What's on top of the tachometer?
 

I just noticed this after more than a month with my new MINI: There's what appears to be a red reflector on the top outside of the tachometer housing. I don't think it's a light because it doesn't illuminate. Does it serve any purpose or is it just for decoration?

My MA told me it flashes for those with the Alarm System installed.

Bingo...
 

Have it on the 2010 MCC S I bought used. Very obvious when the alarm is on.

Ah ok. Makes sense cuz I don't have an alarm.

Isn't that also where the light sensor is located that dims the dash lights in shaded areas or evening and makes them brighter in direct sunlight?

Under the mirror. BMW always put it there (acts as the sensor for the remore as well).

Don't think so...It is in the tach just to the right of the digital display.

^^ Yep. It's somewhere on the tach. I can put my hand over the tach and see the dash lights dim.

About the dimming dash lights feature. Is that only in later models or did 2007's have that as well?

Red lense is for the factory alarm system, Gas gauge dimmer is in the middle of the dash and looks like a little hump.

You're right, the auto dimmer is the hump on the middle of the dash. I tried it when I was out running an errand. Sorry to confuse this feature with the tach question.