Has anyone used the mini sunshade? If so do you like it. Is it easy to store

 

I like it but the visors are too far away to hold it flush against the windshield like you would do on other cars, I just sorta let it lay back against the rearview mirror.

 

I like the MINI sunshade...it's the right shape for the windshield...quality construction...love the MINI logo front and center...but as Adamini said it just does not work well w/ the visors.

I have made some experimental spacers for the visors which helps make the sunscreen work as it should. The spacers bridge the gap between the visor and the sunscreen so the visors can, infact, hold the sunscreen in place.

I cut mine from 1" thick foam insulation board. Each spacer is about 5" long x 2" wide cut at a 45 degree angle at each end, but on the sunshade end I cut a notch out so there's a little hook at the top that grabs the sunshade and keeps the spacer from slipping.

Anyway, I put the sunshade in place and then put the spacer between the sunshade and the visor as I flip it into place. Works great....I just have to figure out how to make it "pretty".

 

I, too, have the MINI sunshade and agree with the above observations about it. And yes, the storage bag that comes with it is sturdy and keeps the sunshade from flopping open when you aren't using it. The visors definitely don't hold it...it does have to rest against the mirror which brings me to the point of my reply. Another thing I don't like, and maybe it's my technique (if there is such a thing when using the sunshade) is that when I put sunshade on the windshield, I have to move the rearview mirror. I tried not doing that and the mirror came off of its mounting. I've never had a sunshade for any other car so maybe this is the way they all work...having to move the mirror around... but it is kind of a pain.

 

^^^^I agree w/ all the above, including the nudging the mirror bit...although mine has never come off!

The only reason I tolerate the MINI sunscreen at all is because it is well-made and because of that awesome MINI logo. I am so sick...

 

With the leaning against the mirror, does it let sunlight in through the top, or does it still keep it pretty shaded? I'm just trying to figure out if the leaning is disrupting functionality, or if it's just an annoyance...

 

Technically, leaning it againgst the rearview mirror is going to affect performance of any sunshade. The more space you leave between the window and the sunshade is more space that air will be "trapped" and heated. Optimum performance for any sunshade is as close as humanly possible to the window.

 

My sunshade (which I'm on my 3rd summer using) is normally held in place not by the mirror, per se, but by the last 1/16" in (or less) of the visor. I mean it barely holds it, but it does....all day, too!

The spacers I use ensure a perfect sunscreen fit. Try it....or come up w/ a better solution (just please let me know about it when you do!)

 

jds, do you have a picture?

 

Now why didn't I think of that! Mine are real rough, but I'll see what I can do!! Stay tuned!!!

 

I'm happy with my sunshade for 8.00 from Advance Auto parts. Its big enough without mods and the visors hold it. Blue reflective on the outside and silver inside, folds up with velcro holder. works great

 

I also have the MINI sunshade. Since the 2005 MINIs have a bigger rearview mirror, I noticed that the sunshade will not clear the rearview mirror housing and prevents it from resting against the windshield. Does anyone know if MINI has a new sunshade for the '05s?

I used the same shade in the '04 MCS I had before (With the smaller rearview mirror) and it worked great. Great materials, but I admit the shade is a bit bulky for the MINI interior when it is folded.

 

Thanks,

An Advance Auto Parts store just opened in my town last week. I'll stop by tomorrow and pick one up.

 

I have one for mine, and although I do have to move the mirror a bit to put it in, it sits against the windshield fine, held there with the bottom edge of the visors. It works great for me.

 

works fine for me... but for me the pain is getting it out in the first place!

 

In Vegas, a sunshade is an essential item for any car. I've been using a "magic shade" that I paid about $6 for from Walmart for almost 3 years now. It folds up with a twist of teh wrist and fits perfectly in the mesh pocket behind the passenger seat.

 

Is that one of those shades that folds/twists into a much smaller "disc"?

 

I used to have those...I loved those! I'll have to take a trip to Wal Mart.

 

I have the same sunshade. I found if you "unlatch" the visor and rotate it forward (toward the windshield), it will hold the shade perfectly with no gap. Give it a try, you'll be surprised at how well it works.

 

Yes. I use it with the silver side out. We're already having 117 degree days here, and every little bit helps.

 

I bought a MINI sunshade last Friday, July 15th.

I was surprised how snug it fits in the windscreen aperture.
Yes, It's a little, (an I mean a "little") struggle to get it being the mirror, but once in place and fully opened, it sits tight against the windshield.
This on a "05 MCSC.

 

I purchased two cheap sunshades at AutoZone, the reflective material on front (not cardboard!). One in "pickup truck" size, the other standard. About $12 for both.

I cut the windscreen one to fit the MINI windscreen perfectly. Then cut one for the sunroof and rear moonroof. The factory mesh screens hold these in place perfectly. I find the sunrooves (both front and rear) allow say too much sunlight in the cockpit. These things block out all sunlight and are easy to remove.

Cheap, quick, easy. They all fold up and fit behind the seat nicely.

 

Now hold on there just a second, padnuh!!!!! Your '05 visor rotates forward?!?!?!?! Mine doesn't on my '03...not at all! Now we're getting at something...how different are these visors? Obviously the sunshade fittment is much better on (some or all) '05s than on my '03, so there must be a mystery here waiting to be solved.

Something to consider for potential sunshade buyers.

 

My '05 MCS visors move forward... Right into the retaining clip. I don't think they're any different than previous years, unless more recent '05 builds have had a change in visor design (which would be very peculiar to change mid-year wouldn't it?).

 

Oh I was thinkin it moved forward past the retaining clip. Whew...freaked me out!:smile: