No, it only has a screen that slides in under it. I'll admit, when I first got into my car at the dealership and saw that, I was a little concerned. After more than a week with all kinds of weather though, I really like it. I don't think I would've opted for it if I had wanted a painted roof, but I didn't so it didn't matter to me.

 

It has sliding screens, but they are perforatted and allow a certain amount of light to pass.

 

Love the sunroof! Absolutely no rattles or leaks, also own a '95 740 with sunroof and also no leaks or rattles. All of my cars have sunroofs or are convertibles; just seems so much more open and less claustrophobic!

 

Sounds like you've decided not to get the sunroof. Here's my take:

The last four cars I've owned have had sunroofs, and all have been greatly enjoyed-mine was open today. I wouldn't even consider a car without one! I've never--in any of these cars (3 BMWs and the MINI)--had a bit of trouble with rattles, leaks, wind noise, or anything else. I tinted my MINI's roof--problem solved.

Just for grins, the sunroof on the old Porsche 356 model was considered a survival aid by the Dutch--had to be able to get out of the car if you went into the canal, don't ya know? Today sunroof 356 coupes are rare, and I am very happy to have one.

(As a side note--3 years ago I had a serious crash with one of the BMWs. The sunroof broke out, and it was a good thing, because it was the only way I could get anyone to stop. I was trapped in the car, had a broken back, and my cell phone had fallen on the floor, way too far out of reach. I waved over a guy who happened to pass by, obviously wondering why I was "parked" on the wrong side of the road--damage was not visible on the side he came from, although the car was totaled from hitting the tree on the other side. I was darned glad to have it. )

 

I have the premium package and absolutely love it; wouldn't have considered a MINI without it (purchased off the lot).

No problems with the auto AC. Although it's not a necessity I like the 'set it and forget it' convenience it allows. I keep mine on 72 and have never had to fiddle with it once (and that's with external temperature ranging from high 70's to low 30's). Also it's a pretty smart system in that it never blast you with hot air on a summer day or cold air on a winter one when first starting the car. Also it automatically switches to recirculate mode when any foul smells are detected outside.

No rattles or wind noise with the sunroof either. IMHO it's a must have - brightens and enlarges the interior significantly and I personally find the interior roof to be rather ugly without it. Therefore even you can't/don't open it that often it's still quite worth it. I live in the NE so the sunshades have proved more than adequate. As a matter of fact I've probably only closed them once.

I guess the only instances that may have given me some paused in selecting the premium package are if I had a white roof and/or wanted one of the factory roof decals that aren't offered with the sunroof. Even so I'd probably have opted for it regardless. Basically if you can afford it, get it.

 

I would not order a MINI without a sunroof, IMHO, (Unless, of course, I ordered a convertible!). It adds so much to the car. It adds character, the interior seems roomier, it's a proven scientific fact that sunlight increases morale, the wind in my hair feels great.

Now on to the intangibles - I added the checkered graphic, and this knocks the amount of light coming in by nearly 50%. The really sweet thing I noticed is that when the roof is closed, the checkered pattern is reflected in the top of the shift **** - It looks very cool! Also, when it's bright out, and you have the roof closed, you get a checkered pattern on the floor as well!

I have had not issues at all with the sunroof, and it operates flawlessly! Yes, it may eventually have issues, but I'm definitely enjoying the hell out of it right now!

 

The real trick would be if it automatically switches to fresh air mode when any foul smells are detected inside.

 

I love the sunroof for for the open feeling it gives the car (like a convertible with a roll cage :-) ) I live in SoCal and it never seems too bright or hot for me <shrug>
Haven't had any trouble with the new one or the one on my gone-but-not-forgotten '03
The auto AC does tend to roar a bit...I turn the fan speed down
And I love the comfort access...I too walk up to the entry door at my garage wishing it had the keyless entry :-)

These are all things I'd feel deprived without....

 

No you get to bake in the sun when ever it shines. There is a screen that does very little when closed to shield you from the sun.

 

That's definitely area dependent. Here in PA the few times the sun coming in has bothered me, simply closing the screen has eradicated the issue.

