On my R56 I noticed that between the sport and DSC buttons there's a spot where a button is supposed to go, what "was" supposed to go there? Also next to the rear defroster there's one. Initially I thought one was for a heated windshield like they have in European cars, but maybe just maybe the other was for an intercooler sprayer (wishfull thinking on my part ) So what do you guys think?

 

That button was for the oscillation overthruster.

 

On my R53, that is for the Spike strip/Oil slick deployment!

 

I just ordered my R56 last weekend, and they did try to sell me the rear window defrost. Perhaps that button is to control that?

 

It's the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Button

When the car feels particularly excited and appreciated, it starts signaling messages through the button - Press Me!! Push Me!! When finally pressed...well, if you read the book you know, if you didn't I can't spoil the story. Try it!

 

The button is to flush the toilet.


Nobody on MINI2 seems to know either. Someone in the UK said his dealer told him it was for a function unavailable in the UK. However someone took this picture at the R56 unveiling in the Netherlands. There is speculation it is airbag deactivation, or traction deactivation independent of ASC, but nobody really knows for sure.

 

it's the button for the ejector seat function

 

...vaporizing Dodge Ram pickup trucks behind you tailgating or Hummers On a serious note though I'd love to see the one between the sport and DSC with letters that say "IS" (Intercooler Spray) and have it light up and be fully automatic just like the EVO's.

 

it's for a new option (not available in Europe or the US as far as I know, don't know where you cán get it) which has to do with the environment.
With the button "on", the car will automatically shut down when in first gear and stepping on the clutch (for a trafficlight). When releasing the clutch, the car will automatically start again so you can drive off...

some guy on the dutch mini-forum figured it out, as it is also an option on the new bmw 1-series

 

Fascinating...first I've seen of this! Seems a mystery solved.

 

Could you clue me in? What is the button for?

 

See above

 

And in the U.S......nothing!!! We need stickers!!!!!

 

I look at it as a free option to add what ever we like.

 

The mini might get the automatic engine swhich off when you but the car in neutral and lift the clutch in 2008.

 

The missing left-most button under the auto-AC's mini-wings-controls is for the heated windshield, which is available to Canadians but not us.