wheel MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2008 Owner's Guide

Replacing components
122
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Have the MINI Mobility System refilled.
Tire change set
When changing a tire, always observe the safety
measures and the procedure for changing tires
described below.
In case of a flat tire the tire change set is
not needed due to the availability of the
MINI Mobility System.<
Changing wheels
Space-saver spare tire*
To change a space-saver spare tire, proceed as
follows:
>Remove space-saver spare tire, page122
>Prepare for tire change, page124
>Jack up vehicle, page124
>Mount space-saver spare tire, page124
>Tighten lug bolts, page125
>Drive with space-saver spare tire, page124
MINI tire change set with space-saver
spare tire*
On vehicles with a space-saver spare tire, the
tire change set with onboard tools is stored
under the floor mat in the cargo bay.
1Chock, folding
2Hub cover remover
3Wheel stud wrench
4Vehicle jack5Special wrench for removing the space-
saver spare tire
6Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver
7Towing eyelet
8Wrench
9Lifting handle
The onboard tool kit includes a pouch with a
plastic bag in which you can place the damaged
wheel.
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The screw connection of the space-saver spare
tire is under the floor mat in the cargo bay, on
the base of the storage compartment for the tire
change set.
1.Unscrew the screw connection with the spe-
cial wrench.
2.Take out the cover panel.
3.Screw the lifting handle from the onboard
tool kit onto the thread.
4.Raise the lifting handle slightly.

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
123
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 towards 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. space-saver spare tire*
In vehicles with the space-saver spare tire, the
tire change set with the onboard tool kit is
located beneath the floor mat or level load floor
in the cargo bay.
1Folding chock and cover for defective wheel
2Vehicle jack
3Wrench
4Wheel stud wrench
5Hub cover remover
6Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver
7Torx insert bit for screwdriver
8Towing eyelet
The onboard tool kit includes a pouch with a
plastic bag in which you can place the damaged
wheel.
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The space-saver spare tire is located under the
tire change set in the cargo bay.
1.Fold up the floor mat.
2.Unscrew the nut, arrow, and remove the
space-saver spare tire.

Replacing components
124
Driving with the space-saver spare tire
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
You must expect changes in vehicle handling
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. 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 page119.<
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.<
1.Place the foldable chock
* behind the front
wheel on the other side of the vehicle or in
front of the wheel if the vehicle is on an
incline. If the wheel is changed on a surface
with a more severe slope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from roll-
ing.
2.Uncover the lug bolts if necessary.If the wheel is equipped with a hub cover,
pry it off using the screwdriver from the tire
change kit.
3.Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.
Jacking up the vehicle
The vehicle jack is designed for changing
wheels only. Do not attempt to raise
another vehicle model with it or to raise any load
of any kind. To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury.<
1.Place the jack at the jacking point closest to
the wheel.
The jack base must be perpendicular to the
surface beneath the jacking point.
2.During jacking up, insert the jack head in the
square recess of the jacking point.
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised off the ground.
Mounting the space-saver spare tire
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Clean the lug bolts.
3.Lift the new wheel into place.

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
125
4.Screw at least two lug bolts finger-tight into
opposite bolt holes.
5.Screw in the remaining bolts.
6.Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diagonal
pattern.
7.Lower the vehicle.
8.Remove the jack.
Tightening the lug bolts
Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
Immediately have the wheels checked
with a calibrated torque wrench to ensure
that the lug bolts are firmly seated. Otherwise,
incorrectly tightened lug bolts can present a
safety hazard.<
Tightening torque: 103.3 lb ft or 140 Nm.
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Vehicle battery
Have any work on the battery, including
battery replacement, carried out only by a
MINI Dealer or a workshop that has specially
trained personnel working in accordance with
the specifications of the MINI manufacturer.<
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle when the
engine is off. Connections, refer to Jump starting
on page128.
Disposal
After replacing old batteries, return the
used batteries to your MINI Dealer or to a
recycling point. Maintain the battery in an
upright position for transport and storage. Always secure the battery against tipping over
during transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, some equipment
may not be fully functional and may require ini-
tialization. Individual settings are also lost and
must be reprogrammed:
>Time and date
These values must be updated, page54.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual for Radio.
>Glass sunroof, electric
It may only be possible to raise the sunroof,
if applicable. The system must be initialized.
Contact your nearest MINI Dealer.
Fuses
Do not attempt to repair a blown fuse or
replace it with a fuse of a different color or
Ampere rating. To do this could cause a fire in
the vehicle resulting from a circuit overload.
Have the fuse changed only by a MINI Dealer or
a workshop that has specially trained personnel
working in accordance with the specifications of
the MINI manufacturer.<
A fuse allocation diagram is located on the inside
of the fuse box cover panels.
In the engine compartment
Opening the cover
Press the latch.

