If anyone has problems with their roof not opening, check the parcel shelf in the boot, make sure it's sitting snugg and flat...There is a little "sensitive" sensor that the shelf sits on.....Two customers of mine now have called me....Obviously being the nice guy that I am, I talked them through the process....As a MINI salesman, it's a pain in the butt to have teathing problems but hey it's a cute little MINI for goodness sake.

HAPPY OPEN MOTORING........

Mark

 

Thanks for the tip.:smile: I'll keep it in mind....good thing to know...

Chow!

Donna :smile:

 

Thank you also, Mark

Lois

 

Good thing to know! I would hate to think my new car is broken! :smile:

 

So....if you remove the shelf, you can't open the roof?

 

Whew! And I thought it was really some problem. Good to know. Now, what is MINI doing about the purported WEAR problems that UK owners are complaining about?
-BruinToo

 

Hate to rain on everyone's parade, but there appears to be "Wearing Spots" problems with the fabric roof in new MINI convertibles and MINI is still working on a resolution at this time. Here is the MINI2.com thread on the subject:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67138

There are also complaints about rattles!

 

Cooper4us - This can be the problem with buying a new version of a car. I was wondering if there are certain precautions people can take to prevent damage to their soft-top roof. I live in a mild climate, so am not concerened with weather issues. But do you know of a conditioner, sun protectant, or a good info site?

I have to admit, I went to look at the Cabrio in the dealer's showroom, and I noticed the roof looked like it was dirty/worn in one area. It seemed weird for such a new car. I'm not going to cancel my order (the car comes in next week), but I would like to take good care of the roof, to prevent some of these problems. Thanks all!

 

Quote:

MINI is still working on a resolution

I'm not sure what they can do, it would be costly recall with so many out there 2500+ worldwide
So far they admit nothing except that this is NORMAL acceptable problem.

 

What they'll likely do is once they have a fix, they'll fix the roofs on a case-by-case basis. I.E., complain, and you get a new roof with fix. Since it's not safety related, it's highly unlikely that they will do a full recall.

-Paul!

 

Do NOT use soap on the tops. Do NOT take the car to an automatic carwash. Just hose it down with water and use a soft bristle brush (boar's hair preferrable or OXO makes a wonderful soft bristle nylon brush). If you need to get stubborn dirt out, I recommend using RaggTop or 303 Products cleaner. You can also protect the top with RaggTop or 303 Products protectorant.
-BruinToo

PS.
The roof wear doesn't seem to be from weathering but something mechanical. It shows more on black tops, and some greens, not so noticeable on the blue tops.

 

303 is a good protectorant. I used it for ten years on my old mustang convertible.

 

Thanks both, for the info. I will definately check out the 303 product! And, I never would have known not to soap the top!! I've heard the black top shows more... I have the black top. I will just try my best, and if there's too much wear, take it up with the dealer. I'll be on here posting any good or bad news though.

 

U cabrio folk are not unlike the new MINI pioneers with the earliest 2002 builds. Yet I think all of us early 05'ers are risking some possible build issues, esp with the new dash construction methods and electrics (puddle lights?) Good luck with your cars. Jimbo

 

Sure I had problems with my 2002 build S, but it was a fun ride. new dash """construction methods and electric(puddlelights?)"""
I am not sure where you are going or saying in mentioning the dash and lights in this thread or on the 05 Mini. Personally I think it is an improvement.

What worries me and I have seen some potential issues is the roof wear.
Is there been a fix?
So far on this forum I haven't heard any big complaints.
Has the problem been fixed?