3 Common Problems with Mini Cooper Doors & Windows

by | Mar 22, 2014 | Car Problems & Repairs, Industry-Wide Topics

Are you having a problem with the proper operation of your Mini Cooper door or window?  If so, you aren’t alone.  We’ve discovered a few common problems that some of our Mini Cooper owners have experienced that can be resolved by removing the door panel and making the needed repair.  Here are the types of questions we get that signal this type of problem.

  • My Mini Cooper driver’s side window will not seal and it makes a lot of noise.  What is causing this?
  • My window is hitting the body; how do I adjust it?
  • I can’t open my Mini Cooper door from inside the car.  How do I fix this?

If any of these questions ring true for you, then you’re most likely experiencing one of the following problems:

  1. The handle/catch cable has come off & therefore the door can’t be opened from inside the car.
  2. The window has slipped off the track and requires adjustment.
  3. You have a defective door handle/catch.

Well, if you are an automotive technician, it could be an easy 1-2-3 process to identify the problem, remove the door panel and make the adjustment.

STEP 1: IDENTIFY THE ISSUE

Identify the problem with your Mini Cooper Door or Window

STEP2:  FIND THE PROBLEM

Find out what%27s causing the problem with the Mini Cooper

3. FIX THE PROBLEM

Fix the misalignment or catch problem with the Mini Cooper

As you can see from the photos above, there is a large hole for you to work through in order to make any needed adjustments or repairs.

….BUT

If you aren’t an expert auto mechanic, or aren’t quite ready to dive into the door panel, there may be a few easier ways to find the solution to your problem. Additionally, some of the repairs can be tricky for someone not familiar with working inside doors.

If you are in this category, the first place you’ll want to check  is www.mini2.com.  They have some great forums where you can talk with Mini Cooper owners around the world and find out if someone has some suggestions to help you with your problem.  Forum participants also suggest places on the web where you can find parts at great prices.  These forums are designed primarily to help Mini owners who can repair their own cars, but they also offer insight for the novice car owner as to what the problem could be & what may be involved in fixing it.  Notably, I think one of the most important things you can find by conducting a search on the web is common repairs that are covered by warranty or an extended warranty, particularly where there has been a pattern failure that is covered by the manufacturer.

So, if the handle only works from the inside or the window is out of alignment, you are likely experiencing one of the problems noted above.

Can’t fix it yourself?  We can help you get your Mini Cooper back “on track”. (Okay, bad pun.)

If you aren’t in the Columbia, MD area, and just want to stay up to speed on tips like this, just subscribe to our blog by completing the form on this page. We’ve gotten several questions on Mini Cooper repairs from our customers, so there are several more blogs in the works.  You’ll see all the current titles outlined on our MiniCooper site page.

Don’t drive a Mini?  Window misalignments or problems with door handles can happen with other vehicles also.

 

1 Comment

  1. Victoria Addington

    I noticed that there’s been a problem with my car’s window. I think it has slipped off the track and needs some adjustment. Thanks for giving ways in identifying the issue with the window, I also like your advice for beginners to watch great forums where I may be able to talk with Mini Cooper owners and get suggestions from them. With that, I shall then look first for Mini Cooper engine parts before I proceed on your tip.

    Reply

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About the Author

About Brian England

Brian England, the current president of BA Auto Care (formerly British American Auto Care), got his start with an auto apprenticeship in a small town in northwest of London. He came to the U.S. in 1972 to work for a Land Rover dealer in Rockville, MD. A few years later, he started British American Auto Care with his wife, Jennifer. Brian is a big believe in preventative maintenance, and his philosophy is to encourage and educate drivers on the benefits of a regular maintenance plan.