When I start my Mini Cooper S the speedo trip display has a red service light and displays 11/2012. I had a service just a few months ago so not sure what this is about?
Toggle through the menu with the button on the end of the turn signal. You will see several windows with dates or mileage & pictures on a lift, rear brakes, front brakes, inspection etc. Yellow usually means it's coming up and red means it's time.
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Red service light and date normal on startup? 
