Ah, disagree, but to each his own. I'd say the performance and handling define the character of the car. The sunroof is just a problem waiting to happen that adds weight and reduces structural rigidity.

 

When I get a mini, i will definately get a sunroof. It's much easier to get a nice tint job, but at least you still can open it on nice days if you wish.

 

Not to get too far off topic but can anyone suggest a good front windshield shade? I've seen the one at stratmosphere, but I trying to shop around a bit, perhaps find one cheaper than the $48 option at the dealer. Thanks!

 

Personally, I hate sunroofs -- especially the one on the MINI. It is noisy and the sun screening is awful. I got it because the car was in stock with it (try to find one without one short of ordering). Our BMW X3 also came with one (they are now standard on all BMW's). It too is pretty much worthless IMHO, but obviously many feel differently. i guess if I wanted fresh air I would order a convertible.

 

One of the main reason I want to buy a mini is the sunroof. The sun screen is so nice. If handling and performance suffer, so be it.

 

I'm with you, Need. I picked a MINI because I wanted a fun, fuel efficient car with lots of options, especially A SUNROOF. Once I started with these parameters, the MINI was far and away the top choice. It's only after I placed my order that I found out about the devoted fanbase/cult. That I'm now a member of. Pass the kool-aid!

 

Limo tint has proven very effective on our sunroof even in sunny SoCal.

 

That's my reason for not getting a sunroof. Try out a MINI with and without sunroof and you'll find that there is a big difference in headroom. Add in the extra weight, getting sunburned if you don't tint it, the added expense, and the fact that it makes any non-black roof look ugly (IMO) and I just don't see the point. My wife's car has a sunroof and we barely ever use it.

 

I had a sunroof in my last 3 cars before the Mini, and in the Mini too. In the Grand Cherokees I almost never used it because it was behind my head. I could only hear to air moving. In the Mini it's right over my head which is great IMO. The extra light coming in takes getting used to, but I like it now. Thanks for the tip on the sunshades to use for extended parking. The car does get hot inside, but I honestly think in AZ or FL blocking out that direct sunlight will not make the car any cooler inside after an hour or so (scientifically it does not make sense). But it would shield some of the interior from direct sunlight which would be good for protecting the seats, etc.

 

$56 Bucks!!. I went to WalMart, bought the cheapest windowshade ($2-3). and cut to size. They look like the same quality as pictured. and the cheap ones are off white on one side so it actually blends with my lining.

i actually just bought the smallest type that you fold into a circle. It is two seperate pieces, fits perfectly in the window. And when folded up, it actually slips behind the passenger seat mesh perfectly out of sight!

 

It's funny you suggested that, my wife offered that this weekend. I think that'll be the way we go!

 

on the topic of the sunroof, what's with the wimpy cloth 'windscreen' on the sunroof? aside from just looking cheapo, it doesn't seem to do anything at all. it's one of my few complaints with the R56. can it be replaced? anyone tried?

 

I find the windscreen reflects into my glasses and causes a distracting, moving web reflection...$750 for that? Even if you had a sunroof in another car, this one is inferior as noted by myself and others in this thread. I love the car -- hate the sunroof. If you are ordering a MINI, do yourself a favor and carefully examine the ones in the demos and determine whether this is for you.

 

Well, you asked for our opinions. I love my sunroof, thought I'd regret it at first. Driving home with my windows down and the sunroof open is one of the most relaxing things I do. All here have had valid points, but I love the feeling (close as it gets to a convertable).

 

I have the dual sunroof in mine and so far its the best option that I got, Love the sun!

 

Can you actually get sunburned through the glass if you don't tint it? Does it not have UV protection that prevents that?

 

Huh? It's called the greenhouse effect. Solar radiation enters the car (greenhouse) through the glass and warms the interior surfaces. That causes the interior air temperature to rise, which cannot escape the enclosed area. Scientifically, it makes perfect sense.

 

I am reluctant to order the sunroof. I've had a sunroof in my past 4 cars and use it rarely. However, in the Cooper would the cabin seem too cramped (especially in the back seat) without the more open feeling the sunroof supplies? What are the member’s impressions of the cabin without the sunroof?

 

I couldn't imagine having my MINI without the sunroof, which is funny because initially I didn't want it (thought it was a waste of money). But the one I test drove at the dealer had it, and from there I was sold. I've had it open every dry day I've had since I bought the car. As far as it contrasting with my white roof, I don't think it looks bad at all. That being said, I live in MA so though it may get hot here, its not exactly SoCal.

 

If you regularly have rear passengers, it has another plus. The back panel opens in the vent mode, too. It gets quite warm in the back due to all the window glass passengers are quite close to.

 

I like the sunroof after I installed limo 20% tint. Now the sun doesn't bake my head.

 

I've had it happen in other cars and I've not read anything about the MINI's sunroof to make it sound like it would be any different.

 

This was a good thread to read - I'm getting ready to order and I'm trying to figure out if I want a sunroof...

 

I just added the sunroof to my order. I went in to the dealer today to check it out. I live in Portland, OR. and we get a lot of gray overcast days here, so the more light that gets in the better. I should only have a couple of months worth of excessive heat to worry about in the summer.

 

That's absolutely true! Other performance cars often reduce the roof weight by eliminating the sun roof. The new M3 goes one step further- a carbon fiber roof to maintain rigidity while lowering the center of mass of the car.