For you DIY's there is a build it yourself alarm simulator kit available from www.electronickits.com for $12.95+shipping.The model # of the kit is VEMK126. It has its own remote led lamp that could be mounted in the lens above the Tachometer. It works on the principal of the slight change in voltage from when the car is running on the alternator versus the voltage from the battery when the car is not running. It comes on automatically when the car is off. So it only requires a constant- on voltage source. It is also adjustable in flash rate. This sounds like it was just made for the MINI.

 

Good find!

It's a kit and here is a pdf with the instructions to construct it.

A Bonus is that it would also serve as an Alternator Problem Warning Lite.

 

FWIW, I installed pretty much the same kit and the LED isn't bright enough to light up the factory lens. OEM uses three SM LEDs. Also, there isn't much room in there so I had to run the wire and LED up around the side and point it into the lens. You'll need to upgrade to a brighter LED or mount the LED in a more visible area if you want this to be effective.

 

I ordered the kit... I'll post pics when I get it installed.

 

Im no EE, but I looked at the specs for the IC chip (LM324) in that circuit. It has an output of 20ma. So I think it is very capable of driving brighter leds. Maybe someone can check into that. SM (surface mount) leds are much brighter than regular leds.