[Poisonedwell]

I need some good pictures of the sunroof taken from the inside of either a MC or MCS. I'm trying to determine if the standard mesh shade is sufficient enough in blocking out extreme sunlight and heat. I'll be moving to an extremely warm climate with significant sunlight next summer (Phoenix, Arizona) and I want to know if there will be enough protection for the interior. Thanks

[AtomicKiwi]

I don't have any pictures, but I'd have to say no. The sunroof is one of my favorite options on the MINI, but boy, the car sure does heat up in the sun! I don't really think the shade does all that much when under extreme sunlight.

I live in Connecticut, and if it's over 80 degrees in the sun, the car turns into an oven! So if you really want a sunroof and don't mind dealing with the heat, go for it (you could try to park in the shade as much as possible). It really is nice when you're driving to have it. But if you're not one that likes getting into an oven, stay away!

[sequence]

I'm ordering "The Ox" t'row and I've tossed it around in my head. The sunroof shade does NOT do a good job of keeping out the sunlight and heat, and there's no option (right now) to shut it out 100%. I live in a fairly hot area in the summer, but U will be in the SW, and the heat can be brutal.... I would say no, skip it. If you do, get a big white towel to throw over your wheel and shift knob

However, the sunroof is airy, brings light in a dark interiored car, and is quite nice in the winter months. Solution? What I plan to do is to devise some kind of reflective front and rear sunshade panels (similar to windshield) that can be inserted between the glass and the net F&R, thereby at least cutting WAY back on the heat/light when U don't want it, and still having it when desired. Plus it helps to tint the other windows. Jimbo

PS the sunroof is a good option to have if you plan to resell it fairly soon--used buyers love them.

[Poisonedwell]

Quote: Originally Posted by sequence

PS the sunroof is a good option to have if you plan to resell it fairly soon--used buyers love them.

wow, I haven't even thought that far down the road but you make a good point. It can be seen as an investment...

[sequence]

I used to sell used cars. I know these things.

[sequence]

Quote: Originally Posted by Poisonedwell

wow, I haven't even thought that far down the road but you make a good point. It can be seen as an investment...

And as long as U don't plan to race it. sunroof weight plus the slightly higher center of gravity does not bode well at the track.

lemme tell ya: driving a MCS in the winter with the heated seats on and the SR open is quite a trip!

[shkeller55]

I thought I read somewhere that for 2005 they're changing the sunroof shade to something more opaque that both blocks out sunlight (and heat) better and matches the look of the roof from the outside.

To answer your question though: I live in an Atlanta suburb and with the current shade, the car does get very hot inside. I've also spent a lot of time in Tucson and Phoenix (although not in my MCS) and I can assure you the current shade would be a problem. I've read that you can buy a white cardboard windshield shade at places like Walmart, cut it to fit the sunroof opening, insert it between the glass and the shade, and that will help quite a bit. I probably read this somewhere on MINI2.COM.

Cloth seats also can make a big difference in hot weather since they breathe better.

Good luck with your Mini, and I hope you enjoy living in Arizona!

[EBMCS03]

Best I can find right now... maybe someone who still has daylight will go out and take a pic for you. If not post here tomorrow and remind me. i use e-mail notifications

[minibat]

While I have been to AZ many times, during the summer time, I wouldnt be taking my MINI there, family reasons. I guess if the family was in another vehicle with the luggage, then I would. But point being, any car becomes an oven when it comes to AZ summer heat. Atleast in AZ you can tint all windows accept the windscreen, use that to your advantage, heck, maybe you can even get the sunroof glass done with a darker tint too. Next up, if you like the sunroof, get the sunroof, no since in not getting what YOU want. As people have mentioned, just make your own sunblocker for the sunroof sections. If someone walks by and sees your sunblocker, who cares, the car will still look good and you will not regret not getting the sunroof in the first place and you will not regret getting in your car during the summer months if you do.

Motor on

[ScottyB]

Quote: Originally Posted by EBMCS03

Best I can find right now... maybe someone who still has daylight will go out and take a pic for you. If not post here tomorrow and remind me. i use e-mail notifications

Cool shot EB

Going back and doing it again, I think I might have specced a sunroof, they do look very professional.

[EBMCS03]

Oh haha thats not my shot LOL I stole it... I dont know from who or what or when or whatever... notice the mirrors they're not white.

OH and about custom blockers I made a ghetto ones for mine when its parked... I need to get better fitted Foam boards cutted tho. But I just did this this week to see how they work out and Ya I suppose they're good. Just need to goto staples and buy some new foam boards and cut them to size and slip them into the sunroof when parked...

[Mike Clarke]

The sunroof is a very popular option in Australia and I've never heard anyone complain about their car being too hot because of the sunroof.

[EBMCS03]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mike Clarke

I've never heard anyone complain about their car being too hot because of the sunroof.

Because its not too hot with the sunroof. They *think* it is.

[ScottyB]

Quote: Originally Posted by EBMCS03

Because its not too hot with the sunroof. They *think* it is.

oooooo

Is that a riddle?

Like 'If a tree falls down in the woods and no one is around to hear it- does it make a sound?'

[Paul]

From here: http://www.mini2.com/goodies/video/

> Internal view of the full length sunroof.

[Barnabas]

Quote: Originally Posted by ScottyB

oooooo

Is that a riddle?

Like 'If a tree falls down in the woods and no one is around to hear it- does it make a sound?'

And my answer to that question is always a "yes!". I find it funny people ask me that sometimes.

[Poisonedwell]

Quote: Originally Posted by shkeller55

I thought I read somewhere that for 2005 they're changing the sunroof shade to something more opaque that both blocks out sunlight (and heat) better and matches the look of the roof from the outside.
Good luck with your Mini, and I hope you enjoy living in Arizona!

Can anyone check this out to get a definite answer?
Thanks for the nice comment

[Poisonedwell]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

From here: http://www.mini2.com/goodies/video/

> Internal view of the full length sunroof.

Great videos! Thats exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks for all of the helpful comments and advise!
Although having a sunroof is a nice feature, the extra cost/weight/heat has forced me to keep it off my options checklist. I think I'd rather invest the $1000 in performance options (tires/intake/exhaust) while remaining cooler inside and having less weight to swing around. It's really a shame BMW doesn't make it standard like Honda does for the Civic hatchback but oh well...

[Jupiter]

[Jupiter]

When the car is parked in direct sunlight it's going to get hot inside whether there is a sunroof or not. So if the internal temperature reachres 45 C or 55 C, what's the difference it's still hot.