Each time my wife starts her engine (r56 cooper s) she gets a warning bong and a picture on her screen indicating a bulb is out. We know that's it's referring to the passenger side indicators because when you flick the indicators to go left, it does a double quick indication as if to show it has a bulb out but after a couple of quick clicks, it settles to finish off the three indicators as normal. The car will then be fine for the entire journey with the indicators working fine.

When you stop the engine and start it back up again, the message comes up again and only a left indicator flick will get rid again.

Any ideas? Clearly the bulb works but not straight away? Been doing this for 10 months now ! :puzzled:

Maybe try and reseat or even replace the bulb, even if it is "working"

If that doesn't help then maybe get your ECU reset.

Thanks bluebeasty. I've just been out to the car and with the wife starting the car and with me outside checking the bulbs, we've discovered the all three bulbs on the near side equally flash quick twice then settle to two more flashes.

Doesn't help me decide what bulb to change!

When you say an ECU reset. Is this a dealer thing? If so, I can see that costing upwards of £60? Can an independent do this? Is is special equipment required?

In my very limited knowledge i think you can reset the ECU by simply taking the terminal off the battery for a few minutes.
I think there's also something you should do to reset the ECU to your driving style - take it for a quick spin at your usual speed and style after you've put the battery wires back on.
Some people say you can it via the dash and reset button but i think that just resets your instrument panel.
I would also note down how long till service etc.. just in case.
Hope this helps.