So as I have posted elsewhere, I have just purchased a 2012 Countryman S.
I am now learning a lot of things I should have learned before buying my first Mini. In addition, the used car dealer gave me a pristine user manual for a 2013 and a lot of things changed that year. Since then, I have downloaded a manual for 2012 and have learned a few things, such as how to enable the running lights etc.

But my current confusion is about how to enable the alarm system, if there is one on this car. Information from the dealer suggests there is, but I can't confirm it. I understand it is enabled by holding the hatch open tab down for a couple of seconds. I also understand that there are LEDs above the tach that indicate when the system is enabled. However, neither manual points to those LEDs.

So, two questions. (OK, three)

1. What is the orange thing on top of the tach in the image I am attaching?
2. If it is the alarm indicator why can't I seem to enable the alarm? What do I need to do?

Len
Astounded by all the compliments I get on this car and confused trying to understand the car. (I haven't managed to take the clock off of DST yet either.)



My Tach and its top

 

It is a passive system, armed when you lock the car. LED should flash at set intervals. The manual states all of this. If not then it is broken I assume?

 

All Minis with the center tac have the red light, whether it has an alarm or not. i think if you search this site there is a link where you can enter you VIN number and it will tell you what options are really on the car.

 

Thanks, Minnie and Soda,

The Vin info does not seem definitive. I guess I'll have to take it to an authorized dealer. Beginning to wish I had bought it from one.


BTW, If that red light is on all of the tachs, what is it for?


Len

 

It was cheaper to manufacture all the tachs with a red lens on top, rather than some with and some without. If the car has the alarm option, it starts to blink after locking the car. If the car doesn't have the alarm option, it doesn't light up or do anything else.

Which items did you find that don't match with your car?

 

Change the time with the radio. It'll change on your dash.

 

Thanks. Kind of like an appendix. I guess I'll have to find another way to find my car.


I'll have to look again.

Thanks for your response.

 

Thanks. I figured that out but I keep hitting wrong buttons. I am going to have to get new glasses and smaller thumbs.

 

Welcome to NAM, Len! Glad everyone was able to help you with your questions. Post up some exterior shots of your MINI for us when you can.

 

Here you go.






It's Mine!<br/>Photo taken by the dealer as I drove off with it.





On my test drive

 

Oh yes, I remember your other thread now. Very nice. Enjoy!

 

+1 and some people mod these to just flash when the car is locked, no real alarm system.