Today, I finally got to test our MCS. I like the power, steering, handling and the suspension is not that harsh. Overall, it's exciting to drive. Acceleration was excellent and road noise was acceptable. Seems like my driver side window is squeeking. But I still have to check if it's really the window or something else. I have not driven a stick for quite some time so i need to get used to it. The shade of the sunroof screen was terrible! It provided no insulation at all!

However, I live in the Philippines and I find the aircon cannot cope with the heat even. I was using the MAX button the whole time and still i'm sweating like a pig!

Anyone find the A/C of the MINI inadequate?

 

It sometimes barely keeps up in my '03 R50 here in Texas but in the end, I have somehow learned to adapt and to use the system to best effect. Overall...it's not the most robust system, but I find it's adequate.

 

I was using the max setting of the A/C the whole time yet still no luck

 

Hmmm...

 

Make sure the dial is set to direct air only to the face, not to the feet, etc. To me the conditioned air seems cooler that way.

 

yes that's what I did. Same as in our X5. It seems to be cooler when the airflow is directed to tha face only

 

anyone know of there is a stronger aircon system for the MINI that would cater to the needs of very very hot countries like Dubai and the Philippines?

I understand from our local BMW dealer that the BMW units that are coming in have "tropicalized" aircon system designed to cope with our climate

 

I've had my '06 MCSC for about 8 months now. And yes, the A/C is less powerful than other vehicles I've had. I've driven SUVs for the last 15 years. My Honda Pilot 4x4 has an A/C that is like walking into a commercial freezer when it's set to "cold". The MINI just doesn't push that kind of cold air out. But that's OK I'll take sweating in the MINI over freezing in the SUV anyday.

 

If I were you I would look into getting something to block out all light from the sunroof panels. Something that applies to the outside (not tint, the dealer won't do it, however others have had shops tint the sunroof). I think there are some OEM accessories that do this. You could open the roof when you want, but very little heat would come in when you didn't want.

 

I don't know why somebody does not replace the roller shade - everyone complains about this. Take it out of the car and take it to a good window treatment shop. Get the fabric replaced with a quality solar mesh that blocks 95%. You will still be able to look through it and you would get decent shading.

 

This would seem to be an obvious aftermarket product much demanded by Mini owners, but no one (that I know of) is offering it yet.

Why, I wonder?

 

My Dad offered a response to that question when I asked it a while ago. He said that since there are 2 moonroofs, the shade rolls up in the space in between them, so it would be very difficult to make a shade that can roll up and offer better shielding of the sun. I'm not sure I did a good job explaining that, but it makes sense in my head

 

I agree, the MINIs a/c is less than inspiring. I'm not looking forward to the Houston heat when it comes in another couple of weeks. I did have the dealer tint the sunroof and that helps a bit (yes, I know some say not to tint it), but my guess is this is one of those British quirks we're going to have to live with. German, too.

 

The squeeking window may be caused by moisture where the window enters the door. At least that is what causes my passenger window to make noise once in a while.

As for the a/c...More shadding would help. My low cost fix to all of that sunshine was to get some sturdy stuff called foam board at the local craft shop and cut it to size. It rests comfortably in-between the window and the mesh. Four bucks and five minutes later the sun's rays were blocked. Easy in and easy out when you want the view.

 

This is exactly what I did! Haha. But the sun is still radiating too much heat through the windows. I'm having the car installes with v kool 70 within the week. Ill post pics and my review if it worked

 

This was also the logical explanation in my mind why they created the mesh type cover. But I'm wondering, Isn't there any solid piece of some material that would roll thin and provide better sheiding from the sun?

When my dad heard me complaining of too much sunlight and heat coming from the sunroof, he told me, "WHY Didn't I get the model with a SOLID ROOF?" haha

 

It would not fit if the new fabric was considerably thicker and rolled up into a thicker roll. But I recall that the shade fabric is not particularly thin and I'd expect the material to fit.

 

What is this solar mesh? I haven't seen this product. Could you post a picture or a link? I'm interested in getting this one

 

What about aluminized mylar? NASA developed it to reflect heat.

I got the model with the solid roof.

 

Does the solid roof have better heat and sound insulation? For our MINI's with sunroof, I don't think there is something in between the metal roof and the headliner. It's hot when there is strong sunlight and noisy as hell when raining

 

My current car, Scion tC, has a dual moonroof (only one opens though) and it has a solid shade that rolls up for both. When I get my MCS, I wonder if I can find a way to adapt something like that to it.

 

If you happen to find something that can replace the useless mesh shade of our mini's please do let us know

 

google it

http://www.mechoshade.com/site/shadecloth/index.cfm

 

I will look into it, but need my car first. Actually need to order my car first. 2 more weeks and I will be ordering.

If I can find anything out in the mean time, I will let oyu all know.

 

Good luck on your new car! Hope you get a good deal from your dealer and hope you get a short waiting time