MINI2

RedShift42 · Apr 18th, 2002, 01:15 PM

Hi all,

I know there's been considerable discussion on this, but no definitive answer.

Until now...

Several weeks ago I contacted a friend at MINI USA and asked if he could get to the bottom of our sunroof weight concerns. Heard back from him this morning...

The sunroof adds 61 lbs.
Its weight is distributed w/ 22lbs on the front axle, and 39lbs on the rear axle.

Considering the level of detail he provided, I'm confident we now have an authorative number, worthy of inclusion in our technical FAQ. I'm still undecided on this option, but I hope this helps a few other obsessive souls like myself.

Disappointingly, he's unable to provide any insight on the 2003-model availability of center armrest or cloth/leather seating for USA models.

Paul · Apr 18th, 2002, 01:42 PM

Nice one. Well sourced.

cmt · Apr 18th, 2002, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RedShift42
[b]The sunroof adds 61 lbs.
Its weight is distributed w/ 22lbs on the front axle, and 39lbs on the rear axle.

Thanks for this info, I wonder if this actually helps the car by making the weight distribution better or not?

Damo · Apr 18th, 2002, 03:14 PM

Is there any chance of the weight of the Air Conditioning and Automatic Air COnditioning, that way we can do a comparison. Thing with Air Con tho is that the weight is all on the front axel as its all under the bonnet!

Hmmmmmm Would be intresting to find out

MiniMayhem · Apr 18th, 2002, 04:46 PM

In a recent Audi brochure I noticed that nearly all of the optional extras are now listed with the weight they add to the car, eg. Cup Holders - 0.1kg, etc. - maybe BMW will follow suit?

BrantV · Apr 18th, 2002, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cmt

Thanks for this info, I wonder if this actually helps the car by making the weight distribution better or not?

Probably not. While the weight distribution moved back towards the rear wheels, the center of gravity also moved up.

J.N. · Apr 18th, 2002, 07:26 PM

Noisy, ugly and a downright pain on a hot day.

I'll take the air-con, thanks.

clarus · Apr 19th, 2002, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Damo
Is there any chance of the weight of the Air Conditioning and Automatic Air COnditioning, that way we can do a comparison. Thing with Air Con tho is that the weight is all on the front axel as its all under the bonnet!

I seriously doubt there'd be much difference between auto and non-auto air con, given it'd be mostly cosmetic (small dash control panel).

Damo · Apr 19th, 2002, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by clarus

I seriously doubt there'd be much difference between auto and non-auto air con, given it'd be mostly cosmetic (small dash control panel).

Thats what I thought at First, but everything's electrical at the dash (i.e. Buttons) as opposed to the Mechanical (i.e. Dials) on the normal one, so surely there are electric motors that change the position of Airflow (i.e. Windscreen, Floor, Dash) so surely there's at least some extra weight, although it may be only a kg or so.

Anyway I'd really like to know how heavy it is if anyone can find out, It would be greatly appreciated!

myminis · Apr 20th, 2002, 12:51 AM

could someone please figure out how much the bonnett stripes weigh, that will be the decision on if i buy them or not, oh and how much horsepower they add

PghArch · Apr 20th, 2002, 08:35 AM

The weight is considerable when applied, but they claim it decreases noticably as with aging.

Some hokey about binders and solvents I think.

tcjohnsson · May 14th, 2002, 10:03 AM

62 lbs is considerable. That's almost 3% of the car's curb weight. I wonder what this does to fuel efficiency? The sunroof probably adds slightly higher drag coefficiency too, even when closed. If you achieve 35 mpg with a sunroof I wonder if you could get 36 without it?

Bilbo Baggins · Jun 12th, 2002, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cmt

Thanks for this info, I wonder if this actually helps the car by making the weight distribution better or not?

Putting the weight up in the roof will deffinately hurt the performance. Adding weight to the rear wheels "might" help, but not as much as the height hurts.

Motor on, Dude!!!!!

Basil · Jun 12th, 2002, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tcjohnsson
62 lbs is considerable. That's almost 3% of the car's curb weight. I wonder what this does to fuel efficiency? The sunroof probably adds slightly higher drag coefficiency too, even when closed. If you achieve 35 mpg with a sunroof I wonder if you could get 36 without it?

