Greetings. This is my 1st post.

I'm getting ready to order my 1st MINI after years of lusting. Problem is, I can't make up my mind. I wonder if anyone can give some feedback on having the roofrack with a sunroof. I want both, but I don't know if the rack will block the sun and just look silly. Also, I'll need to have a luggage rack with the roof rack and I want to know if that can be taken on n off easily to just use when needed.

Is it more proper to post my other conundrums in separate threads than to address them all here??
Toodles.

 

My husband and I both have MINIs with sunroofs, and we have a roof rack by Yakima that is interchangeable between the two cars. We also have an attachtment that can carry stuff. The weight limit is pretty good. Also, check out Thule; I think they also have something similar. We really avoided the factory roof rack, because they have to drill through your top, which made it harder to move between cars. Also, this system is really easy to take on and off once you get the hang of it. When the roof rack is on, it doesn't really block the sun, but I have to strongly suggest the wind deflector for the roof rack, otherwise there is a lot of wind noise.

Other people may reccommend a trailer systems. There are many options; it boils down to whatever works best for you and your MINI!

 

I have the holes drilled in my roof, with the rack attachments but, no rack. I bought mine used last week and that's how it came. I'm thinking about getting a body shop frined of mine to weld up the holes and paint my roof black

 

Welcome to NAM!!!

Personally, I like the look that the roof rack gives the Mini. Around this area everyone just assumes you're a surfer in need of a way to carry your other ride.

I had the rack on my Trooper that I just sold to make drive way space for the Mini. I enjoyed the idea that during any club functions, like parades and such, you could decorate the racks with say... Christmas garland and lights. Really, you could get as funky as your heart desired.

 

Hi and Welcome to NAM. I have a Thule rack for my wife's Mini (MCS with a sunroof) and it works quite well. As others have indicated, the factory rack which requires drilling into the roof, seemed a bit excessive and permanent for my tastes.

I would recommend an aftermarket rack vs. the factory rack for that reason. The aftermarket rack can be removed from the car with no permanent marks.

I have had Thule racks on all my cars and I think they are great...I can't believe all the different things I have put on them. We chose Thule b/c I have acquired a number of attachments over the years. Yakima and Thule are the most popular rack producers and they have a variety of carriers available (bikes, luggage racks, Cargo boxes, etc.)

Most of the rack systems consist of a foot/loadbar base combination (this is unique to the vehicle). Then you can purchase specific attachments that fit your particular carrying needs. (I've sold the loadbars with each of my cars, but have kept the attachments and have re-used them on my new cars).

The only drawback with an aftermarket rack (Thule/Yakima/Other) vs. the factory is that the factory rack can probably carry more weight (since the base is thru-bolted to the roof) as opposed to the clamp on mounting of the Thule (or other) type feet.

Many people on NAM have these racks and you can check out the rack manufacturer websites to see what suits your needs:

www.Thule.com
www.Yakima.com
(there are other makers as well)

these sites let you view the products, but you will need to find a local or online retailer if you want to purchase. I would definitely search the net to comparison shop and find the best price. One online site that I have good experiences with is the Rack Warehouse : www.rackwarehouse.com

Good Luck!

 

Hiya - I can't speak for the 07' MINIs, but our past 02' had a sunroof/bike rack and our current 05' has a sunroof/bike rack...We have not experienced any issues at all. Plenty of sunshine still comes through with the rack attached and bikes up there...

Donna

 

Thanks for your input everyone. I'm going to order the factory roof rack and the sunroof and just hope I can take the luggage rack off n on. How hard can it be?

 

Hola - I place my order yesterday and also ordered the factory roof rack and the sunroof... although I hadnt actually thought of how they attached the rack - since every other rack I have had in my life was bolted on... drilling through does sound slightly extreme... any others out there that got the factory roof rack option to weigh in?

 

I have the factory roof rack on my 07 MCS and it works great with the sunroof. for 07 no holes are drilled. I have two fork mount bike trays on mine and I like the look better than I first thought I would.

 

thanks so much - very helpful (and reassuring) ok now to the coundown!!