Hi, how is the sunroof shade on the new mini cooper? Is it nicer than on the previous generation model? Please let me know...

Thanks

 

I believe it is the same as the previous models, a sort of mesh that filters light.

 

Really? They didn't change that after so many were clearly unhappy with it - I'm shocked!

 

I heard you have to manually roll it up (versus the window shade spring tentioner set-up).

It was one thing I meant to look at when I drive the thing, but was having too much fun with driving & forgot.

 

Can someone please describe just how this works.

Thanks.

dean.

 

It really doesn't roll up. It has a plastic/rubber frame around the mesh. The mesh is finer than the prior shade. You just push it backwards and pull it forwards best I could tell when I looked at it.

 

The R53 shade was spring loaded to open. When you released the latch, if you didn't hold on tight, it would snap back open. Personally, I didn't care for this, because I was always afraid it would break as it would spring back so fast. Also, you could never have it partially open, or partially closed.

The R56 shade is not spring loaded at all. You push it back all the way to open it, or you can have it partially open or closed. Your choice.

Now, if they could fix the sunroof so I only had to tap the button to open or close it, then I would be completely happy, but, that is my other thread. Sorry, but I just can't stop b!tching about it.

 

i will say the double venting feature is awesome

 

By double venting you mean Dirny's venting about the sunroof in two threads at once?

Dirny, thank you very much for the explanation. I appreciate it.

dean.

 

Heh, funny

So I'm wondering, does this finer mesh screen significantly more light out, or darken the interior much more, if at all, then the last stuff? That was everyone's main gripe and I'm curious if they corrected it.

 

I cannot comment on the comparison of the filtered light but i will make one note that i observed on all the R56's that i have seen in the flesh.
The screen will not close completely. There is a noticable strip of light caused by the screen frame not being able to go far enough forward. Perhaps i saw this because of my height? (6'4)
I have not seen anyone else mention it.
It bothered me and i hope that it will not be the same on the one i ordered....

 

It's on mine.

 

It would be nice if it were an opaque shade, but filtered is ok. I take a baseball cap with me everywhere anyway, so I have taken to wearing it if the glare is too great. No big deal. However, I agree that it would be terrific if there were a software fix to allow for a single touch open on the roof. Holding the switch until it opens fully is a pain. However, I'm not giving away my MCS over it.

 

It seals on the sides much better than the old one. I didn't like that you had to manually slide it instead of the pring action until I read the above post about not have to have it all the way shut or open.