than summer tires.
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects
lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Tire tread
Tread depth should not be allowed to go
below 1/8 in/3 mm even though in Europe,
for example, the legally specified minimum
tread depth is only 1/16 in/1.6 mm.
Below 1/8 in/3 mm tread depth, there is a
very high danger of hydroplaning at higher
speeds, even with only small amounts of
water on the road.
At tread depths below approx. 1/6 in/
4 mm, the ability of winter tires to cope
with winter driving conditions decreases
perceptibly. For safety reasons, new tires
should be mounted.

109
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
NEW WHEELS AND TIRES
The correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends 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 dimensions, variations in
factors such as manufacturing tolerances
can result in contact between tire and
bodywork, ultimately leading to serious
accidents. The manufacturer of your MINI
cannot evaluate non-approved wheels and
tires to determine if they are suited for use,
and therefore 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 combina-
tion for your vehicle.
The correct wheel and tire combination is
also important for various systems that
would otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS or
DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand
and tread configuration. In the event of tire
damage, remount the previous wheel and
tire combination as soon as possible.
Run Flat tires
For your own safety, use Run Flat tires
when mounting new tires or replacing
summer tires with winter tires or vice
versa. Keep in mind that no spare wheel is
available in the event of a flat. Your MINI
Dealer will be glad to advise you.
For safety reasons, the manufacturer
of your MINI recommends having
Run Flat tires replaced, not repaired, if they
are damaged.<
Tire designation
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your
MINI recommends certain tire brands. You
can recognize these by the clearly visible
designation on the tire's sidewall.
When used properly these tires meet the
highest standards regarding safety and
handling characteristics.

110
NEW WHEELS AND TIRES SNOW CHAINS*
Special characteristics of winter tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends winter tires for driving in adverse
winter road conditions. While all-season
tires with the M+S designation provide bet-
ter winter traction than summer tires, they
generally do not achieve the full perfor-
mance of winter tires.
Observe speed ratings:
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the winter tires are rated.<
Storage
Store tires in a cool, dry place, protecting
them against light whenever possible. Pro-
tect the tires against contact with oil,
grease and fuel. Do not exceed the tire
inflation pressure specified on the tire side-
wall.
Only certain types of snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your
MINI, classified as road-safe and recom-
mended. Contact your MINI Dealer for
more details. Their use is only permitted in
pairs on the front wheels on winter tires of
the following types:
>175/65 R 15 M+S
>175/60 R 16 M+S.
When fitting, comply with the manufac-
turer's instructions. With chains, do not
exceed a speed of 30 mph / 50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor
after attaching snow chains to the
tires.
When driving with snow chains, it can be
helpful to switch off the ASC or DSC for a
brief period, refer to page71.<

