R57 Convertible top problems??
#126
I went to the dealer to see both (2009) cars. One was not my 1st choice of color, but I played around with it a bit while the dealer was getting the keys for the one I wanted to test. I put down the top on car #1 and then put it up. Immediately a piece of plastic was sticking out of the drivers side C pillar area. Broken top #1.
Test drove the other one. Put the top down while driving, put the top up when I got back. Piece of plastic sticking out of exact same place as car #1. Broken top #2.
The piece that broke looks to be the exact same one shown in the 2nd pic on post 33.
I examined both cars before I touched them. There was a small gap between the top and the rest of the car in the C pillar area on the driver's side (exactly like the 1st pic on post 33, but only about an inch in length). So I don't know if they were broken before or after I touched them. No matter, it's a 100% failure rate nonetheless.
Both brand new cars.
Test drove the other one. Put the top down while driving, put the top up when I got back. Piece of plastic sticking out of exact same place as car #1. Broken top #2.
The piece that broke looks to be the exact same one shown in the 2nd pic on post 33.
I examined both cars before I touched them. There was a small gap between the top and the rest of the car in the C pillar area on the driver's side (exactly like the 1st pic on post 33, but only about an inch in length). So I don't know if they were broken before or after I touched them. No matter, it's a 100% failure rate nonetheless.
Both brand new cars.
Last edited by scottt; 10-25-2010 at 09:01 AM.
The following users liked this post:
BlueMiniac (03-20-2019)
#127
I went to the dealer to see both (2009) cars. One was not my 1st choice of color, but I played around with it a bit while the dealer was getting the keys for the one I wanted to test. I put down the top on car #1 and then put it up. Immediately a piece of plastic was sticking out of the drivers side C pillar area. Broken top #1.
Test drove the other one. Put the top down while driving, put the top up when I got back. Piece of plastic sticking out of exact same place as car #1. Broken top #2.
The piece that broke looks to be the exact same one shown in the 2nd pic on post 33.
I examined both cars before I touched them. There was a small gap between the top and the rest of the car in the C pillar area on the driver's side (exactly like the 1st pic on post 33, but only about an inch in length). So I don't know if they were broken before or after I touched them. No matter, it's a 100% failure rate nonetheless.
Both brand new cars.
Test drove the other one. Put the top down while driving, put the top up when I got back. Piece of plastic sticking out of exact same place as car #1. Broken top #2.
The piece that broke looks to be the exact same one shown in the 2nd pic on post 33.
I examined both cars before I touched them. There was a small gap between the top and the rest of the car in the C pillar area on the driver's side (exactly like the 1st pic on post 33, but only about an inch in length). So I don't know if they were broken before or after I touched them. No matter, it's a 100% failure rate nonetheless.
Both brand new cars.
If they gapped when up the part was broken before you looked at them and the dealer did not repair it. Likely they did not recognize the problem. It would be good to pass the information to the dealer...
#129
#131
I have noticed that since my top was replaced, I am seeing water get through when ever I take the car into the carwash. Has this happened to anyone else? Eventhough that's a unique situation, not like rain, it's still something I didn't notice before. Now I have to dry the inside of the windows after leaving the carwash.
#132
Same convertible top issue
I have the same issue on the passenger side of my '09 convertible; a broken plastic clip. I took mine in for a first time servicing and informed Morristown Mini (the dealer where I purchased) of the issues with the conv top and also of the annoyingly erratic trunk opening while I have been motoring. After I picked up my car this past Sat after hours I noticed that the conv top issue had not been fixed. They replaced the trunk grip and harness, but as for the conv top it was noted on the paperwork, "Compared vehicle with other vehicles of the same year. Conv sits the same as other vehicle." To say the least, I'm highly unsatisfied with the servicing as I feel as if the issue was completely glossed over and now have to drive all the way back to the dealer once again to have them replace the part. I'm considering taking it in to another dealer (possibly Princeton) to have them handle the issue. It's a shame that such cheap plastic parts were even used to begin with.
#133
Go in with this information and pictures..
C-Pillar Reinforcements per "SIB" The part number of the kit
54BMZ04 repair C-pillar reinforcements per SIB
1 54-34-7-276-922 Repair kit for convertible
T:54999934
part number is in there somewhere..
the problem is not the way the top sits it is the gap in the side when up.
