No kidding, the heat argument is overblown. I live in Texas and have an all black MCS with every black option checked. Hot is hot, and the difference between a white roof without a sunroof and a black top with a sunroof is so miniscule that it's a weak metric to base a decision on.
This also! I always laugh when weight is an argument against the sunroof. How many people on this board could determine whether a MINI has a sunroof or not based ONLY on the driving experience in a blind test? Who knew Mr. Andretti had so many offspring?!

 

***edit: just saw this thread is weeks/months old...LOL***

I have to respectfully disagree. My JCW does not have a sunroof. Recently, my car's engine cooling valve died and stuck open. I got a loaner MINI with the sunroof. To make it short - I hated the sunroof.

Definitely made the car hotter even though the weather was fairly mild here and my own MINI has a black roof. The weather was mid 70's all week and I had both cars during that time so I feel the comparison was pretty fair. I can't imagine having that roof in the summertime when temps hit 100-110. I hate how it's not solid, just a screen.

I say go without the sunroof.

 

For what it's worth, I specifically ordered my JCW without a sunroof and without bluetooth.

I had a sunroof on my 911 and never cared for it—when it was open it whistled and howled...just strange. Was much happier that my Cayman didn't have one. I understand that people like the view...it's just not for me.

I originally had the iPod and bluetooth option on order—my MA told me the bluetooth wasn't that great. He was more or less pushing the iPod connection. He told me this the same time I sent him a letter explaining that I wasn't really planning on using the iPod connection very much, but really only getting it for a good bluetooth system. So, that was the end of that option. It's okay, simple bluetooth headset works great for me.

I will agree with the comments that if at all possible, you should build your MINI exactly the way you want it—no more, no less. There's probably few people that would have ordered their car with as few options as I ordered mine, but I love it that way. I think everyone needs something different, and the beauty of MINIs are that they can be customized and ordered so many different ways.

 

Grimnebulin, has it right.

Forget the sunroof, too hot, too heavy, too noisy, and they can leak. Blue tooth is available on a Garmin nav unit.

 

It's a must have in my book. Absolute must have. Just ordered a JCW yesterday.

 

Once you drive the car you won't even think about it.

 

The general consensus around here is pretty much that once you go JCW, you won't go back.

My MCS was a great car, but I ended up with a JCW less than 2 years later. Best decision ever.

On the subject of the sunroof, it's a personal preference. I had one on my MCS because I bought it new off a dealer's lot, and all their cars on the lot have sunroofs (easy way to soak you for an extra $1k I guess). My JCW was bought used and was quite obviously custom ordered by the original purchaser, so it didn't have a sunroof. Living in TX where it's like a blast furnace 8 months out of the year, I can wholeheartedly say I don't miss getting sunburned just commuting in to work.

Besides, if I want the open air feel, that's what my motorcycle is for!

 

I bought my 2011 JCW off the lot. It has just about every option except nav, Connect and the rear fog lights. I love the JCW... it is my all-time favorite car that I've owned. I love the handling and performance, especially compared to the S that I test drove and the Justa I had as a loaner. I love the look of the Championship leather with the red trim. I really like the keyless entry. I like the BT more than I thought I would, and I use the iPod integration all the time. I both like and dislike the sunroof. I do believe that it makes the car hotter when it is parked in the sun. Also, if the sun is in the wrong place, it can get in your eyes through the sunroof. However, just tilting it up gives you great airflow with the windows down. It helps the car cool off much quicker. I just updated my GPS with a Garmin 3490LMT with the ecoRoute HD accessory. I have it mounted on a Craven Speed mount kit. I haven't played with the ecoRoute stuff yet, but it is very cool to have the extra gauges it provides plus the ability to read codes when/if they happen.

If I were building a new MINI, I would definitely get another JCW with most of the options that I have. I'd have to think long and hard about including or excluding the sunroof.

 

I am on JCW #2 , first one I never gave it a fair chance. I had to sell it due to a military PCS overseas(owned it for 4 months). I just recently picked up a used 2010 JCW. I come to these forums only to think why in the hell did I buy such a quirky car again? To me the only things this car has going for it is "Safe Fun" to drive(Feels faster then it really is) and good gas mileage. I definately didnt buy because its reliable. These things can have issues galore. And lets face it you could spend $50000 on one of these and still get laughed at in a parking lot(Im old school Muscle car guy).. maybe not as many laughs now since the price of gas has practically tripled since 2002? but still a few.
All my friends have busted on me until I have taken them for a ride. I Should have this one alittle longer i hope.

 

Sorry it has been such awhile, but frankly, I have been driving the nuts off this car!!! I am beyond happy with this purchase.
A few little niggles that can be annoying but that is the case regardless of the vehicle. I think my only real problem has been the headrest. I am 6'2" and the headrest hits me in the shoulders or pushes my noggin forward.


I never missed the sunroof, don't even think about it. iPod connectivity would have been nice, but,frankly, i can't say that I am missing it that badly. And finally the Bluetooth, was resolved by purchasing the Alpine device from Mini. Works great!!! no issues.


I just am such a fanatic with this car. I have put 8,000 miles in 3 months on this car. I do a fair bit of driving but each and every mile of that has been with a stupid grin on my face.

Thanks to all of those who weighed in. This is a great community.

 

Check your owners manual, the headrest may be adjustable forward and back. It also may have to do with seating position. Do you lean back in your seat or sit more upright with your spine more or less vertical? I know mine's a 1st gen and your's is a 2nd gen, but I'm 6'1" and my head never even touches the headrest. But then I sit very vertical like you might in a gokart. I can't stand to be leaning back. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I've ridden motorcycles for years (not cruisers) and lean a bit forward when doing so.

And yea, the JCW sure is fun! It's not the fastest or the quickest car out there but for pure fun, especially on really twisty roads, it's just a hoot to drive.

 

I have the moon roof on mine and right in Cali it is hot, so yeah I'm wishing I didn't have it. Honestly I didn't want. But that's what it came with. My next will not have it and plus it weights less for better performance.

 

Get the sunroofs tinted or get a Zipee Shade. http://zippeeshade.com/

NAM users get a discount. Search the site for that post.