2nd Generation MINI Convertible Photos

[dalboyne]

Quote: Originally Posted by thebigyin (original)

Ian, good catch!
I don't think that the mechanism has changed - it looks more like a different type of material and certainly a redesign of the roof cover - the seams are in different places. I would imagine that changing the seams would change the stress in the material and give a smoother look, especially if they have combined it with an upgraded type of cloth.

...and maybe they have learnt all the lessons re roof wear from the current model, so this will make the new roof much more resilient and longer-lasting (I certainly hope so!)

[Paul]

They changed roof supplier for the 2nd gen too.

[Hat]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

They changed roof supplier for the 2nd gen too.

i'm not surprised, the first one probably went out of business funding all the warranty replacements

[minicabrio]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hat (original)

i'm not surprised, the first one probably went out of business funding all the warranty replacements

Webasto make the MINI roofs which of course will soon not be the case, and also used to make the 3-series tops which has now switched to a metal folding jobby.

They've got plenty of other business though - they manufacture the Daihatsu Copen and Volkswagen Eos folding tops, the Porsche Boxster rear spolier, and the glass panoramic roof for the Maybach!

[Hat]

i never realised they were made by webasto - they used to be the generic name for folding roofs - like hoover to the vacuum cleaner world.

they used to make the sunroof mechanisms for Rover & Honda (which is where the link to the mini comes in) - a company i worked for supplied the sunroof blinds to webasto for the old rover 400/800 & honda civic

[dalboyne]

I did email Webasto a long time ago, when the roof wear problems first started coming to light. Never got a reply.....so I think I'm pleased they have lost the business on the new model. But who is the new supplier? They may actually be no better

Ian

[minicabrio]

Quote: Originally Posted by dalboyne (original)

I did email Webasto a long time ago, when the roof wear problems first started coming to light. Never got a reply.....so I think I'm pleased they have lost the business on the new model. But who is the new supplier? They may actually be no better

Ian

You won't have got a reply! When a company becomes an OEM supplier for a company like BMW, they are signed into an agreement which says they have no contact whatsoever with the general public. This prevents warranty issues not going through a dealership, and people buying direct.

Not sure who the new supplier is though... possibly whoever it is that makes the 6-series tops?

[dalboyne]

Quote: Originally Posted by minicabrio (original)

You won't have got a reply! When a company becomes an OEM supplier for a company like BMW, they are signed into an agreement which says they have no contact whatsoever with the general public. This prevents warranty issues not going through a dealership, and people buying direct.

Not sure who the new supplier is though... possibly whoever it is that makes the 6-series tops?

That has got to be a step forwards....and probably a price step up to match!

[Pops Racer]

just getting ready to reorder an 08, dont exactly love the chunkier body, but what the h@#l its a cabrio S. Cant tell if thats the astral black or the jet?! Anybody tell the difference? Would appreciate a word.

Thanks Pops