A couple of simple questions (would be dumb but I'm a newbie)
 

I tried to find this info using the search function but it just turns up too many threads and the MINI site is no help either.

We recently got a chance to actually DRIVE a R56 MINI, had to resort to a used on (2008 with 4000 miles or so) at a Honda dealer because there was NOTHING to drive with a manual at the local MINI dealer. This car was very loaded (all packages and the NAV system) and fairly expensive so we were not really interested, but it got us exposed to the car, hence my questions.

Lots of posts have mentioned getting the rear fog light option, as it plugs the hole in the back (we're talking base Cooper here) and it also fills a toggle switch in the bank on the dash.

This car had the five slots but only two were filled, and did not have the fog light option.

1. So what functions does a fully filled toggle bank have? After the Fog light I couldn't figure out what else would go there.

2. This car had what I guess is the convenience package, with this strange key that plugged into the dash, and then a start button.

Is this how the key is on all MINI's (the R56) or something that comes specifically with the convenience package? Do you get a "start" button on a regular car with the package?

Thanks,

Analogeezer

You should have at least 3 toggles in the centre console, the toggles are:

left Window, fog, lock, fog, right window.

You should have at least 2 Windows and a lock. (I can never remember which fog is which.) Unless you're talking about the toggles on the ceiling.

Its not just the convenience package which has the strange key, they all do, and they all get the start button. The convenience package key doesn't need to be plugged into the dash, its wireless, you also have little square buttons on the door handles to lock/unlock.

That switch bank should have power windows (one for each side), rear fogs, door locks, front fogs. Sounds like that car didn't have front fogs, or power locking.

The upper bank on mine is missing one switch because I don't have a sunroof.

All R56 MINIs have a fob of similar shape. The Comfort Access has a standard battery and does not need to be placed in the slot. It only needs to be somewhere inside the car. So, it can be left in a purse or pocket. The standard fob has a rechargeable battery and must be put in the slot for the car to start. They all have a Start button.

Thanks guys, to clarify this one had three switches on the panel, for the locks and the windows, I could have sworn it had front fogs too, in any event it was missing at least one toggle which I knew was for the rear fog lamp.

I knew the comfort access included the special key, but I was not sure about the regular key. How do you "rechage" the battery in the standard model, by having it in the slot?

Analogeezer

Front fogs are standard not optional on '08, so your test drive would have been missing 1 switch if they didn't have the rear fogs.

ASC and DSC as well?? :confused:

ASC is standard on '08. DSC must be purchased in the Sport Package.

Ooops sorry. The fogs are STD on the '08 MCS. I don't know about the MC.

Optional on MC and rear has only a center location for one fog light.

Speaking of the upper switches - besides the sunroof; what else is up there??

I think it's reading lights for driver, passenger, mood light adjustment, dome light.

Not anymore DSC is standard now on 2009s

I knew the comfort access included the special key, but I was not sure about the regular key. How do you "rechage" the battery in the standard model, by having it in the slot?

Analogeezer[/quote]
The Key recharges in the slot so every six months or so you should switch keys to keep them both charged. Also the key has a chip that records the "info" about your Mini so when you go for service they pop the key in a reader.

For 08 DSC could be purchased as a separate option outside of the sport package (I did for Shawn), as noted its now standard for 09, but now they have "DTC" (whatever that may be) coming later this year.

I'm also pretty sure front fogs were only standard on MCSs, not MCs. Has Analogeezer said if this is an MC or an MCS?