On my 2006 'S' cabrio, I always get a single beep from the backup sensor system when shifting into reverse, even if there's nothing behind me. On my wife's MINI (another 2006 'S' cabrio), she doesn't get the single beep. The only reason for the difference I can think of is that when my car was delivered, I asked the SA to have the backup beeps set as loud as possible, while hers were left at default volume. So I'm thinking that the single "test" beep is a by-product of the dealer adjusting the beep volume.

Does the backup sensor in anyone else's MINI give a single beep when you shift into reverse?

 

My aunt's volvo SUV beeps once when you throw it into reverse, I think my friend's 3 series does as well. I am pretty sure it is just letting you know that your backup system is active...just a guess

 

I've heard that about other cars, particularly the BMWs. It doesn't seem to be the default for the MINI, though. Personally, I'm glad mine does it, because when the power steering pump cooling fan fails (which they all do, eventually), it also blows the fuse that powers the backup sensor system. If I hadn't noticed that I was no longer getting the "test beep", I'd have had no idea that the fan had failed.

 

The single beep is a separate option from the volume setting. It's described in the Owner's Manual. Look in the PDC section. I also have a 2006 cabrio and mine doesn't do the single beep, but only because I didn't ask for it (I believe off is the default).

 

Ah, that makes sense - thanks. I guess the tech that programmed my car took it on himself to activate the test beep when I asked him to set the volume to max. I missed it in the manual (although I haven't read it all the way through since I bought the car in 2006).