Mini Cooper Convertible Top Repair Part 1

[@stevew1009]

This was a great help and saved me £1,500+VAT as quoted by Mini for a new roof frame (they no longer just fit the cables). Nipped to Halfords for the steel glue (used an alternative to JB Weld £6), then spent around 5-6 hours (allowing 60 mins for glue to dry sufficiently ) fixing it using these videos on my iPad. A little fiddly at times, but I'm an office worker with only average DIY skills and you will get there in the end! Thanks Tulllid1 - really appreciated!

[@OutaMusic]

Thank you my friend without this I wouldn’t even know where to start. Followed all the steps and voila………working ❤

[@Spacemonkeymk1]

Thankyou SO much! just changed my latch and cable thanks to this guide. Please don't ever take these vids down as they are so helpful!

[@petekeyes2175]

Many thanks. Would never have managed to repair this without your video. Made a silly mistake at the very end; forgot to put back the parcel shelf and so the roof only opened half way. Went onto a mini forum site and found out that the shelf rests on two micro switches which made me realise I had forgotten to put the shelf back!

[@kevinwells6265]

Nice video series. I was able to use it to fix my wife's Mini Cooper top using them. I probably saved $900+ doing it myself. Thanks for posting these!

[@MarkBonini]

Thank you so much for the tutorial. My drivers side trolley broke, so I had to purchase the cables/trolley kit. I followed along with you and made the repair (swapped out both sides). Top works flawless! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@terrybishop4651]

instablaster

[@busby641]

Cheers tullid1 for this video, I was quoted £2000 from a BMW Mini garage in Oxon, UK! They said they needed to replace the front 'bow' assembly £1,500 and three 'trims' for £20 each plus labour and VAT. I did it for £6.75 due to your brilliant video.

[@tappocbm]

Hi tullid. I Had the same symptoms on my 2005 Mini Cooper S C, followed your videos and bam!, I have a working convertible again. Thank you very much, I would have never figured this out without instructions.

[@TheDeezelsmoke]

Thanks very much for this! I work on euro cars for a living, and I didn't know where to begin on this one. Information is hard to come by if you're not at the dealer. Your videos saved a ton of time for me on this repair. My hat is off to you

[@GregorTM]

Thanks for the video. It helped me to repair the top 2 times already. I would be immposible without your video. Thx!

[@lucyoneill405]

You are amazing !!! Massive life saver! I'm a 20 year old girl and I managed to fix my roof on my own by following your four videos!! Thank you so much!!!!

[@jeepintoad]

Tullid1 you rock!!! This video saved me $1700. The mini place I get mine serviced wanted $900 just for parts. Ouch. Thanks for posting great video!

[@mjaugust]

Thanks for the video series! I'm working on my wifes 05 Cabrio. Your work and instruction is very helpful! I have a slightly different issue. The sunroof function works fine. It's the driver's side (USA model) latch that won't release. I found the latch lever mechanism is broken. I'll do a short video of my repair. Thanks again!

[@alecbradford3388]

Did you ever end up making this video?

[@MsRobertsim]

Mon Cher Ami vous faite sauvé avec votre vidéo beaucoup de dollars a tout ceux qui possède une mini cooper Convertible. Chapo et Filicitation. Boby 48 ans de Métier dans ce domaine.

[@simonbarker9597]

A screw came undone because the thread lock was not put on properly. This jammed the mechanism and broke the plastic lever next to the cable arm. This would have been the third complete roof mechanism put on by BMW Mini in nine and a half years. They wanted to charge me £2200 and that is not for the canvas hood. I work at an aerospace foundry with a machine shop. Your video was invaluable in getting it apart and putting it back together again. The guys and girls at work made me another lever and rivets out of an aerospace alloy and when I offered to give them some money for their efforts they asked me to put it towards Cancer Research. Better than those money grabbers at BMW. Once they have sold you a car and it is out of warranty you are on your own as regards BMW. They will not sell you individual parts but half the car. WELL DONE for posting these videos!! YOU ARE A STAR!

[@kcolbinyar]

This was great, thanks. I had a slightly different problem in that the lever arm that pulls the locking mechanism out from the front by the windscreen/shield had snapped. In fact the nylon/plastic arm snapped (the rest was metal and fine). So I used your video 1 and 2 to get the locking bit out, remove the cosmetic trim and get to the level arm 'thing'. Replaced to lever thing (part number 54347174763), roof working within 1.5 hours. Result! To diagnose this if you have the same, mine would fold the sunroof back and then on the second press of the button only retract the right side of the roof bar and not the left, where the lever arm was busted. Looking from underneath, you can see a piece of the nylon arm hanging down. I bought a new one of these on ebay for 45 quid.

