photos look normal. I have a 2009 mcs convertible and the top separated at the point shown in your photos and the parts holding the top there were plastic instead of metal. after they were replaced there is still a small separation but this is normal.If you can run your hand between the top and body to a point past the second knuckle then you may have a problem but from the looks of things I doubt you can. Mini switched to the plastic parts in either 08 or 09 to save money but after having to repair many tops for the separation problem because the plastic parts broke I believe they went back to the metal parts in "10. Just have the service dept. check the next time you bring it in.

 

It shouldn't be like that. That beltline joint doesn't look like it is lined up correctly either. Is it possible the top has been replace recently? Is the fabric solid black all over with no shiney spots from friction of being folded down a lot? They'll get that way after a while. If the canvas looks new then whoever replaced it maybe needs to give that spot another try. The outer canvas is not 'water proof', but water resistant. It has a water proof liner underneath. You want to get a good canvas treatment and use it regularly. RaggTopp and 303 fabric guard are the best and most often recommended.

Of course, if you become a hard core topless motorer, you'll soon forget there is any canvas to worry about.

 

You have a broken fastener on that side. My replacement tops have continued to use plastic parts there.

 

Thanks, I will check with the dealership where we bought it.

I think the car was built in late October or November of '09.

Fly'n brick, it has been pretty wet here, and that top definitely does not have any protectant on it. It is soaked. Once it dries out I'll check for shiny spots. I feel like there may have been a shiny spot, but I can't be sure. Thanks.

 

I had a similar issue and they replaced some fasteners or clips underneath the top. As far as waterproofing, I talked to a local top installer who said there was no reason waterproof the top. I'm interested in what other's experiences are.

 

I have used the soft top repellent on the convertible top. I would say it protects it and also lets the water bead up and then run off. Very easy to clean after the protect has been applied. I would use the cleaner first to prep the area.

MINI Soft Top Repellant

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/83120417504/ES197302/




Soft Top cleaner - Prep

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/83120413109/ES197293/


There is also a full kit:

MINI Soft Top Care Kit

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/83120417503/ES197301/

 

Hello!

So I picked up a cpo 09 cooper cab last February (March build date) and although I love it dearly, I fear the top is deteriorating. It has two significant wear marks by the front seats that look deeper than the usual white fold marks, like the top layer is worn off.

It already had a "roof cassette" replacement by the dealer pro bono as I am out of warranty and the cpo doesn't cover tops.

Is this normal wear or is this only going to get worse and worse until I need a new top? I'm at like 280 hours btw.

 

We have a 2010 with 272 hours and not near the wear you have.

 

I had my top replaced under warrantee and the wear was much worse than that. I went to my local dealer numerous times and was told my wear was normal. I finally stopped by a dealer a little further away from me on a whim, and they set up an appointment to replace the top then and there. The wear was down to the rubber layer. They also replaced the cable and other parts, which causes the top to sit higher than before, and apparently reduces the wear, since the top no longer rubs on itself.

I suspect, at that level of wear, MINI will not replace the top. Perhaps they will install the shorter cables to preclude the wear.

I have to admit, I'm not sure what the cassette consists of.

 

Speaking of having my top replaced. I now get a slight wind noise at about 70+ MPH coming from the windshield header. I don't think I heard that before, but I could be wrong.

1. Is this normal?
2. Is there some adjustment that I could try? Maybe tighten up the latches somehow?

Thanks,

Larry

 

Thanks for the responses!
Its spreading!!! the side wear marks are now connected by a wear strip right across the middle of top where the top folds open for the sunroof portion. This has all happened within a week.

When I had my roof cassette (sliding roof mechanism and cables) replaced in June could the dealer have misaligned the top causing this sudden increase in wear?
Thoughts on felt pads in between the folded layers? Yea or nay? Also this side dent doesn't look normal, thoughts?

This is my first convertible if you couldn't tell, thanks again!

 

That looks like a clip is broken. I'd take it back to the dealer.

 

I agree. If you look at a previous post of mine I posted two pictures that look similar to that. I brought it in when it was time for it to be serviced and pointed it out to the dealership and they replaced both sides with the kit. My car is 2010 built in late 2009.

 

 

Can you post a pic of whats broken?