When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The convertible top on my 2018 Mini broke a few days ago. I brought my car to the local dealer in Jacksonville, Florida. They charged me $221 to tell me the cable was broken and I would need to get a frame (which includes the cables that broke) and the cost is $4600-. It was kind of crazy to me that I had to spend over $200- just to learn that I now have an almost $5000- repair bill.
I am really disappointed that such an expensive repair would be needed on a 2018 model car. This will be my last Mini Cooper as I think the build quality is poor. Recently I replaced a motor mount, and a burned out tail light assemble, costing me almost $2000-. It makes no sense to spend $4600- on a car that has a resale value of just over $10,000-
I'm hoping that I can find an independent shop that works on component level repairs, as opposed to having to replace the entire frame. For now I'm just going to drive my car as a hard top, but I''ll be getting rid of it in the coming months for a new car. Mini has lost a customer, and I will be vocal on social media platforms about my experience.
Hello,
This thread on the forum addresses the cable issue: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...pen.html.ables. The original poster was able to do a fix that lasted a couple of years. Sounds like the cables are not available separately. These days the cost of repairs needs to be considered in the context of new car prices (and now tariffs), interest rates, sales tax, etc. All cars need repairs as they age. A good independent shop can help defray some of the expense. If you enjoy your mini convertible otherwise, it might be worth holding onto it for the reasons stated. All cars these days have weak points. Try being a Tesla owner and needing repairs. The Mini is essentially a cute BMW. Like most German luxury cars, parts and maintenance are just that much more expensive. Just my two cents worth.
Last edited by loveisageless; Jun 21, 2025 at 07:02 PM.
The convertible top on my 2018 Mini broke a few days ago. I brought my car to the local dealer in Jacksonville, Florida. They charged me $221 to tell me the cable was broken and I would need to get a frame (which includes the cables that broke) and the cost is $4600-. It was kind of crazy to me that I had to spend over $200- just to learn that I now have an almost $5000- repair bill.
I am really disappointed that such an expensive repair would be needed on a 2018 model car. This will be my last Mini Cooper as I think the build quality is poor. Recently I replaced a motor mount, and a burned out tail light assemble, costing me almost $2000-. It makes no sense to spend $4600- on a car that has a resale value of just over $10,000-
I'm hoping that I can find an independent shop that works on component level repairs, as opposed to having to replace the entire frame. For now I'm just going to drive my car as a hard top, but I''ll be getting rid of it in the coming months for a new car. Mini has lost a customer, and I will be vocal on social media platforms about my experience.
Based on my tracking of the sunroof assembly cable breaking in the 3rd Gen Minis, It appears that many break around the 7 year mark. My 2016 F57 purchased new broke around 40K in 2023 costing me $5000 to replace at the dealer. I stored the vehicle for about 6 months every year due to our Ohio winters. Would love to know if the computer keeps a cycle count on how many openings and closings I had within that 7 year period. FWIW, I do believe it would be nice to have some access to lubricate those cables within that sunroof assembly.
