I have a problem with the top of my 2005 convertible. When you press the button to open it only the left side starts to open. The right side doesn't move and there is a horrible noise. I can close it back up. The dealer who looked at it yesterday said it might be a cable problem and that could run to over $1000 !!! does anyone have any useful tips for me?

 

It definetly sounds like the cable snapped. There are some pictures here https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nt-open-2.html Scroll down to post #36 & start from there.

On a positive note, I posted a link in the above forum for the least expensive OEM part. The dealer will charge you roughly 5+ hours of labor to install it for you, but I was able to fix mine in about the same amount of time with no complications & I am not a gear head.

The previous poster (at the link above) took the whole fabric top off to fix his, this is not necessary & takes way more time than needed.

I still haven't done an instruction page for it & I didn't take as many pictures as I had planned, but I will try to get the photos together & post them later if you would like.

Sorry again to hear this happened to another MINI, but hopefully you will get it repaired without too much of a headache.

p.s. I didn't proofread so please ignore any gramatical/spelling errors...if any.

 

Hi. My convertible top cables snapped at about 50,300 miles. The repair is very expensive ($3000 USD). I'm out of warranty by 8 months, and MINI USA says that's too long for a good will gesture. I've searched online and found 24 other folks who have had the same cable problem with their Minis, almost all within the first 50,000 miles. In order that I might make a stronger case with Mini USA that this is a design flaw (and that others might do the same with MINI UK or MINI USA), I'm collecting information from others about the year of their MINI and mileage when the cables snapped. I'm happy to make this information available to you after I get it. Please send me an e-mail at dschultz@umbc.edu, and I'll send you the Excel sheet with the information.

Dave

 

I don't know now if I want to to trade for a convertible now ....with cable snapping at 50,000 and why am I a neutral...?

 

Mine snapped at roughly 75k...you are in neutral because you only have 7 posts.

That being said...my next MINI will be an other Cabrio...Nothing better than the sun & breeze!!

I've always had a soft spot for soft tops

 

We really need to get Mini's ( BMW ) attention with this. Our 2005 has 42,000 miles and the cable snapped last week. I would be glad to join any group action. The thing is we took our car to an independent shop and they researched the faulty parts - several 'redesigns' - and still no recall action from Mini.

 

The top on my '05 with 55,000+ miles on it just stopped working last week. The driver side still functions; however, the right side does not unlatch at all. From the previous posts here it sounds like MINI should, but isn't recognizing this and properly resolving the issue - warranty or not.

Anyone heard if MINI has admitted the problem?

Guess I'm happy it's nearing the end of "top-down" season here in MN.

 

Now I'm getting worried. I have 36,000 miles on my 05 and to date haven't had any problems. Is there anybody who has more then 50,000 miles with no problem?

 

Fortunately (?) for me, mine (right side) snapped well before 50k so it was still under warranty. (Had to take it back due to a clunking sound -- something didn't get re-attached properly. I also had the right-side rubber tip disappear shortly thereafter, so it would frequently catch when trying to open.) I've always wondered whether the replacement cable was any better...

 

Took my '05 hot orange convertible with the broken top into my dealer. Service advisor called me and stated that MINI is going to cover the repairs 100% (about $2600 - my cost). My warranty period ended in January and I have 55k on my ride -- so if you have the same issue (left side opens, right side doesn't) and no longer under warranty, BE SURE to ask your dealer for assistance from MINI for the repairs.

 

Please, please.... those who have fixed the broken cable, please put together a write-up with pix. If you're local (Orange County, CA), I buy you a six pack of Bavarian Beer.

 

From an earlier post - there are photos and more info at the link/post noted:

 

$3000 is a rip-off. The fabric top costs $2000 and installation is $1000. This is like the motor-mount problem that BMW/MINI has completely ignored.

The parts for the cable issue is $300 at ECSTuning.com if you are a DIY'er. At the dealer, it's about $400 and about 4-5 hrs of work... or $900-$1000 total.

 

i ask a 3rd party and they say can do it for less... still waiting for their quote