I take it you won't be carrying many passengers then. ?

tcjohnsson · Jun 13th, 2002, 12:26 AM

Yes,

I purchased the Mini to tote my butt and maybe a girlfriend around when required. 95% of the time I'm solo.

Bilbo Baggins · Jun 13th, 2002, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tcjohnsson
62 lbs is considerable. That's almost 3% of the car's curb weight. I wonder what this does to fuel efficiency? The sunroof probably adds slightly higher drag coefficiency too, even when closed. If you achieve 35 mpg with a sunroof I wonder if you could get 36 without it?

I do believe that I read somewhere that for each 100 lbs added to the vehicle you loose .1 mpg.

Motor on, Dude!!!!!

Basil · Jun 13th, 2002, 12:34 AM

Ahh, fair enough.

Well, I guess it would make a little difference to the performance, and granted it's additional weight in probably the worst place possible (the sunroof not your girlfriend), but having driven a Cooper With and a Cooper S without, I'm pleased I'm getting the sunroof in my S. Just adds to the fun and pleasure.

Cheers

jamiesim · Jun 13th, 2002, 12:56 PM

Guys...

You give this much time to worry about the weight of the sun roof and the motor in the air-con unit, and the weight distribution of the cup holder....... WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE - GET A LIFE...

This is a road going car not a McLaren F1 racing car... have you also calculated the pressure of your but cheeks on the seat and the weight distribution of the fuel tank when half full and going round a left hand turn...

The sun-roof is probably the best option on the list!!! U just gotta have it.

Ughlee · Jun 13th, 2002, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Basil

I take it you won't be carrying many passengers then. ?

Quote:

Originally posted by tcjohnsson
Yes,

95% of the time I'm solo.

With that attitude no wonder. . . .

just kidding,

Basil · Jun 13th, 2002, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jamiesim
Guys...

You give this much time to worry about the weight of the sun roof and the motor in the air-con unit, and the weight distribution of the cup holder....... WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE - GET A LIFE...

This is a road going car not a McLaren F1 racing car... have you also calculated the pressure of your but cheeks on the seat and the weight distribution of the fuel tank when half full and going round a left hand turn...

The sun-roof is probably the best option on the list!!! U just gotta have it.

Oi!!!......how many times do I have to say this. If no one asked silly questions, we wouldn't have the opportunity to give our silly answers............ I agree with you, most of us here do, but it doens't mean we can't discuss the merits of mpg with or without a packet of polo's in your pocket, or whether you've had two pasties for tea rather than one. Silly, but merited.

Thanks, that feels much better..........

Apr 18th, 2002, 01:15 PM	#1
RedShift42 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Boston, MA Local Time: 08:15 PM Posts: 52 Offline	Sunroof weight ...revealed! Hi all, I know there's been considerable discussion on this, but no definitive answer. Until now... Several weeks ago I contacted a friend at MINI USA and asked if he could get to the bottom of our sunroof weight concerns. Heard back from him this morning... The sunroof adds 61 lbs. Its weight is distributed w/ 22lbs on the front axle, and 39lbs on the rear axle. Considering the level of detail he provided, I'm confident we now have an authorative number, worthy of inclusion in our technical FAQ. I'm still undecided on this option, but I hope this helps a few other obsessive souls like myself. Disappointingly, he's unable to provide any insight on the 2003-model availability of center armrest or cloth/leather seating for USA models. -Eric. Current Bad Ride: VW Passat VR6 and no motorcycle. <sigh>

Apr 18th, 2002, 01:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 01:15 AM Posts: 40,356 Offline	Nice one. Well sourced. Our trials and tribulations living in a "bleeding edge" eco house... Oxley Woods Living

Apr 18th, 2002, 03:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
cmt MINI2 Lurker + Sponsor Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Westhoughton, NW Eng Local Time: 02:15 AM Posts: 1,208 Offline	Re: Sunroof weight ...revealed! Quote: Originally posted by RedShift42 [b]The sunroof adds 61 lbs. Its weight is distributed w/ 22lbs on the front axle, and 39lbs on the rear axle. Thanks for this info, I wonder if this actually helps the car by making the weight distribution better or not? Currently driving: Silver Volkswagen Lupo GTi, 6 speed, 125bhp

Apr 18th, 2002, 06:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
BrantV MINI2 Senior Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Pasadena, CA Local Time: 05:15 PM Posts: 560 Offline	Re: Re: Sunroof weight ...revealed! Quote: Originally posted by cmt Thanks for this info, I wonder if this actually helps the car by making the weight distribution better or not? Probably not. While the weight distribution moved back towards the rear wheels, the center of gravity also moved up.

