My wife has a 2005 STD mini coupe. On the dashboard there is a thing that looks like, for lack of a better description, a purple nipple. It is at the center of the dashboard, just behind the vent. There is a ring about the size of a nickel with a button in the center of it about 1/4" diameter and 1/4" high. This button has a purple color to it. Can someone tell me what this is? I could not find anything about it in the manual. Thanks. Rob.

 

I have wondered what the heck it is too.

 

Would that be something to sense rain, light or an alarm?

 

The dealer told me that it is a sensor for the automatic ac controls. It seems that if you cover it in full sunshine the fan will change speed in minute or so.
Try it .If you don't have auto ac I don't think it does anything

 

Correct. Sunlight sensor for the auto AC.

 

well that's just nifty

 

Yes its a 'direct sunlight sensor'. When direct sunlight falls on the window the cabin it heats it up the auto climate control doesn't keep up. This sensor takes a few degrees off the auto setting to compensate.

 

Hmmm
I never knew that about that little nub. I forgot it was even there. I wonder how my tinted winshield is going to effect its function?

 

You've got a purple nurple! ! !

I've heard they hurt like a b***h !