So I've figured out that the missing toggle next to the passenger window is for a rear fog light but what does the little blank in the auto AC next to the front defrost do?

Is it supposed to do anything or is it just there because it looks better than having only one button on the left but two on the right?


This pic is from a R60 but it's exactly the same as all other current MINIs.



I also wanted confirmation that the missing button between the sport and DSC buttons would be to disable the auto start/stop on euro models.

 

this is correct, the stop start button is in the middle

 

You mean you don't have the time warp button?

 

The button missing near the auto climate is the front windshield defogger/de icer. We don't get that option here.

 

Come on guys, MINIs are about youification and the middle button allows for the most expensive option yet. It's the submarine mode al la Austin powers MINI.

 

When I picked up my car, the salesman told me that the blank button by the climate controls is there because there is a button on the other side. Actually, he said it was because "Germans are crazy and had to make it symmetrical"

 

Well, there is a grain of truth to that.

 

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It's Top Secret: The function of this button is so secret that it can't even be labeled! Use with extreme caution!

 

Wait....isn't the front windshield defroster the one on the other side? Next to the a/c button? Is that only on US models? Does everyone else get two different defrosters? Are we getting the shaft here?

 

I have a British-spec Roadster with the optional heated front screen and, yes, far left is where the button goes.

We've just started getting frosty mornings and, man, is it quick to de-ice the screen. I still scrape the front screen manually a bit, but if I do the rear window first, by the time I get to the front I can sometimes 'shoosh' off a whole icy skin which is so satisfying.

And no I don't have navigation as that can't be combined with a heated front screen. Que?

 

So that's something other than the hot air blowing out of the slim vent along the front of the windshield?

What more could you need? Does euro-spec get something for the front windshield like the rear window has?

 

Here we go. I was able to find this old post explaining it. Thanks for the replies!! I will now be able to sleep tonight!




The heated windscreen is a brilliant feature and I've had it on both my MINIs. In the UK it's the far left button of the row of four black buttons. It works with heating elements in the windscreen that are visible but seem to be more visible when they are heated. Normally you don't really notice the elements when driving along, only at night when another cars headlight picks them up - not distracting in anyway though.

Brilliant for melting the ice off the windscreen while you neighbours are out in the cold scraping it off.

 

Plus the electrically-heated front screen is just superb at demisting - as I have a Roadster, there is very little cabin volume and if you get in with wet top clothes, the cabin can mist up quite easily. The heated screen demists in maybe two seconds, literally - it may be the same technology as the rear screen heater, but it's much quicker.

 

:( I want one.......

 

You won't want to have it if you ever have to replace your windshield... An 'aftermarket' windshield (not Mini brand), cost around $750 up here in Canada, plus installation - but it is a nice option to have!

 

Too bad we can't get that in the US. Would help here in New Hampshire. With snow tires, the Mini is pretty good in the snow...

 

If the stop-start button is down below on European market models, what button do they have where our stop-start button is? *scratches head*