[@wenlong6851]

Thank you for the comment here! Mine has exactly the same problem as you described here. Right lock hook is unlocked but not the left so the top cannot get pulled up. I'm looking for the part you mentioned. And I guess only the left one is needed to replace.

[@kcolbinyar]

Hi. Yes, I only purchased the one side from ebay using that part number. I think it may have been about £20, not £45 actually. But to confirm, just buy the one arm that is broken.

[@dougb3754]

Fantastic guide which save me a small fortune, thank you!

[@simonsymeou4322]

Well done matey, great help, even though i've been in the car body repair trade for 25 years, i didnt have a clue where to start with that one.. beers on me dude

[@chrispark4774]

Tysm you helped me and my dad out :)

[@stuartbreame7684]

A great set of vids, however, may I put a question to the expert(s) please? My daughter's Mini One's ('52 plate) convertible sunroof has a broken plastic bracket within the retraction mechanism which won't allow the sunroof to be pushed back. I need to push the roof back to slacken the cloth so I can un-tab it and remove the main broad plate at the top front to get at the screws holding it onto the retraction mechanism so I can take the whole damned machanism apart to repair!! Any suggestions would be most welcome.

[@paulutter-q5w]

Awesome content, thanks for all of your detail. I have a 2005 R52. The sunroof portion works. The latch on the left is broken, I can unlatch it with a screwdriver just like in your video. In the right side I can’t pry it down. If I put anymore pressure on it I will break something. Any thoughts? Is it possible to share a video of it with you ?

[@timmzey_1985]

Thank you - You are a lifesaver!

[@MrSTANGlover]

I just logged in to say THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@fcunsrial]

Hi You mention that previously you fixed the problem applying some pressure to the mechanism to bring the cable back in place. Question Do you have the video of such operation? Thanks

[@babykilla999666]

Great video thank you!

[@scott04151966]

good video

[@MrJrv435]

Does your top fo that as well?

[@carriecosbyshirley2706]

I just got a mini cooper and we should be friends! lol

[@billlavoie420]

Thank you for your videos on repairing the mini cooper convertible top. I learned a lot. I have 2 questions. How did you remove the cover on the cross bar. I tried and it wouldn't budge. Is it just have retainer clips or screws. 2nd question is my slide on the left side doesn't move back far enough to release the claw or slide to the hall sensor. Thanks for any help you can give me.

[@kathrynsullivan4024]

Can you please tell me how to remove the cover to where the motor assembly is? It was already removed in your video…

[@joepie293]

you sir are awsome

[@MikePaterson]

Hi, The sunroof mechanism on ny cabriolet broke on one side. I followed the excellent video instructions and have removed the broken mechanism and cable. Unfortunately the new cable and mechanism cannot be pushed in far enough, it gets to about 1/4" from being able to engage the mechanism with the guide track, Anu ideas please? Thanks Mike

[@Revit7]

Do you know if it would be possible to convert the convertible to a fully manual operation to open and close, even if some sort of custom latches were installed and the motor was removed? My top failed for the second time and the car has 45k on it. Its a 2005. grrr!

[@carloseckstein1251]

How is the cover removed for access to the convertible tops motor?

[@LordWroe69]

Hi, I have exactly the same issue... You say the first time you sorted it you applied pressure and pushed it back in... Do you have a video of how to to this... Thanks Gavin

[@robertcollins7034]

Had a issue last night when trying to close roof the latches dont move ! :( Roof goes up no problems , but the latches that secure roof to the cars body dont move at all:(

[@miguelverdeja1095]

How can I know that the problem is the Open botón and note the cable?

[@exezamji6451]

Hey, i have just watched ur video, it's really excellent but I don't know if I could do it myself being a mere female! What I want to ask you is that I'm not quite sure yet if the cable is my problem. The left hand side of the rrof won't open and when I removed the panel to have a look I could see a rod is bent slightly towards the outside of the roof preventing it from unhooking. Do you think it would be a cable that's broken or would this be a different problem? Thanks heaps, Paula.

[@frankbell3404]

What does turning the screw 1 1/2 times in the panel do? The reason I ask is that my roof does not unlock on the opposite side and I am wondering if I should turn the screw the other direction 1 1/2 time.

