Located in the boot, along the back wall, there are 2 cutouts that have foam covers. What are these for? Are they air vents? I thought they might be rear speakers but there's no sound coming out of them with the radio playing. I don't know if all Cooper's have these or if they are "S" specific.

 

Ok I'm going by memory on this one...

If I recall correctly, probably from one of the multiplicity of "ohh my aftermarket exhaust is too loud" threads that someone claimed that there were sound vents in the boot specifically designed to make the stock exhause sound better in the cabin. I guess the thought was that plugging these up would make it quieter for the aftermarket exhaust.

Assuming that I remembered the comment correctly, I still dont know if this was ever corroborated or even if it would work (to make the cabin more quiet I mean). I really cant imagine why there would need to be air vents back there so sound vents at least seems plausible.

Cant imagine that helps much but I tried

Cheers

Chuck

 

They are actually vents that allow air to escape the cabin. If the cabin was air tight you wouldn't be able to ventilate properly. Cover them with duct tape and try running the A/C and you'll see what I mean.

 

Thanks for the info. I'm making a rubber boot liner and rear seat back cover to use when I fold the seats for cargo. I guess I'll have to cut out openings for them.

 

I dunno what people keep talking about when they say "go ahead and cover them" to see some perceived difference in the AC unit. I've got mine covered by my fiberglass sub enclosure. I use small fans to bring air in and out via these vents for my amps. NO issues with HVAC, period. Freaks.

R