my ‘19 top has always showed 1-2” lines (pressure points) from retracting it. Now, small abrasions are showing in the canvas at those same spots. i talked to my dealer service advisor who said “it’s out of warranty so nothing they can do. it’s not a defect”. IMO, it’s either a defective design or inferior material. i dont even go through auto washes, i wash it gently by hand, and dont put the too down if even somewhat dirty. i also treat it with 303 fabric guard. Has anyone else had this problem? any luck getting your dealer or Mini/BMW to remedy it? they guessed $4500 if it had to be replaced today.
my alternative is a new car. after this I’m reluctant to buy another Mini, especially another vert. i wonder if BMW tops are better engineered. thoughts?

 

It's out of warranty because you've surpassed 50,000 miles?

I have something similar with my car (also a 2019), on the passenger's side. I've identified that this particular spot, where the fabric is actually wearing away, is from the top rubbing on itself when folded. My car is still under the bumper-to-bumper warranty until May 2022, so I plan to take it to the dealer in very early spring to have it addressed before the warranty runs out. I know of someone else with a 2019 that had similar issues, and the top on her car was just replaced by MINI.

Here's a pic of the problem spot on my car. It's kept in a garage full-time, only driven in nice weather (only occasionally caught in the rain), and I always hand wash and never with a pressure washer. I've also cleaned and treated the roof once a year with approved products. It may be hard to tell in the pic, but the other black fabric has worn away in this spot, exposing the silver-colored layer that makes up the Union Jack logo on the roof.

 

The site is working oddly, so I hope this message finds you. Yes, I am just over 75k miles. I did speak with a top repair vendor who said this type of wear is not unusual but it will get worse. His estimate to fix it was 2800. The dealer was 4500. I am now debating changing to a new vehicle or run out the string with this MINI. I sure wo’t get another Mini Vert but overall my Vert S has been a fun and reliable car.

 

BTW, my wear spots are identical to yours.

 

Have you pushed the dealer at all, to see if MINI will do anything as good will? You're not really that far out of warranty, and given the top is not something mechanical like the engine or transmission, it's not even outside the 4-year B2B warranty length. That is, the top having an issue like this is pretty much irrelevant to the number of miles on the car. MINI should do something.

 

Yes, with Service. They were polite and professional but didn’t offer a remedy. I’ve requested the name of a regional contact I can appeal to. Based on your photos it appears this is a common experience. The dealer and the independent top dealer said convertibles today (mini and others) also have issues with rear windows falling out, especially in hot weather. I guess all those convertibles in Maine and Wisconsin are home free 😄😄

 

i determined the problem. there are seams/folds of top material beneath both corners of the back window. when the top is lowered it rests right on those seams. the rough surface of the top apparently rubs on itself when hitting bumps, etc., causing the damage. in my case the damage is more severe on the passenger side, which presses much more heavily on the seam than the left side. how this isnt a design or manufacturing problem beats me. seems like if BMW/Mini never really looks at it it will never be a real problem to them.

 

I dont have good news. Honestly, I think its just part of living with a convertible. I have an R53 and an R57 and both have the same wear locations on the roof after an average of 12 years and 170k miles each, but fortunately neither seems to ever lets in any water. Once its out of warranty just enjoy driving it as nature intended. The rubber membrane lining in the older one is flaking off, but its still dry as a bone. Touch wood I haven't just jinxed it

R53 180k mile roof wear port side

R53 roof wear starboard side

R57 160k roof wear port side

R57 roof wear starboard side

 

Yep. My independent top repair person said he sees more vert tops with rear window issues than anything else but every Mini he has ever seen has the same marks. His advice, too, was enjoy it. He has never seen one wear through completely. His comments helped me decide to keep mine - which still looks and rides like new despite 80k miles. New (non run flat) tires coming this week!!! Happy Motoring.😄

 

My R52 has similar wear marks, just shiny spots with no holes. My top is usually down, so I don't care. I certainly wouldn't sell the car because of this.

 

thanks for the roof comment. i guess there is some comfort in hearing people say their tops haven’t leaked and several are getting into high miles. i like to hold on to my vehicles. hopefully rotors and other parts wont be too hard to get, when needed.

 

Some R52 owners put a small piece of cloth over the area when the top is down to prevent chafing. Also try to keep the top clean before putting it down.
I use 303 protectant once a year and horse hair brush and vacuum a couple times.

 

My aftermarket top dealer said every Mini Vert gets the same wear marks but he has never had to replace a top because of them. I guess I’ll keep my fingers crossed and keep on motoring!

 

Back in the day on the r52 they had a kit and you could get the top adjusted so it does not close really tight. On the R57 i believe they would just adjust the top. On the F57 their might be an adjustment a dealer would do?

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...p-problem.html

 

i have learned to live with it. Doesn’t seem to be getting any worse. nearly 95k miles now. onward!!

 

Ok, thanks for the info on it. It looks like if they never really rub through the rubber. I treat mine with 303 once a year