Stiff roof on 2018 ND

Just bought my first ever 5 and I’m loving it already :blush:

One thing I’m not so sure on is whether my roof is stiff or entirely normal. I’ve seen videos of people able to open and secure the roof with one hand from within the car. However I’d say this is impossible for me. The roof folds down really easily to approx 3/4 of the way, but it’s then extremely stiff to push the final few inches and lock into position. Even standing outside of the car requires quite a bit of pressure.

So is this normal or does everyone else have smooth and silky roof mechanisms?

Yes, for the ND you need a reasonable positive pressure to push the roof down and engage the locking clip.

Welcome along and enjoy the car :grinning:

Brilliant thanks for putting my mind at rest :blush::blush:

YouTube is obviously a crock of rubbish :joy:

Got the roof down yesterday… 2 degrees outside but it was bloody brilliant :+1:should have bought it years ago

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Well done … post photos !!!
roof off yesterday for me too :grinning: … while running for errands in heavy traffic :rage:

it takes some effort to get roof to click in my currrent 2018 ND2,
I remember it was easier in my 2016 ND1 but may be deluded

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Make sure your roof in clearing the seat hoops.

I could open and close my ND1 roof with ease from inside the car. Not so in my ND2.

I always open the roof from outside the car now, making sure to push down at the rear of the roof to avoid contact with the hoops.

Thanks I’ll try and take a look tomorrow to see if it’s catching or rubbing :+1:

I found my roof went a bit stiff after applying Fabsil sealant to the top, so has the roof been treated recently?

I used to be able throw the roof down from inside but last time it was a struggle, I had to get out and push it down to click.

Nope that’s next thing ony list as it needs a good clean and treatment

From memory, does the Owners Manual not say to push on the rear screen as you lower the roof to help it fold then push on the back of the roof. Probably worth looking up the full procedure.

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It has been catching as I can see two small indents on the roof. Clearly the previous owner didn’t notice it or care too much as the roof was filthy and needed a good clean. Did that today and its looking better, but will need another go before I try resealing it. Was the roof issue with the hoops a recall issue (I’m imagining not)? It’s an 18 plate so outside of warranty.


Not the cleanest

Wow thats some dirt!!

Out of curiosity, what do you use to clean it? I was told just general fabric cleaner such as Vanish spray will do it ok…

I used 100ml of Miltons, 100ml of baby bath and 100ml of all purpose cleaner with water as recommended on here :+1:

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