Panoramic roof vs solid roof?

[notbarb]

I've had my smart about two months now. I never was totally thrilled about the panoramic roof. When I last visited the dealer, they replaced my screen with a new one, which seems to be thicker and darker, therefore letting in less heat/light. Does anyone know whether we'll be able to just switch to a solid roof instead of having to buy a whole new car? Thanks.

[smartHHO]

Originally Posted by notbarb

I've had my smart about two months now. I never was totally thrilled about the panoramic roof. When I last visited the dealer, they replaced my screen with a new one, which seems to be thicker and darker, therefore letting in less heat/light. Does anyone know whether we'll be able to just switch to a solid roof instead of having to buy a whole new car? Thanks.

Not sure how the solid roofs are. I hear that the Panoramic are VERY HOT, even with the top slid closed. I think this would be good to put in general discussion unless others see it in here. I myself, am getting the converable, so won't be having to ask myself that question. Rather have the option of a sunroof at least. Panaramic just does not do it for me.

[Smartdavis]

My Panaromic roof does get a bit toasty in the summer. It's a nice feature the rest of the time although it's too bad it can't retract a bit like a typical sunroof. However, to solve the problem I'm switching cars and getting a cabrio. Now that the passion comes with a solid roof option my bet is that Smart is going to see fewer and fewer panoramic roofs ordered.

[BigWarpGuy]

I have the Pure which does not have a sun roof. I thought I was missing out but not having it gave me more head room (or so it seems). I sat in a Fortwo with sunroof at the dealer. Being a guy who is balding, I went without the sun roof so I would not get sun burned on top.

[Karl Roth]

Yes you can have the solid roof from like the one in the pure installed. The panorama is one of the things that make the car what it is for me. Knock on wood the sun shade in my car has always worked just fine and the AC has always been able to keep up here in New England. The top filters UV you don't tan or burn thru it or any auto glass...
Still the only micro car available for sale new in the U.S.
karl

[the_dude]

i was quoted about $550 for a new solid roof (without installation)

[Arch]

Originally Posted by notbarb

I've had my smart about two months now. I never was totally thrilled about the panoramic roof. When I last visited the dealer, they replaced my screen with a new one, which seems to be thicker and darker, therefore letting in less heat/light. Does anyone know whether we'll be able to just switch to a solid roof instead of having to buy a whole new car? Thanks.

Simple. Just buy the reflective sunshade to put between your factory sunshade and the panorama roof panel. Smart Madness sells 'em, among others. Cheap, works/fits like a charm and makes a HUGE difference. Leave it installed in the summer to keep out the heat, remove in the winter to welcome it in.



Oh, and yes, the factory retractable sunshade covers the reflective sunshade. In other words, it still opens and closes, it's just shown open in the above pic. Gotta pull it down a tad as the reflective sunshade has suction cups to keep it up against the panorama roof, but no biggie. When closed, there's no telling that the reflective one is there. Besides of course the absence of heat.

Anyway, problem solved.

Arch

[enriquegg34]

Wow, I have had my Passion for about 3 days now and the rain this morning felt as if there were pea rocks being thrown on the car...... jejeje.... but i just turned the KENWOOD / Garmin gps radio a little bit louder.... its fun I LOVE IT !!!

[cubefx]

I love panoramic roof and think that it is one of the cool features of the car. I`m in Florida and do not have a problem with heat when shade is closed. Very cool views on overcast days and at night. Actually I `m missing my smart roof when I driving my other cars.


CUBE

[zipp2001]

I have the panoramic roof and have never had the shade closed since i've owned it (4+ months). I'm a person who loves it hot so a little extra heat in the car is welcomed from me.