133
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE*CHANGING TIRES
9. Pull out the space-saver spare tire
towards the rear underneath the vehi-
cle
10. Position the space-saver spare tire with
the valve facing upwards
11. Unscrew the valve extension from the
valve of the space-saver spare tire
12. Unscrew the dust cap from the exten-
sion and place it on the valve of the
space-saver spare tire.
Due to its different dimensions, the
damaged wheel cannot be placed in
the recess for the space-saver spare tire.<
Driving with the space-saver spare tire
Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a speed of
50 mph / 80 km/h.
You must expect changes in vehicle han-
dling such as lower track stability during
braking, longer braking distances and
changes in self-steering properties when
close to the handling limit. These effects
are more pronounced when driving with
winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire may
be mounted at one time. Reinstall a
wheel and tire of the original size as soon
as possible.<
Check the tire inflation 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.<
Additional safety measures in the
event of a tire change:
Change the tire only on a level, firm surface
which is 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 capac-
ity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported by
the jack – risk of fatal injury.<
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions
regarding flat tires on page131.<
1. For vehicles with a space-saver spare
tire:
Place the folding chock behind the front
wheel on the other side of the vehicle;
on downward inclines, place it in front of
this wheel. If the wheel is changed on a
surface with a more severe slope, take
additional precautions to secure the
vehicle from rolling
2. Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
154
A
ABS Antilock Brake System71
indicator lamp17,18
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle6
Activated-charcoal filter83
Adjusting interior
temperature79,82
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air mode79,82
Air conditioning system78
Air distribution
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation80,83
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure101
Air volume
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Airbags75
passenger airbag status
lamp76
safe seating position42
warning lamp18
AKI, refer to Fuel quality99
All Season traction Control
(ASC)71
indicator lamps17,18 All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires110
Antenna120
Antifreeze
coolant115
washer fluid63
Antilock Brake System (ABS)71
indicator lamp17,
18
Anti-theft system24
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights149,150
Approved engine oils115
Approved gross vehicle weight,
refer to Weights149,150
ASC All Season traction
Control71
indicator lamps17,18
Ashtray85
Assistant systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC)71
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)71
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution82
Automatic
air distribution82
air volume82
cruise control64
Automatic car washes119
Automatic climate control81 Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
ignition53
indicator lamp57
interlock53
selector lever lock56
shiftlock56
towing142
tow-starting143
Average consumption70
setting units70
Average speed70
setting units70
Axle loads, refer to
Weights149,150
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats44
Backup lamp
bulb replacement129
Bar, towing142
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone84
Battery138
charging138
disposal138
indicator lamp16
jump-starting140
power failure138
Battery care68,118 Belts, refer to Safety belts46
Beverage holders85
Black ice, refer to Temperature
warning69
Blower
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Blower, refer to Air volume79
Blowers, refer to Draft-free
ventilation80,83
Bonnet111
indicator lamp17
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders85
Brake discs
brake system97
break-in procedures96
Brake fluid117
level117
warning lamp16
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement129
Brake pads117
break-in procedures96

warning lamp18
Brake system117
brake fluid117
brake pads117
break-in procedures96
disc brakes97
warning lamp17

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
159
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Integrated universal remote
control86
Interior lamp, remote
control26
Interior lamps61
Interior rearview mirror48
automatic dimming96
Interlock, refer to Steering
locked53
Intermittent operation of the
wipers62
Interval
display, service118
J
Jack131,135
points134
Jack, refer to Tire change set
MINI Mobility System135
Run Flat tires108
space-saver spare tire131
Jacking points134
Jets, refer to Ventilation80,83
Jets, refer to Windshield
washer jets63
John Cooper Works Kit146
Jump-starting140
K
Keys24
Kickdown57 Knock control99
L
Lamp defect127
Lamp replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs127
Lamps and bulbs127
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams59
Lashing eyelets, refer to
Securing the load92
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system52

Leather care121
LEDs light-emitting diodes130
Length, refer to
Dimensions147,148
License plate lamp, bulb
replacement130
Lifting handle, space-saver
spare tire131
Light switch59
Light-alloy wheels, care120
Light-emitting diodes
(LEDs)130
Lighter85
Lighting of the instruments61
Lights on warning60
Load securing devices, refer to
Securing the load92
Loading the vehicle90 Loads, refer to Loading cargo90
Locking
from inside28
from outside26
Locking/unlocking the vehicle,
acknowledgment
signals26,27
Low beams59
bulb replacement128
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support44
Luggage compartment
cover88
emergency operation, refer
to Manual release30
expanding88
lid, refer to Tailgate29
opening from the outside29
opening with the remote
control26
opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate29
volume149,
150
Luggage compartment in the
MINI88
Luggage compartment lid
emergency operation, refer
to Manual release30
opening with the remote
control26 Luggage compartment lid, refer
to Tailgate29
Luggage compartment net92
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack93
Lumbar support44
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires110
Maintenance system118
Maintenance, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models118
Make-up mirror, illuminated48
Malfunction
automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
convertible top38
door lock27
fuel filler door100
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
Manual air distribution79

