I've had an issue for the last few months where I have to manually pull down on the drivers side frame in order to align the clamp so the mini motor could close the clamp and then the sunroof.

The plastic slide on the clamp finally broke and I just replaced it. Now, the slide will only move half way forward and the clamp will not engage.





I have watched to awesome youtubes on top repair but I do not see anything related to the slide mechanism not moving far enough forward. Any ideas?

Also I obviously have an alignment issue with the frame - are there any adjustment points? I think I may have bent it pulling a 15 gallon fuel tank out of the back seat with the top open.

 

I don't have the answer, but I'll ask if you tried posting on Motoring Alliance? Sometimes you need to try both sites to get your information.

Good luck!

 

Check the convertible top operation:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nlatching.html




On early 05 the end of the latch nub has to be filled down ( short J section. ) . To fully clamp on the front.

Did the slider break ? Or bent, make sure these has grease on it.



#15 Slider Piece - Priced Each 54344362151

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/54344362151/ES158552/



Thanks

 

My Mini dealer, Mini of Portland (OR) told me that Mini has a tech bulletin out for a 'top adjustment' and I don't know what that entails but I need some top work so I'll wait till that is done.

 

You can adjust the top to a certain extent , I want to make sure nothing is broken and to examine the pieces first.

 

So it has gotten nice out again and I am motivated to start taking the top down. What I have figured out is that the mechanism #18 does not move far enough towards the rear of the car to allow the latch to open all the way. This is true for closing and opening (folding the top into the rear of the vehicle). I think I have bent the frame somewhat because the drivers side sits on top of the female receptor in the rear as the motor closes the convertible top. Could #18 (Replaced and nub removed) not slide far enough towards the rear because the cable stretched? Once latched in the forward position the sunroof works fine

 

Yes, cable length not the same or your cable skipped a couple teeth near the motor. I would take everything apart linked above ( also look at the cable near the motor, pop the motor out an make sure nothing is broken, damaged. The frame is the last this to bend or break. Its usually the smaller components of the top.

 

Of course there's only one real solution to this problem: always roll with the top down! If you're in the northeast like us, you'll want to be sure your heating system is in good shape.

 

Thanks - hopefully it has skipped teeth or something else less spendy. Will work on it this weekend.

 

Totally agree - I've been down to 37 with top down and seat heaters on and heat blasting. Problem is I am in the Northwest and we have something here called liquid sunshine - would have to wear a slicker while driving and then my control center would get wet and my heat would die... Ahhhh.

 

Welcome. Give us an update and let me know what you find.