[@yanapray1444]

OK, I just found the name of the broken part: CONVERTIBLE LEFT HAND SLIDING ROOF END GATE (7164009). Can you please let me know which bolts I need to unscrew? How to remove it? Your reply will be highly appreciated!

[@makalamcd]

The cable on both sides of mine has come loose. When i try to release the main latches, then will not release far enough because the black pastic tab behind it that releases the sunroom will not go back any furter. I took the torques head screw out so that i could get the top to open, but i stll i cant get the sunroof to slide back because no matter how hard a press on the black release for it, it will not budge. Is there something that i am missing?

[@mecago56]

thank you thank you!!!!!!!!!

Hi! Thanks for the video. I have one question. Where the motor is, how do I remove the plastic cover that hides the motor? Thanks!

[@alexspeedfit]

did you find out how to open the panel, would you mind share that with me , thank you

[@M.O.D.83]

Peace be upon you, brother, where can I get this piece

[@silva838]

Do you know how to fix it if the roof only comes down to sunroof?

[@AntoineReekmans]

How did you remove the cover that leads to the rooftop engine ? thank you

[@AntoineReekmans]

let me know thanks :)

[@alfredbernal8603]

@@AntoineReekmans you pry it off with a flat head screwdriver carefully as it tends to crack

[@chrishenry3697]

my wife's top went down and will not come back up, along with the 2 triangle windows which seem to have come off track. any ideas on how to fix?

[@seankelly4098]

How do you replace the LCD braklight at the top of the Booth under the spoiler please any help

[@Dorian4realestate]

thank you helped

[@christianhyder558]

On my 05 - the sunroof portion slides back even. When you push the button for the top to go down, it growls at you and the led flashes. Push close and all goes into close. Both arms and deck are seated. Any ideas??

[@djtaffy2003]

Christian Hyder Mine does the same did you manage to fix yours?

[@DanielleHicksRebastar]

Too wobbly stableize ur video recording makes me feel drunk x otherwise very helpful

[@waynemurphy7300]

How did you remove the cross section panel ??

[@iannieves8537]

Hi Wayne, did you ever figure out how to remove the cross section panel? I assume you are talking about the cross section of the rail/arm that the soft top slides along. I do notice that there is a hex/allen bolt to remove, but even after removing that bold, the part is still afixed quite well. Thanks!

[@waynemurphy7300]

I think I was trying to say the panel that covers the motor between (above) the two front seats. But I've had it looked at and partly repaired. My problem was much bigger than yours. Thanks.

[@Geoandbers]

2019 got it done with broken pieces

[@Geoandbers]

Just a little lever that's inside by the silver latch

[@Kettenhund75]

Great info, but OMG dude... your camera work made me sea sick.

[@yanapray1444]

Hello there! I followed your advice and reached to the disassembling of the roof but I encountered a problem with the rail front. Will you please give me an email or some other media where I can show an image of the part that I need to replace. Your reply will be highly appreciated!

[@charlesspain4493]

Any one help? at about 8.55 in, pushing the little tab while holding the roof mine is solid..the tab feels like it wont go anywhere! any ideas?

[@diegosilva6755]

Mi techo no funciona solo hace un sonido de tecla muy suave

[@Dsamson24]

@3373122 Did anyone every get back to you about this? I'm having the same problem

[@anndrickmendezz4491]

Watt its

[@MrAkkan]

For everyone who can't disassemble the broke latch 'cause it's stuck, please read carefully my post here www.drive2.ru/l/510279499233886493/. It's in Russian, but it has pictures and you can use google translate. I solved that problem today. You need to disassemble the plastic cover near windscreen and remove metal plate of the latch.

[@stevewerntz7273]

Having trouble with the same step as Charles S below... Can't release the sunroof lock. In my case it a plastic lever arm is broken as described in this thread: www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/319047-convertible-top-latch-hook-assembly-or-broken-cable.html#post4330538

[@mostropanigale]

Next time, ask someone to record beside. Too hard to follow, video sucks.

[@faustinopardo3525]

The truth is that it is a very poorly made video. The location of the camera and the lighting, for the same reason, did not allow us to see where work was being done.

[@hunterdesemar2266]

Horrible video...the camera was moving around too much...I am dizzy..

[@chuckhoover5269]

I’m sure you’re competent for making the repair but your video is so bad, it’s impossible that it support your dialogue.

[@alainhouis3096]

If you are a good mechanic ,you are a bad photographer