Changing tires – BMW 2004 Mini Convertible Cooper User Manual

Page 129

127

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 page

125

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.