I think I'm in the right place. I recently purchased a 2008 Mini sidewalk edition ( I think R52. It's a naturally aspirated automatic).

I seller, informed me he replaced the convertible locking mechanism, but after he found the plastic pice behind it was also broken.

This requires the locking mechanism to ba manually enguaged and disengage to use the top (by pulling a stilish wire, installed by seller.)

I did some research and think the part is called the "Gate", but it cost $245. Has anyone had experience with this issue or know where I can get the part cheaper. $245 is steep for a pice of plastic. I have attached pictures of the locking mechanism for reference.

 

Welcome, I hope you are enjoying your "new" R52 even with the roof issue.

Heres the parts diagram:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=RF33-USA-02-2008-R52-Mini-Cooper&diagId=54_0344

Not sure which part is actually defective from the description. The part with the stylish wire is 54347174763 ECS list them for $204 for the pair.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/54347174763/


The blurb says "These units pivot and slide with the movement of the sunroof function as it closes and opens. These are connected to roof assembly rail.", so if sounds like the locking is supposed to initiate based on the positioning of the sunroof, if its not functioning correctly it could be an issue with the part, or it could be something screwy with the roof rail that is supposed to engage it. If something is screwy with the folding top frame 54347180037 then thats prohibitively pricey....

Not sure from the description which plastic piece is broken. The trim pieces are also available, and are $40 -$50 range.

Can you look at the good side and figure out why its not working on the bad side?

 

+1 thats the parts ^^

 

Dont know if there is anything useful to be found here, but its a good site to bookmark as a new mini owner anyway....

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/r...age-operation/
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/r...le-top/ETNfZpG

etc
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/r...roof-soft-top/
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/r...epair-manuals/

 

So after becoming a deconstruction expert, I found the little guy responsible.

I don't know the part number if anyone doesn't would help. I think this epoxy and reinforcement will hold for now, but I would like to order a new one. Anyone know where to get or what it is. I have look at parts sites and I'm having trouble identifying it.

The part has 92 111114d pom molded into the plastic. It's the part the locking mechanism clips into, inside the rail.

 

Well JB weld fixed the end I could see. But sadly it's a total loss on the other end. So back to square one, anyone have an idea on the part number?

 

I have an R52 also and that is part of the front cassette, not available on its own: 54347180038

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/54347180038/




Here is the DIY for the convertible top most common fixes and parts for thr future.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2005-...y/Convertible/

and

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-t-open-3.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...tible-top.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rchid=18450627

 

Yup, it's only available in the $2k cassette. I have called every pick and pull, Facebook add, and Craig list I could find. I guess I'll have to get creative with this one.

 

Yep, hopefully you can find one check car-parts .com