Hi all,
I picked up my 2013 Mini R57 last Saturday and I'm really down because it's 10 degrees outside with a wind chill of -14. I can't convince anyone to go with me for a ride with the top down. Anyway...... A few questions.

I've read the posts on finding the power outlet in the cargo compartment, but I still can't find it. NEVER MIND.......I JUST FOUND IT!

Is the wind deflector a worthwhile investment? My other convertible (1965 Buick Electra - I've had since high school) doesn't let a whole lot of wind in. I can place papers on the seats and they don't blow around. Is that the case with the Mini?

thanks for helping

 

Bill,

I'm also new and have been driving around in 40F weather the past couple weeks. Wind deflector is definitely on my list to buy. I get buffeted strongly in the back of the head when driving at highway speeds (80 mph). Cruising around town in the 30-45mph range it probably isn't much of a big deal.

Key accessories for a new owner - gloves (when it's chilly), sunscreen, and sunglasses

 

Welcome aboard. Good luck.

 

I would put the wind deflector in the 'absolutely essential' category - it extends the season when you can use the convertible substantially.

I guess if I lived in southern CA and never left town, or drove over 40, I might think about getting by without one.

 

Absolutely ger the wind deflector. It is definitely worth it. Had one for years in my other Cooper and made usre it was on this order that I am waiting for!! It's a must have!!!!

 

It's essential even in California. I live in sunny so call and dorve with my deflector daily. Never messed my ahir up and kept me comfortable. LOVED IT!!!!

 

Thanks for the replies. That settles it, I'm going to put it on the top of my list.
Since this is my daily driver, I plan to get some use out of it, and pamper it a bit too.

 

Please post some pics!!! Dying to see the 2013 while I patiently wait for mine to arrive.

 

Congrats on the Cabrio. Where in Ohio? We moved from the Canton area a fews years back. I second or third the defector endowment and we are in a must warmer climate. Right now it's 72 and in the middle of January that's great. Even with it I would not leave papers on the seat above about 40 mph. The Mini is a third the size of the Buick and get a least 3 times the gas mileage right?
Pictures please.

 

I'm in Kinsman, Ohio. About a half hour north of Youngstown and 50 miles east of Cleveland. Right on the edge of the snow belt.
When I'm driving my 65 Buick Electra there is hardly any air movement in the front seat. The back seat is a different story. I drove that car all through high school and college and finally restored it last summer. After driving it around again, I remembered how much fun a convertible is. I've always loved the Mini, so the next step was easy. I knew I was going to buy one....but with what options. Wow the choices are amazing. I did my research and pulled the plug 2 weeks ago and just turned 1000 miles on the odometer.
The temp has been between 0 and 20 for the past 2 weeks but it is suppose to be 46 tomorrow afternoon. I've got to get the car wash supplies out.
If I can figure out how to attach photos, I'll post the stock photo of my new Mini and although it might not be appropriate......a photo of my Buick.
I'm getting 34+ mpg on the Mini and I get 12 mpg on the Buick. Guess which one I'll be driving every chance I get.
Just saw on the news that Tuesday temp will be 56 then go down to freezing again. Time to put the top down on the way home from work.

Thanks

 

I have the wind blocker as well - definitely worth it, it makes a substantial difference when driving on the highway. With the blocker in place and the windows up, it's actually quite easy to have a conversation or listen to music. Enjoy!

 

I just got my wind deflector and it does make a lot of difference, especially with windows up. I still have to wear my long hair back otherwise it's a tangled mess and if a carelessly loose paper is on front seat it will fly out.

 

I have lost the rubber inserts that slide into the slots securing the deflector , anybody have this problems and if ya have , were you able to find replacements or some type of replacement. I sought help from Mini dealer but to no avail.

any suggestions?

 

I got my wind deflector this week. Haven't had a chance to use it yet.
I looked at the rubber seals (mine are gray) and wondered if they could be stuck in the slots where the deflector mounts? Wishful thinking.....
They certainly are small enough to get lost easily. Or maybe in the large bag that comes with the deflector? The bag mine come in could hold 3 deflectors. I'm going to look for a smaller more friendly bag.

Maybe you could use the rubber bumper stop of a door stop? You may have to trim the end a bit but it might work. A sharp utility knife can trim it down in a hurry. The rubber bumper is easily removed from the door stop and looks like a good fit.
If not, maybe a chemistry test tube or beaker rubber stop.

Keep us posted.

 

Just piling on at this point but Yea, get the deflector. We have a first gen Cabrio, but motoring with the deflector is more enjoyable. Of course this MINI is the daughters and she likes it without the deflector. Ah youth!

 

Brand new R57 owner in Boston. Just picked up the wind deflector from my dealer this morning in the hopes it can get me top-down a bit sooner, despite the chilly temps here in New England ; )

 

I found hat heating the bottom half of the body( seat warmers) helps keep the top half from freezing.
BTW that Buick is looking good.

 

I've already got my wind deflector, but here's one on ebay for $200.
If anybody else needs one.

p.s. I have no connection to the seller. Just wanted to pass it along.

SOLD TO SOMEONE......

Thanks

 

Wind deflector for $17. #justsayin

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...deflector.html

Look around, build your own, or see if this fix works for you. Working for me so far.

Jeff