recently had the mechanism in the top rail on passnger side fail to close properly ( I do not know why!). the rail did not match up at about the area of the passenger 's head. When I psuhed the button to raise the roof in order ro reposition it, It started to retract to the first stage ( sunroof position). It stopped after about moving a few inches on the passenger side while the driver side moved a little further, then stopped. . I pushed the button to close the roof and it failed to close and the mechanism near the front latch "blew" apart with a plastice component breaking in half.

I took the car to the local Mini dealer who informed me the roof could not be repaired and would have to be replaced in its entirety. Cost of $7,000 ( tha's right - seven thousand!!

Any comments,thoughts or recomendations would be most appreciated!

 

PS Car not covered under warranty as is a 2005 model!

 

I have heard on this site as well at the Mini Dealership in Pleasanton, CA that Mini convertible tops have multiple problem (primarily wear but cable/mechanism problems as well). There was a SIL on mini convertibles built through early 2007. My tale of woe is on
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...r-new-top.html
I would talk to MiniUSA about your issue and even consider taking MiniUSA to small claims court if they do not offer some fix.
Also, I am trying to collect data on mini convertible top problems. If you get a chance, please respond to my survey at:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...sues-poll.html

 

I don't know why a small claims case would even be upheld. It's a car, with some miles/time on it. Things break, and they break out of warranty. Why would MINI be responsible for that?

Convertible tops on ALL cars have problems. I've owned two convertibles, one a Pontiac and one a Chevy. My parents had Mercedes convertibles. ALL had problems with the tops - a zillion moving pieces that are just waiting to break.

 

I am not sure how many miles are on the car in question but a five year old convertible roof should not fail. I have multiple data points (both my own and from friends) on convertible tops ranging from alfa romeos, saabs, bmws, miatas to jeeps, suzuki samurais (sp?), and even an international harvester. The failure rate in the first five years of ownership is extremely low and the problems tend to be with switches and seals. Many convertible tops go for 15 to 20 years until their fabric (vinyl or cloth) simply deteriorates due to fatigue and UV damage.
Perhaps more importantly from dealer/corporate perspective, Lawrence's car did have a SIL posted for it and the SIL should be at least considered as part of the dealer corporate response. The SIL is an acknowledgement that there are design and/or workmanship issues with the roof. If dealer/corporation does address an acknowledged problem with their product, they are certainly not working in the spirit of customer support.
Perhaps even of greater concern is the $7000 cost of the repair. If we were talking about seals and switches that cost $100 -$200, I would consider that be part of normal maintenance. $7000 no way!

 

lawrence - where are you located?

First thing I'd do is find a GOOD independent mechanic (preferably a MINI specialist - there are a few around the country - if not, a BMW specialist) and have them take a look. I'm pretty confident that the top you have can be repaired for WAY less than $7000, though you may have to find a salvage convertible to harvest parts from to do it. The dealer will have no interest in doing this, but a good independent shop should be willing to help you. Will still be a fair amount of labor for them.

As far as warranties, lawsuits, etc.... once my car is out of warranty, it's MY problem. It baffles me trying to understand how anyone would argue anything differently. Whether the top failed after 5 years or 20 years... it's the owner's problem, not BMW/MINI's....

Does it suck? Yes, bigtime. But it IS part of owning a convertible.

 

You refer to "SIL". I am not familiar with the word. Is it some kind of recall bulletin?

Thanks for your help

 

What is an "SIL". I am not familiar with the word. Is it some kind of recall message?

Thanks for your help

 

I have a top cable and parts for both sides, I was to put them on ebay.

I am sure this is what broke.

 

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...44&hg=54&fg=10


#14

You half to buy in pairs, around 400- 500 dollars.

 

I don't thinl it was a broken cable. It is something involved in the first stage (sunroff)

Thanks for the reply

 

Hey Larry..

Sent you an e-mail..

Steve

 

Thanks to all who helped!.
I found a second Mini Dealer who offered a fix that would require replacing the front frame for $3,145 plus tax. A lot better than $7,000

I took the advice of many and a freid recommended an independent repair shop. Great move. They fixed my top (replaced cables ) for just under $2,000. They did it in one day!

 

Glad you're back on the road and were able to same some $$$$

 

Wow , thats a savings but still some $$$$