I am looking at a '09 and noticed that the chrome trim around the top above the rear wheel had a 1/4" gap on the drivers side between the two moldings and was butted flush on the passenger side. Both sides had the black rubbers on the end of the trim. It leaves a pretty large gap for water to run into the body. You can see it in this picture. Am I just being **** or is this normal?
Thanks,
Brad

 

The gaps are normal. I have the older model convertible (2006) but the design of the top is the same. Mine has 1/4" gaps on both sides. The trim strips with chrome are not what keeps the water out.

The purpose of the gap is that it is hinged there so that the rear of the roof can be lifted up for a larger opening while loading cargo through the tailgate. See the "Loading Aid" feature in the manual: http://libraryofmotoring.info/pdf/ma...onvertible.pdf (page 93).

 

I'd suggest you also check to be sure that the fastening clips at the bottom of the fabric top, (above the chrome/rubber strip) are still attached to the metal post inside of the rear fender. My 2010 cabrio had a gap and I found the top was not securely fastened to the fender, as the plastic fastening tab broke off the fabric top. MINI replaced the tabs on both sides under warranty with a stronger metal (non-plastic) fastener. This was a problem with 09s and some early 10s.

 

I have been looking through picture galleries and had noticed a few with this gap. The more I thought about it, I figured it was some sort of clip that had sprung or broke. The dealer was going to fix the seat belt retracter (seat belt would not retract) and look at this chrome piece. I was hoping to find the answer here before the dealer come back and said it was "normal." You never know unless you ask. Thanks for the responses, pdf link and help.
Brad

 

Nice R57 MINI Convertible Hot Chocolate with HC top and tan interior. Yes that split gap in the two trims is standard so the back top can be lifted up ( when the top is up ) to give more load in space to the trunk.


When the front seat belts don't retract on the Convertible its mostly because someone has twisted the seat belt fabric and then it retracted and is slow as its rolled up .

Pull the seat belt all the way out to the very end and then let it retract. I bet there might be a snag/ flip.

Thanks and good luck.

 

I figured that there should be a slight gap but a 1/4" on one side and flush on the other is a bit out of whack. As an engineer this just bugs me.

I have that problem with my Sport Trac belt twisting. I pulled the belt all the way out hoping that would fix it and it would still not retract. I was hoping that it was just gummed up but the dealer did find that something was broken and ordered the parts to fix it.

 

The trim on the sides can be adjusted very slightly. The rear trim that connects to the bottom portion of the top can be moved and aligned also. There is a couple screws and an alignment adjustment right near the gap. See the trim on the rear below for pics.




#2 are those rear sections.

Convertible Top Rear Trunk Molding - Left Side Part #54342758117


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/54342758117/

&

Convertible Top Rear Trunk Molding - Right Side Part # 54342758118

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/54342758118/




&&

Rear side moldings. #10 in the pics. Snap to the sill on the body.



Rear Weatherstrip Trim - Left part # 51377190615

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51377190615/

&

Rear Weatherstrip Trim - Right Part # 51377190616

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51377190616/



Sounds like the retract tensioner on the belt if you pulled it all the way out and its still slow. Most likely they will replace the belt w/ the spring retraction.


Thanks and good luck.

 

Oh!! A parts fiche for the Mini! That is fan-d*mn-tastic! Where can I find that fiche and is it available for the whole car? I, for the life of me, never have figured out why auto makers don't supply a parts fiche. You can find them for motorcycles all day long. Such a great and useful tool. I won't have the car until Saturday. I will assume the adjustment screw is on the inside along with the mounting screws for the trim. What does the adjustment screw look like and will I have to loosen the trim mounting screws?
Thanks,
Brad

 

Thanks.

One of the most popular online versions is realoem.com . It has allot of items but not everything.

On the rear trim that screws in you can see on the link to the part the fine adjustment slot on the screw holes. Up and down , side to side a little once you loosen up all the screws that go in those holes. Put the top up and lift the convertible in truck expansion position and then you will have access to the screws.






Thanks and hope that helps.

 

Huge help! Thanks a bunch.
On a side note, I sure wish we had some snow. Suppose to be in the 50s this weekend and all next week.

 

You are welcome.

Its been very cold up here, cant wait till some top down weather. :(