Hi,

I bought my 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible in June. The other day, I was using the convertible top, and I went to put it down. When I pressed the button, only the passenger side started to go down, while the driver side didn't move. The dealership that I bought it from is not a Mini dealer so I just wanted some advice from Mini owners. The dealership thinks that it is something called the gate lift or lift gate (?) that is broken and is $3200 worth of parts. Has this happened to anyone else?

On the way to drop it off at the dealer to get this problem fixed, the car decided not to start. Everything electronically was working, but the car wouldn't turn over. The dealer has diagnosed this as a dead battery, and they think that Mini's have a special battery installation where only a mechanic should do the install. Is this true or is it like any other battery?

Thanks so much!

 

Whoa back, there. First off, get an independent shop like O'riely to check out your battery. If it is dead, buy a new one, lift out and disconnect the old one and reverse the process with the new one. If you haven't found it yet, it resides under the mat in the boot along with a small tool kit. Stealerships will tell you all sorts of stuff so they can increase their cash flow. (how much help do you need replaceing the batt. in your flashlight?)

A weak battery could cause the problem with your top but it more likely could be a cable or motor problem and yes, top parts and/or replacement is expensive. Make sure the problem is with the electrical first. Do a search using several key words related to your questions and you will find a great deal of discussion on these subjects here on NAM.
Good luck with this. Topless motoring is motoring at it's best and I hate to hear of anyone having that jeapordized.

 

Here are a few URLs you might find useful in the future.

http://www.cartalk.com/content/featu...alkMirrors.pdf

http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov

http://www.toptiergas.com/

http://mini-cooper-parts.blogspot.co...ni-cooper.html

http://soopercooperinfo.com/

http://www.motoringfile.com/

http://www.motorcycleroads.us/index.html

 

I am really sorry to hear about your top. Especially on a car you just got. Mine did that about two months ago. Parts were $1800 and I got the installation done by a dealership mechanic who works weekends for himself. It definitely pays to get in touch with your local Mini community, so you know about these options.

 

Thanks for the help!

Davavd, what did they say was wrong with your top?