I was playing around with NCSExpert and found an option for Weatherband radio in the CHAMP module.
I have Connected without NAV, under the radio menu there was no selection for weatherband..

I changed the setting RADIO_WEATHERBAND from nicht_aktiv to aktiv.

I now have Weather as a menu item and was able to listen to NOAA weather...

I have no idea if this will work with other MINI models, I only have the CM to test with...

 

Amazing. OK, this access system is getting really interesting - how to totally screw up your own car via the computer...sounds like fun.