I find that with the Sun Rooof and passenger windows down and open that there is much wind turbulence in the interior. Anyone else think so? Would it be possible to have the rear side windows modified to pop out on a hinge? Would this allow for more free flow and less Drummin' and Thunderin'?

Wouldn't want to remortgage the family farm to accomplish this mod.

 

Mornin' Maxa :smile: Pop-out idea would vent well... Of course, the curvage of the back side windows is an important part of the design... Really, for me, the turbulence is about right... too much for 70mph+, but great otherwise... all opened up, radio blarin', rippin' up the road!!!

 

The Classic Mini had pop-out rear windows, didn't it? I seem to remember Mr. Bean locking his door padlock and then tossing the key into the back through the window.

I wonder why they decided not to carry that feature forward?

 

My guess is that the MINI, like most modern unibody cars, relies partially on the glass as a structural reinforcement. The MINI by itself is so rigid I doubt that making the rear windows pop out would make too much of a difference. My guess is that style won out over anything else with that too-cool wraparound side glass that would make pop-out windows a difficult proposition.



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'03 MCS, Dk Silver, 17" R85s, NAV, DSC (often turned off!), Packs #1 and #3, Rally lights, etc, etc. Fulton, MD. FRS 7-21
Let's Cooperate

 

Pop out windows also rattle and squeak. Plus, someone has to be back there to open them. Sure, they could be electric but this is a MINI, not a mini van. Then there's the aesthetic issues -- a bulky frame or raw glass edges visible on three sides of the rear windows wouldn't look so great. Don't forget the whistling and leaks and...

 

I have pop out, hinged windows in my ppick-up truck and they are great for reducing the 'buffeting' you get when all other windows are open in the car. I have never had a problem with them rattling or sealing shut, they operate great and the truck has 140,000 miles on it.
I wouldn't recommend making this modification through aftermarket channels, I think that would open up a can of worms that you will never be happy with.
However, I think that making a suggestion to MINI to add this option to future MINI's is a great one.

 

I had 4 classic Minis with "swing out" rear windows. I don't remember any squeaks or rattles from that area in any of them. Of course, in an Australian summer, they were open pretty much all the time (they had "flow-thru" air conditioning).
As for being in the back to open them, never did that. I could reach both side's catches from the drivers seat.

 

I had a 1975 Saab 95, which was the wagon. It had pop out windows. No noise, no nouthing. t was sweet to carry a long fly rod from spot to spot slid into the window. Kayak paddles,ski poles, etc.

I look forward to the buffeting and turbulence on the way home from work. It's the trip to work that leaves me dissheveled. I'll turn up the heat and throw everyrthing open. Let's Motor!