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
129
Tow-starting, towing
away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the MINI.
It is stored in the onboard tool kit in the cargo
bay underneath the cover on the right-hand
side, page114.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Push out the rectangular cover panel in the
bumper at the recesses.
Front
Rear
Being towed
M a k e s u r e t h a t t h e i g n it i o n is s w it c h e d o n ,
refer to page39, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable. Do not
tow the vehicle with just the rear axle raised, as
this would allow the steering to turn. There is no
power assist while the engine is off. Thus, brak-
ing and steering will require increased effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Tow vehicles with automatic transmission
only with a tow truck or with the front
wheels lifted; otherwise the transmission can be
damaged.<
Towing with a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<

Indicator and warning lamps
140
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when
you wish to switch off the ignition,
page39.
Lights up in red:
Electric steering wheel lock malfunc-
tioningThe engine can no longer be started. If
applicable, do not switch off the
engine. Contact your MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Electric steering wheel lock engaged Move the steering wheel before start-
ing the engine.
Cruise control system failed Have the system checked.
Park Distance Control failed Have the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp
failedHave the lamps checked as soon as
possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps
checked.
Rear fog lamp failed Have the rear fog lamp checked.
Headlamp beam throw adjustment
system failedHave the headlamp beam throw
adjustment system checked.
Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, page108.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI Dealer.
12Cause What to do

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
151
Belts, refer to Safety belts33
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts33
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders80
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate72,73
Bonnet106
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders80
Brake Assist58
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements53
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs in MINI118
– replacing bulbs in MINI
Clubman118
Brake pads, breaking in84
Brake rotors85
– brakes84
– breaking in84
Brakes
– ABS58
– breaking in84
– MINI Maintenance
System110
– parking brake40
– service requirements53
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely85
Brake system84
– breaking in84
– disc brakes85
– MINI Maintenance
System110
Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance127
Breaking in the clutch84
Break-in period84
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs115
Button for starting the
engine39
Buttons on the steering
wheel11C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders80
Capacities148
Capacity of cargo bay146
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery125
Car care112
Car-care products, refer to
Suitable car-care
products112
Care112
Cargo, securing89
Cargo area
– capacity147
Cargo area partition net, refer
to Partition net in MINI
Clubman87
Cargo bay86
– capacity146
– convenient access26
– cover86
– doors, refer to Splitdoor23
– lamp69
– lid, refer to Tailgate23
– opening from outside24
– volume146
Cargo bay, expanding86
Cargo bay doors, refer to
Splitdoor23
Cargo bay lamp69
Cargo bay lid, refer to
Tailgate23
Cargo bay partition net, refer
to Partition net in MINI
Clubman87
Cargo loading
– securing cargo89
– stowing cargo88
– vehicle86
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18
Carpets, care113Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest78
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash86
Car wash, care112
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system84
Center armrest78
Center brake lamp119
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking system19
– convenient access26
– from inside22
– from outside19
Changing bulbs
115
Changing wheels122
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment107
Check Control55
Child's seats36
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH37
Child-restraint systems36
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire122
Chrome parts, care113
Chrome parts, refer to
Care112
Cigarette lighter80
Cleaning headlamps45
– washer fluid46
Clock48
– 12h/24h mode51
– setting time54
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks79
Clubdoor23
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine39
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access26

