Open Sky: Yes or No?

fbi said:
It's easy to take it out. I've never replaced it back, but I suspect it's more fiddly than to take it out. In fact, it clips in 12-15 places.
But honestly, I don't see why you would want to replace it once it's taken out, unless you live in Spain, or unless you prefer a not transparent roof -but then, why buy an OpenSky ? For the look from outside maybe, then...?
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I have taken mine out to lubricate the seals on the OS (with Skipton autos help) - very easy - and I put it back as we will be spending a lot of time in Italy. However when putting it back, knowing I will want to take it out again to keep the O/S lubricated, I have only clipped it in at the front leaving the back unclipped as this section is more fiddly. The result has been great, the blind does not rattle and the the front section slides easily. It took me all of 5 mins to refit.
 
It is the green option to have a sunroof and it will save you fuel!!! I have one on my A2 and I will never ever be without one on my next car.

Let me explain why it will save you fuel: warm air rises when you park a car. Thus if you leave your sunroof open with a slight tilt (from say 1cm to an inch) the warm air can escape leaving you MUCH cooler in summer and means you use LESS air-con to cool it down - hence being green. The difference in temperature when I get back to my car with the roof closed and open on a sunny day is HUGE.

You will also see that cars like the Scirocco, the Passat CC and the BMW 6-series have sunroofs that can't slide back BUT they can tilt by 2 inches or so. That is for exactly this reason, to keep the car cool on a warm day.
 
There's a but: the extra fuel you save in using less of the aircon you lose because your engine hauls the extra weight of the OSS. :D
 
trex said:
There's a but: the extra fuel you save in using less of the aircon you lose because your engine hauls the extra weight of the OSS. :D
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For reference OSS adds approx 35kg to the weight of the car.
Also, not sure if there is a negative effect on the aerodynamics when the roof is open.

I have climate and OSS and enjoy them both.

Cheers Spike
 
trex said:
There's a but: the extra fuel you save in using less of the aircon you lose because your engine hauls the extra weight of the OSS. :D
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Ah yes indeed. It is half a person with you high up in your car all the time (raising the centre of gravity as well) but I really don't care. I love my Opensky.
 
Winstanley - I have an Opensky in Exeter, if you want one to look at. And I've never done any maintenance. I would go along with the advice to cycle the mechanism every few weeks rather than leaving it shut all winter.
 
I would reccomend an opensky model very much...its amazing in the summer months; i prefer it to using the Climate Control.
It also lets in a lot of light into the cabin, making it seem bigger and brighter too.
The full length roof opens in 2 sections, and looks amazing when open; a real head turner.
A2's with the roof are very rare, and also add more to resale value so think about that.
Good Luck :)
 
There's an A2 tdi with Open Sky on ebay. It is advertised as inoperative and thus wedged shut. I guess the owner has just made do with natural lighting flooding into his a2.
 
I have, as yet, had no prolems with my Open Sky. When the car is serviced, it gets oiled and as said before, it lets in lots of light, and almost gives a convertable effect if you have all the windows open too in the summer!

I sometimes have the roof open, either fully or partially instead of using the Climate as its a great feeling! I would also say I think it finishes the overall design. A great touch as the glass runs from the bonnet, up to the boot. Many new cars with larg suroof stop just after the front seats, and continue the roof with metal, that I feel looks a bit ugly. Finally, it does make it a lot easier to clean, as less metal to polish!

An alternative is the ColourStorm versions, as with or without the roof, as standard they came with a matt black plastic top, that gives the same look, to a degree!
 
opensky

I agree with the rest of the boys. I got one & so did my Mum in law.. Hers just failed on a 2005 tdi sport... been quoted £500 by harrogate audi to repair.. opensky is nice... but be carelful & beware the potential costs..

Good luck

Bammers
 
I think the car looks better with it, even if it has failed. Mines is working .......... at the moment, making the most of it :)
 
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