convertible top will not open, nasty sound

[Co-pilot]

i am the co-pilot/mechanic on an 05 convertible, 45,000 and just home remedied the PSP, and fixed the wheel squeaks, and of course, now a new issue.

the top doesn't work.
the 'sunroof' works fine, but trying to put the top down just gives a rather nasty crunchy grinding noise, and no joy.
being a DIY and F*** mini kind of person, i really don't want to give them a bunch of money to fix this, especially as crevier mini broke more than they fixed last time they had the car.

i was hoping this was a battery issue, as right around the time this happaned, the battery died, and a new one was purchased without my input, so i have no idea if it's the right sort for the car etc (and ofcourse, didn't get a note about a battery recall!!! grr)(funny that they'll recall for a battery issue, but not the life threatening PSP issue...)

Tl;DR: does anyone know how much power the top is meant to use to operate, and where are the access panels for the top mechanisms in an 05 so i can inspect?
(is there a manual for this? i have a haynes from the Uk, but it doesn't cover convertibles parts)

thanks!

[Co-pilot]

oh, and i plan on calling them later today about the battery thing, how there was a recall, mine failed and wanting a new one, and compensation that we already bought one.

i hate mini.

sorry, i hate BMW, for destroying john coopers, and minis name.

[Co-pilot]

battery is putting out 12.25 volts, does anyone know if that is enough for the top?

[Londo]

Sounds like the hydraulic pump is going out go to the post on how to change 3 brake light, there is a link for bmw oem parts. And invest in the Bently BMW MINI Cooper manuel if your a do it yourself kinda guy. good luck.

[Co-pilot]

could someone check their battery output for me?
as i said, it's an aftermarket battery and i'm not sure of the specs, but it sounds to me like everything is trying to go, it's just having problems getting there.

i called mini about the recall, and they said the car did not qualify for the battery recall, after i gave them the VIN.
typical mini customer service 'oh, you had a known issue go wrong with your car? we've recalled in other markets and other cars in this market? sorry can't help you.'


how could i test the hydraulic pump? where do the wires and stuff run so i can check the voltage at the motor, i'm really really hoping this is a simple and cheap electrical hiccup!

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by Co-pilot (original)

could someone check their battery output for me?

According to the User Manual that came with my Scangauge:

Quote:

Normal running battery voltage is between 13 and 15. When the engine is off it should be between 11 and 13. Voltages higher than 15 volts can damage batteries and electrical components. Voltages below 13 when the vehicle is running could indicate poor charging of the battery. Voltage below 11 when the engine is off could indicate a low battery charge or a shorted battery cell.

The aftermarket battery in my 2002 MCS registers between 13.5 and 14.0 volts on a Scangauge.

[Londo]

RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog

[Co-pilot]

is it possible that 12 volts is not enough for the top?