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
160
Manual operation
door lock27
driver's door27
fuel filler door100
glass sunroof, electric34
power convertible top38
tailgate30
transmission lock, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56
Manual transmission55
Master keys with remote
control24
Maximum cooling82
Maximum speed, with winter
tires110
MC operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Mechanical keys, refer to
Master keys24
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory49
Microfilter
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
MINI Maintenance System118
MINI manufacturer6
MINI Mobility System135
compressor136
liquid sealant136 Mirrors48
heating48
Mobile telephone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System135
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety7
Multifunction steering
wheel20
Multifunction steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on the
steering wheel20
Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/
headlamp flasher60
washer/wiper system62

N
Navigation system, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Neck restraints, refer to Head
restraints44
New tires109
Non-smoker's equipment
package, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket85
Nylon rope, refer to Towing and
tow-starting142
O
OBD interface socket119 Octane number, refer to Fuel
quality99
Odometer66
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil115
capacity151
dipstick114
Oil change intervals, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil consumption114
Oil filter change151
Oil level114
indicator lamp16
Oil pressure, indicator lamp16
Oil service68
Onboard computer69
Onboard tool kit126
MINI Mobility System135
Run Flat tires126
space-saver spare tire131
Opening and closing
from inside28
from outside25
via remote control26
via the door lock27 Outlets, refer to
Ventilation78,81
Outside air79

air conditioning system79
Outside air mode, automatic
climate control82
Outside temperature
display69
changing units69
in the onboard computer69
P
Paintwork care, refer to Vehicle
paintwork120
Park Distance Control (PDC)77
Parking
the vehicle98
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC)77
Parking brake54
warning lamp17
Parking lamps59
bulb replacement128
Parking lamps/Low beams59
Parking lock, refer to
PParking56
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle6
Pathway lighting59
PDC Park Distance Control77
Plastic120

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
161
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Pollen, refer to
Microfilter80
Microfilter/Activated-
charcoal filter83
Power convertible top35
Power failure138
Power output, refer to Engine
data146
Power supply, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket85
Power windows31
Pressure, tires101
reinflation using MINI
Mobility System136
Protective function, electric
glass sunroof34
Pumping in liquid sealant136
Q
Quality grades, refer to
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading105
R
Radiator, refer to Coolant115
Radio, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Rain sensor62
Range69
Reading lamps62
Rear backrest, foldable88,89 Rear fog lamp61
bulb replacement130
indicator lamp61
Rear lamps, bulb
replacement129
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps129
Rear seats, adjusting head
restraints44
Rear shelf, refer to Luggage
compartment cover88
Rear turn signal indicators, bulb
replacement129
Rear window wiper63,64
replacement
127
Rearview mirror48
Recirculated air mode
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Reclining seat, refer to Backrest
tilt44
Refueling99
fuel filler door99
Remaining distance for
service68
Remaining distance, refer to
Range69
Remote control25,26
garage door opener86
malfunction27 Remote control key, refer to
Master keys with remote
control24
Replacement key24
Replacement of tires
changing tires131
new wheels and tires109
Reporting safety defects9
Reserve indicator light, refer to
Fuel gauge66,67
Reservoir, washing systems63
Restraint systems
for children50
refer to Safety belts46
Retaining straps92
Reverse
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
manual transmission55
Roller sun blind34
Roof load, refer to
Weights149,150
Roof-mounted luggage rack93
Rope, refer to Towing and Tow-
starting142

RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to
Run Flat tires108 Run Flat tires108
puncture107
replacing109
tire inflation pressure102
winter tires109
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run Flat
tires108
S
Safety belt height
adjustment46
Safety belts46
care121
height adjustment46
indicator lamp17,46
safe seating position42
Safety lock buttons, doors,
refer to Locking28
Safety systems, refer to
Airbags75
All Season traction Control
(ASC)71
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)71
Brake system71
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)71
Safety tires, refer to
Run Flat tires108
Seat adjustment43

