2010 Mini Cooper Convertible Owners Manual

Connecting electrical appliances In your MINI, you can use electrical devices such as a flashlight, car vacuum cleaner, etc., up to approx. 200 watts at 12 volts, as long as one of the following sockets is available. Avoid damag- ing the sockets by attempting to insert plugs of unsuitable shape or size.

Cigarette lighter socket Remove the lighter* or cover from the socket.

Power socket in cargo bay

MINI

Pull out the cover.

MINI Convertible

Pull out the cover.

Cupholders and ashtray*

Cupholders Two cupholders are located in the front of the center console; another is in the rear at the back of the center console.

Do not place glass containers in the cup- holders, as this increases the risk of injury

in the event of an accident.<

Ashtray* The ashtray is located in one of the cupholders in the center console.

Emptying Remove the entire ashtray.

Lighter With the engine running or the ignition switched on, press in the cigarette lighter. The lighter can be pulled out as soon as it pops back out.

Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by the knob only. Holding or touching it in

other areas could result in burns. When leaving the car, always remove the key so that children cannot operate the cigarette lighter and burn themselves.<

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AT A GLANCE

CONTROLS

DRIVING TIPS

DRIVING TIPS

MOBILITY

REFERENCE

Things to remember when driving

Break-in period Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to each other. Please follow the instructions below in order to achieve the optimal service life and economy of operation for your vehicle.

Following part replacement The same break-in procedures should be observed if any of the components mentioned above have to be renewed in the course of the vehicle's operating life.

Engine and differential Always obey all official speed limits.

Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do not exceed the following: > Gasoline engine

4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h

Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the transmission's kickdown mode.

After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually increased.

Tires Due to technical factors associated with their manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac- tion potential until after an initial break-in period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the first 200 miles/300 km.

Brake system Brakes require an initial break-in period of approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized contact and wear patterns between brake pads and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in period.

Clutch The function of the clutch reaches its optimal level only after a distance driven of approx. 300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, engage the clutch gently.

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General driving notes

Close the liftgate

Drive the vehicle only when the liftgate is closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could

penetrate the interior of the vehicle.< If special circumstances make it absolutely nec- essary to drive with the liftgate open: 1. Close all windows and the glass sunroof*. 2. Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig- nificantly increase the air flow rate of the air conditioner or automatic climate control, page 80 or 82.

Hot exhaust system

In all vehicles, extremely high tempera- tures are generated in the exhaust sys- tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys- tem, and never apply undercoating to them. When driving, standing at idle and while park- ing, take care to avoid possible contact between the hot exhaust system and any highly flamma- ble materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the risk of seri- ous personal injuries and property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust tail pipes. Otherwise, there is a risk of burns.<

Hydroplaning

When driving on wet or slushy roads, reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge

of water can form between tires and road sur- face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can cause partial or complete loss of tire contact with the road surface, so that the car cannot be steered or braked properly.<

The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread depth on page 113.

Driving through water

Drive through water on the road only if it is not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only

at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the transmission may be damaged.<

Parking brake on inclines

On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-

wise, greater clutch wear will result.< For information on driving off using Hill Assist*, refer to page 65.

Braking safely Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a situation which requires full braking, it is best to brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini- mum of steering effort. The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that ABS is actively taking effect.

Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that this maneuver does not endanger other road users. The heat generated in this process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that Then full braking force will be immediately avail- able when it is needed.

Hills

To prevent overheating and the resulting reduced efficiency of the brake system, drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear in which the least braking is required. Even light but consistent brake pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<

You can increase the engine's braking effect by shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces- sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift- ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis- sion, page 47.

Never drive with the clutch held down, with the transmission in neutral or with

the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak- ing action will not be present or there will be no power assistance to the brakes or steering. Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other objects to protrude into the area around the pedals; otherwise, pedal function could be impaired.<

Corrosion on brake rotors When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, during extended periods when the vehicle is not used at all, and in operating conditions where brake applications are less frequent, there is an increased tendency for corrosion to form on rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the brake pads. This occurs because the minimum pressure which must be exerted by the pads during brake applications to clean the rotors is not reached. Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating effect that even extended application will fail to cure.

