there is an optional alarm. If the owner does not want the alarm system installed they can still have the alarm selection set to "active." This causes the turn signals to flash when the car is locked/unlocked and the red alarm light under the mirror (also called the clown nose) to continuously flash once the car is locked. Has anyone done this to their Mini...is it possible? I have heard that some BMW dealers say that the alarm cannot be activated (on the E46) unless the alarm system is installed. I know this is incorrect. I hope the Mini is the same way and would assume that it is since the E46 and the Mini have a lot in common electronically.

 

Supposedly, the light on the turn signal stalk flashes whether or not you have the OEM alarm. Of course, you need to have the stalk with the light, which is available at your dealer for somewhere around 100 bucks. Just make sure you get the stalk with the auto-headlights position, if you've got that option.

 

I can confirm that the 'clown nose' lights up whether the alarm is activated or not.

 

or unlocked...like flashing lights?

 

When the OEM alarm is installed the red light on the light stalk (Jan2005 and later cars) blinks or on the washer stalk (2002-Dec2004).

 

even if you don't have the alarm OR the stalk the marker lights, tail-lights and turn signals will all flash on lock and twice on unlock.

 

i just installed the factory alarm in my 06 MCS.

the alarm light blinks when the car is locked.