Apr 18th, 2002, 07:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
J.N. MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Norfolk UK Local Time: 01:15 AM Posts: 133 Offline	Another good reason for not having a flippin' hole in the roof! Noisy, ugly and a downright pain on a hot day. I'll take the air-con, thanks.

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Apr 18th, 2002, 03:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
Damo MINI2fosi My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: MINItorque.com Local Time: 01:15 AM Posts: 10,526 Offline	Is there any chance of the weight of the Air Conditioning and Automatic Air COnditioning, that way we can do a comparison. Thing with Air Con tho is that the weight is all on the front axel as its all under the bonnet! Hmmmmmm Would be intresting to find out

Apr 18th, 2002, 04:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
MiniMayhem MINIless MINI2 Master Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: A long way from Jenn Local Time: 02:15 AM Posts: 883 Offline	In a recent Audi brochure I noticed that nearly all of the optional extras are now listed with the weight they add to the car, eg. Cup Holders - 0.1kg, etc. - maybe BMW will follow suit?

Apr 19th, 2002, 12:45 AM	#8 (permalink)
clarus MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Canberra, Australia Local Time: 11:15 AM Posts: 225 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Damo Is there any chance of the weight of the Air Conditioning and Automatic Air COnditioning, that way we can do a comparison. Thing with Air Con tho is that the weight is all on the front axel as its all under the bonnet! I seriously doubt there'd be much difference between auto and non-auto air con, given it'd be mostly cosmetic (small dash control panel).

Apr 19th, 2002, 11:05 AM	#9 (permalink)
Damo MINI2fosi My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: MINItorque.com Local Time: 01:15 AM Posts: 10,526 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by clarus I seriously doubt there'd be much difference between auto and non-auto air con, given it'd be mostly cosmetic (small dash control panel). Thats what I thought at First, but everything's electrical at the dash (i.e. Buttons) as opposed to the Mechanical (i.e. Dials) on the normal one, so surely there are electric motors that change the position of Airflow (i.e. Windscreen, Floor, Dash) so surely there's at least some extra weight, although it may be only a kg or so. Anyway I'd really like to know how heavy it is if anyone can find out, It would be greatly appreciated!

Apr 20th, 2002, 12:51 AM	#10 (permalink)
myminis MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Portage, Mi Local Time: 09:15 PM Posts: 31 Offline	could someone please figure out how much the bonnett stripes weigh, that will be the decision on if i buy them or not, oh and how much horsepower they add -Zachie Dk Silver W/White Prem Package a work in progress...

Apr 20th, 2002, 08:35 AM	#11 (permalink)
PghArch MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Local Time: 01:15 AM Posts: 130 Offline	Stripes The weight is considerable when applied, but they claim it decreases noticably as with aging. Some hokey about binders and solvents I think. In the garage and ready to go! Indi Blue Cooper w/ White Top and Wheels Sport, Premium, Cold Packages, Chrome Line Get In the Car - Moxy Fruvous

May 14th, 2002, 10:03 AM	#12 (permalink)
tcjohnsson MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2002 Location: Sunny Hawaii Local Time: 01:15 AM Posts: 54 Offline	heavy sunroof 62 lbs is considerable. That's almost 3% of the car's curb weight. I wonder what this does to fuel efficiency? The sunroof probably adds slightly higher drag coefficiency too, even when closed. If you achieve 35 mpg with a sunroof I wonder if you could get 36 without it?

