I recently noticed the red plastic piece that is attached to the top of the tach. It almost looks like a red brake light cover. Does it do anything or is it just decoration?

 

It is for the factory alarm. It flashes when the system is armed.

 

IF you have an alarm. Otherwise it's just a red plastic thingy.

 

I agree. Only works if you have a factory alarm. This is one on a right hand drive mini:

 

Oh wow that is so cool makes me wish I got the alarm now, lol. Wonder if it would be easy to just make it flash when the car is locked??

 

I ordered my mini first, then I found this video. I seen that neat night rider type flash and called the dealer to add it to my order. The only bad thing is it flashes that neat pulse only for 15 minutes then it goes to just a blink every second.

 

If you got the alarm will the MINI beep when it is locked/unlocked? Just curious... : )

 

Yes

 

The most terrible high-pitched beep ever! It isn't the horn like in most cars... it is terribly annoying.

It is weird how if you don't have the factory alarm they still put that on the tachometer... I guess it makes you doubt yourself and get the alarm next time!

 

you can turn the beep on or off

 

I think it's pre-wired so that you can retro-fit the alarm if you ever want to. Could be wrong, though.

 

Yes from what I understand it can be added at the dealer.

 

Maybe get a generic after-market product, and use the thingy somehow?

 

I am aware, but thanks for the advice... I told the dealer to turn it on, as it is nice in most other vehicles, but I shut it off as soon as I got home on the Day of Delivery.

 

this correct

 

And it let's the criminals know which Mini's have alarms and which don't. Good job Mini, Thanks!

 

oh thats smart for mini. so if you dont have one, people will know from 80 ft away you dont have an alarm. F!