How much do you actually use your?

I bought my MINI used and didn't know I was missing this piece until I saw it in the owners manual.

Before I budget for a $400 part, would you miss yours?



Thanks in advance!

 

If you drive with the roof down and don't carry rear passengers then its a must have item, it makes a huge difference to the amount of buffeting you get, the drive is much more pleasant.
Don't buy new, there are a few second hand ones going around for a cheaper price, search the forums / ebay etc.

 

Would this be for a R52 or R57? Makes a difference in fit. The R52 version could be found on ebay for a liitle less if you keep looking. The only time I don't have the deflector set up is when my golf bag and bag trolley are in the back seat. We go nowhere topless without it. Be sure to get the case for it too. The first time you hit the road with it you will forgive the cost. They are wonderful.

 

I think it's a matter of opinion. I've been driving convertibles for over 30 years and like the wind on my back. I must also say that I have a Jeep that I drive roofless and doorless so if you want to feel wind that's the way to go.
I bought a wind deflector from someone here and used it once then put it in my closet. I think I might use it again when the weather gets cold but that is a big maybe.
My daughter on the other hand uses it every time she borrows my Mini with the stipulation that she returns it to the closet after use because the trunk on these Mini's is small.
Would I by one again? No.

 

Dear In.....
So, we meet again, two ends of the spectrum. I hope we don't confuse the OP. If chance would have it, I'd buy you a beer and we could arm wrestle over the issue. Keep on motoring

 

Thank you all for your feedback - I appreciate both sides!

 

Then after you've weighed both sides of the issue and come to the only logical conclusion, you'll come back and post a report on how much you love your wind deflector?

 

I could go for the beer but the arm wrestle I'd have to concede to you, my body is getting old and the joints and muscles just don't work the way they used to.

 

Ok, then let's make it philosophy. Descartes or Kierkegaard? After a few beers, we might even get a laugh out of it.

PS: I still think the OP needs the deflector...(just to keep the thread from looking hijacked).

 

Get the wind deflector, it will extend your topless driving season. We have had two MINI convertible's and have driven with the top down in temps as low as 35. The deflector will keep the heat in the cab better, also if you have long hair it will help keep your hair from blowing in your face.

 

I have a 2008 MCS convertible, which makes it a R52 Cabrio ... so that is what i look for to fit. Did they really move the 4 little holes the deflectors fit into ... or are these one size fits all.

Also have a question on another thread about deflectors on eBay UK, good prices but no info on fit.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nk...wind+deflector

 

I have a WindBlox plexiglas wind deflector that straps to the roll bar behind the rear seat and keeps the back seat fully functional. Without the deflector lots of turbulance, with the deflector I get very minumal turbulance and it keeps the heat in when its a little cool out extending top down the season. Also less expensive than the OEM windblock. I installed it and leave it in all year in case I get a warm day to drop the top.

 

Thanks ... i had not thought about one on the rear seats as we very rarely have people in the back seats. Do you need the one behind the front seats if there is one on the back, or do you have both?

 

The Windblox comes with a mesh elastic block that goes between the front seats and it makes a small differance with the Plexiglas behind the rear headrests. Again it still makes the rear seats functional.

 

I think I may go the Windblox route... I have lost 4 auctions in the last week for OEM ones!

I like the positive of having use of the backseat, bc for some reason my kids think I am their personal taxi.... Any negatives you have found?

How do you think the mesh divider will hold up to people getting in and out if the back seat?

Thanks in advance!

 

Both having passengers in and out of the back seat and loading luggage and other stuff over several months and road trips have not seemed to create any problems with the mesh screen between the seats. I have some friends that used theirs on a 4 week vacation to the west coast with many stops and loading and unloading from the back seat with no problems. It stretches with the movement of the seats and goes back to original shape each time. I cant speak to longivity but after the first season of use I dont see any wear and tear. The Plexiglas screen behind the rear seat makes the biggest impact on turbulance and the mesh between the front seats improves it just slightly. I have a friend that offered me their OEM but it tends to be a hassle if you need to use the rear seat. I am very happy with WindBlox so far. Good luck on your decision. If you decide to go WindBlox I would love to hear your impression after use.

 

Thanks for the input .... i skipped on the Windblock product as the need for the rear seat deflector was not important to us (never haver anyone sitting there). What i did purchase was the TekSpree product for $49. This is a front seat only mess product. Works well, although the lower part of the screen needs some sort of tie down (will probably use a thin bungie cord?). Easy install, folds away in small bag, not the fancy looking $500 products from Mini but works well.

http://www.tekspree.com/mini-cooper-...tor-2004-2013/

 

NOt sure if anyone is looking for an OEM one.. I have sold my Cooper S Convertible, so I have no need for mine any Longer.. I am sure I can get $225 or around that with the OEM Bag as well.. PM if you are interested...

 

WG.. Just PM'ed you...