Sections: R50 (Coupe) | R53 (Coupe) Nov 9th, 2007 17 Comments Friday DIY is back this week with official instructions for an accessory most probably don’t know exists.
So you’ve got an R50/R53 MINI and the need for less sun. Maybe it’s a child, maybe it’s a hatred of the sun. We’re not here to judge. But we are here to show you how to install the thing using the official MINI PDF.
The Sun Guard is comes with tinted plastic that fully covers both rear windows and the hatch. It’s meant to reduce temperatures and glare.
[ Sun Guard ] Official MINI PDF
ted Nov 9th, 2007 Link
A window tint kit? This is for a discontinued car.
Autoblog has some real news about the JCW clubman.
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/leakage-john-cooper-works-mini-clubman/
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/leak_jcw_clubman_s_450_op.jpg
Reply
TSizemore3 Nov 9th, 2007 Link
How about a how-to guide with part numbers to retro-fit the side sun visors to ‘02 thru ‘04 cars? Aside from the limited-slip diff, this is the feature from the later cars that I long for the most.
ReplyAutoblog has some real news about the JCW clubman.
Ted – I can only assume you’re joking. First off that’s not a JCW Clubman. That’s a press picture of a Clubman fitted with JCW accessories. Where they got the idea that it is some sort of full-fledged JCW Clubman is beyond me.
Further Autoblog linked to that “story” from countless other sites on the web – the original being Autoweek.nl who were the first to get it completely wrong.
When you want real JCW news check MotoringFile. When you want something that sounds vague, looks slightly off and has no basis in reality, check the other sites.
BTW I think it’s pretty funny that we’ve been getting multiple requests over the past few months about posting more DIYs – especially for the R50/R53. Within an hour of doing so we already have someone complaining that we’re posting information about a “discontinued car”. Priceless.
Reply
mike Nov 9th, 2007 Link
has anyone done this? does it effect the look of the windows? i appreciate the DIY stuff Gabe! Thanks!
Reply
heyduard Nov 9th, 2007 Link
A similiar OEM product is installed in my Mini, as my daughter rides in a car seat. They are actual mesh screens sized to fit the rear windows and hatch as well. There’s no air bubbles, etc., to worry about. The mesh is like the stuff used for the sun shades you can find at the store.
It does reduce the amount of light in. the mesh screens can be easily removed to clean the windows. I do find if the rear windows are fogged, they take longer to defog. I do plan on trying fog-x on the glass.
Reply
matt Nov 9th, 2007 Link
i for one am grateful gabe posted this and will be making inquiries at my local dealer in the coming weeks.
Reply
Nathan Nov 9th, 2007 Link
R50/R53 for life…
I appreciate MotoringFile not treating ‘02-’06 owners like second class citizens, Gabe. Surely Ted is joking; obviously there are a lot of us who can’t switch cars like clothing. Or something like that. But hey, we’re still Motoring! Early adopters need love too.
ReplyR50/R53 for life…
For the record can I just say… hell yeah! I wish we had more R50/R53 content on the site these days but as you would expect most people are talking about the new stuff and thus we do as well. But if anyone has any suggestions for 1st gen. content send it in via the contact form. And (as always) if you want to contribute any content to MF (1st or 2nd gen related) let us know!
Reply
Jon Nov 9th, 2007 Link
Haven’t seen this kit in person to date, would be interesting to see if anyone has a pic of it on a car. Think I will stick with my Huper Optik tint though.
Reply
Mark sells MINi's Nov 9th, 2007 Link
These look cool!
I have the snap in window shades in my 2006 MC. I love them, I leave them in all the time. They are dark enough that it’s easy to see when necessary. The best part is I can take them out (unlike tint), I can also sell them to another motorer when I’m done with them!
Reply
Drill Nov 9th, 2007 Link
I looked into the sun guard a few months back (when I had some $$, lol) and IIRC it was right around $100 for the 2 sides and the same ($100) for the rear kit. Just FYI and I’ll add more thanks to Gabe for not forgetting the “Discontinued majority” ;-)
Reply
IE Nov 10th, 2007 Link
this is retarded! why would you not just go get your windows tinted somewhere else and get the front ones done while they are at it. and on top of that, why pay the BMW price! HAHAHA
Reply
Dan S Nov 10th, 2007 Link
Re those negative comments, come on guys, freedom of choice is great!
BTW, does anyone know how to more effectively block the sun coming through a closed 2007 sunroof? We’re using, temporarily, mesh side window sun blockers (the kind with suction cups) which is hokie to say the least.
Reply
ValparaisoExpress Nov 12th, 2007 Link
I have aftermaket installed Sun Guard tints in my R53 S and could not be happier with them. I only paid $150 for the whole film kit (Computer precision cut during installation) plus labor and a lifetime warranty.
I have 15% tint film for all back windows and 28% for the fronts and it looks fantastic, 100% legal might I add. The tints really bring up the car together and it looks awesome!
I agree with the comment of why pay MINI/BMW dealer prices and labor when you can get the same quality windows tints for substantially less??
Reply
HTML Formatting Tips
MotoringFile also allows use of Markdown formatting in the comment section. This accomplishes the same formatting as HTML but is typically easy to use.
| _your text_ | → | your text |
| **your text** | → | your text |
| `my code` | → | my code |
| * Bulleted list * Second item | → | • Bulleted list • Second item |
| 1. Numbered list 1. Second item | → | 1. Numbered list 2. Second item |
| [link name](URL) | → | link name |
| *** | → | Horizontal ruler |
| <http://url> <email@add.com> | → | Auto-linked |
|  | → | Image |
Copyright © 2002-2010 Gabriel Bridger
