On my Cooper's rev counter I've noticed that not all of the lights in the redline zone are lit. They are only lit up between 6800 revs and the max. When I looked in the gallery to see if this was out of the ordinary I see that the redline extends all the way up to 5500.
Which is correct?
or are they both correct? Does the MINI work out where the redline should extend to or am I crediting it with too much intelligence?
Indie Blue Cooper, White Roof + 16" Alloys, Chili Pack, Leather Seats, Climate control, ASC-T, Alarm - My little baby
My Cooper is the same.
Is it possible that the rev counter on the ONE is different, and maybe that is what the photo is of, a ONE not a Cooper?
Just a thought, don't know for sure.
I can see your point of view, but I still think you are full of crap.
Could be a pre-production test car rev limit. I saw a sticker on the dash of a pre-production "S" in July last year (a guy at my local Canons health club must work for BMW/MINI. There was an all black, de-badged MINI with the bonnet scoops etc in the corner of the car park)saying "Do not rev over 6000 RPM".
I have 2 possible answers - choose the one you believe!
Answer no. 1
My MX-5 has something similar (I think) It's got dashed redlines up to a point then solid red after that - maybe its just a bit to say approaching the really red line!
Answer no. 2
I don't have a clue!
Red/white Cooper with Chilli, AC, ASC+T, Computer, Kenwood MP3, Alarm, 17" wheels, BLOODY BIG SMILE.
MINI ONE and COOPER both red line at 6500rpm or what ever it is, so there are less red lights than on the picture above. The auto has all the lights on (as per pic above), it is easier 2 blow up an auto, me thinks.
As far as the light go though, thats why there are two different variations.
Both dealers I have spoken to told me that the red line changes according to a number of factors, including the current total mileage on the engine, condition of the oil (presumably based on time to next service) and most importantly current engine temperature.
I might be imagining it, but I thought that on the first test-drive I took the red line changed from being quite low RPM at the start rising by about 1,000 RPM at the end, once the engine was fully warmed up.
Note that the red line is there for a reason, over and above the rev limiter that should be built into the car's engine management software. Wear and tear on an engine is negligible once run in and warmed up until you start getting slose to the red line. I'd avoid running an engine for prolonged periods beyond 1,000 RPM from the red line, and never redline it for more than a fraction of a second - it's time to change gear.
Of course I break this rule on a daily basis with my Mini Cooper, but then the engine's been rebuilt to a specification where I know the bottom end can handle more than the 6,000 RPM it gets pushed to - everything balanced and uprated. No point in going over 6,000 RPM as the head's not capable of giving me any more power at higher revs. I deal with the wear and tear issue by changing oil every 3-4,000 (Rover recommends 12,000? For an A-series?? You must be joking), and the car gets retired this summer anyway. There is a downside (other than the cost to have the engine completely rebuilt) - at high revs, the oil pressure is enough to spray out of any weak or failing seal. Will I treat the new one like that? No chance.
Ordered my "S" August '01. Arrived July '02. EB with white roof, wheels and stripes, Chili pack, DSC and climate control. Hate those 17" runflats though.
Can now be seen all over the West Midlands, as a blue blur passing everything at speed
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Rev counter lights... 
The Answer! 
