Hi everyone,
I am about to purchase a 2011 cooper S. The issue is which one.
The first one has a white roof, which I really don't like, but has all the other options I want (premium and cold weather packages, xenon's, Laser blue).
The second one has the much preferred black roof (black body and wheels, xenon's, cold weather package), but lacks the premium package. I don't need the sound system or the auto ac, but I really appreciate the sunroof.
Now about the auto ac, I understand it comes with a different filter. Does anyone know the extent of the difference? Can it be retrofitted?
Is there anyone that has anything to say about a sunroof, anything at all that would make me content with not having it? I know it all comes down to my preference, but I am having a hard time deciding.

Thanks for any help.

I feel like a little kid who can't make up his mind about which action figure to get.

 

In my opinion you should have the premium package for the sound system alone. The standard sound system is horrible! The harmon kardon is pretty good. As for the AC, I can do without the auto AC, I like the regular AC system better, would rather manually set everything to my liking. The sunroof is great to have, it makes the inside of the car feel larger, but it gets hot in the summer, and in warmer climates obviously. Then is is hard to cool off the car, as the AC works too hard. I know that mini put a darker tint on the sunroofs for 2011, so that should help. I had a 2007 with dual sunroofs and the standard sound system, and I had to add a subwoofer, it was terrible. I also had the sunroofs limo tinted, which helped quite a bit.

I say do not settle. Get exactly what you want and then have no regrets. Seems to me that neither car fits the bill for you. Keep looking!

 

I'm pretty partial to the white roof. I think there is just something so classic and distinctive about the white roof. That said, my 2011 will have a red roof.

I would definitely have to pick the one with the sunroof and HK.

 

Personally, if I couldn't make up my mind, I'd order one to get exactly what I wanted. Takes a few weeks, but you'd be a lot happier.

 

The sunroof definitely adds a level of expansiveness to the interior. It also adds weight, cost and the potential for issues like leaks and heat gain. My R50 and R53 both have 'em, along with white roofs. My suggestion would be to custom order exactly what you want in your MINI.

 

My 2¢ and only because you asked...lol

One of the basic rules of life is that the sunroof is always worth it. Not sure where you're located but if you're anywhere near the southern US the white roof is cooler. +1 on the upgraded sound system being necessary. We're a 2-MINI family and my 1st MINI that I purchsed from dealer stock did not have the premium package. My other two that I ordered did and I would do the premium package every time.

Of course if you hate the white roof - order exactly what you want or have your MA do a search of dealer stock and unclaimed vehicles at the VPC to see if there's one EXACTLY like you want. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

I live no the northeast, so the heat is not really an issue with regard to the sunroof. I would love to order one exactly to my liking but there are certain factors that do not allow me to do so.
Is the difference between the cabin filtration on the manual AC and the auto AC simply the type of filter?
If I use this filter, will it essentially have the "active carbon filtration system"?
http://www.minicarparts.net/Parts/64_31_1_496_711.cfm

 

Buy the one with the white roof and have the roof painted black...

 

Diy! PlastiDip

 

I avoided the sunroof when I ordered. You can always order the other "premium" options separately.

The 2011 sunroof may be tinted darker, but I don't think I could ever get used to having the midday sun beat down on my head though the glass, and the cheap, flimsy perforated sun "shade" is not a huge help either. Also, you may want to search the forum for sunroof-related problems/issues before making a decision.

Best of luck!

 

I personally LOVE the Auto climate control. It is after, all not just the AC, but keeps the heat at the level you set also. I like the "set it, forget it" aspect. Given that you don't seemed inclined to order the perfect one and wait for it, I would ask the dealer to do a search and see if they could find one already on someone's lot that is closer to what you want. I'm glad that I have the premium package myself.

 

You can always wrap the roof in black vinyl. (OR a fun graphic!)
I could not live without the HK system, or the auto AC. I absolutely love my sunroof - I do have a perforated graphic on it though that helps keep too much sun out.

 

Or vinyl...

Seriously if the only thing you really dislike is the white roof, than can be pretty easily modified. Much easier than trying to retrofit some of those other options.


I love the auto ac climate control. Like Reebus said, set it and forget it.

 

Well I'll throw in my $0.02 too. I have always had manual air in my previous vehicles because the ones with Auto AC that I have ridden in were never just right for me. The MINI I have has the sunroof and Auto AC and I love them both. I also have a black roof so that isn't exactly what you are looking at, but it gives and idea. The Auto AC rarely ever needs adjusting unless I am blazing hot (black roof can do that in SWFL sitting outside all day) but in a matter of a minute or so I am cooled off by letting the windows down and sunroof open as I walk to my car with the remote, start it up and if need be hit the MAX button to really cool you off. So I love the Auto AC, it works great and needs nearly no attention. I am confused as to why the concern over the cabin air filter, if they are different just buy the right one and not worry about it until the next time it needs changing (every other oil change I think).

The sunroof was not surprisingly harsh even in sunny Southwest FL, I did have all of the windows tinted and the sunroof tinted to 15% and that took lots of light out and made it to where I can drive without sunglasses on now. Being 6'-6" I sit all of the way down and back so the sunbroof is essentuial for a few different intersetions in town. I can usually see the traffic lights fine but a couple with close lights, it is easier to see the light change through the sunroof. I also did not think I needed a sunroof but now that I have it I would not order a MINI without it.

I have the Boost stereo, not the upgraded version and would definitely spring for that next time. The stereo is just sub-par, nothing exciting at all. So my vote here is for the premium package and get all of the 3 features. The roof can be repainted or dealt with, or even eventually liked. You could also just get a vinyl too so be unique and fun.

 

Bingo! I personally love my sunroof. I really dont use my auto AC and I live in Florida. You are purchasing New, So let the Dealer search for the exact MCS for You.

 

The cabin air filter they include in the auto a/c is the carbon activated filter versus a regular pleated filter (similar to a regular engine air filter).

You can easily replace the non-carbon filter with the carbon one as they are the same size.

Also, the auto a/c can be retrofitted after the fact if so desired (and not for a lot of cost if you can find the panel at a salvage place, I have seen it for $100).

If you like the sunroof, painting the roof is trivial compared to installing a sunroof!

 

My opinion is that you have to order your car to your liking..

The auto a/c for me is a must as +1 from me about the excellent harman kardon stereo which unfortunately as my car is an 08 it lacks..

As for the sunroof I think it is a bit confusing. At first i wouldn't think of owning a MINI without a sunroof. My 06 R53S had a sunroof which i adored.
When I ordered my R56 I specced the sunroof but now when I order the next one the sunroof will be absent. The reasons: I HATE the way it opens when in tilt, where the front and back roofs open simultaneously. In the R53 I always tilted the roof and now I hate the look of it. I don't like the air protective net when full open. The old plastic bits where far prettier (although the new system is better). And finally...the RATTLES. You will never get rid of the sunroof rattles ( you may apply sprays etc to reduce but you will never get rid of everything)