Replacing left or right main pillar (Cooper Convertible)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2021 MINI Cooper, 2020 MINI Cooper, 2019 MINI Cooper, 2018 MINI Cooper, and 2017 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Preliminary work needed:

Partially remove soft top cover (at main pillar).

Carefully pull headlining towards rear.

Release screws (1) on C-pillar cover (2).

Tightening torque 54 34 16AZ.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, disconnect rivet connector (1) from convertible top fabric (2) at main pillar.

IMPORTANT: Completely remove rivet residue.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1) on main pillar.

IMPORTANT: Adjustment nut (2) must not be released.

For better accessibility of the screw (3), shift the convertible top slightly towards Close.

Release screw (3) on main pillar.

NOTE: Secure plastic washer (4) when removing the screw.

Installation note:

Plastic washer (4) must be fitted correctly on screw collar during installation. Plastic washer (4) must not be crushed on soft top frame (5).

Coat screws (1, 3) with screw locking agent.

Tightening torque 54 34 17AZ.

Feed out main pillar.

Remount guide pin of main pillar:

Measure and note down setting dimension A of guide pin at former main pillar.

Dimension A = outer edge of main pillar (2) up to collar of nut (1)

Slacken nut (1).

Align guide pin to dimension A at new main pillar (2) and tighten.

Tightening torque 54 34 18AZ.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Main pillar with guide pin (1) must be correctly seated in guide (2).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check setting of main pillar:

Completely close soft top.

Check setting dimension A of main pillar (1) up to trim strip (2).

Dimension a = approx. 1 mm.

IMPORTANT: When trim strip (2) is removed a larger setting dimension A applies.

Dimension A (from main pillar up to side wall rear) = 4.5 mm.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.