I have looked around the forums and I see lots of discussion around the top failing to retract. I've seen all kinds of great information about issues with the top and the various motors, and I think I'm almost ready to replace any of mine if they go bad -- but I haven't seen anything directly about my issue.

I have a 2005 S JCW Convertible I just purchased. When we tested it, the top went up and down with no issues. Two days after getting it home, the top went down just fine, but the little red light on the button indicated that the top wasn't really down. I've put it up and down a dozen (or more) times. I physically lifted up and down on the top (in the retracted position), trying to get the indicator to go off. At this point I can't tell if it is actually locked and the indicator isn't catching it, or if the top is actually failing to retract all the way. It does look like its all the way down. It does not go any further down. You can hear the motor trying to push it further down, but clearly it will not go down.

So it looks like it is down, but the red light stays on. Where is the switch or sensor that actually turns that light off?

 

Hmmm... finally broke down and took it to the dealer. It took them many hours and then they decided there were two sensors, including on that was connected all through the top, and one or both of them were failing. Cost to repair? $1,100.00. I think I can live with a flashing red light for a long time at that cost.

On the other hand, the service reps and everyone at the dealership was super nice!

 

Maybe you can find some info here http://workshop-manuals.com/mini/coo..._instructions/

Do a search ECS has posted many of the prpcedures.

 

Very cool, thank you!

 

Yes some more info here on the top and how it works :

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mechanism.html

Check to make sure the top is adjusted, sounds like it needs adjusted. Do you have pics ?

 

That is a great thread, thank you.

I'm not sure about adjusting the top, I've read a few of the horror threads here about replacing so many parts... right now the top works fine. I don't have pictures because I wouldn't even know what to take a picture of -- the top opens and closes perfectly fine without any problems. Everything appears okay. The only way I know anything is wrong is that the red light keeps flashing when the top is down. Heck, I hardly even notice it any more during the day time. At night it is quite noticeable, though!