I've done searches, both here and on the inter-webs in general, and I can't find a DIY guide anywhere.


I am considering purchasing a 2006 R52 JCW, but the convertible fabric top is a little worse for wear. Above the rear bow, there are two gouges where it looks like the top is abrading something when folding away. They are above the solid support piece underneath the fabric, so they are not leaking, but they are a little unsightly when the top is up. In addition the vinyl piping along the top of each side window is cracked and worn.


The car only has 106K on it, but I think the previous owners must have been of the "put the top up every time I stop for coffee" type.


In my searches I have found numerous folks who have had their top replaced by a dealer or shop, but no one who has done it themselves. I've done 3 convertible tops before, a Fiat Spider, and Alfa Romeo, and a VW Beetle (the old style), so I'm not daunted by the work, just hoping someone has blazed a trail for me.

 

There's a good reason you've not found a DIY on that job. It's not a 'stretch it over the frame and tack it down' operation. I did that on my old E type once, took less than an hour.
Best advice I can think of is buy the car and enjoy the heck out of it. While you're doing that, stash a few bucks away each month 'till you can afford a full replacement. You say it's not leaking, there's wear spots and the rubber trim is cracking. Sounds just like mine at 100K.
Topless motoring is motoring at it's best.
Only 4 reasons to run up the head.
1. It's raining
2. It's snowing
3. Some idiots are throwing empty beer cans in the back seat (unless you're one of them)
4. It's so hot or cold your co-pilot is whining and you can't hear the SC.

 

Yep, for sure. But, I'm not daunted. Ever replaced the convertible top on a first generation VW Beetle? I'm 99% sure replacing the top on a MINI will be easier than that job was.


But I would like someone who has it done it before to chime in. I love learning from others mistakes!

 

He's right. Shop Foreman with about 12 tops under his belt still says its a PITA and in every case at least 1.5 days....


GL!

 

Yea, had mine done under warranty , took them a day or two.

You could change the color while your at it, most MINIs are black, I have a Blue top.

Black, Blue , and Green are options. 54347135290 Black , 54347135291 Blue , and 54347135292 Green

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...w-rag-top.html


https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-new-tops.html

Also after install you have to let the top set for a couple days to stretch in up position. Most places let it set in the sun. No top down motoring.


http://www.bmw-planet.com/lib/mini/C...20OVERVIEW.pdf

 

Great info in that PDF. Especially for anyone having issues with their top hydraulics or sensors. The section covering replacing the fabric, unfortunately, leaves a little to be desired.


That is the entire section. That one sentence.

 

Here is the install / removal:

 

If I DO NOT want to do it myself, does anyone know what it costs?

 

Its will be expensive through a dealership, like $$$$. If you go to a trim or top specialist it will be much less. You want a shop that does custom trim and interiors , whom know what they are doing, that have done BMW or MINI Haartz top before.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...ops+installers

 

I'm in the same boat. My back window was destroyed in a big hailstorm, so I need to figure out a replacement.

 

Turn it in on your insurance and get the parts from us.

 

Sorry, wrong section, Mine is R57. Will post my guide there.

 

Ok.

 

Bringing an old post back from the dead, but I just completed this.

Follwed the writeup from @Scudder44 and watching 2 youtube videos:

Price of a OEM top for me was 1050 plus s&h brought to 1248.20
Total time was about 5 hours