I'm loving my Mini, but as these questions will show, I haven't had any experience driving topless. Hoping maybe some of you experienced folks can help me here with any or all of these. I know this is a lot of questions, but I thought it best to include them all in one post. Mods, certainly feel free to split them if you need to.

1. Is the wind deflector really worth it? I assume it's supposed to decrease the wind blowing on you? The wind only bothers me because of the noise and trying to listen to music. I suspect when it gets cool it would also help. What about it, does it really help? Anyone know of somewhere to get one cheaper? Aftermarket maybe?

2. Speaking of wind noise and music, I have the base sound system. I don't have a problem with this system except for the volume thing. I'm afraid I'll bust something if I have it loud enough to hear at highway speeds. Is that a benefit of an upgraded system? And, if I have the money for the upgraded dealing system, $600-$700, would I be better off spending it on some aftermarket option? Ideas? And is it silly to be concerned about being inconsiderate to others with the loud music?

3. Finally, when I have the windows down and the moonroof open, the back window area shakes like crazy. Is this ok?

Thanks in advance for any advice any of you can give.

 

Here is my 2 cents worth -

1) Wind deflector is definitely worth it. I was fortunate and got one at a discounted price. I would recommend you get one.

2) I don't know much about this and should not comment.

3) When I run with sunroof open, I usually keep side windows up and back windows down. The air seems to flow through better.

Enjoy your vert!

 

1) Wind deflector is must especially for highway driving. It stops the wind coming from the back onto the 'funnel' between the 2 front passenger seats. Look for one on eBay

2) I would go aftermarket over dealer as you know what you're getting. I think if you have a Gen2 you can't change the factory stereo as this is needed for you take your car to the dealer (not 100% but search the forums on this one)

3) Even with the entire roof down it seems better to have the rear windows down when the front windows are up.

 

on previous #1 comments. I found a like new one on ebay. It was worth the effort. Also get the case for it. Fits perfectly in the bottom of the boot. Make sure it is the correct one. The R52 deflector will not work in the R57 and visa versa.

#2. I'd bet that with the wind deflector and the windows up the noise will be so much less your stereo will sound just fine.

#3. I tried running with just the sun roof open early on and have never made that mistake again. Nice idea but turbulent and noisy.

I hope you can become a true topless motorer. You will know you have arrived when people ask if you're crazy 'in this kind of weather' by responding with 'that's what hats, coats and gloves are for and the heater works just fine'. Also, after your reputation is built, they will ask 'Is your top down today?' and you answer with astonishment 'What, it goes up?'.

 

Much to everybody's surprise, it was discovered that the R52 deflector does fit an R57 (and presumably vice versa as well). The R52 deflector is much cheaper. There are threads and photos on this forum.

 

My answers will differ from the others but for what it's worth after 3 years and 36,000 miles...
1. I thought about the deflector but never got one. We drive topless as much as possible and I guess we have gotten used to the wind since it doesn't bother us at all. If it is cold we put the windows up and turn of the heater and seat heaters.
2. We never listen to anything when driving topless
3. I think the moonroof is worthless. Just too much turbulance.

 

The wind deflector was a necessity for me but may not be for you. Depends on how much you like to drive with the top down and what temperatures you can tolerate.

I often drove with the top down during the winter months when the temperatures were in the 30's. Deflector installed, auto heat set at 80 degrees... comfy !!

But in the summer months, the deflector actually worked too well. Got too hot in the convertible with it installed.

 

The wind deflector makes the most difference at highway speeds and when it is cooler out. Top down at 50deg gets uncomfortable without the wind blocker.

The moon roof feature is a bit of a joke, just put the top down.

 

#1 and #3, I concur with previous comments.

#2, I have both still. The 1st gen and the 2nd gen wind deflectors. I notice that the 1st gen deflector pushes on the rear seat leather in the center area. I think I posted pictures of this (can't find the link just now). The 2nd Gen of course fits well. To me, they both work equally. the case for the 1st gen winddeflector is big and bulky. The slim bag for the 2nd gen deflector is of course smaller and fits well (as posted previously by others) in the boot.

 

My wifes hair blows around less with the deflector up. Works better the faster you go.

 

I'm going to look for a wind deflector (maybe as a Father's Day gift). I'll see what that does re music before deciding on that.

 

I'm in a R52 but here's my thoughts

1. The deflector definitely helps with the wind turbulence.
2. I too have the base stereo and speakers. I find even at highway speeds I can hear the radio just fine. Not to say it couldn't be better. For this I would look into this setup https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...uct/527/cat/50
3. yes the rear window will shake quite a bit especially with the windows down and the top open halfway. Won't hurt it though.

 

I'm sold on getting a wind deflector. Can anyone suggest any an aftermarket vendor?

 

The factory ones are the nicest in my opinion.

Use mine all the time.


R57 MINI convertible - Black Wind Deflector


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/54342757001/









R57 MINI Convertible Wind Deflector - Checkered / Chrome


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/54340445398/






Checkered version has little storage areas. Both come with travel storage bags.

 

I noticed in your picture that you have the seatbelt holders installed. Do they work well for you? I purchased them recently but the end piece that holds the belt always snaps off at the hinge... The concept is great, wish it worked, maybe I just got a defective unit?

 

They work well until people pull the seat forward while they are in the hook. I believe they are designed to break away in-case of a restraint during an emergency or wreak and that's when they separate the end hook from the main unit.

Had them in the r52 also. Work great, just have to unhook if you move the seat or flip the back of the seat forward.

 

My seatbelt holders snap just from the pressure of the seatbelt resting in it.. I'm not moving the seat and am not even sitting in the seat before it snaps off. Any ideas?

 

Sounds like they popped out so many times, worn down the pivot connection and wont hold. I know some people have modified them and bracketed the flex point so his will not happen.