Body - Dimples in Roof Panel
SI M 41 01 03Body
April 2003
Service Engineering
SUBJECT
Dimples in Roof Panel - Cars Without Sunroof
MODEL
R50 Cooper, R53 Cooper S
SITUATION
Some cars produced prior to March 2003 may develop dimples or dents in the roof panel when parked in strong sunlight. This typically happens to cars with dark colored roofs.
The dimples disappear as the car cools down.
CAUSE
The high ambient temperature of the roof skin can cause it to "grow", and the sound deadening panels glued to the inside of the roof work to prevent the expansion of the skin. This causes depressions to develop that appear to be dimples in the roof panel. As the skin cools and shrinks, the dimples disappear.
CORRECTION
Beginning with mid-March 2003 production, the sound deadening panels have been modified, and slightly thicker steel is used to make the roof panel.
In case of customer complaint on earlier production cars, the sound deadening panels may be modified to allow for expansion of the roof skin.
PROCEDURE
Remove the headliner panel per Repair Instructions, section 51 44 001.
Set a utility knife (1) 50 that the blade protrudes no more than 5 mm. Cut all of the perforations in the sound deadening panels to separate the pieces, but not more than 5 mm deep, otherwise damage to the paint on the inside of the roof skin may occur.
Use a putty knife (2) to cut the adhesive between the inner bow and the roof skin. Take care not to pry with the knife, which may dent or otherwise darnage the roof skin.
Reinstall the headliner.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the MINI New Vehicle Limited Warranty.