I've just about figured everything out in the cockpit of the R56. Except for red plastic (light?) that embedded in the top of the tachometer. I have never seen it light up, flash, blink, zap or strobe. Anybody know what it's for?

 

It's the pulse light for the MINI alarm!!

 

AH! Of course, that makes sense. I don't have the alarm, that's why I've never seen it. Thanks. Life can go on, now.

 

I plan to get an alarm one of these days...it's a great place for a blinkunlight!!

 

On the convertible, it is the left steering wheel stalk that got replaced to install the BMW system. It now has a red light at the end of the stalk.

 

I have the alarm (first one delivered/ordered from my dealership) and that light is pretty hilarious - makes it look like it's a homing device for an alien

 

It's the MINI's heartbeat.

 

Haha another potential...although I can't get my mind off the alien homing device and just picture it "beaming home"

 

At least it doesn't flash back and forth like KITT