When the vehicle is parked Condensation forms while the automatic climate control is in operation, and then exits under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the vehicle are therefore normal. In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may continue to run for some time after the engine is switched off. This will generate noise in the engine compartment.

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Cargo loading

To avoid loading the tires beyond their approved carrying capacity, never over- load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over- heating and increases the rate at which damage develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can assume the form of a sudden blowout.<

Avoid fluid spills in the cargo bay as they could damage the vehicle.<

MINI: cargo bay

Cargo bay cover

Do not place any objects on the cover; otherwise, they could endanger the car's occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden swerving, or they may damage the cover.< When you open the liftgate, the cargo bay cover is raised. To load bulky luggage, the cover can be removed. 1. Unhook the lift straps from the liftgate. 2. Pull the cover out of the holders toward the

rear.

Expanding the cargo bay The rear set backrest is split. Both sides can be folded separately to expand the cargo bay.

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1. Pull the lever. 2. Fold rear seat backrests forward.

When folding the backrest back up, make sure that the seat's locking mechanisms

engage properly. Otherwise, cargo could be thrown around in the event of sharp braking or swerving and endanger the occupants.<

Adjusting rear seat backrest* Expand the cargo bay by raising the split rear seat backrests to a steeper angle.

1. Pull the lever, arrow 1, and fold the rear seat

backrest forward.

2. Fold up the lever of the backrest lock until it

audibly engages, arrow 2.

3. Fold back the backrest until it engages.

If the rear seat backrests are positioned at a steeper angle, do not install child-

restraint systems in the rear of the vehicle as their protective features may be ineffective.<

MINI Convertible: luggage compartment Do not place any objects on the luggage compartment roller cover, as this may

damage the cover or the convertible top.<

Loading aid When the convertible top is closed, you can load the vehicle more easily by releasing the convert- ible top and folding it up. 1. Release the convertible top using the han-

Through-loading system To be able to transport larger objects, the rear backrest can be folded down. 1.

If necessary, use the integrated key and open the backrest lock 1.

dles, see arrows 1.

2. Press button 2 and fold down backrest

together with the belt strap.

2. Lift the convertible top, see arrow 2. 3. Fold back the handles and place them on

holders 3.

Expanding the luggage compartment volume You can enlarge the luggage compartment vol- ume when the convertible top is closed. 1. Fold the convertible top upwards, refer to

Loading aid.

3. Fold the backrest forward.

When folding the backrest back into its original position, always ensure that the catch engages securely. A loose backrest might fail to prevent cargo from entering the passen- ger compartment during sudden braking or eva- sive maneuvers, posing a potential hazard to occupants. The belt guide loop, refer to page 38, must be closed.<

Determining cargo limit

2. Pull luggage compartment roller cover rear-

ward out of the lower brackets and pivot upward, see arrows 1,

3. Push cover into the upper storage areas, see

arrows 2 and place down horizontally.

To operate the convertible top, move the cargo bay cover back to its lower posi-

tion.<

1. Locate the following statement on your

vehicle's placard*:

The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed

XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, the vehicle may be damaged and unstable driving con- ditions may result.<

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2. Determine the combined weight of the

driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY pounds.

4. The resulting figure equals the available

amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the XXX amount equals 1,400 lbs and there will be four 150 lbs pas- sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail- able cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs: 1,400 lbs minus 750 lbs = 650 lbs.

5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of the load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult the manual for transporting a trailer to determine how this may reduce the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

6.

Load

> For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is not occupied, secure each safety belt in the respective opposite buckle.

> Do not stack higher than the top edge of the

backrests.

MINI

MINI Convertible

Securing cargo

The permissible load is the sum of the occu- pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The greater the weight of the occupants, the less cargo/luggage can be transported.

Stowing cargo > Position heavy objects as low and as far for- ward as possible, ideally directly behind the rear seat backrests.

> Cover sharp edges and corners.

> Secure smaller and lighter items using

retaining or draw straps*.

> Heavy-duty cargo straps* for securing larger

and heavier objects are available at your MINI dealer. Four lashing eyes are provided for attaching the cargo straps. Two of them are located on the forward wall of the cargo bay. Comply with the information enclosed with the load-securing devices.

