My name is Lily (Pocolilli) Mc Carron and thanks to the Tar Heel Motoring Club I was directed to this site. I didn't realize the wealth of information on a site like this.

I begun with my top problem. Can't seem to get the latch on the passenger side to release completely and Nashville Mini want $3000 to fix it YIKES! I am going to have a friend read all the threads and perhaps he will be able to fix it...at least I'm praying for it. Because it is opening 1/2 way does it sound like the cable is broken. It looks like it just needs a little nugg. I just had it in Nashville in the Spring (under warranty at the time) for the roof not opening at all. I was told there was an obstruction in the trunk. I'm wondering if it is related and wasn't fixed right therefore perhaps I could still have MINI fix it at no charge. I have an 05 with only 28,000 miles on it and am sick thinking paying that much money.

As I said earlier...glad to use the site and if any of you come this was I have 35 acres with a beautiful mountain view, horses, pond and lovable dogs, you are welcome to stay. I just enjoy company. I'm 10 mins from the Cherohala Skyway and Tellico Plains just opened 3 new restaurants! Yeah!

Thanks for being here,

Lily (pocolilli)

 

Hi welcome to NAM Your car is not under warranty anymore? How many months past is it? Do you know what dealer it was originally purchased from? $3000. seems way to much Get more estimates Let us know how it goes

 

It's an 05 w/28,000. I bought it in NC as a used vehicle, Ken Wilsons Ford. I did have it at a MINI dealer back in Sept because the top would not come down at all...could that be linked to the problem I'm having now? I was under warranty at that time. I'm just so disappointed having this problem now. Thanks for getting back to me If it is past warranty I no longer have to take it to a MINI dealer do I. I'd just like to check my options so if I can link the same problem back to the warranty time...don't want to nullify it.

Thanks,

Lily

 

Lily,

The cabrios can be tempermental if there is any obstruction in the boot that will keep the top from coming down.
Double check the two levers in the boot, they are located on both sides and must be in the down position completely or the top will not come down.
You may want to pull the levers up and move the back of the top up and check for obstructions.
Then push the levers all the way to the down and locked position and see if that allows your top to come down.

Hope this helps..

From the description of your location it sounds like you're also close to the Dragon which is where we (MINI owners) meet up at least twice per year.
In the Spring for MINI's On The Dragon and the Fall for MINI's Slay The Sleeping Dragon.
So I guess we'll see you soon enough during the fall event.
Hopefully you'll have the top problem resolved by then.

David

 

Hi pocolilli--I can't help you with your top problem but hope you get it resolved soon. This is a fantastic site with friendly people so I'm confident you'll get squared away in short order.

Your place sounds great; sorry we're not closer so we could check it out, squish your dogs, and have a mini MINI rally! Congratulations on your MINI--have a blast Motoring around in it.

 

$3,000 ?!?! That's about the cost to replace a transmission !

oh... and welcome to NAM. Whatever problem you have, somebody here will have experienced it and know how to help you with it.

 

I love my Mini, for awhile was going to go automatic but decided to keep the stick...more fun. But you're right about he price and almost wants me to fix it , sell it and by American...by I love this car! Hate to see what a Transmission would cost!
Lily

 

I agree with cabriopilot, double check the latches. We had a car at my mechanics shop, a lady came in saying her top would not go down, we messed with the latches and it started working fine

 

I have been banging my head against the wall and did try working with the latches...it is the latches that aren't releasing. But now since I did that I heard a weird noise, nothing snapped more like a grinding so I stopped. Now I cannot get the latch to move forward closer to the windshield (it's still hanging on but the canvas is pushed back more than it was) it didn't open and I'm praying I didn't mess it up more. I have a 1/4" gap now and if I rains I won't be able to drive it. I might take it to my local mechanic tomorrow and show him some of the advice and photos I got. Plus, Dan from Grassroots is looking into the system and next week he might be able to troubleshoot this problem.
Lily

 

I know it's been awhile, all summer that I haven't been able to get my top to work. I'm going to try to get it fixed before fall foliage. Just can't find ANYONE in my area who can fix it. The $3,000 quote was from Mini of Nashville and they insist it is a mechanical problem. The roof still moves when the button in pushed. I tried to nudge the latch as someone recommended, but then the latch cracked. I was lucky enough to find a friend to get the latch back on the track and closed so at least I can drive it without fear of leaking. The latch seems like what I need to replace....did you know that part is a type of plastic.

It there are other suggestions or direction anyone can point out please do.

I would appreciate it very much. Now I was told I need new tires. Any recommendations? My can only has 28,000 miles on it and I thought tires lasted much longer!

Lily

 

Sorry I can't help with the Top issue, but if you're looking for tire info. I might be able to offer my opinon.

I'm trading out my RF's next month for traditional tires, I do have a spare. I'm going with Bridgestone Potenza G019 in a 195/55/16 (OEM Tire Size), I was thinking about the Bridgestone Potenza RE090 Pole Position in a 205/55/16, but they are a bit to tall for my liking and will affect the feel of the car. Tires are a very personal choice IMHO, but I can tell you to go to www.tirerack.com and check out the options that they have for the tire size you are looking for. The Survey portion is what helped me decide on what tires to put on Molly, you can search for a specific car and read reviews from other's who drive MINI's.

Good Luck in your repair/tire search!!

 

It's been months and due to the cost of the "latch" that is broken on my converible top. I remember one or two member sent me info and a printout of the apparatus and I can't find it. I really want to get this problem fixed. It's not a mechanical problem because I can still move that side of the roof. I tried what one person suggested by helping it along to grab the window, however then the latch cracked...do you know that that piece is not metal, I think it's a form of plastic. So if you are the person who sent me the pictures of the parts taken apart and layed out I might be able to find a import repair person locally to fix it.

Thank you,

Lily