C-Pillar Reinforcements per "SIB" The part number of the kit
54BMZ04 repair C-pillar reinforcements per SIB
1 54-34-7-276-922 Repair kit for convertible
T:54999934
part number is in there somewhere..
the problem is not the way the top sits it is the gap in the side when up.
#134
#135
just returned from the Mini dealer after they called me to come in for the repair on the cvt. top. Upon last visit for an oil change the service manager advised me that the part that holds the top on the passenger side was broken and that he would order the parts in as much as he has had to repair many '09 mcs cvts. and was out of the parts. they replaced the plastic parts on both sides with the new metal parts.
My dealer, Brian Harris Mini of Baton Rouge, has always taken the initiative to fix any problem and has never argued or tried to get out of fixing one. I had noticed this problem but did not mention it to them just to see if they would and they did. They do a "walk around" the Mini each time you bring it into detect problems.
The cvt. top issue is well known to Mini and they should fix it w/o argument.
If you suspect you have a problem just put your fingers between the cloth top and body. If you can slide your hand down between the top and body then that plastic part is broken.
My dealer, Brian Harris Mini of Baton Rouge, has always taken the initiative to fix any problem and has never argued or tried to get out of fixing one. I had noticed this problem but did not mention it to them just to see if they would and they did. They do a "walk around" the Mini each time you bring it into detect problems.
The cvt. top issue is well known to Mini and they should fix it w/o argument.
If you suspect you have a problem just put your fingers between the cloth top and body. If you can slide your hand down between the top and body then that plastic part is broken.
#136
#137
I've got a 2010 JCW and one day the top would not go up. It would move about 2 inches and stop. Dealer ended up replacing the entire wiring harness. They said the initial mounting of the factory harness was not very good and was causing the wiring harness mounting to loosen and eventually it gets pinched and breaks. Anyone else have this problem?
#138
checkerboard
The checkerboard pattern is the bottom of the little pockets on the factory wind deflector. The factory wind deflector pocket idea is cute, but the zipper should have been on the forward edge of the pocket so it could be accessed from the pax compartment.
#139
Convertible top squeak
I had the dreaded plastic defect and then the factory fix to replace the brackets but now everytime I hit a bump or the frame flexes during acceleration, I have a squeaking rattle sound in the rear passenger side area. My theory is the tension is not properly adjusted thus creating a pulling on the fabric causing the noise.
Any comments or ideas?
Any comments or ideas?
#140
I had the dreaded plastic defect and then the factory fix to replace the brackets but now everytime I hit a bump or the frame flexes during acceleration, I have a squeaking rattle sound in the rear passenger side area. My theory is the tension is not properly adjusted thus creating a pulling on the fabric causing the noise.
Any comments or ideas?
Any comments or ideas?
#141
#142
#143
#145
#146
I had the exact same problem on my 2009 R57. Dealership replaced the whole top. It looks like the failure of a $2.00 plastic piece sewn into the top. It can't be replaced without replacing entire top. I had a failure on both sides.
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BlueMiniac (03-20-2019)
#147
Also my back up picture did not work all day today. I've got built-in Nav and back-up sensors. The warning noise worked but the picture didn't. Is there an adjustment for that when you go into reverse?
#149
Select few.
If the sun is out, run it down regardless. Heaters, heated seats, hats, coats and gloves complete the fun factor. Wind chill should be the only factor then to establish the fun limits. Sunscreen is always at hand. Drive it like you stole it.
Do keep it clean. Dirt and dust will cut the fabric eventually. Use a good treatment like RaggTopp or something like it.
If the sun is out, run it down regardless. Heaters, heated seats, hats, coats and gloves complete the fun factor. Wind chill should be the only factor then to establish the fun limits. Sunscreen is always at hand. Drive it like you stole it.
Do keep it clean. Dirt and dust will cut the fabric eventually. Use a good treatment like RaggTopp or something like it.
#150
Maybe this will fix some of the top noise issues: Technical Service Bulletin SI M51 03 09 Body Equipment May 2009. The link is to a word document addressing both open and close top noise issues.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...s-articles.doc
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...s-articles.doc