V8V Roadster cable?

[Siy]

I noticed after buying my 2008MY V8V Roadster, that there is a broken cable on the roof mechanism.

When folding the roof back, so that it is up in the air and then stopping, there is a wire cable about 3mm thick, that has snapped/broken. It appears to conect to a spring at the back of teh folding roof, and seems to come from the front of the roof. It is on the drivers side. There is a similar one on the other side which is in tact.

I took it to my local AM dealer, and they said it is not a part that they can get...

I left it with them for 5 days (and to do one or two other bits), and it came back at the weekend. They had basically just secured another wire to the broken part, and then attached it to the spring. They covered the join in a black tape, so it looks ok.

However my feeling is that this wire is there to do a job. Now it is effectively to wires joined together, so this must create a weak link.

The dealer said the only other option is a new roof as this wire is not available.

I find this pretty hard to believe. The car is under warranty, and as such I think it should be replaced as new. If AM are unable to supply the part, the dealer said that it would bmean a whole new roof. Surely not? ...and - if so, then I would expect that the warranty sould cover this, as it is a failure?

I have called this morning explaining my unhappiness - and they are going to look into it for me.

However - I find it astounding that a car being workled on under warranty should be returned to me with a half-arsed dodgy repair.. I am pretty sure that Bmw/Porsche/audi would not do this kind of local repair?

Am I wrong to ask for this to be either repaired witha new wire, or if that's not possible (which I still can't believe), then a new roof it is!

I love the car, I love the brand, but am somewhat surprised by the casual attitude from the dealer. That said - the service guys there are really nice guys, and they are looking into it.

[silverspeed]

The wire is there for a reason. Still in warranty it should be repaired to as new or the mechanism replaced. I have the number for AM customer services if you want it just PM me. I have found them always very courteous and fair in dealing with issues under warranty.

[Instones ghost]

What your dealer has told you is correct,the cable is not available as a seperate part.i have come across this quite a few times in the past few years and the only solution as they have correctly pointed out is a new roof mechanism.

Andy

Stratstone of wilmslow

[Siy]

That's why this place is brilliant! Between us someone knows the answer to everything!!

OK- I am pleased to know that I am correct in my thinking that it should be done correctly.

As I siad, my local AM dealer is looking into it, so I am not saying they are unwilling, but I may take you up on the Customer service number if I have no success.

Out of interest - what does the cable actually do?

Andy - do you think then that it is fair I ask them to do this?

Thanks guys -

Simon

[michael gould]

if this is a known fault the more people that have the complete mechanism replaced under warranty then eventually Aston will organise the cable replacment on its own

[mikey k]

This is a common problem with ALL manufacturers the cable is part of a sub assembly, which they proably buy in as such, hence they will not sell it indiviually.
Annoying as hell! They ought to make the subcontractor support their products with parts the same way the manufacturers do.
If it is in warrany insist in the sub assembly replacement.
BTW another weak point with the roadster hood is the middle metal spar rubs through the liners and the roof. Nearly all the ones I looked had signs of wear.
The one I bought I got the dealer to remake the felt covers and duoble it up.