[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

I really miss having a sunroof in my Cooper (having had them in other cars).

I couldn't spec one with my current Cooper as it removes so much headroom that I couldn't sit up properly.

I've had proper factory sliding glass roofs and, years ago, I had the "Mickey Mouse" aftermarket glass pop up ones in two different cars. I was always worried by the idea of water leaks and finding replacment seals, though I never did have a problem before each car was sold.

In the 14 years (!) since I last had one fitted I thought they might have disappeared, but they haven't; they seem to have got a lot better. This sort of sliding one looks ideal:

http://www.sunroofs-scotland.co.uk/

Does anyone have any experience (good, or bad) of having had something like this fitted?

Tigger.

[minicore]

I've heard good things about Webasto retrofit sunroofs, which appears to be the brand that the company you mention stock/supply/fit.

[minicore]

Webasto site: http://www.open-air-feeling.com/

[Ady]

The thing to watch out for when fitting them to a mini is the cross brace that runs from one side of the car to the other in the roof, will the webasto be small enough to fit in the gap. Its one of the reasons the factory fit sunroof is split.

Ady

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Thanks for that, very helpful.

The only problem is that they would seem to only make the fabric roof or the conventional slide and tilt unit

I'd really like this one if it were to have fitted the MINI:

http://www.open-air-feeling.com/v_pr...500free_en.php

Tigger.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ady

The thing to watch out for when fitting them to a mini is the cross brace that runs from one side of the car to the other in the roof, will the webasto be small enough to fit in the gap. Its one of the reasons the factory fit sunroof is split.

Ady

Interestingly, the fabric roof that they recommend for it cuts straight through the cross brace Hmmm....

Tigger.

[Mister]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo

Thanks for that, very helpful.

The only problem is that they would seem to only make the fabric roof or the conventional slide and tilt unit

I'd really like this one if it were to have fitted the MINI:

http://www.open-air-feeling.com/v_pr...500free_en.php

Tigger.

I'm not sure I understand why you didn't get the Premium package on your Cooper. You say something about decreased headroom (?), but the photo on the link you posted looks just like the factory installed MINI sunroof. Hmm...

My first Cooper didn't have the Premium package (and therefore no sunroof). After awhile, I started looking at aftermarket sunroofs (the Webasto fabric one was what I planned to go with), but my husband talked to a MINI mechanic who said "WHOA! Don't do it because it will compromise the structural integrity of the car." We ended up trading in the Cooper for an S (with the Premium package) shortly afterward so it became a non-issue.

My point is this: If you decide to do it, make sure you talk to someone who knows the MINI before you cut that big hole.

[AeroJonny]

What's the premium package?? Is it a US only option?

[MiniLover247]

Premium Package:

dual-pane panoramic sunroof, cruise control, multi-function leather steering wheel with radio controls, auto AC w/ carbon air filter, and an onboard computer w/ trip odometer, avg. speed, fuel consumption, the distance you can go on your remaining fuel, and outside temperature.


wow...i just went to the mini site for the UK...you guys only have the chili pack. bummer. try lookin at www.miniusa.com just for fun and check out our packages.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mister

I'm not sure I understand why you didn't get the Premium package on your Cooper. You say something about decreased headroom (?), but the photo on the link you posted looks just like the factory installed MINI sunroof. Hmm...

My first Cooper didn't have the Premium package (and therefore no sunroof). After awhile, I started looking at aftermarket sunroofs (the Webasto fabric one was what I planned to go with), but my husband talked to a MINI mechanic who said "WHOA! Don't do it because it will compromise the structural integrity of the car." We ended up trading in the Cooper for an S (with the Premium package) shortly afterward so it became a non-issue.

My point is this: If you decide to do it, make sure you talk to someone who knows the MINI before you cut that big hole.

I've looked into this a little more and the only roofs that they say fit the MINI are the fabric one (I really, really wouldn't want to do that) and the glass one that slides inside the roof; that would be disastrous for headroom.

I had forgotten that the factory fit roof slid up outside the roof, so you are quite right, the one in the link would offer no advantage over the factory roof.

I think I shall leave it there and count our blessings that we have aircon

Tigger.

[minicabrio]

As you know John I'm pretty tall fellow, and always have the same problem! My last car (Corsa) I was able to get aircon for nowt in lieu of the sunroof, so that suited me!

The Convertible I have now only has 10mm less headroom than your tintop, so again it was the best compromise as I do like having the light coming in!

I actually think a full length folding fabric sunroof would be quite funky! It obviously wouldn't look right on yours, but on Coopers with black roofs it would work!

[minicabrio]

Experience wise, forgot to mention Dad had one of the naff popup jobs fitted on his 1988 Astra Van. I know it was 18 years ago, but we ended up sealing the thing up with silicon it leaked that much! When the van hit 15 years old, the only rust on the whole vehicle was round the poxy sunroof.

[zyo]

Funny , i've just started reading this thread then looked on another thread regarding a MINI on ebay and it looks to have a webasto roof in blue.As TonyT3 states you have to search for 'cooper works show car'.Check it out. I did ask about one of the webasto sunroofs when i ordered my first MINI but the dealer didn't know owt about it. About 18 months later when i was in there they had a second hand MC in the showroom with one fitted but apparently it was a short lived option.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by minicabrio

Experience wise, forgot to mention Dad had one of the naff popup jobs fitted on his 1988 Astra Van. I know it was 18 years ago, but we ended up sealing the thing up with silicon it leaked that much! When the van hit 15 years old, the only rust on the whole vehicle was round the poxy sunroof.

I had a popup sunroof fitted in my brand new (at the time) 1986 Astramax van It was brilliant, loved it to bits. However I always knew that would be a leak problem for someone one day Mind you, the doors leaked from day one and used to fill the footwell from new; I expect the floor rotted out before the roof failed on that one

C696GRO where are you now?

Tigger.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by zyo

Funny , i've just started reading this thread then looked on another thread regarding a MINI on ebay and it looks to have a webasto roof in blue.As TonyT3 states you have to search for 'cooper works show car'.Check it out. I did ask about one of the webasto sunroofs when i ordered my first MINI but the dealer didn't know owt about it. About 18 months later when i was in there they had a second hand MC in the showroom with one fitted but apparently it was a short lived option.

Just been to check that one. Wow, now that's a lot of money spent

I'd love to see what that sunroof is like in reality.

Tigger.

[minicabrio]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo

I had a popup sunroof fitted in my brand new (at the time) 1986 Astramax van It was brilliant, loved it to bits. However I always knew that would be a leak problem for someone one day Mind you, the doors leaked from day one and used to fill the footwell from new; I expect the floor rotted out before the roof failed on that one

C696GRO where are you now?

Tigger.

Dads wasn't an Astramax, just a plain old Astra. It has nice alloys on it though.

F770 RPE - we called it Ropey

Poor thing did 240,000 miles, original 1.6l petrol engine, on its original clutch. Didn't have much life left in it though when we sold it.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Ropey, great name!

Tigger.

[Ady]

hmm the spoiler sunroof from one of your links might work if it fits just forward of the cross brace. i notice no problem with headroom with my factory sunroof, in fact it probably adds 25mm extra.

Ady