Exclamation Mark

[fireresq7]

Hello everyone

I am recently the proud owner of a 2003 Mini Cooper S. Now after two days of having the car I noticed a light with an exclamation mark turned on and nothing really happened to my car. But I did notice that there is also a button with the same symbol under my E-brake. So naturally I went to check my manual but then realized that the car didn't have one (bought it used). But before amking an appointment with BMW I wanted to see if anyone knows what this is first.

Any clues?

~Rory

[ALD0]

Is it the Run flat indicator for the Tyres?

[fireresq7]

I don't know... I don't have the manual...it's just an exclamation mark. And I think my tire is fine! I just drove home.

~Rory

EDIT: Hmm that's strange...I just started my car and held down the button under the E-Brake and then the light stopped flashing, then I press it down and held it again, then it just disappeared.

Weird?

[tnoy66]

Does it look like this with a wiggly line underneath (how else can I describe it )
( ! )
~~~

If so, it is the run-flat indicator.

Your tyres may look fine, that's because they are (most probably) run-flats, the side walls keep the tyre looking normal. Check your tyre pressures when the tyres are cold and you may find one is lower than the rest.

Once all your pressures are correct, before the next time you drive, start the engine and press the button under your e-brake for a few seconds. Once the light has turned on again, you can then start driving. The system re-calibrates itself when you start driving again.

If the pressure drops again the light will come back on in future.

[fireresq7]

Thanks tnoy66

Yes it does look like this
( ! )
~~~

So, that means they'll never look flat? If so does this mean I have a flat tire or just low pressure? Because I really didn't notice anything from looking.

Oh and the light is off now, does that mean the problem is gone or does it mean I reseted the system without fixing the problem, and the light will turn on again?

~Rory

[MINImeat]

You recalibrated the system to whatever pressures your tires are now.
The light will come on if the pressures vary from what they were when you reset the system.
Check all of your tyre pressures and correct them if they're not low enough to make you think you have a leak, then reset the system.
Careful, be sure you don't have a nail or cut in a tire....

[fireresq7]

ok so how do I reset the systemn to a new set of numbers when I increase the pressure?

~Rory

[MrV]

fireresq7:

I would imagine (without looking at a manual) that you increase the pressure in your tieres, and then push the reset switch again.

By the way, you can download a 2003 manual here:

From Motoringfile

[MINIAC]

Intializing the Flat Tire Monitor System ...

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showpost....36&postcount=2

[fireresq7]

Wow thanks for the help guys! You have no clue how much I appreciate this.

From reading the manual though it doesn't really tell me how I can tell if I have run flats or not. I don't know if it's s tupid question, but is there anyway to be sure my car came with run flats?

~Rory

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by fireresq7

.. but is there anyway to be sure my car came with run flats?

The OEM 16" and 17" run flat tires are listed in the FAQs ...

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...factory_wheels

[MINImeat]

they also say "run flat" on the sidewall....

[Eelke]

Additionally, whether or not you have runflats doesn't make much of a difference for anything that has been said here. Apart, obviously, from the fact you would be able to notice a flat tire much more easily. The flat-tire indicator system works exactly the same for regular tires. It's just not as essential, then.

[MINImeat]

Coincidentally, I just got reacquainted with the tire pressure monitoring system on my way home yesterday.
The light started flashing, I checked the tire pressures, and found I have a slow leak in one.
I haven't found the nail/screw/metal yet, so I'll take it to the tire shop today and let them find it. Hopefully, it can be repaired. I've had one run-flat fixed already.
After re-inflating the tire you turn the car off, put the key in position 2, hold the button under the e-brake till the light comes on, and drive till the system resets.
I've never had an actual flat with my run-flats, and that keeps me considering non run-flats.

[fireresq7]

Yeah thanks guys I found out that they are indeed run flats (by looking on the wall of the tire) Now I noticed after a day of two that the Passenger front tire keeps leaking air (slowly) and I figure it has to be changed. So do I need to take it to a special tire place that deals with run flats or can I take it to any mechanic shop and let them plug the whole like a normal tire (assuming that there is a hole to plug)

~Rory