I am planning to bring it into the shop of course, but wanted to get an idea whether or not this is an urgent or minor issue.

A warning light came on which looks like this (O) except the parentheses () are made up of dotted lines. There is no symbol in the center of the circle.

I have a 2003 MCS coupe with Nav, Premium, Sport. The exact warning does not match the ABS or Brake warning lights described in manual, but looks sort of similar.

If someone knows please let me know it's appreciated. I guess it could always be a malfunctioning warning light (there must be some irony there).

 

That is the brake pad wear sensor. It means that it is time to get new brake pads. Not urgent, but you need to get new brake pads in the near future.

 

And, now that the sensor light has come on, you will also have to replace the sensor. Need to determine whether it is front or rear.

 

Thanks folks, of interest I'm still waiting on a return call from the dealership, reason 20 why I prefer getting answers here.

I assume brake pads are not going to be covered under warranty.

And I wonder why this symbol is not in my owners manual...

 

If you are still under pre-paid maintenance then yes, brakes should be covered. However in my experience this has often been a place where the dealer/service department' true colors come out as they try to wiggle out of doing the work claiming you did something wrong.

If the dealer replaces 'em w/out batting an eye then I'd say give your dealer a brownie point. Some say the factory recommendation is to always replace rotors with pads ... so if the dealer goes whole hog and does both w/no charge, let me know, I may buy my next car there.

OR .......

If you need new pads anyway - ditch the factory pads and cut your dust WAY DOWN. There's a very good set of DIY instructions available on this site and a lower dust pad is easy to come by. Install is a snap if you have the tools - or check with your local fellow MINI folk..... I've installed a few sets in exchange for lunch....

I went to EBC greens .... which they (EBC) rate as a medium dusty pad - and the reduction in dust was dramatic.....