I am a first time Mini owner AND a first time convertible owner. I love the car. But I have two questions:

1) What are Mini ragtops made of? Vinyl or fabric? I see most top cleaners and conditioners specify one or the other. I think it is fabric but want to be sure.

2) Is it okay to switch into or out of the Sport Program or Manual Mode while the car is moving at normal operating speeds? Or should I always be at a standstill to switch?

Thanks in advance for any info or advice.

 

You just named the best care for your 'ragtop', that is RaggTopp.
http://www.autogeek.net/rafaca.html
You have a fabric topp.
As far as the gear box is concerned, can't help you there as mine is a 6 spd.

 

Yes you can do this with no issues.

 

Thak you Fly'n Brick and Braminator! The info is much appreciated.

 

Your're not thru by a long shot. Next thing you really need is a wind deflector. Wade thru the FS: section and check on ebay for a good used one. Make sure it is for a R52 and not a R57. The WD will make motoring much more enjoyable.

 

Thanks for the additional advice Fly'n Brick! However, maybe because I've never been in a convertible with a wind deflector, I don't know what I am missing. I'm actually okay with the wind whipping around. Also, I've found ways to minimize the wind effects through various combinations of windows up or down. I may get a deflector in the future though. It's just that I've spent enough money on this car (for now) and a WD feels a bit like a luxury.

But again, thanks for all of your advice!
Old Pale

 

If your convertible is not an "S" -- your transmission is a cvt -- if you can find out it's service records, the transmission fluid needs to be changed every 28,000 miles, there have been a lot of failures and costly to replace ($7000+)

 

Thanks, Ovrezy. My Mini is NOT an "S" type but, when I bought the car, I had to have the crankshaft "O" ring replaced as well as the oil drain plug. These two repairs required the draining of the trans fluid and engine oil. So I'm covered for a while on the trans fluid (next oil change is around the corner). And I am a stickler for maintenance schedules. Nothing ruins a car faster than driving with old fluids/oil.

Regards,
Old Pale
Driver of "The Cinnamon Girl"

 

Thumbs up on RaggTopp's products!

Like has been said, no problem shifting between regular and sport mode while on the fly.

If you want your automatic transmission to last, change the fluid MUCH more often than is recommmended. MOST especially if it's a CVT. This is critical on a CVT because the design is so tuff on fluid. The manufacturer's recommended intervals are not nearly often enough.

 

One more quick hint about the topp fabric. Keep it as clean as possible especially the back part where it folds the most. Dust and grit will cut the fabric over time. Excessive ups and downs when it is dirty will shorten its life. Between washings I use the upholstery brush on the shopvac to give it a good once over.

 

Oh, and I should add that the part of the top that wears the most is where the fabric just above the rear of the driver's (and passenger's) side windows contacts the seam at the back corners when it's folded. Inevitably, holes will wear there. I had my top replaced under warranty and when I noticed the beginnings of more holes being worn, I started putting black felt between those two surfaces at the back corners of the top when I put it down. I use black felt, folded once and cut to roughly a 5" square. Once in place, they're not noticed. Yes it's a pain but it really works to save the top. If it's a wind-free day, I simply slap them in place, get in the car and put the top down. If it's windy enough to blow them off, I open the car, put the key in the ignition, thumb down the driver and passenger windows and then reach up and start the top opening. Once the top is open far enough for me to get my fingers in, I stand up and reach down from the outside and finish putting the top nearly down. Then quickly slip the squares in place and then finish putting the top down. I keep the squares in the left rear of the trunk for easy access.