How to replace Mini Cooper convertible top R52 and R57

The convertible top replacement is certainly a DIY job. It takes around 2 - 4 hours
tools needed
1 x torx TX20, TX25 and TX27
1 x 8mm spanner
1 screwdriver
Start from the front and work backwards
Start with putting the top in sunroof mode
Remove the plastic cover under the sunroof
The front is held in by plastic "teeth", unclip them
Then there is a rod that unclips from each side
There is a long strip across that pulls out
2 cables that unclip both sides
All moving rearwards
Next are 5 or 6 torx screws (TX27 not TX25 as mentioned in the video, even when I used TX25....) which are in the rear window rear channel
Remove the insert which holds the canvas into the recess
The top can be lifted back to 1/2 way
There are 2 springs that unclip from the other end of the cable that was unclipped previously
Next undo the torx screws that retain the strips around the back of the car (lift top for access)
Remove the trim strips and rear brake light
Remove 2 clips inside the rear wing (they slide off, as shown in de video)
Now the whole canvas slides around the rear groove in one piece
Its off now :-)
Refitting is the reverse starting by sliding the new roof around the rear
Take care that the roof mechanism is up as the window glass can catch and shatter (costly, since then a new top has to be bought) this is the only point where an extra person is very very helpfull.
Then simply work forward connect the heater wires, side clips, refit springs, and inserts torx screws, 2x 8 mm nuts, rod clip strip.
Finally front teeth
And its back on.
Note the roof has to be moved in various open/close positions to get access to screws easilly ,and after fitting DO NOT USE THE MOTORS TO FULLY CLOSE always manually lock down the rear levers as it will take a couple of days for the new fabric to stretch into position and operating normally can overload the motors on the final closing point
The only parts swapped from the old roof are the thin bar and the cables which both push through pockets in the roof lining
Once you have done one roof you're an expert!! Good luck.

[@rickhill9285]

Great video! Just replaced my 2009 R57 S. Took a while and was tough in places. This video does not show the interior connections that come OEM with mine. So those pieces were hit or miss. Need to open the boot so the top will close, until it stretches a bit. Next day worked ok. I did find it hard to replace the metal pieces near the middle. The new top needed a few open/close turns to soften it so it would open/close correctly. Glad I did it myself (was quoted $3K plus tax) but I don't think I would do it again. That being said I am 66 and the inside it pretty small :) to move around inside. Good luck to all who try!

[@bikesandwrenches]

I am about to put on a new top on my R57, and your video is very useful, and the only one available for this particular task. Thank you. Good luck mate!

[@Siemi1]

Thanks. Good luck with replacing it. It's really not difficult and doable.

[@kodokanodense47]

Thank for showing and taking your time for documentation :)

[@Siemi1]

You are welcome

[@douga4953]

That gen 1 is beautiful Great video

[@Siemi1]

Thank you

[@Mini-Driver]

Great Information. I am bookmarking this video for the time I might need it with our two convertibles. My boot won't open with the FOB or the release button, maybe I have a broken wire ?

[@Siemi1]

Many thanks. Last time I had similar issues with the trunk release, I replaced the lock. But that one also had issues, every now and then, with the manual trunk release.

[@jasonmare33]

good job

[@Siemi1]

Thanks

[@bjorn3830]

Wat fijn om dit te zien. Mijn eerste gedeelte van de kap gaat steeds 10 cm per keer open. Dealer geeft aan dat de motor vervangen dient te worden. Moet ik daarvoor ook de kap verwijderen, of kan dat van binnen uit? Nieuwe motor incl installatie kost 750 euro. Zou je voor 2de hands gaan?

[@andrewcrail3229]

Hi. This is a great video. I have a similar car and the roof isn’t quite sitting right where it meets the windscreen. Did you have to adjust or to or do you know how ? Any tips would be very much appreciated Thanks Andy

[@Siemi1]

Actually, to my surprise, there was no need to adjust anything. It fitted really well and everything went back on as we removed it.

[@Sulimankhayyat]

Thank you for the tutorial, can you tell us where you to get the soft top?

[@Siemi1]

I got this soft top from a breaker at only 150 euro. Quite a bargain.

[@maliknexus]

I need a new top R57 where can I get one?

[@katiemcleman9596]

I planning to replace my 2005 mini cooper s soft top this weekend. I’ve found a soft top that I’m picking up this Thu, are there any tips or things to watch out for whilst doing it, your video removes it but is it as easy to put the replacement one back on?

[@Siemi1]

It's really not hard to do. The toughest part for me, since there was no instruction to be found, was every time to find the next step. These are all in the video, so it should be easy. Installing is the same as removing, just in reverse. The construction is well designed, so that it's just a matter of installing. There was no need to adjust anything. Good luck. You can do it!

[@katiemcleman9596]

@@Siemi1 replaced it this weekend, took a little longer because I had to remove the replacement hood too. All fixed and working, found your video very useful! Thanks

[@tomregalado9914]

U.S.A. here and like the video. borrowing my dads 2008 mini cooper r52. back window blew out. top is pretty rugged. do you have link to purchase new black top? thanks in advance.

[@mrmystery1968]

how did you get the side rails off the front of the top? I can't figure out how to access the two nuts where the top attaches above the door windows

[@Sara-dw7fq]

Heyy what year is this mini if you don’t mind me asking

[@Siemi1]

No problem. This Mini was first registered September 2004.

[@aajs2317]

Ga zo door met de howto.

[@susanwaltman2607]

My top bow cover fell off. How do I put it back on?

[@radonvon3120]

The r52 top fit the r57 are they the same ?

[@Siemi1]

It is my understanding that the r52 top is of a similar construction as the r57, however, I wasn't able to compare them in real life and wouldn't be surprised if they are slightly different.

[@simonaasiatico9635]

@@Siemi1 I have the Gen2 that I am in the process of resealing my back glass. I suggest removal to make it easier and to ensure a good seal. I tried while the top was on, but because the space is tight, I didn't get enough 3M glue and water found its way through a small crevice. The Gen2 has 6 differences, moving from front to rear as depicted in the video. The first is the locking teeth/tabs shown at 3.16 in the video. Take a screw driver or plastic tool and gently push up on these - you will hear a click. You might need to do it on each side of the locking tab. Removal is similar starting at one end by sliding out and then bend upwards a little, and pull out. The second difference is the rod shown at 5.54; there is no screw. Just take a pair of pliers, gently push the rod to flatten it, and gently pull out. The third difference are the nuts shown at 7.16 - there's only a single 8mm nut. Since I am resealing the glass, I just screwed the nut back into the top. The fourth difference is that the two rubber seals for the back windows have two little rubber teets that have to be pushed down to release, then peel the seal out. The fifth difference is at 9.49 in the video. Instead of easily peeling out the canvas seam which is plastic on the Gen2, you have to push downwards. It may be beneficial to let the top all the way down because the screws may fall out or down into the bod well. The plastic piece (seam) is a slide lock, similar to the sides of a computer case you remove, so push down, hold and slowly pull out from the top. The locks (triangular impressions) are located at the bottom, top, and between the slotted holes in which a screw driver can be placed into to help push down. I found it easier to break it loose then use my hands. The last difference is one or both sides a have a piece of canvas lapped over the back bar with two torx screws. I also screwed these back in. Hope this helps.

[@georgesimpson8794]

I just got a replacement for my R52 and been sent one for an R57. I was wondering if they could be swapped, I guess not. Thanks

[@lyncro]

Good video :D

[@Siemi1]

Thanks