From A to Z
154
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
– manual transmission41
General driving notes84
Glass sunroof, electric27
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing28
– raising28
– remote control20
Glove compartment77
Grills, refer to Air vents71
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights146,147
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb115
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake40
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags64
Headlamp control,
automatic66
Headlamp flasher43
– indicator lamp11,131
Headlamps
– replacing bulb115
Headlamps, care112
Head restraints32
– sitting safely30
Heated
– mirrors34
– rear window72,74
– seats33
Heating71
– mirrors34
– rear window72,74
– seats33
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo88
Height, refer to
Dimensions145
Height adjustment
– seats31
– steering wheel34High beams68
– headlamp flasher68
– indicator lamp131
– replacing bulb115
High water, refer to Driving
through water85
Hills85
Hill Start Assist59
Holders for cups80
Homepage4
Horn10
Hot exhaust system84
Hydroplaning84
I
Ice warning48
Icy roads, refer to Outside
temperature warning48
Ignition39
– switched off39
– switched on39
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness39
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on39
Ignition lock39
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,131
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM62
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting69
Individual air distribution73
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM61
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM60
– glass sunroof, electric28
Instrument cluster, refer to
Displays12
Instrument lighting69Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Displays12
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remove
control76
Interior lamps69
– remote control21
Interior rearview mirror34
– automatic dimming
feature34
Interlock41
Intermittent mode of the
wipers44
Internet page4
J
Jacking points124
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles46
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting128
Jump starting128
K
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls18
Keyless go, refer to Convenient
access26
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Convenient
access26
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile18
Kick-down42
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic42
Knock control95
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams66
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs115

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
155
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
cargo89
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system37
LEDs light-emitting diodes115
Length, refer to
Dimensions145
Level load floor in MINI
Clubman87
License plate lamp
– replacing bulbs in MINI119
– replacing bulbs in MINI
Clubman119
Light-alloy wheels, care112
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs115
Lighter80
– socket80
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs115
– of the instruments69
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps66
Light switch66
Limit141
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo89
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking22
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal20
– from inside22
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access26
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals20
– from inside22
– from outside19
Low beams66
– automatic66
– replacing bulb115
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support31
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay23
Luggage compartment doors,
refer to Splitdoor23Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Tailgate23
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack89
Lumbar support31
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires105
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system110
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control55
Manual air distribution73
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic42
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door94
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission43
Manual transmission41
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling74
Maximum speed
– with winter tires105
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch127
Microfilter
– for air conditioner73
– for automatic climate
control75
– MINI Maintenance
System110
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System110
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System110
Mirror dimming feature34Mirrors33
– exterior mirrors33
– heating34
– interior rearview mirror34
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest78
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest78
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System120
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety4
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor59
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher43
– refer to Wiper system44
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints32
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments79
New tires104
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data144
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope130
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis110
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications95
Odometer48
Oil, refer to Engine oil107
Oil consumption107

From A to Z
156
Oil level107
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal125
Onboard tool kit114
Opening and closing
– convenient access26
– from inside22
– from outside19
– using the door lock22
– via the remote control19
Opening and unlocking
– from inside22
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation75
Outlets, refer to Air vents71
Output, refer to Engine
data144
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control74
Outside temperature
display48
– changing unit of measure51
– on onboard computer51
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature48
P
Paintwork, care112
Park Distance Control PDC57
Parking
– vehicle40
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC57
Parking brake40
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb116
Parking lamps/low beams66
Partition net in MINI
Clubman87
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting66
Personal Profile18
Pinch protection system
– windows29
Plastic parts, care113Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control75
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner73
Power failure125
Power windows28
Power windows, refer to
Windows28
Pressure, tires96
Pressure monitoring, tires59
– Flat Tire Monitor59
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM61
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– windows29
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor59
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness39
Radio readiness39
– switched off39
– switched on39
Rain sensor44
Range, refer to Cruising
range49
Reading lamps70
Rear door, refer to
Clubdoor23
Rear doors, refer to
Splitdoor23
Rear double doors, refer to
Splitdoor23
Rear fog lamp69
– indicator lamp131
– replacing bulb118
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps117
Rear seat backrest, folding86
Rear seats
– folding the backrests86Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors33
Rear window heating72,74
Recirculated-air mode72,74
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode72,74
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest31
Refueling94
Releasing
– bonnet106
Remote control18
– battery renewal27
– convenient access26
– garage door opener76
– malfunctions21,27
– service data110
– tailgate21
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs115
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires104
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge49
Reservoir for washer
systems46
Restraint systems
– for children
36
– refer to Safety belts33
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic42
– manual transmission41
Roadside Assistance127
Roadside parking lamps68
– replacing bulb116
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements53
Roof load capacity146,147
Roof-mounted luggage
rack89
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away130