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Always position and secure the cargo as described above, so that it cannot endan- ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden braking or swerves are necessary. Do not exceed the approved gross weight and axle loads, page 157; otherwise, the vehicle's operating safety is no longer assured and the vehicle will not be in compliance with the certifi- cation regulations. Heavy or hard objects should not be carried loose inside the car, since they could be thrown around, for example as a result of heavy braking, sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu- pants. Do not secure cargo using the fastening points for the tether strap, page 42; they may become damaged.<

You can find the applicable data under Weights on page 157. The roof load must be distributed uniformly and should not be too large in area. Heavy items should always be placed at the bottom. When loading, make sure that there is sufficient space for the movement of the glass sunroof and that no objects protrude into the swiveling area of the liftgate; otherwise, damage can occur. Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off during the trip. Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking maneuvers, and take corners gently.

MINI: Roof-mounted luggage rack* A special rack system is available as an option for your MINI. Your MINI dealer will be glad to advise you. Comply with the installation instruc- tions supplied with the rack system.

Rear luggage rack* A specially designed rear luggage rack is avail- able for your MINI Convertible as optional acces- sory. Please read the in information provided in the assembly instructions.

Mounting points

Mounting points

Remove the cover panel.

Loading roof-mounted luggage rack Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on vehicle handling and steering response. You should therefore always remember not to exceed the approved roof load capacity, the approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads when loading the rack.

The mounting points can be found under the covers inside the bumper. Push out the covers from the respective recesses.

Loading the rear luggage rack When loading the rack, please ensure not to exceed the permissible roof load, the permissi- ble gross vehicle weight, and the axle weight. You can find the applicable data under Weights on page 157.

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When you reach your desired traveling speed, shift to the highest suitable gear and drive at constant speed. As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers fuel consumption and reduces wear.

Coasting When approaching a red traffic light, take your foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a halt in the highest suitable gear. On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast in a suitable gear. Fuel supply is shut off automatically when the vehicle is coasting.

Switch off the engine during lengthy stops Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in traffic jams.

Have the vehicle serviced Have your vehicle serviced regularly to achieve good economy and a long vehicle life. The man- ufacturer of your MINI recommends having the vehicle serviced by a MINI dealer. Also note the MINI Maintenance System, page 119.

Saving fuel Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif- ferent factors. The implementation of certain measures, your driving style and regular mainte- nance can have an influence on fuel consump- tion and on the environmental impact.

Remove unnecessary cargo Additional weight increases fuel consumption.

Remove attached parts no longer in use Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof- or rear-mounted luggage racks whenever you are not using them. Attached parts on the vehicle affect its aerody- namics and increase fuel consumption.

Check tire inflation pressure regularly Check and, if necessary, correct tire inflation pressure at least twice a month and before start- ing on a long trip. Low inflation pressure increases rolling resis- tance and thus leads to greater fuel consump- tion and tire wear.

Drive off immediately Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right away, but at moderate engine speeds. This is the fastest way for the cold engine to reach its oper- ating temperature.

Think ahead while driving Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle driving ahead. Driving smoothly and anticipating impending traffic situations reduces fuel consumption.

Avoid high engine speeds Use first gear only for driving off. In second and higher gears, accelerate smoothly to a suitable engine and road speed. In doing so, avoid high engine speeds and shift up early.

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AT A GLANCE

CONTROLS

DRIVING TIPS

MOBILITY

MOBILITY

REFERENCE

g

Refueling

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 gas cap counterclockwise. 3. Place the gas 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 cap cannot be closed properly and fuel vapors can escape. A message will be displayed if the gas cap is loose or miss- ing.<

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Manually releasing the fuel filler flap In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can manually unlock the fuel filler flap: 1. Remove the cover from the left-hand side-

wall of the cargo bay.

MINI:

MINI Convertible:

2. Pull on the green knob with the fuel pump

symbol. The fuel filler flap is released.

By way of example, the illustration shows the sidewall of the cargo compartment in the MINI.

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.< 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 recov-

ery 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 gallons/50 liters, including the reserve capacity of 2.1 US gallons/8 liters.

