I am considering trading in my R56 Cooper for a R57 Cooper Cabrio and have found a car that I like at a dealership. On closer inspection with the top up however, it seems that the passenger side window is hitting the side rubber seals at the top. The glass does not close flush into the rubber rain seal, but is pushed out a little (about 1/3 inch) away from the body. This is a new car, estimated build date mid 09.

I am wondering if this sort of roof-door glass alignment is a known problem for the early builds R57, or is this a sign of some larger issue for this particular car ?

 

Is the Mini Brand New...never driven or does it have some miles.
Was the door ever worked on.....things happen to parked cars.

 

Its brand new but its been sitting in the showroom for around 6 mths.
I think it has spent almost all of the time with the top down, cos they did not even notice this problem with the top up until I pointed it out.

 

If you really like it and the price is good....have them fix it to normal New Standards and re-inspect to your satisfaction. Do not buy it or sign any papers until you think everything is perfect. And have the service order & repair info in your possession in case it comes up in the future. Good Luck.

 

Maybe that's why the top was down 24/7.

 

Thks for the sound advice.
Dealer says he will definitely have it fixed before putting it up for sale, I will see the final result before I make a decision on this car. Just wanted to get a feel of whether this is a common problem with the R57 and whether this is a minor issue, or a sign of some hidden problems with the top.

 

Maybe the top is slightly bent or not aligned correctly or the molding is off or the window is off. Do the front and rear windows butt up properly. Be sure the everything is ok. Check and double check. And check for a good seal (no leaks). Have it washed and immediately check the floor for water while the dealer has it.

 

Many of the very early 2009 R57s had top problems. With rub spots (see my posting and pictures), to plastic clips breaking off (see the 6 to 8 people with this issue), plus the famous squeaking (that's not a major issue, just add some WD40 carefully as to not get the top coated in it) all of these were taken care of my the dealership under warranty.

As for the door seal issue you found with the floor model, I'm sure they'll correct it, and maybe they'll replace it with a new top.