There have been numerous wind noise complaints with the MINI Cooper coming from the sunroof. Most of the issues seem to be because of damaged seals, which can lose adhesion or crack due to age and allow outside air to leak into the cabin. There are up to three sunroof seals on the MINI, which can cost over $350 for the set, not including labor costs for installation. A chip in the glass can cause the window to not seal properly and make a whistling noise. Sometimes the track gets slightly out of adjustment which can be rather noisy. The track can become obstructed with dirt or debris not allowing the sunroof to fully close, this causes the glass to not fully close. The wind noise is amplified with higher speed, typically over 50 mph.
When you have it open and those two flaps come up in front of the moon roof box. Their job is to duct the air (also known as an air d**n) behind it ducts the air straight down into the moon roof box (see aerodynamics) and the ripping or tearing sound that you hear is a lot like the tail fins of a jumbo jet makes that trademark sound like velcro being ripped open, bit it's the air being split by the planes stabilizer fins and your moon roof flaps. Your side view mirrors do this same effect but you're so used to hearing it that it's not a new sound like the one from your moon roof because it is in a new location.
Riley J
July 30, 2020
The MINI Cooper's sunroof is known to make excessive wind noise and need dealer replaced sealant that is the subject of a TSB pertaining to the vehicle.
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