Soaking Wet Inside Convertible Roof !!

[gazh75]

In November I noticed my 09 Mini Cooper Convertible roof was soaking wet inside. I took it to my local dealer and they checked it out, they first told me that they were unable to find any damage or leak they told me it was condensation - I told them that it was far too wet to be condensation and that the whole roof was soaking (it was absorbing water like a sponge), they took another look after a few days of leaving it out in the rain they saw the problem for themselves. They contacted Mini and they agreed to put a new roof on. Got a call a few days later to say the car was ready - went to pick it up and couldn't believe it when the new roof was also soaking wet. Went straight back in the garage and told them, they couldn't believe it and the technician stood scratching his head, left the car again for them to contact mini. Mini has now instructed the garage to impregnate roof to water proof it - i'm a little concerned that they feel it necessary to treat a brand new roof and am unsure if this treatment is permanent or if this will be the start of an on-going problem.

Sorry for the long-winded story but not sure if I should accept this waterproofing as a solution or push for something different.

Has anyone else with an 09 on mini convertible had the same problem or offer any advice.

[saint2000]

im currently driving a soft top 08 and a friend asked the same, to which I replied that only happens on old cars!! I'd be very concerned if that happened to me... is the roof locking properly when you close it?

[Des09]

I have had exactly the same thing. Bought my car in July 09 and was absolutely shocked to find tiny beads of water on the back part of my roof inside. The leather seats have "bubbled up" too. I have had it tested for water leakage and they have not found anything. Also like you were told that it is due to condensation which is rubbish on a brand new £19K car! They are going to get it in to waterproof the roof which is something you have to do every year apparently with the convertibles, but mine was only 5 months old when I noticed this happening! Was also told it was due to the snow being sat on the roof for a long period of time - well do they not have convertible minis in Sweden??? Slightly miffed by it all to be honest. Let me know how you get on

[malum]

I have a Saab 900S convertible It's 13 years old. I've had it for two and a half years and never treated the roof with anything.
It sat out in the snow and rain for the last two months as it's off the road at the minute.
Not a single drop of water got through the roof.

It does have some condensation caused by me getting in it with very wet feet in the snow to start it up once a week but the condensation is limited to the hard plastic parts of the roof not the fabric and they do get wet enough to drip. The age of the car (or the cost) would have nothing to do with whether condensation forms.

If you are getting in and out when it's wet outside then it is possible that you are bringing a lot of water into the car with you on your feet and that this is becoming condensation. It seems unlikely though. It's also possible that it has a leak somewhere round the edge of the roof, or somewhere else, letting water in and that this is becoming condensation on the inside of the roof.

My Mini Cooper S convertible is 5 years old but I only just bought it. The roof was treated when I bought it
It also sat out in the same conditions as the Saab (including having 18 inches of snow on it for a week) it also didn't leak at all and did not suffer from condensation either.

I'm not sure if any of that ramble gets you anywhere but there you go.

[John_D]

The leaking roof problem is not universal. I;ve had my 2006 'vert since new. It has been kept out in the open in all weathers as I have no garage and the roof doesn't leak. I'm not gloating just pointing out that its not a general problem.

[girlracer]

Don't let them fob u off saying that it's condensation. It should NOT be soaking wet inside. Before buying my last two minis, i had a ford streetka convertible for 2 and a half years, i never treated the roof with anything and it was not kept in a garage. It was always dry inside with minimal condensation! Keep going back until they fix this for you, good luck!

[PK5]

I have had a new convertible mini since June and it has been out in all temperatures, no interior water. If they cant seem to fathom out the problem with your car, request a replacement car or worst still demand your money back. If it is on finance get in touch with them too as the car actually belongs to them, tell them your concerns. they have more clout than you. good luck

[bionichicken]

I am picking up a new 09 with the blue top in a couple of weeks. Should I have the rood treated before delivery? I am sure going to check the inside before I sign the paperwork.

[John_D]

Quote:

Should I have the roof treated before delivery?

Absolutely no need to. As seen above, I've left my 2006 MINI convertible out in all the weather which we enjoy(???) in the North English Dales and narry a drop of water or condensation. And that included 18 inches of snow lying on top of the car for 14 days (and nights).

Just thinking about your car, if you live in a very sunny state then maybe that blue may start to fade.

[gazh75]

Finally got my car back a few weeks ago. They impregnated the roof as I said in my previous post and so far the roof is bone dry. I'm not totally convinced that this will be a long-term solution as I beleive that the roof should not require treatment in the first place but I suppose I had to give them the opportunity to put it right. I am going to keep a close eye on it and if it happens again they will not get a second chance I will tell them to take the car back a give me my money back. On the up side because of the time factor and all the hassle the dealer gave me a nice set of spot lights and mini have also offered me a credit of £250 .

Quote: Originally Posted by gazh75 (original)

In November I noticed my 09 Mini Cooper Convertible roof was soaking wet inside. I took it to my local dealer and they checked it out, they first told me that they were unable to find any damage or leak they told me it was condensation - I told them that it was far too wet to be condensation and that the whole roof was soaking (it was absorbing water like a sponge), they took another look after a few days of leaving it out in the rain they saw the problem for themselves. They contacted Mini and they agreed to put a new roof on. Got a call a few days later to say the car was ready - went to pick it up and couldn't believe it when the new roof was also soaking wet. Went straight back in the garage and told them, they couldn't believe it and the technician stood scratching his head, left the car again for them to contact mini. Mini has now instructed the garage to impregnate roof to water proof it - i'm a little concerned that they feel it necessary to treat a brand new roof and am unsure if this treatment is permanent or if this will be the start of an on-going problem.

Sorry for the long-winded story but not sure if I should accept this waterproofing as a solution or push for something different.

Has anyone else with an 09 on mini convertible had the same problem or offer any advice.

[M.O.S]

Sounds like you got a good deal!

The canvas roof will need protection applying - its not metal Try autoglym convertible care kit thing - can get it at Halfords etc...