on the top of the rear seats....

 

That is the housing for the alarm's movement sensor. My '04 MCS has it but not my '02 Cooper.

 

It can also be used for air freshner...

 

oscillation overthruster?

 

It's the Headquarters of the Department of MINIland Security.

 

smoke detector?

 

uh,....which one is real?

 

Read my lips: "MINI Alarm Motion Sensor"

 

Do I have alarm in my car? How does it work? I looked every where on the manual and I just couldn't find the instruction on how to get it to work?

 

Its about a 500 dollar option - unless you ordered it, you dont.

 

i see...thanks

 

Will an aftermarket alarm make use of the sensor?

 

Not likely. I believe it is the place they would put the sensor should you get the OEM MINI alarm. I don't think they come pre-equipped, though supposedly the 03+ come pre wired so you can just plug in all the components. See http://motoringfile.com/howto/Alarm.PDF for installation details.

 

No, I'm pretty sure it's the nerve gas dispenser for those irritating back-seat drivers.

 

Wait a mintue, you mean it doesn't do anything unless you have an alarm ? I guess you learn something new every day about your mini.

So, if you are not using it then, and have no plans for an alarm, what else can you do with it? Back up storage for coins?

 

I like the airfreshner idea...that is a good place to but some! If you don't have an alarm that is.

 

Laugh it up monkey-boy....

 

The car is pre-wired for the alarm kit, which you can get for around $300 from Classic MINI and install it yourself (very easy to do). Then your local dealer has to activate it.

 

Cool!!!

Thanks for the info.
This is what I will probably do.

 

Im sorry, I am not one to jump in but you all have it wrong. That thing is where the little penguin lives that comes out to turn off the interior lights after the appropriate delay time has passed. In some models its a male penguin, and in the cars made prior to august 2004 they are female. If you get the Cooper upgrade at the dealer prior to taking delivery, you will get a male and female that will mate and make little tiny penguin light switcher offer kids.

 

Hmmm. Does the penguin quack with a British or American accent?

 

Yeah that's what I have. The kids love the tiny penguin!!! Get it...absolutely essential.

 

It really depends on the production dates.