Ok, I've already ordered my car, but can still make some changes. I skipped on the premium pkg, but now I'm wondering if I should get the sunroof or not. For those that have them, do you like them? Are there any issues? How much of a weight penalty is it?

My last car that had a sunroof, I rarely used (but it was very small). My other car is a convertible (which is why I justified not getting the sunroof to begin with).

But now I'm having second thoughts. The idea of a 30K car (JCW) without a sunroof just doesn't seem right. On the other hand I tried to configure my car as much as I could for performance, and I thought that the dual panel glass might add quite a bit of weight.

Thoughts please.

THX

 

We got ours without the sunroof. Talked to several that said it was very noisy. And in AZ you have to put dark tint to keep from burning you up in the summer. There is nothing but a screen to cover it so, for us the best choice was no sunroof. But, to each their own.

 

I'd say CABRIO... If you're not going that route, then get the sunroof! I have a MCS w/ sunroof and I have no complaints!

 

The suroof is HUGE and HEVAY. Like VictoryDaveAZ said, no way to completely shut out the light. Those combined against MIB having the sunroof.

 

Have it love it, and as long as you use your key to open the windows and roof 10 ft before you're in the car, it doesn't get to hot here in FL (Black car, Black leather, Anthricite trim, stock sunroof tint and no window tint)

 

Unless your on the track regularly, not worried about the weight IMO. I use it all the time and actually like the extra light inside the cabin esp with a full moon at night. Deciding factor for me was a I sat in a MINI without one and at 6ft though I had room the car felt very crampt without and spacious with.

 

I also ordered my JCW with out a sunroof. From talking to a couple people at the auto-cross I decided against it for a few reasons. 1.) The extra weight and the fact that is up so high, they said you can tell the difference between sunroof/non-sunroof cars. 2.) They said you could just barely sit in a sunroof car with a helmet on with out touching the headliner. Every bump and you hit your head on the roof. (Obvoiusly depends on your hieght) 3.) Personnaly, I just thought that a sunroof on a JCW goes agaist the performance nature of the package. 4.) Not to mention the money savings.

I've had a sunroof on every car I've owned, from a classic Beetle right up to my current tC (entire glasss roof). So I'm also wondering about the decision too. I bought it as a daily driver with occasional track/Autocross use. So the not getting the sunroof was my one concession to pure performance not comfort.

Good luck with the decision. Its so hard.:impatient

 

I agree w/ Motor on... it feels very cramped inside without the sunroof, and as motor on says, if you're not going to track the MINI, don't worry about the weight. I think it adds more of a benefit!! Just my 2 cents!

 

Another reason for going without the sunroof is if you have a white or silver roof. It makes a big hole so why bother with the contrasting roof color? Yes you can get vinyl but then it blocks out the light leaving you with WEIGHT up high and no extra light...

 

I was originally going to go with no sunroof, for all the reasons mentioned above, until I actually test-drove a car with a sunroof, and then I was sold on it instantly. The Mini sunroof is unique because it takes up SO much of the roof, it really makes a big difference having one. Have yet to drive during a hot summer's day, though, so don't yet know what that'll be like..

 

Have had MINIs with and without. I'm a fan. Kids love 'em.

 

One test drive in a sunroofed MINI on a very hot sunny day was all I needed. Not for me. If I could shut the sun out when I wanted, well that may have had me buying one. If I want a tan I'll take the Miata.

 

Had to have the sun roof. It was a deal breaker on some of the cars we looked at after bumble. It was a MUST for us anyway. But to each their own.

 

I went w/o a sunroof for the reasons mentioned above. I've never been a fan of sun roofs...the heat they seem to let in the cabin (on other cars) made it an undesirable option for me. I don't miss it generally...but there are days!

If I were to get another MINI tomorrow it, too, would be sans sunroof. But you may want one!!

 

I agree with all of the reasons for not getting a sunroof. It's noisy, heavy, too sunny and breaks up the look of the contrasting roof. I never really liked sunroofs on any car for that matter but I really didn't like it on the MINI. That's just me.

 

Both our MINI's have the sunroof and I wouldn't have a MINI without. Mine's open as long as the temp is between 45 and 70..... It's the next best thing to a convertible.

 

Mini Sales told me about 80% of Minis out there are sun-roofed. I figure that will help me for resale.

 

Newly motoring, love the sunroof. It's open most of the time I'm driving, seriously.

I really wanted a convertible, but rationalized the MC with sunroof. Got the package because I also wanted the steering wheel and the deal worked. Test drove MCS with sunroof (knew it was BIG) and MCc (never have I driven so blind. I'm sure I'd get used to it though). They file the option under "astronomy" on the build your own at MINI usa.

 

In the short run you're probably right. In the longer run, perhaps, not. Performance models tend to do better in the long run when they are configured for performance, not luxury. If you look at a 911RSA (92-94) for example, the ones with no sunroof are worth more money and have been for quite a few years now.

 

I ordered my first MINI with the sunroof but left it off for my 06 for the weight benefits everyone talks about. I miss it. Unless you plan to autocross or race the MINI, you're not going to feel the weight up top during everyday driving. Even on spirited off ramps.

My favorite thing about it was cracking it open just enough to have a little fresh air blowing in. Also, as mentioned earlier, walking to the MINI and opening it all up during the summer with the key is a great way to cool the MINI quickly. With it open above 70 mph it will be next to impossible to have a discussion in the MINI. But for normal city driving it is a nice option and does atract looks. I say if you're thinking about it. Get it. Unless you plan to get hard into autocrossing or other forms of racing. You're not going to feel the weight up top.

 

I also love my sunroof. I leased a 2005 convertible once and didn't like it as much, especially getting into the boot. One downside is the sunroof trim near the controls vibrates a lot at low engine speeds, drives me nuts. Comes from right behind the control portion. Cracking the sunroof open makes the noise go away. Does anyone have a fix for this? The trim is all one piece around the sunroof and I'm not up to figuring out how to get into it yet to see what's loose or rubbing.

 

Take it to the dealer that is NOT normal.

 

I say go for it!

I love mine. It is so big, it is almost the perfect compromise between a convertible and a hard top.

Yes, it is heavy, so if you're really counting pounds, trying to get the lightest possible race-ready car, well then forget about it.

Yes, it can creak a bit, Yes, it's loud when fully open, and yes, it lets in a lot of sunlight even with the shade drawn closed, but the benefits far outweigh the cons, provided you don't live in the deep south.

As factory sunroofs go, it is one of the largest ones you can get in any car, and if you love open-roof motoring, with the benefits of a hard-top, you can't beat the MINI's sunroof.

I highly recommend it!

 

Have you ever had a sunroof? Did you use it? If you answered yes to both then get it. If you answered yes/no then don't get it. If you answered no to the first question then here is what I can tell you.

I have it and don't use it (had limo tint put on it to block the light - which works good for me) and if I was ever to reorder another MINI (I plan on keeping mine till I die -- Hey, I'm old) I would not get it.

Earl

 

It could be the wind deflectors not seating tightly when the sunroof is closed. Mine did this. I took some sticky backed velcro and put a peice of the soft sided on the bottom side, front when opened, and this made the deflectors more secure and stopped my vibration.

Or you could take it to the dealer if they are close. Mine's 100 miles away and the velcro was cheaper than the gas it would have taken.