New One owners need halp

[bargeemark]

Hi,

We've just got our first 2003 Mini One, mileage 140k

It has the rev counter but not the computer

Mini One Newby Questions

1. The car has no spare so we are assuming it should have run flat tyres. Looked for markings that may indicate so on the 3 makes of tyre on the car but no joy. BTW there is no can of puncture foam in boot, do we need one?

On the rear we have:
Falken 195/55R16 87V
Nokian NRVI 195/55R16 87V

On the front we have:
Marshal Matrac XM 195/55R16 87H

So are these run flat tyres?

2. All the tyres have approx 2-3mm left so will be needing more soon. I was hoping to find some part worn run flats bearing in mind we have no spare. Are these easy to come by and what would we expect to pay each for them? What alternative is there?

3. The service oil warning is at -9000 so well overdue. If we were to take it to somewhere like Kwik Fit would they have the know how or facilty to reset the warning?

4. If we did the oil change ourselves how do we reset the warning or is this a BMW thing only?

5. When the ignition key is at position 1 and the heater fan and radio/cd is off there is a low sounding continuous motor noise running. This also stays on in position 2 when some other motors/pump noises sound. Is this normal and what is the motor doing?

6. According to the handbook when we central lock the doors an alarm / immobilizer led should be flashing on the end of the wiper stalk. We do not appear to have this, no sign of where an led should be. Any ideas?

7. In the centre of the dashboard towards the glass is a slightly raised molding with an led looking device. What is this for, the handbook does not mention this? Is it the answer to question 6 perhaps? It does not flash when the car is locked. Perhaps part of the interior alarm sensor maybe?

8. Does this car have a cam belt or a chain?

9. If a belt how can I tell if it has been changed or rather if it has been changed already. The mileage is 140k so I'm guessing it may have been changed more than once hopefully. Is there a dedicated place where an indicator mark would be do let us know it's already been sorted and at what mileage?

10. This morning (1st new day of ownership) about 5 minutes after setting off there was a bong sound. No warning lights or indicators are shown. Why or what does this signify?

What else should I know about Mini One's apart from what fun they are?

thanks in advance

[mab01uk]

1. Runflats are marked RFT or similar, see here: LICHFIELD TYRE - How to Read Your Tyres
.......change to normal tyres when you can and retrofit a spacesaver spare kit.
http://www.mini2.com/forum/wheels-ty...are-wheel.html

2. Runflats = expensive and hard ride.

3. & 4. I think there is a guide if you search here on Mini2.

5. Power steering pump noise is normal.

6. No red LED means you have the engine imobiliser but not the optional alarm.
7. If you have climate control this is a solar sensor.
RealOEM.com BMW R50 One 1.6i Solar sensor

8. & 9. Chain so no cam belt to change.

10. Bong noise is normally warning you the temp is below 3 degrees to warn of ice on roads, outside temp display in rev counter will also flash.


Have fun driving your Mini!