MINI · Cooper SD · Bar

MINI Cooper SD bar chart (2.2-2.4 / 2.2-2.4)

Drivetrain: front-wheel drive
Body: passenger car
PSI F / R: 32-35 / 32-35
Bar F / R: 2.2-2.4 / 2.2-2.4

bar

2.31 / 2.31

32-35 / 32-35 psi · 231 / 231 kPa

32-35 psi F · 32-35 psi R · 2.2-2.4 / 2.2-2.4 bar · 231/231 kPa

European and UK handbooks usually quote bar. The MINI Cooper SD catalogue is 2.2-2.4 bar front and 2.2-2.4 bar rear (midpoint 2.31 / 2.31). Under-inflation cooks the shoulders of a Cooper SD; over-inflation wears the centre rib and bangs every cat’s eye.

Bar, PSI and kPa

Bar-led conversions around the MINI Cooper SD. 2.2-2.4 bar is not “32-35 divided by ten”.

Bar	PSI	kPa
2.07	30	207
2.21	32	221
2.28	33	228
2.31	33.5	231
2.41	35	241
2.48	36	248
2.62	38	262
2.76	40	276
3.03	44	303
3.45	50	345
4.14	60	414

MINI Cooper SD placard versus sidewall

If the MINI sticker is painted over, the handbook is next. This website is a map, not a replacement VIN label.

Estimated pressure by tyre size (185/65R15 and others)

185/65R15 is the first planning size here. 225/40R18 is usually the plus-size or LT step. Keep load index at or above original equipment.

Tyre size	Front PSI	Rear PSI	Front bar	Rear bar	Front kPa	Rear kPa	Note
185/65R15	33	33	2.28	2.28	228	228	Small / older car
215/55R16	34	35	2.34	2.41	234	241	Slightly wider 16-inch
225/40R18	36	36	2.48	2.48	248	248	Low-profile 18-inch
245/40R18	36	36	2.48	2.48	248	248	Wide touring 18-inch
225/45R17	35	35	2.41	2.41	241	241	Sport 17-inch
205/60R16	34	34	2.34	2.34	234	234	Taller 16-inch
205/55R16	34	34	2.34	2.34	234	234	Typical mid-compact OEM
195/65R15	34	34	2.34	2.34	234	234	Very common compact

Load notes

Load moves the rear of a passenger car first. If the factory placard already has a “laden” column, use that instead of these sketches.

Condition	Front (est.)	Rear (est.)
Driver only	34 psi / 2.34 bar	34 psi / 2.34 bar
Full occupancy	34 psi / 2.34 bar	35 psi / 2.41 bar
Motorway + luggage	35 psi / 2.41 bar	37 psi / 2.55 bar

How to set the Cooper SD

Measure before the school run, not after the M25.
Write LF / RF / RR / RL. Do not keep Cooper SD numbers in your head.
Add air in short bursts toward 34 psi (2.31 bar) front and 34 psi rear.
If one corner is 4 psi down, hunt for a nail before you blame the weather.
Log date, ambient temperature and the four readings.

Temperature drift

Roughly 1 psi per 5–6 °C. The table uses 34 psi as a 20 °C baseline for this Cooper SD.

Ambient	Gauge (front mid)	Bar	kPa	Note
−5 °C (hard frost)	31 psi	2.14 bar	214 kPa	Gauge reads low; do not overfill once warm
0 °C	32 psi	2.21 bar	221 kPa	Gauge reads low; do not overfill once warm
8 °C (UK winter morning)	33 psi	2.28 bar	228 kPa	Gauge reads low; do not overfill once warm
20 °C (set cold here)	34 psi	2.34 bar	234 kPa	Baseline
30 °C	36 psi	2.48 bar	248 kPa	Do not bleed a hot tyre
38 °C (heatwave tarmac)	37 psi	2.55 bar	255 kPa	Do not bleed a hot tyre

MINI notes

MINI run-flats ride harshly if you overshoot. Stay in the printed band on this Cooper SD.

Spare and inflator kit

A matching full-size spare on the MINI Cooper SD usually follows the higher axle (often the rear, near 32-35 psi). A space-saver is commonly 60 psi / 4.1 bar — read that tyre’s own sidewall. An inflator kit is not a spare; check the sealant date.

Keep the MINI Cooper SD on the printed band; use 185/65R15 and 225/40R18 only as a map for non-OEM wheels.

Other MINI models

Cooper S Cabrio Cooper S Cooper D Coupe Cooper D 1000 Cooper S Clubman Cooper Roadster Clubvan

Questions about this Cooper SD

Is the sidewall number correct on a MINI Cooper SD?

No. Sidewall PSI is a maximum. The Cooper SD placard is the operating target, near 32-35/32-35 psi.

What is that in bar and kPa for the Cooper SD?

Mid-points are about 2.31 bar (231 kPa) front and 2.31 bar (231 kPa) rear.

When does TPMS warn on a MINI Cooper SD?

Direct TPMS typically flags about 25% below placard — near 25 psi on this row. Fill to the sticker, not to the lamp.

Front versus rear on the MINI Cooper SD?

This row is 32-35 F / 32-35 R. Even when they match, a laden rear can justify a higher number if the sticker prints one.

How often should I check a Cooper SD?

Monthly, before a long trip, and after a 10 °C weather swing. Include a full-size spare.

Handbook: placard · bar vs PSI · front vs rear · cold inflation