I need to haul two bikes to OR in 2 weeks. I have an 02 MINI S with no roof rack. It'll just be my GF and I in the car, and both bikes dont really fit too well inside the car. I don't really want to spend hundreds to get my roof drilled and racks and bars put on. I know with my old car (a maxima) they made a roof rack that did not require drilling. Curious if any MINI bikers can lend a hand/their thoughts.

Oh, and due to how easily the rear hatch dents, I prefer not to mount anything there, but still let me know what people do/did to solve this problem?

 

I have a hidden hitch from Minidomore and use a hitch mount carrier. Most carriers that fit a 1 1/4" receiver will work. May end up being more than you want to spend though.

I believe Yakima and Mont Blanc have roof racks that don't require drilling. However, I don't have any personal experience with those.

 

Wel, I bought the Yakima Q roof rack system. Kit is nice, because it can fit my car or the GFs car (non - MINI) and it takes any of the universal mounts (bikes, skis, etc)

It is a temp rack though, so they warn you on the MINI to take it off when not using it.

I'll post up picts this weekend in case anyone is curious

 

Saris Bones rack. I used one for 4 years on my MCS and no dents...etc. I did have a window scratch but that could have been easily prevented. No holes drilled, minimal cost (I paid $120 for it)...etc. Do a search here, there are a few posts about Saris racks and MINIs.

 

Too late to the party, but I would have suggested a Thule roofrack. Have been using them on both my R53's and R56's without issue.

 

I also recommend the Yakima rack fits 2 bikes up there easily, and its solid as a rock

 

threw the Yakima rack up for the ride from SF to OR (525 miles), fit the two bikes etc, works great, took it off after the weekend, hung it in the garage, all set and ready for the next time I need it. I highly recommend the Yakima Q system, it could not have been easier to set up and install, even easier to pop off when the trip was done. Other than one of the bikes getting hit by a bird doing 80MPH on I-5 (NASTY) everything was great.

to clarify, the bikes stayed solid, even with the bird, the nasty was the clean up...

 

Has anybody installed black vinyl to the whole roof (except the moonroof part of course), to protect it from wear of the mont blanc racks?

any pics? i need racks soon but i dont want my roof scratched and i dont have the budget for OEM ones..