MINI One D
Published: 1st June 2003
Giving the hard shoulder the cold shoulder: MINI is the first
car in itssegment to offer run flat tyres and a tyre pressure indicator.
These tyres have reinforced side walls and are made from heat-resistant rubber. Functions such as ABS, ASC+T or DSC are not affected if pressure is lost and the driver can therefore continue the journey for up to 80 miles at speeds of up to 50 mph. Even if fully deflated, the tyres can safely run at 30 mph. Run flat tyres are only available on 16 inch wheels and therefore an option on MINI One and MINI One D and MINI Cooper. They are standard on MINI Cooper S. Tyre pressure indicator is standard on all models.
Approximately 80 per cent of all blow-outs can be detected before the tyre bursts, therefore the tyre pressure warning system is an invaluable safety feature, allowing the driver to react to any loss of tyre pressure well before it becomes a danger.
Run flat technology works on the following principle: if there is a loss of air pressure, the rolling radius of the tyre is reduced. As a result, the speed at which this wheel rotates increases. The system measures the number of times the wheel turns via the sensors in the ABS system, carries out a comparison with the diagonally opposite wheel and compares the average speeds. A light then comes on in the speedometer display to tell the driver that the pressure is falling in one of the tyres.
Comprehensive virtual and real crash tests were carried out to BMW Group exhaustive standards. Impressive impact characteristics are the result of the transverse engine alignment and engineering the front axle to absorb energy from the floorpan. Energy-absorbing zones also prevent footwell intrusion.
Bags of safety: All MINIs come with front and side airbags for driver and front passenger as standard.
An optional head airbag system that extends back from the A- to the C-pillar is also available. All airbags are controlled by a network of crash sensors, ensuring optimum use of the airbags in any specific situation.
The front airbags interact with the seat belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters and inflate according to the severity of an accident, keeping the maximum strain and the risk of injury to a minimum. The head airbag protection system (AHPS = Advanced Head Protection System), when specified, is housed within the roof lining along the side. In the event of a collision the airbag inflates from the A-pillar back to the C-pillar. The tubular structure protects the head effectively from crash forces and objects intruding from the side.
A further standard safety feature is the Safety Battery Terminal Clamp (SBC).
The SBC interrupts the flow of electricity between the starter and the battery in a severe impact, reducing the risk of fire.
These tyres have reinforced side walls and are made from heat-resistant rubber. Functions such as ABS, ASC+T or DSC are not affected if pressure is lost and the driver can therefore continue the journey for up to 80 miles at speeds of up to 50 mph. Even if fully deflated, the tyres can safely run at 30 mph. Run flat tyres are only available on 16 inch wheels and therefore an option on MINI One and MINI One D and MINI Cooper. They are standard on MINI Cooper S. Tyre pressure indicator is standard on all models.
Approximately 80 per cent of all blow-outs can be detected before the tyre bursts, therefore the tyre pressure warning system is an invaluable safety feature, allowing the driver to react to any loss of tyre pressure well before it becomes a danger.
Run flat technology works on the following principle: if there is a loss of air pressure, the rolling radius of the tyre is reduced. As a result, the speed at which this wheel rotates increases. The system measures the number of times the wheel turns via the sensors in the ABS system, carries out a comparison with the diagonally opposite wheel and compares the average speeds. A light then comes on in the speedometer display to tell the driver that the pressure is falling in one of the tyres.
Occupant Safety
This not only benefits driving dynamics and internal acoustics, but also occupant safety. Under impact, energy can be absorbed and directed away from the occupants, whilst the body also remains very rigid maintaining its qualities as an effective passenger protection shell.Comprehensive virtual and real crash tests were carried out to BMW Group exhaustive standards. Impressive impact characteristics are the result of the transverse engine alignment and engineering the front axle to absorb energy from the floorpan. Energy-absorbing zones also prevent footwell intrusion.
Bags of safety: All MINIs come with front and side airbags for driver and front passenger as standard.
An optional head airbag system that extends back from the A- to the C-pillar is also available. All airbags are controlled by a network of crash sensors, ensuring optimum use of the airbags in any specific situation.
The front airbags interact with the seat belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters and inflate according to the severity of an accident, keeping the maximum strain and the risk of injury to a minimum. The head airbag protection system (AHPS = Advanced Head Protection System), when specified, is housed within the roof lining along the side. In the event of a collision the airbag inflates from the A-pillar back to the C-pillar. The tubular structure protects the head effectively from crash forces and objects intruding from the side.
A further standard safety feature is the Safety Battery Terminal Clamp (SBC).
The SBC interrupts the flow of electricity between the starter and the battery in a severe impact, reducing the risk of fire.
