The sunroof tends to rattle and it is very noisy when opened at speeds above 65 MPH.

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On the S vs Non S question. I am in the same boat right now. I have had a non s for three years. It got crashed and now I need to replace it.

I drove an S last week.

Observations.

Non s lighter, livelier, better mpg. I have averaged just over 30 mpg over 42,000 miles. Only 15% freeway. Up to about 3000 rmp in third in think my Non-s is faster than the bone stock 03 S that I drove. After that, S really shines.

Apart from the track, I can't think of anytime that I really needed the extra HP.

Having said that I just ordered a new 06 S. The upgrade potential on the S engine is going to be great fun.

Whatever you choose, you will be hooked on the MINI experience.

The "sunroof" on the convertible is just the top open about 12-15 inches. At speeds up to 75 mph you can open the top that much - the leading edge is solid and it slides back.

S vs non-S? Not that I've noticed. It's all good - just get what works for you!

Paul

I have a sunroof on mine, and if I bought another, it would have one on it also.

the rear panel opens as well? i thought it was just a stationary piece of glass?

I think Methman meant that it visually makes the back area seem more open -- I'm pretty sure the glass is fixed in the back (my MCS is on the way, so can't check it personally, but I remember that from the test drives...)

I just checked, the back piece dosen't open. I didn't think it did.

Like I said in my earlier post. I liked the look of the MCS hardtop and spoiler better than the cabrio. I did seriously consider getting a cabrio but for various reasons the hardtop won out.

My MCS has a fixed rear sunroof - It doesn't open.

Watch out for this one! I too am hooked on mods; and it's all because I read these kind of discussion groups. It's an expensive habit to feed, and never seems to end.

Not to mention my wife's nagging "It's a brand new car! I don't see why you have to be taking it apart and buying replacement parts for the ones that work fine!" I haven't figured out an answer to this one yet.

That comment right there made me really think about going to the non S MINI. I typically want my stuff stock if for no other reason because one thing leads to another as it did in my high school days with VW's. After spending the money, I wished several months latter I could have it all back and get rid of my bugsprays, chrome wheels, etc. Of course if I went with the S, I would not be changing it either so what am I talking about, I must be rambling.

Every car I've owned has had a sunroof and the MINI is no exception! I'm not sure if its my Southern California upbringing, but its just a must. It opens the car up so much, the panoramic layout is awesome and the backseat passengers love it too....I don't mind sitting in the back sometimes just for this reason I would go for it if you've got the cash. BTW, don't think about features that will contribute to resale, go for what you love!

No sunroof here. I wanted a semi-barebones S so I stuck with no roof/cloth interior/LSD/Sportpack. The only "luxury" options I went for were auto AC and H/K. If I'd known better before I ordered, I would have gotten Xenons and DSC a la carte rather than the Sportpack since I ditched the S-Lites immediately after delivery.

Why did you ditch the S lites? What did you replace them with?

S-Lites and their stock runflats are generally believed to be heavy and harsh riding. I replaced them with Flik Racing Wasps and Toyo T1R's, lost 7 lbs per corner. Carry an air compressor and can of Fix a Flat for emergencies.

if they figured out how to get the wind noise down, then yes. otherwise. no. this thing is sooooo loud at 60mph with the sunroof open.

I don't mind. IMO, the sunroof open is more ideal for city cruising. If you want outside air while going 60+mph, just crack the windows open.

My wife normally does not like sunroofs or moonroofs, but when she saw how it made my MINI S appear larger on the inside, she wants one when she orders her MINI. I think it brightens up the interior even on gloomy days. I wouldn't buy a MINI or any other car without a sunroof/moonroof.