51 16... Calibrating the compass on the inside mirror

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 MINI Cooper, 2018 MINI Cooper, 2017 MINI Cooper, 2016 MINI Cooper, and 2015 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: It may be necessary to alter the magnetic deflection zone if the vehicle is more than two ranges away from the set deflection zone. It may be necessary to calibrate the compass if:

"C" appears in compass display
there is no compass display
not all compass directions are displayed correctly

Different time-based adjustment menus can be obtained by means of the control button:

0 to 3 seconds: Display ON/OFF
3 to 6 seconds: Adjustment of the magnetic field zones (0 - 15)
6 to 9 seconds: Calibration (C)
9 to 12 seconds: RHD or left-hand drive vehicles (R or L)
12 to 15 seconds: English or German (E or O)

Fig 1: Pressing Control Button On Inside Mirror With Suitable Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Adjusting magnetic field zone:

Press and hold down control button (A) on inside mirror (2) with a suitable tool (1) for 3 - 6 seconds.

The currently set magnetic field zone is shown in the compass display (B) (default setting "8" for Central Europe).

Release control button (A) briefly and select magnetic field zone (1-15) by pressing control button (A) again.

Release setting button (A) when the desired magnetic field zone is selected.

The selection menu is automatically exited after approx. 5 seconds.

The compass must be recalibrated after the magnetic field zone has been changed.

Setting RHD or left-hand drive vehicle:

Press and hold down control button (A) on inside mirror (2) for 9 12 seconds.

The currently set vehicle type is shown in the compass display (B) (default setting "L" for left-hand drive vehicle).

Release setting button (A) briefly and select vehicle ("L" or "R") by pressing setting button (A) again.

Release setting button (A) when the desired vehicle type is selected.

The selection menu is automatically exited after approx. 5 seconds.

The compass must be recalibrated after the right/left hand drive vehicle setting is made.

Setting language of compass display:

Press and hold down control button (A) on inside mirror (2) for 12 - 15 seconds.

The currently adjusted language is shown in the compass display (B) (pre-adjustment "E" for English).

Release setting button (A) briefly and select language (E for English or O for German) by pressing setting button (A) again.

Release setting button (A) when the desired language is selected.

The selection menu is automatically exited after approx. 5 seconds.

Calibrating compass:

Press and hold down setting button (A) on inside mirror (2) for 6 9 seconds.

Release setting button (A) as soon as "C" is shown in the compass display (B).

Drive vehicle 2 to -3 times in a full circle at approx. 7-10 km/h.

The circle must be at least twice the vehicle's turning circle.

Calibration is complete as soon as a valid direction is displayed.