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
162
Seat heating47
Seat-belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts47
Seats
heating47
safe seating position42
Securing loads, refer to Loading
cargo90
Securing the load92
Securing the vehicle
from inside28
from outside26
Selector lever positions,
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
Selector lever shiftlock, refer to
Shiftlock56
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models118
Service interval display68,118
Shift paddles58
Shifting gears in the automatic
transmission with
Steptronic58 Shiftlock, refer to Range
selection56
Side airbags75
Side turn signal indicators, bulb
replacement129
Signal horn, refer to Horn12
Sitting safely42
with airbags42
with safety belt42
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector40
Smoker's equipment package,
refer to Ashtray85
Snow chains110
Socket 12 V85
Socket for
onboard diagnostics119
Socket in the luggage
compartment85
Space-saver spare tire
changing tires131
inflation pressure102
Spare key24
Spare tire, refer to Space-saver
spare tire131
Special oils, refer to Specified
engine oils115
Special wash program119
Specified oils115 Speed146
with Run Flat tires74
with the space-saver spare
tire133
with winter tires110
Speedometer13,14
Speedometer, refer to Display
elements13,14
Split rear backrest, refer to
Foldable rear backrest88
Through-loading system89
Sport program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic57
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems71
Standing lamps59
bulb replacement128
Starting aid, refer to Jump-
starting140
Starting problems
at very low temperatures54
jump-starting140
Starting the engine53
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine53
Start-off assistance, refer to
ASC71
Start-off assistance, refer to
DSC71 Steering lock53

Steering wheel12
buttons on the steering
wheel20
settings47
Steering wheel lock53
Steptronic, refer to Manual
mode57
Storage compartments84
Storage space, refer to
Luggage compartment in the
MINI88
Luggage compartment in the
MINI Convertible89
Storing the tires110
Storing the vehicle122
Sun blind, refer to Roller sun
blind34
Sun visors48
Switches, refer to Cockpit12
Switching off
the engine54
Switching the cooling function
on and off manually79,82
Symbols6
T
Tachometer68
Tail lamps, bulb
replacement129

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
163
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps129
Tailgate29
emergency operation30
indicator lamp17
opening from the outside29
releasing manually30
remote control26
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel tank
capacity151
Tank gauge, refer to Fuel
gauge66,67
Technical data146
Technical modifications7
Technical modifications, refer
to For your own safety7
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Temperature display
ice warning69
outside temperature69
setting units69
Temperature grades106
Temperature warning69
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control64 Threaded hole for towing
eyelet142
Three-point safety belt46
Through-loading system88,89
Tightening the lug bolts
keys131,135
torque134
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts134
Tire change set
MINI Mobility System137
Run Flat tires108
space-saver spare tire131
Tire failure131
MINI Mobility System135
space-saver spare tire131
Tire inflation pressure101
reinflation136
Tire pressure monitor, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor73
Tire pressure monitoring, Flat
Tire Monitor73
Tire puncture
Run Flat tires74 Tires
age105
break-in procedures96
changing133
condition106
damage107
flat tire108,131
inflation pressure101
replacement109
size, refer to New wheels and
tires109
storage110
tread106
wear indicator, refer to Tire
tread106
winter tires110
Tires with emergency
properties, refer to Run Flat
tires108
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit126
Torque
engine146
lug bolts134
Tow bar142
Tow rope142
Towing141
with automatic
transmission142,143
Towing eyelet141
Tow-starting143 Track width, refer to
Dimensions147,148
Traction grades106
Transmission
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
manual transmission55
Transmission lock, refer to
Range selection56
Transmission malfunction,
refer to Malfunction58
Transporting children safely50
Transporting securely, refer to
Securing the load92
Trap protection,
glass sunroof, electric34
Trash container, refer to
Ashtray85
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread106
Treadwear grade105
Trip odometer66
Trunk, refer to Luggage
compartment in the MINI
Convertible89
Turn signal indicators60
indicator lamp19
Turn signal indicators on the
side, bulb replacement129
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions147,148