Fuel specifications

Do not use leaded gasoline; otherwise, permanent damage to the catalytic con-

verter will result. Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel containing 85% ethanol, nor with FlexFuel. Otherwise, the engine and fuel supply system will be dam- aged.<

Required fuel

Super Premium gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended. However, you may also use gasoline with less AKI. The minimum AKI Rating is: > Cooper S, John Cooper Works: 89
> Cooper: 87
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat- ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds when starting at high outside temperatures. This has no effect on the engine life.

Do not use any gasoline below the speci- fied minimum fuel grade. Otherwise, the

engine could be damaged.<

Use high-quality brands Field experience has indicated significant differ- ences in fuel quality: volatility, composition, additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain- ing up to and including 10% ethanol or other oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by weight, that is, 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void the applicable warranties with respect to defects in materials or workmanship.

The use of poor-quality fuels may result in drivability, starting and stalling problems especially under certain environmental condi- tions such as high ambient temperature and high altitude. Should you encounter drivability problems which you suspect could be related to the fuel you are using, we recommend that you respond by switching to a recognized high-quality brand such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier Detergent Gasoline. Failure to comply with these recommendations may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<

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Wheels and tires

Tire inflation pressures

Checking the tire inflation pressure of the space-saver spare tire*

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 inflation pressure regularly and correct it, if necessary: 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 66,

or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, page 68.<

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A valve extension for checking the inflation pres- sure is located behind the bumper.

Inflation pressure specifications The tables below provide all the correct inflation pressures for the specified 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 > Load conditions > 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 driving comfort, adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation pres- sures listed on the following pages in the col- umns for traveling speeds up to a maximum of 100 mph or 160 km/h. These tire inflation pressures can also be found on the driver's side door post when the driver's door is open.

E

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 col- umns for traveling speeds 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, violations of the law could occur.

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MINI Cooper tire inflation pressures

Tire size

Pressure specifications in psi/kPa

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 psi/kilopascal with cold tires. Cold = ambient temperature

175/65 R 15 84 T M+S 175/65 R 15 84 H M+S 175/65 R 15 84 H 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 RSC 205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC 205/45 R 17 84 V RSC 205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC 205/40 R 18 82 W RSC

Emergency wheel: 115/ 70 R 15 90 M

33/230

33/230

38/260

38/260

60/420

60/420

60/420

60/420

More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 157.

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MINI Cooper S tire inflation pressures

Tire size

Pressure specifications in psi/kPa

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 psi/kilopascal with 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

205/45 R 17 84 V M+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

33/230

33/230

38/260

38/260

38/260

38/260

41/280

41/280

More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 157.

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MINI John Cooper Works tire inflation pressures

Tire size

Pressure specifications in psi/kPa

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 psi/kilopascal with 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

38/260

38/260

41/280

41/280

205/40 R 18 82 W RSC

41/280

41/280

44/300

44/300

More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 157.

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MINI Cooper Convertible tire inflation pressures

Tire size

Pressure specifications in psi/kPa

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 psi/kilopascal with 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 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 RSC 205/45 R 17 84 V RSC 205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC 205/40 R 18 82 W RSC

Emergency wheel: 115/ 70 R 15 90 M

35/240

35/240

38/260

38/260

60/420

60/420

60/420

60/420

More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 157.

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MINI Cooper S Convertible tire inflation pressures

Tire size

Pressure specifications in psi/kPa

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 psi/kilopascal with 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

205/45 R 17 84 V M+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

35/240

35/240

38/260

38/260

39/270

39/270

42/290

42/290

More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 157.

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MINI John Cooper Works Convertible tire inflation pressures

Tire size

Pressure specifications in psi/kPa

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 psi/kilopascal with 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

39/270

39/270

42/290

42/290

205/40 R 18 82 W RSC

42/290

42/290

45/310

45/310

More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 158.

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Tire coding Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire makes it easier to identify and choose the right tires.

