all these phone buttons, what purpose?
 

I just got a used'07 Cooper, love it of course. If you have similar with mobile phone base plate (in the center armrest) and phone capability, or even just have an opinion, I'd sure appreciate some feedback!

My theory is that the previous owner / dealer took replaced the original armrest (?) with a plain one with storage compartment only. At least, that would explain why I have all the following related items (?), but no phone hookup. I do have a fancy rooftop antenna (maybe just for Satellite Radio? which is inactive now), I have the little phone-icon button just below the radio display (which has no function now, no comment in the manuals), and on the 9 o'clock spoke of the steering wheel, a button with a talking-head icon and another little phone-icon button. There's also an affair on the ceiling up above the rear-view mirror with grilles on it, which has no apparent function.

The owners manual I got with the car (from a BMW dealer, not a Mini dealer, and the closest one is 4 hours away) matches what I actually have about 98% of the time, but gives no comment about any of these inoperable buttons. I thought it might be Bluetooth capable, but no luck there.

It is possible that the dealer wanted or had to replace some pieces. (I know they replaced two of the tires and with only 8,300 miles on it!?) Likewise (?) the seats appear to have all the bits needed for heating, but no dashboard controls, as if it's been modified.

I'd appreciate any relevant comment y'all might have thanks.

RE: all these phone buttons, what purpose?
 

I also just bought a 2007 MCS (last week) and my Moto Qh hooks up to it via Bluetooth with no problem at all. My contact list was too large to be fully displayed in the MINI's directory (almost 1400 contacts!) so I trimmed it down to about 500 and now I can get to each and every contact hands free using the MINI's stock setup for Bluetooth. My Moto Qh isn't on the approved phone list so it won't hook up in the armrest but the Bluetooth works plenty good enough.