Jun 12th, 2002, 11:19 PM	#13 (permalink)
Bilbo Baggins MINI2 Master Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Shire, Middle Earth Local Time: 09:15 PM Posts: 8,852 Offline	Re: Re: Sunroof weight ...revealed! Quote: Originally posted by cmt Thanks for this info, I wonder if this actually helps the car by making the weight distribution better or not? Putting the weight up in the roof will deffinately hurt the performance. Adding weight to the rear wheels "might" help, but not as much as the height hurts. Motor on, Dude!!!!! Motor on, Dudes and Dudettes!!! '06 MCS SB/S '02 MCS DS/W (retired)

Jun 12th, 2002, 11:56 PM	#14 (permalink)
Basil MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 11:15 AM Posts: 5,956 Offline	Re: heavy sunroof Quote: Originally posted by tcjohnsson 62 lbs is considerable. That's almost 3% of the car's curb weight. I wonder what this does to fuel efficiency? The sunroof probably adds slightly higher drag coefficiency too, even when closed. If you achieve 35 mpg with a sunroof I wonder if you could get 36 without it? I take it you won't be carrying many passengers then. ?

Jun 13th, 2002, 12:26 AM	#15 (permalink)
tcjohnsson MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2002 Location: Sunny Hawaii Local Time: 01:15 AM Posts: 54 Offline	Yes, I purchased the Mini to tote my butt and maybe a girlfriend around when required. 95% of the time I'm solo.

Jun 13th, 2002, 12:30 AM	#16 (permalink)
Bilbo Baggins MINI2 Master Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Shire, Middle Earth Local Time: 09:15 PM Posts: 8,852 Offline	Re: heavy sunroof Quote: Originally posted by tcjohnsson 62 lbs is considerable. That's almost 3% of the car's curb weight. I wonder what this does to fuel efficiency? The sunroof probably adds slightly higher drag coefficiency too, even when closed. If you achieve 35 mpg with a sunroof I wonder if you could get 36 without it? I do believe that I read somewhere that for each 100 lbs added to the vehicle you loose .1 mpg. Motor on, Dude!!!!! Motor on, Dudes and Dudettes!!! '06 MCS SB/S '02 MCS DS/W (retired)

Jun 13th, 2002, 12:34 AM	#17 (permalink)
Basil MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 11:15 AM Posts: 5,956 Offline	Ahh, fair enough. Well, I guess it would make a little difference to the performance, and granted it's additional weight in probably the worst place possible (the sunroof not your girlfriend), but having driven a Cooper With and a Cooper S without, I'm pleased I'm getting the sunroof in my S. Just adds to the fun and pleasure. Cheers

Jun 13th, 2002, 12:56 PM	#18 (permalink)
jamiesim MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: London Town Local Time: 02:15 AM Posts: 309 Offline	Guys... You give this much time to worry about the weight of the sun roof and the motor in the air-con unit, and the weight distribution of the cup holder....... WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE - GET A LIFE... This is a road going car not a McLaren F1 racing car... have you also calculated the pressure of your but cheeks on the seat and the weight distribution of the fuel tank when half full and going round a left hand turn... The sun-roof is probably the best option on the list!!! U just gotta have it. This car is going to lose me my license one day. I LOVE IT!!! Dark Silver/Black Cooper S Chilli Shiny Red Brake Calipers The biggest grin on the planet & the envy of all my friends!

Jun 13th, 2002, 01:05 PM	#19 (permalink)
Ughlee MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Local Time: 08:15 PM Posts: 12 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Basil I take it you won't be carrying many passengers then. ? Quote: Originally posted by tcjohnsson Yes, 95% of the time I'm solo. With that attitude no wonder. . . . just kidding, Semper Fi, Kevin Winters

Jun 13th, 2002, 08:53 PM	#20 (permalink)
Basil MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 11:15 AM Posts: 5,956 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by jamiesim Guys... You give this much time to worry about the weight of the sun roof and the motor in the air-con unit, and the weight distribution of the cup holder....... WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE - GET A LIFE... This is a road going car not a McLaren F1 racing car... have you also calculated the pressure of your but cheeks on the seat and the weight distribution of the fuel tank when half full and going round a left hand turn... The sun-roof is probably the best option on the list!!! U just gotta have it. Oi!!!......how many times do I have to say this. If no one asked silly questions, we wouldn't have the opportunity to give our silly answers............ I agree with you, most of us here do, but it doens't mean we can't discuss the merits of mpg with or without a packet of polo's in your pocket, or whether you've had two pasties for tea rather than one. Silly, but merited. Thanks, that feels much better..........

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