I had two problems that I will here try to explain:
1) The sun-roof motor was problematic, and after this was fixed:
2) The second part of the ops process did not start.
First the sunroof problems:
The sunroof part of the convertible was difficult to open/close, and the motor created an awful noise when operating it.
Reason: Because of the lack of lubrication on the sliders, the electro-motor driving the sunroof will get hurt.
Solution: I purchased a new motor from "Roof Motors" in the UK. The motor from them is cheaper than from BMW, and they are originals that have been restored. The motor is located in the mid bar across the roof and is held by 3 Torx T25 screws. Remember to lubricate the moving parts so the new motor will not get hurt.
Then, the second part: The complete open function will not start - it stops after the sunroof has been opened, and the LED at the open button will start to flash, and it freezes. When turning off the ignition and starting it up again, the roof will close when pressing the close button, but the same happens when trying to open it again - it stops with a blinking LED.
This symptom may have many reasons/solutions:
1) You have to check the micro switches in the trunk... The parcel shelf must be located correctly and both handles must be in the locked position.
2) If the micro switches in the trunk are not the problem, try to open all windows before opening the convertible roof. This could reset the system.
3) If still a problem, try a hard reset of the system. This is done when all windows and the roof are completely closed. Press and hold the central lock toggle switch in the UP position for 5 seconds. This will start the opening process.
4) If still no luck, checked the fuses (there are two) powering the roof.
5) It could be that the battery is weak - the opening process needs a lot of power. Try to charge the battery or install a new battery.
6) Finally, it could be that even if the sunroof is open, it is actually not completely open... Maybe it lacks a millimeter or two before a sensor somewhere says that it is OK to start the hydraulic pump. When opening the second phase, the electric motor is retracting the sunroof even a short bit. While this is happening, try to help the motor by pushing the sunroof a millimeter or two longer back using your hand. Then the hydraulic pump should start.
A permanent solution will be to do a real cleaning of the sunroof sliders and better lubrication on all moving parts will make the sunroof go a couple of millimeters longer back, which hopefully will tell the sensor that it is open, which again will engage the phase two opening... I even lubricated the plastic parts with a silicone spray.
So this worked for me and saved me a real amount of money. Hope this will bring help others as well.
PS: if the top cables snap or get hurt, it is possible to fix them for a DIY person. There are a series of 4 short videos on youtube explaining the whole process, but luckily this did not happen to me. I cannot post a URL here, but search youtube for "Mini Cooper Convertible Top Repair"
-John
1) The sun-roof motor was problematic, and after this was fixed:
2) The second part of the ops process did not start.
First the sunroof problems:
The sunroof part of the convertible was difficult to open/close, and the motor created an awful noise when operating it.
Reason: Because of the lack of lubrication on the sliders, the electro-motor driving the sunroof will get hurt.
Solution: I purchased a new motor from "Roof Motors" in the UK. The motor from them is cheaper than from BMW, and they are originals that have been restored. The motor is located in the mid bar across the roof and is held by 3 Torx T25 screws. Remember to lubricate the moving parts so the new motor will not get hurt.
Then, the second part: The complete open function will not start - it stops after the sunroof has been opened, and the LED at the open button will start to flash, and it freezes. When turning off the ignition and starting it up again, the roof will close when pressing the close button, but the same happens when trying to open it again - it stops with a blinking LED.
This symptom may have many reasons/solutions:
1) You have to check the micro switches in the trunk... The parcel shelf must be located correctly and both handles must be in the locked position.
2) If the micro switches in the trunk are not the problem, try to open all windows before opening the convertible roof. This could reset the system.
3) If still a problem, try a hard reset of the system. This is done when all windows and the roof are completely closed. Press and hold the central lock toggle switch in the UP position for 5 seconds. This will start the opening process.
4) If still no luck, checked the fuses (there are two) powering the roof.
5) It could be that the battery is weak - the opening process needs a lot of power. Try to charge the battery or install a new battery.
6) Finally, it could be that even if the sunroof is open, it is actually not completely open... Maybe it lacks a millimeter or two before a sensor somewhere says that it is OK to start the hydraulic pump. When opening the second phase, the electric motor is retracting the sunroof even a short bit. While this is happening, try to help the motor by pushing the sunroof a millimeter or two longer back using your hand. Then the hydraulic pump should start.
A permanent solution will be to do a real cleaning of the sunroof sliders and better lubrication on all moving parts will make the sunroof go a couple of millimeters longer back, which hopefully will tell the sensor that it is open, which again will engage the phase two opening... I even lubricated the plastic parts with a silicone spray.
So this worked for me and saved me a real amount of money. Hope this will bring help others as well.
PS: if the top cables snap or get hurt, it is possible to fix them for a DIY person. There are a series of 4 short videos on youtube explaining the whole process, but luckily this did not happen to me. I cannot post a URL here, but search youtube for "Mini Cooper Convertible Top Repair"
-John
