How much do you use the sunroof? I am trying to decide what to do in this instance. Help me?!??!?

 

This is my first sunroof I have had on a car. At first I wasn't going to get it but my wife said I may as well since I wasn't sure if I wanted it or not. It's easier to keep it closed than it would be to get it after the car was built without one.

I enjoy it. It's nice to have open when the temperature is nice and you are cruising on some back roads. There is quite a bit of noise around 70 mph so it's not the best for highway driving. It is also an easy way to let the heat out very quickly after the car has been sitting in the sun all day. Just hit press the key while walking to the car and let it air out while your fastening your belt and stuff. By then, most of the stale hot air is gone. As for the extra heat coming in, on hot sunny days, I feel more heat coming from the side windows than the sunroof. I don't have tinted windows. That was one concern I had before I bought it.

Basically, I use it everyday.

 

I think people that have them use them...A LOT! It's just such a fantastic sunroof. I don't have one, and I'm really fine with that.......but there are days!

 

My first MINI didn't have the sunroof, and was fine. I ordered one for Wanda because I felt that her being all-black and in SoCal, I'd need to be able to vent the heat, as suggested above. I had no idea that I would, but I LOVE MY SUNROOF!!! I use it in many different ways, and it is fantastic! If you lower your windows a tad, going 70 mph with the sunroof open isn't too loud! LOL!

Clo/Wanda

 

I use mine constantly. If its not raining or snowing then its open. I had one on my last car, which encouraged me to get one on the MINI. I consider MFSW and Sunroof to be essentials.

 

Love my sunroof!!!

1.) I "use" it even when it's closed, because the car feels so much more open to the outside at all times.
2.) It is so unique, it adds to the mistique of the car.
3.) Open, with the windows open it feels like a convertible.
4.) It add to the overall weight of the car, but unless you are buying your MINI just to race-- who cares?

Godspeed.

 

But if I did that then I would hear my wife saying slow down.

 

I didn't order a sunroof for my 2005 MCS for three reasons:

1. Weight, it adds 300 LB on the top of the car which affects the center of gravity in addition of the extra weight.

2. Here in Texas we get a lot of sun and the MINI sunroof doesn't do a good job at keeping the sun out in the hot and humid days.

3. I had sunroof in my other cars and I can count on my fingers how many times I opened it between May and October, if you live on a milder climate this may not apply to you.

EDIT: sorry if the 300 lb is misleading, I remembered the (wrong) figure from some place else, maybe is below 70 lb as others are posting here, however, is still extra weight sitting on top of your car.

 

There was no question that I would get a MINI with a sunroof. I had a Miata previously and I just couldn't imagine going from a drop top to completely enclosed. I enjoy it a lot -- and it's easier to open and close than the Miata's top!

Did you know that 60% of the roof is sunroof? Just a little trivia for ya.

Angie

 

Love the sunroof. The best option on the MINI, IMO. Like was mentioned, you'll use it every day - even if you keep it closed.

Like a convertible in the summer, much nicer than a convertible in the winter!

 

Even though I am still WAITING for my MCS to arrive I'd suggest that you consider getting the sunroof, if only for the improved ventilation it certainly provides. Even if only tilted open it should enhance the flow-through ventilation .... and thus reduce the need for the (power-robbing) a/c.

 

I've had a sunroof on every car I have owned. I couldn't imagine not having it. It is true that with the roof open and the windows down it's soooo close to a convertible. Yes, it does let a lof ot light in but when it gets hot just open it, let the hot air out and turn up the a/c. The a/c on my car is awesome.


I love how open the car feels and being able to see so much.

 

Ditto,

I have had sunroofs/moonroofs in most of my previous cars, but I've never driven with the sunroof open as often as I do in the MINI.. I feel more "enclosed" now when I go back to a car with a smaller, regular sized moonroof. Another plus for is the shade, which you can keep drawn even while the roof is open.. helps keep the sun out of your eyes and the wind slightly tamed down...

 

Once I realized how much quicker my Cooper is without the A/C on, I stopped using it almost all together. Now the sunroof is even more essential.

 

I know the sunroof adds weight, but I can't believe that it adds that much.

I think I read that the sunroof adds 70 pounds, which seems a little more realistic.

 

The sunroof is nice indeed but in a much colder climate. Here in Miami with our 95F days it is absolutely insane to atempt to safely drive without the A/C running...it just doesn't fly with yours truly.

The factory sunroof is a nice feature but it is not a must to be able to motor on and enjoy this car.

The sunroof is purely a personal preference choice and only YOU will know if spending $800+ for it is really worth it or not.

It wasn't for me, so both of my MINIs have SOLID roofs and lovin' every minute of it (Read = no rattles and much more efficient air conditioning. Also no added weight in top of the car).

 

This influenced me, too. I think the question probably relates to what you like or what you're used to. Seems like people who have liked sunroofs, or moonroofs, or convertibles naturally are blown away by MINI's sunroof. I like none of the above because the sun is just such a killer here...and my personal thermostat just can't handle it....in my car or in others! As one seeking shade...I like a solid top.

So....what do you like?

 

LOL Not 300 pounds, 64. Read it with me: Sixty four pounds.

I don't have the sunroof; I'm not much of a sunroof person - I'd prefer a full-on 'vert. That said, I've driven sunroof MINI's and liked/enjoyed the sunroof, but I never wish I had one in mine. You have to decide for yourself.

Good luck!,
Ryan

 

it largely eliminates the need for A/C. Had a MINI5280 club ride today into the mountains, 80 degrees plus or minus, NEVER turned the A/C on at all. The cool breeze, the sounds, and the venting make it a must for me.

 

I suppose the people who don't want a sunroof must think convertible buyers are out of their minds! I like a sunroof - some do not. Buy what makes you happy. I think $1600 for a Navigation system is crazy - some do not. I just look out the sunroof and see where I am.

 

I have the sunroof in my MC but ordered it without on my MCS. I could not justify the cost. It is very nice, but mine already creaks horribly when in vent mode after 13,000 miles.

 

I’ve had a love hate relationship with sunroofs for years. I use them, but each one I’ve had has had some type of problem. They either leaked water or air or both, they’ve rattled or squeaked, but all the while I’d use it and loved the openness it gave. Because I live in Florida at this time with very hot weather and high humidity I didn’t get the sunroof and I’m very happy with that decision and don’t miss not having one.

 

Well, I have one in my 04 MC and it is great. The shade really helps to keep the harsh South Carolina sun from hitting you. After owning one in my 240GL Volvo I really didn't even question whether I should get one. I can't imagine not having one. Even when I ride in my wifes Caravan I wonder about how nice it would beto have a sun roof. :smile:

 

does anyone have a wind deflector added to their sun roof. Not the automatic popup one that is a part of the system, but a tinted, molded plastic job. I used to have this on an older beemer and it did a good job of cutting the noise. My new 05 has beaucoup noise. I'm considering trying to find one, but kind of hate to screw with the line of the roof (aesthetically speaking that is).

 

Here is a pic of mine...:smile: