R50/53 Get a sunroof or not to get a sunroof?
#1
I am looking at an MCS and will be getting the Sports Package, Automatic AC, Cruise Control. I have not yet decided if it is worth the extra $600 for me to go ahead and get the Sunroof and the Trip Computer.
Just wondering if people thought that the sunroof is worth it.
Also how much does dealer uption parts cost if I order them from the parts department? I am just trying to find out if it is cheaper to get he Wheel Locks and the boot map and boot net from the parts deparment.
Just wondering if people thought that the sunroof is worth it.
Also how much does dealer uption parts cost if I order them from the parts department? I am just trying to find out if it is cheaper to get he Wheel Locks and the boot map and boot net from the parts deparment.
#3
Reasons to get the sunroof :smile:
1. Chicks dig it!
2. Easy weather checks.
3. I have the sunroof, wife does not. While riding in her car, a sense of claustrophobia takes over :smile:
7. Nothing beats getting a tan and driving a MINI...
8. You don't have to use the air-conditioning as much, more power where it belongs, on the tires
His, chile Red all over / Hers, EB UJ on top
1. Chicks dig it!
2. Easy weather checks.
3. I have the sunroof, wife does not. While riding in her car, a sense of claustrophobia takes over :smile:
7. Nothing beats getting a tan and driving a MINI...
8. You don't have to use the air-conditioning as much, more power where it belongs, on the tires
His, chile Red all over / Hers, EB UJ on top
#4
#6
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I love my sunroof! It is the first thing others comment on when they look in the car. Another factor to think about is the color. I have the black roof and the sunroof kind of disapears when it's closed. It kind of freaks people out when I hit the auto retract button. I get the "WOHA! It has a sunroof? Oh! 2 sunroofs." I kind of think the white roof sticks out too much.
Although I'm not big on what other people think of my car, it is fun to see the reactions. I like the sunroof for me.
Although I'm not big on what other people think of my car, it is fun to see the reactions. I like the sunroof for me.
#7
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#8
>>So, any one have any number on the additional weight for the sunroof? Is is more then 100lbs?
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...5&start=25
Accoding to them the sunroof and all of its components weighs 54lbs.
Not sure what the difference between the solid roof and the sunroof is.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...5&start=25
Accoding to them the sunroof and all of its components weighs 54lbs.
Not sure what the difference between the solid roof and the sunroof is.
#9
The sunroof is great- but one warning: many come down w/ a bit of a rattle (some worse than others) where the front wind deflectors touch the sunroof glass when it's closed. 4-6 inches of velcro tape (the soft side- the 'loop' part) seem to fix this for 9 out of 10 MINI drivers- check the threads on this on experior/interior. I began to hear a mild rattle, and the velcro tape cleared it up completely. Thought you should have all the facts.
#10
Of all the options I have on my MCS, the one that it think is kind of a waste is the computer. MPG estimates are not accurate, the miles to go before you run out of gas seems to be intentionally rigged to get to 0 with a couple gallons left, avg speed means nothing unless you continually reset it, etc. And you can check the outside temperature by sticking your hand out the sunroof (or window).
I personally did not get the sunroof, just because I NEVER used it on any of my previous cars. At the same time, it seems to rain 6 days a week here (currently working on 50 inches for the year). If I lived pretty much anywhere besides the Pacific Northwest, the sunroof would be a given.
Phil
I have not yet decided if it is worth the extra $600 for me to go ahead and get the Sunroof and the Trip Computer.
>>
>>Just wondering if people thought that the sunroof is worth it.
I personally did not get the sunroof, just because I NEVER used it on any of my previous cars. At the same time, it seems to rain 6 days a week here (currently working on 50 inches for the year). If I lived pretty much anywhere besides the Pacific Northwest, the sunroof would be a given.
Phil
I have not yet decided if it is worth the extra $600 for me to go ahead and get the Sunroof and the Trip Computer.
>>
>>Just wondering if people thought that the sunroof is worth it.
#11
friend in Scotsdale Arizona has a mini with a melted interior
because sunroof shade is mesh and not solid to block sun.
1,000's of posts about rattling sunroofs.
sunroof almost as big as roof itself. People will disclaim this, but
car with a giant sunroof has less structural integrity than one without.
I have had alot of trucks and autos.Many with sunroofs and t-tops.
(i am older than dirt) made sure NOT to get the sunroof and very happy
on my decision.
because sunroof shade is mesh and not solid to block sun.
1,000's of posts about rattling sunroofs.
sunroof almost as big as roof itself. People will disclaim this, but
car with a giant sunroof has less structural integrity than one without.
I have had alot of trucks and autos.Many with sunroofs and t-tops.
(i am older than dirt) made sure NOT to get the sunroof and very happy
on my decision.
#12
Same predicament here. I currently have a '04 MCS on order and have been debating whether to get the sunroof and auto A/C (as part of the premium package) for an extra $720 as I am already getting the aport MFSW and the trip computer.
My wife is not very fond of the sunroof idea. But my real deterrent is the lack of a solid sunshade (I live in South Florida where strong heat and humidity are a daily problem). I have had 2 other cars with sunroofs and remember not using them much for the entire year. However I like the dual pabe concept and the open car feeling it gives to the interior, but aside from the novelty..is it really worth it??
Any other sunroof Floridian owners outthere?
I am not too crazy about the auto A/C as I much prefer the manual controls but unfortunately it is cheaper to get the Premium Package with it than without it, unless I decide not to get the trip computer either.
My wife is not very fond of the sunroof idea. But my real deterrent is the lack of a solid sunshade (I live in South Florida where strong heat and humidity are a daily problem). I have had 2 other cars with sunroofs and remember not using them much for the entire year. However I like the dual pabe concept and the open car feeling it gives to the interior, but aside from the novelty..is it really worth it??
Any other sunroof Floridian owners outthere?
I am not too crazy about the auto A/C as I much prefer the manual controls but unfortunately it is cheaper to get the Premium Package with it than without it, unless I decide not to get the trip computer either.
#13
I have an MCS and elected not to get a sunroof. I'm glad I did not.
Some points-
My last car had a sunroof that leaked. I fixed it under warranty and it leaked again. No good. It made alot of noise when the sunroof was opened even with the wind deflector so I could use it for low speed driving mostly (less than 45 mph).
The sunroof is heavy and rattles easily- already mentioned.
It has a shade but no full shade so harmful UV light will penetrate into the mini and ruin the upholstery and the top of your scalps. If you have hair loss-balding male or female. Medically speaking I must warn you against getting a sunroof. The risk of sun damage from regular exposure to the sun is significant. The only way around this is to not get the sunroof, fully tint the entire sunroof glass, wear a hat in the car, or use sunblock while driving if it is daylight.
Just something to consider. I am a skin cancer specialist in Hawaii. Too much sunlight is BAD BAD BAD for your skin, especially for those over 45.
Some points-
My last car had a sunroof that leaked. I fixed it under warranty and it leaked again. No good. It made alot of noise when the sunroof was opened even with the wind deflector so I could use it for low speed driving mostly (less than 45 mph).
The sunroof is heavy and rattles easily- already mentioned.
It has a shade but no full shade so harmful UV light will penetrate into the mini and ruin the upholstery and the top of your scalps. If you have hair loss-balding male or female. Medically speaking I must warn you against getting a sunroof. The risk of sun damage from regular exposure to the sun is significant. The only way around this is to not get the sunroof, fully tint the entire sunroof glass, wear a hat in the car, or use sunblock while driving if it is daylight.
Just something to consider. I am a skin cancer specialist in Hawaii. Too much sunlight is BAD BAD BAD for your skin, especially for those over 45.
#14
Skip the sunroof - I did. 4 of my last 5 cars have had sunroofs, and on each one they caused problems in some way or another. All those cars were bought used. where I had little choice, so I was really happy to be able to delete the sunroof on my first new purchase. Also - the lower weight, lower center of gravity, and greater head room are all good things. I got every option but sun, radar (backup alarm), and Nav. I am very happy with my Indy Blue and white MCS. If there is one option I regret, it is the 17" perf minilight wheels. They are the heaviest combo that comes on the car, and I wish I had looked into this more.
Good luck.
Wes
Good luck.
Wes
#15
blfreund: I am currently waiting on my All Black MCS and I did not order the Sunroof or Auto A/C. I did however, order the Sport Package, MFSW, HK, and Auto Dimming Mirrors w Auto Wipers. I live in South Florida and with a black MCS I skipped the Sunroof and the on Board Computer. I should have my MCS by late May or the first week of June.
#16
I had a sunroof in my MC, and skipped it in the MCS.
First - you cannot block the light at night, which really bothered me.
Second - I have significantly more head room in the new car.
Third - difficult to have my painted UJ if there was a big hole in the roof!
On the other hand, my wife liked it and thought I should have got it in the new car too.
Cooper4us,
Recommend avoiding the auto a/c ... for me (and some others) its "auto" is not smart enough - and manually controlling the tiny buttons is a pain.
First - you cannot block the light at night, which really bothered me.
Second - I have significantly more head room in the new car.
Third - difficult to have my painted UJ if there was a big hole in the roof!
On the other hand, my wife liked it and thought I should have got it in the new car too.
Cooper4us,
Recommend avoiding the auto a/c ... for me (and some others) its "auto" is not smart enough - and manually controlling the tiny buttons is a pain.
#17
>> friend in Scotsdale Arizona has a mini with a melted interior
>>because sunroof shade is mesh and not solid to block sun.
What do you mean by a "melted interior"?! Slumping seats, deformed dash, buckled, unreadable speedometer, tach that is drooping forward onto the steering wheel??? Seriously, I think you're being a bit dramatic here.
>>1,000's of posts about rattling sunroofs.
Ditto.
>>sunroof almost as big as roof itself. People will disclaim this, but
>>car with a giant sunroof has less structural integrity than one without.
You're falling back on a really tired argument here. BMW has stated in no uncertain terms that the sunroof simply does not impair the structural rigidity of the car. As much as buying this car has soured me on BMW overall, I don't think they would make this up. Unless you've got something convincing to say to the contrary, please stop repeating this unproven "fact".
>>because sunroof shade is mesh and not solid to block sun.
What do you mean by a "melted interior"?! Slumping seats, deformed dash, buckled, unreadable speedometer, tach that is drooping forward onto the steering wheel??? Seriously, I think you're being a bit dramatic here.
>>1,000's of posts about rattling sunroofs.
Ditto.
>>sunroof almost as big as roof itself. People will disclaim this, but
>>car with a giant sunroof has less structural integrity than one without.
You're falling back on a really tired argument here. BMW has stated in no uncertain terms that the sunroof simply does not impair the structural rigidity of the car. As much as buying this car has soured me on BMW overall, I don't think they would make this up. Unless you've got something convincing to say to the contrary, please stop repeating this unproven "fact".
#18
#19
>>I am looking at an MCS and will be getting the Sports Package, Automatic AC, Cruise Control. I have not yet decided if it is worth the extra $600 for me to go ahead and get the Sunroof and the Trip Computer.<<
Aside from my opinions on the two, keep in mind that while the two items cost only $600 more if you go with the Premium package, they would cost you $1,000 separately! (Sunroof = $800, OBC = $200.) If you think you might want one, you may as well get both for a better value!
Now, as for my opinion, I LOVE my sunroof! I don't live in the deep south, so I don't have to worry so much about ridiculous heat or sun (and if I did, I would be ordering something from Matt at http://www.cooperflags.com). It is great for at least 9 months out of the year as far as I'm concerned - way more practical than a convertible and almost as nice!
To address some of the concerns others have mentioned (or at least give you my take) - I really like the extra light in the cabin from the roof - it makes everything feel bigger somehow. Also, with the height adjustable seats, I haven't met a tall person yet who doesn't have enough headroom even with the sunroof.
Oh, and with almost 15K sMiles - no sunroof rattles!
As for the OBC - I have to be honest and say that my absolute favorite part is the outside temperature! I have wanted that in my car for years - and now I finally have it! I could really take or leave the avg mileage and speed calcs or the miles to empty - I just love to know what temp it is! (OK, maybe I'm wierd.)
Aside from my opinions on the two, keep in mind that while the two items cost only $600 more if you go with the Premium package, they would cost you $1,000 separately! (Sunroof = $800, OBC = $200.) If you think you might want one, you may as well get both for a better value!
Now, as for my opinion, I LOVE my sunroof! I don't live in the deep south, so I don't have to worry so much about ridiculous heat or sun (and if I did, I would be ordering something from Matt at http://www.cooperflags.com). It is great for at least 9 months out of the year as far as I'm concerned - way more practical than a convertible and almost as nice!
To address some of the concerns others have mentioned (or at least give you my take) - I really like the extra light in the cabin from the roof - it makes everything feel bigger somehow. Also, with the height adjustable seats, I haven't met a tall person yet who doesn't have enough headroom even with the sunroof.
Oh, and with almost 15K sMiles - no sunroof rattles!
As for the OBC - I have to be honest and say that my absolute favorite part is the outside temperature! I have wanted that in my car for years - and now I finally have it! I could really take or leave the avg mileage and speed calcs or the miles to empty - I just love to know what temp it is! (OK, maybe I'm wierd.)
#21
car ain't worth it without the sunroof... I got mine I couldn't imagine begin with out it.. gives a bit more head room in teh car so you don't feel cramped.. it soudn great it nto very breeezy at all teh deflectors work well.. mmine doesn't rattle then again, tmy car fairly loud I think its revign to high. but beside that teh sunroof doesn't rattle.. it feels liek you driving a convertable.. you do have 2 sunshades.. and very nice airconditioner if you buy the auto a/c so I think you'll miss it if you don't get it.. you can always solve teh problem of too much sun by tinting or even getting a white roof decal, but gettign a sunroof installed afterwards is a real *****. It you ahve to throw away a 500 dollars i'd suggest gettign rid on the dsc btu I thnk you siad you boguht the sports package..
oh well get it you love it.
oh well get it you love it.
#22
The sunroof, like most other things on the MINI option list is a matter of personal taste. Those who have one (myself included) generally like open car, wind in the hair driving. Others prefer the Q-ship, closed coupe mode of transport. Either way, you'll get a fun car to drive with tremendous amounts of head room, an increadibly tight uni-body structure, delightful steering and suspension, and kick-*** performance for a sub-compact. I've not experienced the infamous rattle that has plagued some sunroof equipped vehicles. I understand that the quick fix is to clean the tracks that the roof runs in and apply velcro tape to the front flip up panels. I think that the sunroof adds to the Motoring experience for others in the car, they have a great view of the sky and the "openness" of the car is enhanced.
That plus the fact that my wife made me get the sunroof as a condition of getting my MINI. Ahh marriage. :smile:
That plus the fact that my wife made me get the sunroof as a condition of getting my MINI. Ahh marriage. :smile:
#23
My vote is to get them because if you don't have them and later you decided to have them. it will be too late .
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#24
I think the sunroof is pretty cool, but having said that I choose to go without it. I test drove cars both with and without. Being 6'4" the extra headroom with out the sunroof is important to me. I also have a convertable Mustang in the garage for those sunny days that beg for fresh air. An open sunroof is nice, but no camparison to the wide openness of a convertable.
Either way, yo can't go wrong. Drive them both, make your pick and enjoy.
Andy
Either way, yo can't go wrong. Drive them both, make your pick and enjoy.
Andy
#25
I appreciate everyone's input on the sunroof. There are pretty valid points made, both in favor and against it. My '04 MCS is still 6 months away from delivery so I still have time to re-evaluate whether to go with it or skip it.
I am not crazy about the auto A/C as the standard manual controls do work wonders in our current Cooper CVT, but we shall see.
Another note....you don't need to get the Trip Computer in order to get the LCD exterior temperature readout in the tach. It comes standard in all MINIs regardless. Our Cooper CVT does not have the trip computer, yet it does have the temperature readout, which I have found to be fairly accurate and useful.
I am not crazy about the auto A/C as the standard manual controls do work wonders in our current Cooper CVT, but we shall see.
Another note....you don't need to get the Trip Computer in order to get the LCD exterior temperature readout in the tach. It comes standard in all MINIs regardless. Our Cooper CVT does not have the trip computer, yet it does have the temperature readout, which I have found to be fairly accurate and useful.