Just picked this up today. It's got a couple issues. For one it makes some odd clunking noises when accelerating fast enough not to jerk and stall but not like hard amd I'm not sure what that would be. Also other minor things here and there but I already love this things. Whatever the issues are I love it.

 

Welcome and Congrats you're gonna love it even more

 

Enjoy! see the gen 1 section to get help with problems!

 

Welcome, R52 owner here also. Check out that R52 section. Lots of info there.

 

...and you're showing it off correctly! You wouldn't believe how many new drop head owners post pictures with that ugly black canvass thingie covering it up.
You've gotten yourself THE best out of the the lot of them, congratulations and he/she looks fantastic.
Some things to look for: A wind deflector, check ebay, Strut tower defenders if they're not already installed, replace the plastic coolant expansion tank with aluminum, and I'll share my only reasons for running up the top:
1. It's raining
2. It's snowing
3. I can't hear the SC because my copilot is whining louder because she's too hot or too cold
4. A bunch of drunks are throwing empty beer cans in the back seat and didn't invite me.

PS: ...and don't forget to wave.

 

If the thunking noise seems to be coming from behind or next to you, try plugging in all unused seat belts and see if it goes away.

 

Could also be the front real lower control arm bushing or strut mounts on the front. Easy fixing.
Welcome to the boards an your new legal addiction.

 

Congrats. There's nothing like open top cruising and in a MINI it's even better.

Let the mods begin.