[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Please help! I have a 2005 Mini Convertible with roof problems. I had the sunroof open on Saturday and when I attempted to put the roof down, it made horrible creaking –cracking sounds and the red light flashed (the roof had been down already that day and I hadn’t opened the boot or done anything to block the opening of the top). I immediately tried to close the roof and it would not close properly. Now – the passenger side of the top seems to be stuck and when attempting to open, it merely starts to open crooked. Seems as though it is off track and something that should normally release is not releasing.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT='Times New Roman']I do not live close to a Mini dealer and need my car daily for commuting to work. Is anyone else familiar with this situation and what advise can you give me. HELP!! [/FONT]

 

topsdown, you might want to post this in the first generation MIni forum. This is the 2007 R56 forum.

 

Open your owners manual. There are instructions in there to help. You should have some manual crank tool in a tool kit in your boot that allows you to close your top. That should at least hold you over until you can get to the dealership.

F.Y.I... the same exact thing happened to my top. I had to leave it at the dealership for several days for them to diagnose the problem. They did give me a loaner but it meant 2 round trips to the dealer which was 652 miles but that was well over a year ago & I have been problem free ever since

 

I have an 05 cabrio. I had it for a week when this happend to me. The passenger side wouldn't shut correctly and and the driver side seemed to be shut. Anyway, I believe it's a defective part. MINI should have done a recall, but I don't believe they ever did. The dealer can fix it easily. If you're still under warrranty there won't be a problem. I stayed at the dealer and waited for mine. A few hours is all it takes and then your baby will back to normal and you can soak up the sun once again.

 

This same problem just happened to my 05 mini convertible. I don't have warranty anymore and the dealer quoted me over $3000 for fix the problem. I want to try to fix it myself... does anyone know what the dealer does to fix this problem? Do they replace the whole soft top or are there some parts I can just replace to fix the problem? Thanks.

 

seem like a common issue if y guys have it...mine is ok so far..... i have a 05 conv too and only knwo they replace the worn out fabric if still under warranty

 

As much as I dig the Cabrio, potential problems post-warranty with the electric top are a turn off for me.

 

I'm screwed don't know what to do. I have the top closed on my 05, try opening it and only drivers side cracks open a little while the passenger side doesn't budge. I can't afford these dealer prices, anyone have any ideas?
Thanks

 

I'm sorry this happened to yet another MINI. I would suggest following this link below & start reading at post #36. DIY starts at #45

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nt-open-2.html

I did a breif DIY page for the least expensive way to get back to topless motoring. It is still going to run you about $300 + 5 hours of work.

I hope this helps.

 

You state that you have an 2005. THis is the second Gen Forums I.E. 2009 and above for convertables. You might want to ask these quesitons in the Gen 1 Area.
Here
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...2005-2008-152/

or here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...lems-issues-9/