how much do I loose if I get a sunroof?

My wife really wants one, I personally dont like the sunroof

I've heard they are not as good for track or auto-x use

 

Gain about 75 LBS and if you're tall its a PITA to ware a helmit.

 

any handling difference other than the weight?

I still am kinda scared of that much glass over my head

 

Actually net is 50-60 lbs, I believe (the dispaced metal weighs something). At 6 feet I have tons of room with the helmet - YMMV.
I love my sunroof - makes the car feel lots bigger.

Reality is, unless you're going to Nationals, the sunroof isn't going to make a perceptable difference. Focus on the nut behind the wheel.
Then again, if you don't like it, and she doesn't read this, you can tell her anything you want.

 

Theory is since the weight is on the top it will cause you to roll more. A good set of adjustable coilovers and 25mm sway bar is what you need anyway and it will take care of that and then some. The extra weight is not that significate to me since I weight 250 lbs. I am 6 feet tall and the only thing that my helmet touches is the head rest.

 

Well if you're 6'-2 like me its a problem trust me

 

Oh, I believe you. Good point of reference now that we know how tall is tall.

 

I'm 5'10" shoudlnt be a problme

wife really wants that sunroof though

 

Well I would say get it and make her happy unless you plan on making it a autox or track only car it will be fine.

 

"If momma's not happy, NOBODY's happy." - Anon.

 

Don't listen to me, because I have a Cooper that I autocross and take to the track - so obviously my decision make process is broken.

But, the sunroof will not make a perceptible difference. Don't worry about it.

 

I'm guessing you know this first hand

 

yeah, I'm not ready for the wife delete option

 

She hit that button and we are fighting over who gets what now. May have to sell car

 

I had the same fear. Now it's gone (the fear that is). The MINI has a WONDERFUL sunroof, with the multiple positions, the extra feeling of open-ness from xtra long glass even when it's closed, independent sunscreens, and it's even rigged in with the lockup procedure. I use mine to ventilate while Stuart's baking in the hot San Diego sun.

GET THE SUNROOF. Noone came up to me at the last autocross and said, 'damn, you're fast for having a sunroof. It's not a noticable difference.

 

good solution, keep wife happy and drive your autocross, if you feel its a problem.

Get your own and then everyone happy.

 

As much time as I've spent looking at options I feel wierd that I have such a dumb (?) question. Does the entire glass retract creating an opening in the sunroof. It just seems so large, and the top so small, that I wonder where the glass goes? Or do the two rooves just angle up?

 

For you it's going to fit fine.

For your wife she has spoken her preference and I think that is clear enough indication what you "should/must" do.

Get the Sunroof and enjoy it.

When you beat everyone that shows up at autocross or at track events then think about buying another MINI that doesn't have a sunroof.

If you are driving autocross for fun then enjoy the sunroof for what it is. A nice luxury feature. Safety is not a big factor since autocross is fairly easy on your car.

 

The front sunroof slides up and on top of the rear sunroof. The rear sunroof only tilts up, it doesn't actually slide open. Just as you observed, there'd be nowhere for it to go.

 

I did it and I have no complaints for autocross. The car will spend most of its time everyday driving so you might as well put the sunroof on. The roof is pretty neat to me and im usually against sun roofs. It just adds to the MINIs character. The R56 has plenty of torque all its really going to be hurting is the cornering a very slight amount, that will be easy to make up. I have noticed that the car drives better with a passenger so let your wife ride and look out the sunroof

 

If my wife knew how to drive a stick... I would do anything for her.

 

I would suggest trying to sit in both a sunroof and tintop with your helmet on to check for clearance. My helmet hits in both the R53 or R56 with a sunroof, but has about 3/4 inch to 1 inch of clearance in either car without the sunroof. The seat option may make a difference as well. It's an issue with torso length, not overall height.

If you have sufficient clearance with the sunroof, I'd go for it. It's a great option, but a happy wife is a GREAT option

 

I ordered my car without the sunroof. I've had it on other cars in the past and never used it that much. I thought to save a little money, but also considered autocross and possible track days. I can't quantify it, but clearly getting weight out of the very top of the car is an advantage, and as you get better and compete at higher levels, you need every legal advantage you can get. The car will also be slightly more rigid without the sun roof, but again, who knows how much?

For me not getting the sun roof was a good call. For you? Well, I would say honor the wife and let her have her sun roof. Then if you get to the point where the fastest autocross opposition is beating you by .011 seconds, get another Mini without the sunroof.

Happy motoring to you and your wife,

Joe

 

Get the sunroof.

When you lose to someone by 0.01 seconds, you can blame it on the sunroof instead of your driving.

 

Note that this thread was originally from June, so the OP has his answers.
The recent question was where does the sunroof retract to.