+1 to that. I haven't seen a functional button there on any spec MINI.

 

That's the mystery button to open the secret compartment.

 

It is for a button to disable the Auto Start-Stop fuel saving feature, which is new for 2008 but not coming to the US.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/05/...ore-efficient/
http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/07/...-to-us-market/

Someone took this picture during the Netherlands R56 unveiling, and it has been mentioned in Clubman reviews.

 

Ohhh, makes sense! But what about prior to '08??? Perhaps MINI planned to implement the auto start/stop system upon designing the R56, but couldn't release it in time for the '07 model year, hence the 'dead' button?

Almost enough to make me want that dreaded system to come here after all. Especially since it can be easily deactivated. I'm still quite curious to see how much gas it actually saves though... And what about the A/C compressor?

 

I have the Advanced Dynamics on my new MCS which i collected a fortnight ago. Its now standard on all UK spec MINI's and most BMWs now here.

The system is amazing! You pull up, put the handbrake on and select neutral, then the engine goes off. Your a/c, nav and lights etc all carry on as usual.

As soon as you dip the clutch to select a gear to pull away, the engine restarts and away you go. Also in this package - under acceleration the engine disconnects the alternator, thus making the 08 MCS faster too!

In the UK, our car tax is calculated by emissions, the new 08 spec MCS is now £25 a year cheaper to tax as well as being more economical

 

My 07 does not have that button on the console. They must have added it during the production year.

 

I believe it is an '08 model year feature, but in any case US spec cars won't have it.

 

when you push the button it takes your wallet out of your back pocket and takes twenty bucks

 

LOL!! Now that sounds more like it!!

I have that empty center button also, July ordered car.