I have a 06 R53 and when it gets cold around 32 degrees F or so. My tach gauge will show the temps are starting making a chiming sound before it goes away. Does anyone else have this warning sound? Is this normal?

 

Yes it is normal. At 37 degrees it sets off a warning, so you know it is cold outside, and there may be ice.
It will also flash 37 on the little screen in the tach.

 

yes, that is normal--- it's a warning of freezing coditions

 

Lol...
There are 4 or 5 threads like this every fall/winter....
You might consider reading a manual... Lots of great info in it.

 

Many new cars do this, my gf'd Jetta does as well.

 

My temp guage just flashes for a few seconds. No beeps. Must have been a new add after '05, or it was disconnected by the first owner.

 

Not widely known by even the most seasoned MINI-enthusiasts, is the fact that the chime actually signals that the built in espresso machine has reached full steam and is ready to pull a perfect shot of coffee goodness. It activates automatically when the temperature falls below 32.

I'll let you have the pleasure of discovering the rest of the exact location and functionality yourself. Cheers!

 

Sweet, milk foamer option for us latte fans!

 

You laugh, but it is true...

Go out and grab one of your heater vent trim rings next to the center speedo.
Give it a twist to either the left or right (which ever way it turns, but be kinda gentle)
Once the ring is turned you can pull that vent out.
The hole is big enough to hold a small water bottle, so take a half full bottle of water and insert.
Drive to work with your heater on HIGH.
When you get there you have hot water to add instant coffee mix to...

 

Hmm, didn't know it was that easy. Now I know where my air/fuel gauge is going.

 

Ha! I got told to RTFM when I wondered about that!