 

Well I'll tell you one thing NOT to get. The IPod adapter. Why do people insist on wasting money on these things. Buy a $5-$15 audio cable, put one end in the headphone jack on the IPod (or ANY audio device) and the other end in the AUX jack in the MINI. Whats the point in spending however much it costs for an IPod adapter? The AUX jack is free and the cable is close to it and gives you the flexibility to plug virtually anything into it. Be it any MP3 player ever made, a CD Player (don't know why you would want to do that, but you could), a microphone, a guitar, etc. All for 5 to 15 bucks, depending on the quality of the cable. You could spend more if you want but ive even the good ones rarely cost over $13.

Is is really worth it? Really, I'm asking. What extra features do you get that make it worth it? I assume you could charge it but thats really a minor thing. Plus, if you had the USB port and any other MP3 player, you could charge it that way. So whats up with these things?

 

I guess that is true for you & some others, but there people like me who are very sensitive to too much sun exposure. I would have liked a sunroof, but the fact that there is no opaque screen killed the deal for me.

 

That makes sense. If the sun was a major issue I guess the mesh screen truly wouldn't do much. But just in the way of cutting down glare (which is all I use it for) it works fine. For me at least... And that's without any tint other than what's put on at the factory.

 

Just put some 5% tint on the sunroof(s) and you will be fine. I did mine and it is a world of difference and still lets the blue sky in!

 

I have all 4 packages on my mini and I wouldn't have it any other way. It sounds like you have listed enough arguments against the premium, however, that I wouldn't purchase it if I were you. Save your money for the options you do want. I have to say, however, I don't seem to have all the issues with the sunroof that everyone mentions and I live in Arizona where the sun is always shining down on us. Maybe it is I'm just used to above 110 degrees that I don't notice the extra heat. I don't miss an extra black out screen on mine and I'm glad I have it for those times when the weather is beautiful like most of winter!

I love the convenience package. In fact, I wish every thing I have to unlock had a convenience package option. If it wasn't for unlocking my front door, I would never have to pull the keys out of my purse!!!

Just my two cents....

 

I have an iPod to AUX cable. I'd like to have iPod Integration. Here's why:
1. Contents of the iPod display on the NAV screen and can be navigated by NAV joystick.
2. You can skip a track or repeat a track with a button on the MFSW.
3. The iPod is hidden in the "secret compartment" and can be left in the car when you park. When using the cable, the iPod is in plain view and makes a nice invitation to break into the car.
4. The iPod is charged while in use.

 

South Florida weather requires a sunroof here! I LOVE my sunroof especially in the summer to let the hot air out! I have limo tints on it and there is no problem with heat or brightness in the cabin! and it's alot of fun motoring with it tilted or open all the way! Just my .02

 

That's another very valid point. It's amazing the amount of heat you can vent out of the cabin by putting the sunroof in its tilt position.

 

+ 1 for Texas, too!

 

It does not offset the amount of heat it allows to build up in the cabin though. Romi stays much more civil inside when it is 100+F outside than the Mini with the sunroof does. I have gotten into a Mini with a sunroof and Romi is far more comfortable in the same heat.

When you do not have the sunroof, you also get an insulation panel between the headliner and the sheet metal roof.

When I did my test drive, it was a no-brainer. The A/C cools the car a lot faster when there is no sunroof.

 

The only way I'd get a sunroof again is if I choose a black roof.

 

Well, sort of. It has a black rubber mesh that blocks out a real good bit of the sun, as well as the black tinted sunroof. I personally love mine. I love the sound of the wind while I drive and having the sun on my head. If it gets too hot, I pull the sliding panel and it cuts the sunshine and the noise.

I think whatever toots your horn, so to speak. I love my sunroof, others find it annoying, costly and heavy.

 

Yes, but it has a bunch of holes in it and does a poor job of blocking light.

 

Its just not that difficult for me to pick my mp3 player up and push the skip button. and i hide mine when i leave the car. but, to each his own.

 

That is why I got my sunroof tinted to 20% and it makes a big difference, If you want even more sun blockage, do 5% and you still see outside but the sun doesn't really come in, specially with the shade closed.