Only a few days into owning my 2012 Highgate S Cabrio, some a****** cut into the back to get at the (empty) trunk. Insurance company was fair, and gave me a check for $2k (after deductible) to get it replaced.

Can anyone share their experience with replacement tops - both parts and labor? I have a good local (non-dealer) shop which I'm sure could save me a few $, but I want a factory quality result.

Any advice appreciated!

 

So you didn't get any estimate on repair before you settled with the insurance company?

 

Yea you just settled without getting an estimate? A friend if mine needed a new top on his Audi and that was almost $8,000.

 

Where are you located?

 

The convertible top on the R57 MINI Convertible Highgate edition has the silver touch brown top and it changes color in the light, a very nice convertible top.

Below is just the top itself. There is allot of labor involved in the replacement, on top of the replacement top mounting kit, I had one replaced on a R52 Convertible and it is very similar . I would recheck with your insurance and if you need a place for parts I am here to help.

#2 in the diagram Folding Top Fabric - Brown Silver Part # 54347310524


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/54347310524/



And #4

Convertible Mounting Kit


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/54342758516/ES1834316/


Thanks and good luck.

 

There's always an a**h*** willing to destroy a beautiful vehicle for the potential of finding something valuable in a glovebox or boot. Argh! Best of luck in the future - may the MINI Gods protect your exceptional MINI from other idiots.

 

I would have it done at the dealer for warranty coverage. Had the top replaced for wear spots 1.5 years ago. I took it in just this am for top rattles and new wear spots and the service writer just called me and said they will replace the top and the latch. When I got the car back the first time the top looked perfect and there were no dents are scratches on the car.

 

I would not expect MINI to replace a roof under warranty when the damage results from vandalism. Why should MINI be liable?

 

What I meant was if you have the work done at Mini all future problems with the top would be covered by Mini. Like mine, having to replace 2 tops because there is some sort of problem when the top is folded down it rubs against itself causing wear spots on both sides.

 

That makes sense. However, other convertible top specialists may offer the MINI top plus a similar warranty for less money. To be honest, I agree with you and would bring my vehicle to MINI for the replacement top, notwithstanding the higher cost. Who knows, the MINI dealership may sympathize with the OP and cut him a break on the replacement cost.

 

I think the op should of got an estimate before he took the check. If he cant get the top done for 2grand the insurance co will kick in more $.

 

I had my top replaced under warranty. I think it's $5k-$6k to replace non-warranty.

 

How is your top holding up? Mine is in the shop having the top replaced for the second time. The first one had a wear spot into the second layer. The second one only had a wear spot on each side that did not wear to the second layer and they replaced it anyway.

 

With each of the two replacement tops, how long until the wear pattern became sufficiently noticeable to warrant replacement by MINI?

 

It was about 9 month when it showed up again, not near is bad as first top. The service writer said we should change the top it was not that bad so why not.

 

Hey ECS Tuning - is that for a factory top or aftermarket? BMW quoted $2103.90 for the top material, so if yours is the same I'll likely order from you. Thanks.

 

Yes, Its the Genuine MINI Part ( factory MINI ) like all our items that state "Genuine MINI" as the brand.

Thanks

 

My replacement black top is holding up very well. It's been 2 years and no exterior issues.

 

Just a quick update: After getting a price quote on the top material from BMW of $2100, I went back to my insurance company and got another check. I'm planning to order the top from ECSTuning (as it is genuine mini) and have it installed by a reputable local shop with a lifetime warranty. Altogether should come in ~$2500 which leaves me whole even with the deductible. Will post again when job is complete.

 

Well that was disappointing... attempted to place my order for the top today at ECS Tuning, and was told that:

1. They don't have the top in stock and have no eta
2. They consider it a special order item, and subject to a 'no exchange, no return' policy

Neither of these pieces of information was reflected on the web site. I'll now have to try the dealer.

 

Hello Mike,

I am sorry to hear that. On big item parts that are not in stock in the US ( this part was just in stock when I talked to you last and sold out in the US, they have low stock due to this being a special edition top) we a have a policy of no exchange , no return. Its just in certain cases. It looks like there are some coming inbound but the ETA estimate is next 4-5 week. I recommended you agree to the NCNR and I can work with MINI to get this to you asap.
Since I know you need this part and I want to make sure you get it. You can PM me and I can help you more.

Thanks