Let me apologize up front. I expect the answers I want are to be found within...somewhere. I have looked and found near what I what but not exactly.
While new to this site - this is m 4th mini - R53, 56 and a countryman.
I have an R52 S with at least some JCW goodies. I also have a couple areas that are about to drive me nuts (or more nuts).
Top: works ok to the sunroof part then blinks...been through all the normal fix or look at items and have come up with what I think the problem is - the sunroof is not going back far enough. If I open the sunroof then push it back a little...then hold the top up (out of the front braces) it will open normally...except it rubs on the roll bar and will not go up until I lift it up near the top of the back seats. Then it closes fine.
I wonder if the sunroof motor has an adjustment? And how do I get to the motor? Looks like it should pop open but I can't get it open without probably breaking the plastic. Ideas? motor itself wrong place to look?
Center instrument cluster: the glass has something on the inside. Like to get it out and clean or replace. Can't figure out how to get it out. Take the whole center part out?
Squeaks/rattles: tons of em. silicone? dash, doors these are last on my 'make me crazy list.
I have two toys. This mini and a 2005 Royal Enfield 500 army od with metal side bags. I must be nuts.
Many thanks and ...cheers!!
chuck
"safety fast".

 

Putting the Top down. Yes, when putting the Top down, it will stop when it reaches the Sunroof full open mode. This is normal operation. The function is hold the button down until the top stops, release and press it again and the top should continue to fully retract.

NO the Top should not rub on the Roll Bars, sounds like there is a minor alignment issue, the entire frame assembly sounds like it needs to moved rearward a few millimeters.

Center Instrument Cluster, If I remember correctly the first step is to remove the Dash Pad, then remove the Dash Panel for the Instrument Cluster, then that should expose the hardware to remove the instrument cluster. I don't recall if the plastic lens/cover is removable or if it is fully attached. Maybe someone else can chime in. But I was thinking it just kind of snaps in place where you could carefully remove it clean it and reinstall it. (there are some YouTube videos on taking the dash apart, a good place to start)

Most of the squeaks and rattles can be fixed by working on fitment. finding the source of the squeaks and rattles is the time consuming job. however most can be worked out. The problem is there are so many things that can squeak and rattle there is no ONE way to fix them.

Best of luck.

Motor On!
Looking at the parts and how they are installed helps a lot to see what may be done to resolve the issues.

 

Thanks for the response/info. Got it.
Now...On one of them many threads it mentioned a triangle shape 3 position adjustment part. Trying to recall the thread and location. It appeared to offer forward-backward and up/down adjustments. Would this be a place to start? Or somehow get the plastic cover off the sunroof motor and see if it can move the sunroof back about *******. this much? Maybe even a bit less. The top only drags on that bump on the roll bar plastic cover. If I can get that off I may try the top and see if it works. Regardless, my off the wall trouble shooting methods are way less expensive (as long as I do not break too many parts) than the local BMW/mini service banks shops.
The chronos cluster glass will remain a puzzle for now.
thanks again!