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First of all I apologize for my english. Im not a native and technical things are a little hard for me to explain properly. Im sure Ill mess up my description of the problem. Please, bare with me
So I just got my first mini ever. A used ( But in great condition) cooper s cabrio from 2009.
The car runs great. It used to belong to my Gf parents so I know the history of the car. All looks like new!
There is a plastic fitting, or piece, that runs from side to side on the roof, just above the front seats. I hope you guys know the one I mean, If not, I can upload a pic
This piece Is a little loose on top of the drivers seat, so It kinda "hangs" a little lower. I can "click" it in if I apply a little pressure but it falls right out within seconds.
I try to do as much research as possible before I buy something and I read some horror stories about the roof failing and want to prevent it as much as possible.
Should I take the mini to the dealer and let them deal with it? , or is this something I can do at home with whatever tools I have?
SO I though Id add a picture or two of the piece I mean to make it easier
Id also like to introduce you guys to my new lady, super stoked with her!
2009 Cabrio S with all the bells and whistles. Love her to bits
I had the same problem with my trim piece as well (mainly the drivers side). You don't need to replace the entire part, just the plastic retainers that hold the trim in place (two had broken). Also, the part that ECS posted is incorrect. It's not ECS' fault but an error in the Mini diagram. I ordered that same part and it was not even close to what I needed. Pull the trim piece off, replace retainers, snap trim piece back in place. No trim tools needed. This is what you need.
Yea i believe there are built in clips at the each end if I remember right on top of those clips above, but if the base on the main part where the nylon clips into is busted then you have to get the whole piece. If only the clips then see below.
Thanks for bringing up the clips, they are not on the diagram , but there are here:
Hi. My two plastic sides along the roof are loose now. The attachments holding them onto the sides have broken off (likely due to the heat). I can't seem to find the parts for the sides. I can see below post about the overhead center trim tray, but I can't seem to find the parts for the sides on ECS Tuning. If anyone could direct me to the right place to buy that will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
I think it's #7. I have attached photos. Can you confirm if its #7 or #8? How can I buy it? I live in Melbourne, Australia so need them shipped to Australia.
Thanks ECS!
**edit.... sorry can't seem to post photos. I'm not sure why..... anyway. I think it's #7 (I need both right and left sides). May I know where can I buy those? Thank you!!!
Last edited by genekwek; Dec 28, 2015 at 02:51 PM.
Reason: unable to upload photos
Yea, Those are the ( #7) long inside upper trims of the convertible top. Black plastic and much longer then the very top trim #8. The slide and clip in towards the rear and held in the front with a small screw. Facing forward in the MINI. Left and then the right side. I dont have pics yet, but that's what they are.
You can see half of the very back side to the side of that seat, connects close to (Look below VVVVVV) that cross brace plastic that goes across the overhead.
There is also a parts kit for the top bow. #54342758517. There is a lot of hardware you wont use but this will have the small "U" clips and the screws for them. These are accessible when the top is halfway down from outside the car. I also trimmed about 1/4" off of the front of the front edge of the plastic so the top doesn't try to "push" it down when its rolled back. You have to put the "U" clips on the top bow first with the threaded side towards the inside of the car and install the screws thru the outside. Do not over-tighten, there is only about one and a half threads available.
My top bow now fits perfectly, does not rattle and does not move when dropping the top.
This is the kit minus the two clips and the two machine screws that go with them. The screws are easy to pick out from the bunch, they are the only ones with blue sealant on them.
This is one of the old clips.
This is the fastener looking from outside with the top halfway retracted. If you remove the center plastic piece without removing these first you will break it.
I trimmed this edge of the plastic so the moon roof portion doesn't try to push the plastic down.
Nice fit now and NOTHING moves when driving or dropping or putting up the top.
I had the same problem with my trim piece as well (mainly the drivers side). You don't need to replace the entire part, just the plastic retainers that hold the trim in place (two had broken). Also, the part that ECS posted is incorrect. It's not ECS' fault but an error in the Mini diagram. I ordered that same part and it was not even close to what I needed. Pull the trim piece off, replace retainers, snap trim piece back in place. No trim tools needed. This is what you need.
This proved the answer to my Mini in England. I went to the dealership to buy the plastic retainers, thought best buy from dealers, sorry Sir you need to buy whole cowling piece £220 plus fitting! I bought the retainers online for £11.00 - job done! thanks for your suggestion.
This proved the answer to my Mini in England. I went to the dealership to buy the plastic retainers, thought best buy from dealers, sorry Sir you need to buy whole cowling piece £220 plus fitting! I bought the retainers online for £11.00 - job done! thanks for your suggestion.
Hi.
I am having the same trouble with my 2011 Mini.
Can you tell me what part you bought and where you bought it from please? My roof panel fell off and the local BMW dealer where I bought the Mini from quoted me £274.70p to replace it :(
Hi.
I am having the same trouble with my 2011 Mini.
Can you tell me what part you bought and where you bought it from please? My roof panel fell off and the local BMW dealer where I bought the Mini from quoted me £274.70p to replace it :(
I had this issue a few weeks back and ordered a set on e-bay.
Parts are above and if you need anything else let me know.
Thanks for this info. We too were directed by the dealership to order an entire new center panel.
I'm ordering the trim panel clips for the center panel. Do those also work for the side panels? I'm having a hard time following this thread and understanding what all to order. I have a 2009 Mini Cooper Converetible (non S) Manual 6 speed.
Thanks!
Originally Posted by Greeny
I had the same problem with my trim piece as well (mainly the drivers side). You don't need to replace the entire part, just the plastic retainers that hold the trim in place (two had broken). Also, the part that ECS posted is incorrect. It's not ECS' fault but an error in the Mini diagram. I ordered that same part and it was not even close to what I needed. Pull the trim piece off, replace retainers, snap trim piece back in place. No trim tools needed. This is what you need.