i have a 06 hatchback, but ive seen cabrio rear bumpers have 4 plugs running across them, just out of curiosity, can anyone give me insight as to what they do/ are for? thanks, tyler

 

I think all the cabrios have proximity sensors in the rear bumper to warn when you are about to back into something. This is very useful information, rearward vision is very limited in these cars...

 

hmm that would make sense, i was trying to think of why it would be cabriospecific

 

It isn't. Non-cabrio's can have this option as well (has to be ordered from factory as it takes quite a bit of wiring.) I don't think it's even been standard on cabrios either, just a popular option to add.

 

It was standard on all cabrios untill they did the refresh, then it bacame an option.

 

1st Gen Cabrios have very visibility out back other then between the rool bars.
They fixed this in the 2nd Gen with "auto-up" roll bars.
They stay down and "kinda" out of the way till the MINI reaches a certain tip angle and they pop up into place..

Hence the back-up sensors standard on the 1st Gen Cabrios..

 

Well then, learn something new everyday.

 

Yep. Reward visibility is not very good on the 1st gen. I always have a good look around before getting in the car and then use all three mirros and turn my head a lot when backing up. And even then, it's always a cautious affair.

The 2nd gen is better but not by a whole lot. Hence, the option is still popular.

 

Ordered my 2012 cabrio last month and got it with the park assist sensors. Visibility is still an issue with or without the top being up. It is an option...$500. Well worth it in my opinion as it beats backing up into something, or worst yet, into someone.