Well, it's a long story so I will try to be brief. I rescued a 2003 Mini that was a day from the auction block in New York. A family member let him be towed away and locked up in the impound lot for weeks. He was towed and abused![IMG]images/smilies/cry.gif[/IMG] I invested the money to pay the loan, fines and storage charges. When I picked him up he was in bad shape. Still needed about $4,000 in repairs which is complete now.They even tried to break into him through the sunroof but he held tight and never gave in. Needless to say he is resting and doing fine now....BUT....The sunroof has some problems and to replace it will be over $2,000.oo. The problem is when they tried to pry the roof open from the back two plastic gears were broken. I wanted to know if anyone knows if these sunroofs can be repaired? The dealer seems to just want to replace the easy way. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I hope to adpot my mini soon until then I am happy knowing he is in a much better place. Thanks for any help![IMG]images/smilies/grin.gif[/IMG]

 

I would think you will be better off replacing the sunroof completely. May be not what you wanted to hear, but if you are planning on keeping the car for a long time and expect reliability from it (including the sunroof), I would invest the money to restore to its former glory.

I am not an auto mechanic, but you may want to get an 'expert" opinion on the matter.

What other damage the car has, aside from the sunroof?

 

Glad to hear an abused MINI is going to get some TLC.

 

Mostly body work. The front bumper needed replacement, broken mirrors, missing molding, some dings and scratches, brakes, tires, state inspection items, interior handles, levers etc. and Major cleaning. I will probably end up replacing the sunroof but knowing what is wrong with it in that one corner makes me want to at least investigate the possibility. Thanks for the reply. I love this venue. I have learned so much about the MC reading everything here!

 

Make sure you take pix so we can see before & after as you get your baby fixed up.

 

Anton, it seems that poor MINI went through a lot of use and abuse. As long as the car is mechanically sound and the electrics/electronics are in good shape, it is definetely worth resurrecting it.

Have pics? Mileage? Color? Options?

Welcome, BTW.

 

I do indeed! I have to take the "after pic's" and will post as soon as i figure out where and how here. Sorry to say I am limping through this process. Any help????

 

Upload your pics to your personal "Gallery" here in NAM. From there, you can link them directly to your posts.

Example:



The syntax is:

[img]www.yourphoto.com[/img]

Hope this helps.

 

Well Congatulations to you, im happy you stepped up, what kindve MINI owner lets there MINI be impounded and treated like that?

 

i didnt look at the poster at first, and almost said, 'you made it look good!!!!!'

 

I still can't seem to figure out how to include a pic here in a response. I have several pic's uploaded on gallery and I see the above option to insert an image but I am lost from there. (mind you not a far place for me...LOL)

 

Your relative wasn't a miniac, I see.

 

to post a picture..

go to gallery
select picture so it is larger then a thumbnail
right click on it
select properties
highlight and copy the "address" http location
start a new reply
click the picture icon
paste the address

 

look here http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do for the parts you might want for the sunroof.

or http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.d...11&hg=54&fg=05 for the actual roof page. It looks like any of the parts are available individually.

 

Thom: Thanks for the information! I will post some after pictures as soon as the rain here in Philadelphia stops. I will check out those part links ALSO! I think it was fate for me to get this car. I was looking for a BMW 330Ci covert. and I am really liking this mini. I may consider the Mini S Cab. instead. Thanks again for the info!

 

I'm glad to hear that someone like you...took the time and the money and the frustration to rescue a MINI in need of a good home...cudos to you!!

Donna

 

Some people just make me sick

 

Oooo, velvet red. You've got a rare one.

 

Owww that looks painful

 

Well, I must say I am amazed at the responses I have received. I had the opportunity to get him into the dealership ASAP for the sunroof so I did not hesitate. I miss my mini......:(

 

Anton...

I hope you get your Mini back VERY soon! Sounds like it will have a great new home.

After reading this thread I sort of had to chuckle because it reminded me somewhat of the letters I have read in a purebred dog club newsletter...under the "Rescue" section. Now please understand I'm not making fun of what anyone had to say in this thread...I wasn't crazy about those pictures or the description of the damage done to the Mini.

I think it would be interesting if someone started a "Mini Rescue" thread, akin to the Rescue Reports that are in purebred dog newsletters. I'll bet there would be some great stories...just like Anton's!

Chuck

 

No Offense at all!! The "animal rescue" scenerio was what I had in mind when I posted this. I thought it would be an interesting way of describing what happened. I was just called bu the dealership late today and informed that my mini can be picked up. Some good and bad news will be posted after I pick him up.

 

As promised I am submitting some "AFTER" pictures. Good to have "Melvin Mini" home. I was driving all day and having a blast. All is taken care of.

 

Velvet Red/Black. NICE!

So the guys on White Roof Raido are wrong. There is a 4th Velvet Red MINI somewhere!

 

Oh don't let my hubby see this! He is constantly trying to convince me to adopt a homeless car in need of restoration!!! (seriously, though, he tries that line all the time!)