When I called the dealer, they said they would cover the mushroomed shock towers. Now that I am here, they said no and it would cost $820 to fix both. No thanks.

So my list is common:
1. Problems with top: pinch fabric on pass side, pops when opening. Dealer would not commit to changing top, but noted that I was concerned would prematurely fail.
2. Half moon scratches in rear side windows. Service tech said normal, but would replace and the scratches would return.
3. Leaking valve cover.
4. Deteriorated rubber at chrome strip at base of top (rear).
5. Grinding noise at one headlight upon self leveling.

Anyway, I will report back on how the San Antonio dealer treats me when I pick up the car. Waiting on loaner rental now so I can head back to Austin.

 

There's a service bulletin out on your point #2. Total warranty repair ~ they're being lazy. I don't have the number, but it should be easy to find.

 

So, SA dealer committed to repairing all except replacing convertible top. Said too expensive and top has not worn through yet. Service rep said complaint is noted on repair ticket and that MINI would "unofficially/not advertized" warrant the top to 75,000 miles or 1.5 years beyond original 4 year warranty...sure!?

Anyway, they are finishing up the glass replacement now and hopefully I can go pick it up today. If the glass gets scratch again, I will take it back again.

While I am there, I am going to pick up new strut bearing/mount at $52/each. They have 17 in stock...wonder why

 

Did they say how they were intending to fix the strut towers? 2 X 4 and hammer? So you did not get that done?

Any chance they put the "unadvertised warranty" on the top in writing on your repair ticket? I would sure like to have that "promise" in my file folder when and if I ever need the top replaced. If you could send me a copy, I will pay you for the trouble.

My top has 23,000 miles on it. Have seen a little shine in the areas of concern, but no fraying. But will be keeping an eye on it.

An extended warranty would be great as that would give me a warranty until December 2011. I need that warranty statement, in writing.

 

They did not put the "unadvertised warranty" in writing. However, I plan to send photos of the area to MINI (BMW?) of North America along with a letter of my concerns and what the dealer stated.

The dealer basically said the shop foreman declined the replacement because it was a $5000.00 item and that the fabric was not worn through.

I have a shiny spot with a crease and grease spot on the fabric. No actual hole, but unsightly never-the-less.

The evening that I got the car home, the battery died and will not accept a recharge. Yes, the battery is a MINI brand battery and could be original and thus old, but coincidence that it failed after they worked long and hard on the top and rear windows? I am thinking they deep cycled the battery a few times and destroyed it. Not worth even calling the dealer as they are 80 miles away. So, what size aftermarket battery? Group 34R? I do not intend to go with Optima.