225/45 R 17 91 V

Tire size 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, in front of the R on ZR tires

Speed code letter Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h

Tire Identification Number Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the US Department of Transportation. DOT code:

DOT xxxx xxx 0810

For instance: Manufacturer's code for tire make Tire size and tire design Tire age

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

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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 (1γ) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, how- ever, and may depart significantly 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 controlled conditions on specified government test sur- faces 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 traction tests, and does not include acceleration, corner- ing, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteris- tics.<

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 laboratory 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 sep- arately or in combination, 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 114.

M+S Winter and all-season tires. These have better winter properties than sum- mer tires.

XL Designation for specially reinforced tires.

Tire condition Inspect your tires regularly for tread wear, signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.

Tread depth The tread depth should not drop below 1/8 in/ 3 mm, although, for example, European legisla- tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of 1/16 in/1.6 mm. At tread 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 conditions. 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 depth is 1/16 in/1.6 mm.

Tire damage Due to low-profile tires, please note that wheels, tires and suspensions parts are more susceptible to road hazards and consequential damages. Unusual vibrations encountered during normal vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam- ple, be caused by driving 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 tire shop that works according to MINI repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel. If necessary, have the vehicle towed there. Otherwise, tire damage can be extremely dan- gerous for vehicle occupants and other road users.<

Tire age The manufacturing date of tires is contained in the tire coding: DOT ... 0810 means that the tire was manufac- tured in week 8 of 2010.

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Correct wheels and tires

The manufacturer of your MINI recom- mends 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 dimen- sions, variations in factors such as manufactur- ing tolerances can result in contact between tire and bodywork, ultimately leading to serious accidents. The manufacturer of your MINI can- not evaluate non-approved wheels and tires to determine if they are suited for use, and there- fore 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 combination for your vehicle. The correct combination of wheels and tires is also necessary to ensure reliable operation of various vehicle systems such as ABS and DSC. To maintain good handling and vehicle response, use only tires of a single brand and tread configuration. After a tire has been dam- aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi- nation again as soon as possible.

Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor TPM electronics When mounting new tires or changing over from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise, the Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect a puncture, refer to page 69. Your MINI dealer will be glad to advise you.

For various reasons, such as the development of brittleness, the manufacturer of your MINI rec- ommends tire replacement 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 in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can con- tinue to be used subject to certain restrictions, even if depressurized. For information on continuing to drive with a flat tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page 67.

New wheels and tires

Have new wheels and tires mounted only by your MINI dealer or a specialized tire shop that has specially trained personnel work- ing in accordance with the specifications of the MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam- age and related safety hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are balanced.<

Retreaded tires

The manufacturer of your MINI recom- mends that you avoid using retreaded tires, as this could impair driving safety. The causes for this include potentially different tire casing structures and often wide variations in tire age, which can result in a limited service life.<

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Recommended tire brands

For each tire size, the manufacturer of your MINI recommends certain tire brands. They are marked with a clearly visible MINI designation on the sidewall of the tire. When properly used, these tires meet the high- est standards in terms of safety and handling characteristics.

Run-flat tires* When mounting new tires or changing over from summer to winter tires and vice versa, mount run-flat tires for your own safety. Keep in mind that no space-saver spare tire is available in the event of a flat. Your MINI dealer will be glad to advise you.

Special characteristics of winter tires The manufacturer of MINI recommends the use of winter tires on snowy roads or if temperatures drop below 457/ +7 6. Although all-season M+S tires provide better winter traction than summer tires, they generally fail to provide the same levels of cold-weather performance as winter tires.

Pay attention to speed

Always comply with the speed limit for the winter tires mounted on your car; failure

to do so could result in tire damage and acci- dents.< If the car is capable of speeds higher than that permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the maximum permitted speed for the mounted tires must be displayed in your field of view. Spe- cialist tire dealers and your MINI dealer can sup- ply these labels.

Storage Always 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 sidewall of the tire.

Swapping wheels among the axles Depending on the individual use, front and rear tires may exhibit different wear and tear. In order to maintain an even wear and tear, the wheels may be rotated between the axles. Your MINI dealer will be glad to advise you. Always check the inflation pressure after the tire rotation, if necessary change the pressure.

Snow chains* Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI, classified as road-safe and recommended. Con- tact your MINI dealer for more details. Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front wheels with the following tires. > 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.

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 can be useful to briefly deactivate the DSC or activate the DTC, refer to page 65.<

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