The top on my 2005 Mini Convertible will not open. There is a very specific part that appears to be broken in the driver's side arm. See photo. About 1 foot from the latch with the windshield, there is a small part that is hanging down. Broken piece. The sunroof opens, the windows come down, but that connecting piece doesn't allow the latch to release. The other side works fine up until this point. I think the piece is a hard plastic, but not sure. I would like some input before dismantling it. I took the inside cover off the arm, but the mechanism is on the outer side of that metal arm. I do not think that the cable is broken. I am not sure how the outside cover comes off. No screws are obvious. So....any advice on how to proceed? How to dismantle the arm to get to that area? Do you know of a schematic or parts diagram that would show details of those parts?

I have looked at past posts that mostly talk about broken cable and or resetting the electronics. I don't think that's my issue. BTW, the dealership said they would have to get both arms as a package for around $2600 and and other $1,000 labor. Salvage/used said they'd have to sell me an entire top for around $8-900, but cannot part it out. I am hopeful that I can make the part or perhaps even use a 3D Printer to make it.