Convertible roof mechanism will not close roof? What is cost?

Sounds like the travel has stopped before it should and that is stopping the lock working.
Check there is nothing blocking the free movement of the roof mechanism.

try a spray lubricant into the motor mechanism and grease any visable wire cables that run from/to motor ,not the electrical cables the bare wire winder cables,also grease/ lubricate any accessable pivot/hinge points , gently pull the cord and gently push the roof back and forth occasionally trying motor with a bit of patience this should get the roof moving , also look for anything that may be snagging the roof/mechanism as there is a pressure protection system to stop the roof being fully closed on say someones hand so preventing injury

fulfilling celli blotion conter

yes there is a manual winding mech. i think under around rear seats,thats where the relay and fues are for the auto roof, normally its quite easy to get the motors working on mech, you need multi meter , fuses and a psare relay.

I was told to replace the MINI Z-folding mechanism it would cost $2,700.00. Any suggestions for used parts?

I just bought a 1996 328iC (the "C" is for convertible). I bought the car with the knowledge that the roof needed a motor replacement (~$300 for the part alone + ~1-2 hours labor) and that I would need to open and close the roof manually if I wanted to take advantage of the convertible part of the car.

After some trial and error, I figured it out and now it takes me <30 seconds to open or close the top (manually). Note: my top is a semi-electric roof, which I think is what came on the 328iC, you have to lock into place after you close it.

Here's what you do:
1- open all of the windows
2- unlock the roof by turning the latch between the sun visors.
3- push the front of the roof towards the rear of the car - be sure to push in the middle of the roof, where the latch is.
4- lift the back of the roof up off of the roof storage compartment
5- while holding the back of the of the roof up, lift up the roof storage compartment door
6- let go of the back of the roof so that it drops right into the storage compartment
7- push the rest of the roof into the storage compartment
8- close the storage compartment door.

To close the roof, follow the steps above in reverse order. Remember: this is a German car, so you use a little bit (or a lot) of force and you won't hurt it (I think it actually likes it ;-D ).

Good Luck!!!

Roman

The Roof Mechanism works with two motors similiar to the ones that wund the windows. Now the two mechanism are located in the left side of the trunk. 

The trunk wont open Because of the roof lid that is not closed properly. How you can test this is to press down on the right sid of the roof lid and then try to opne the trunk.

Now the reason that this is happening is that the roof lid is not closing properly nad pressing on a small orange buttin located just below the right hand side roof lid catch. How you are going to remedy this problem is to adjust the cable tension to close more securely.

Now the two motors in the trunk that works the convertable roof can be engaged and disengaged on motor works the roof lid and the other one the roof.

You need to get these motors in sync so that they open and close the roof in the correct order.

That is if the electric are still working.

This problem could be caused by a sensor being trapped or a fuse has blown, check your fuse box under the hood Identify the one for the roof system it may also be the same one for the boot lock.
the roof system is quite complex and has about 8 pumps or somthing to make it work.
if it is some other malfunction of the roof system I would recommend taking it to the dealership as any forcement of the roof may cause damage and become more costly than what VW will charge you on repair. if there is a large cost due to pump or other defect ask them to manually close the roof, at least you will not get wet and you can still drive your car. until you can get the repair made.