Hey all...
I know.. weird title for a north american club, but I'm an American, living in Germany, and just took delivery on a 2014 Mini Countryman with US specs, as we will be moving back in a couple of years and will bring this car with us. So...

2014 Countryman, blazing red with everything else black, most of the packages, though no navi, and black bonnet stripes. Still figuring things out, as we just got it yesterday!

Still researching, but looking for the best, don't break the bank, bike carrier option for this car. Suggestions?

mossless

 

Welcome!

I am a German living in the US who just bought his mini countryman a little while ago. Where in Germany are you? and where are the pictures of your awesome new car with a beautiful German castle in the background?

 

Oh an bike carrier wise: I got the original mini roof rack and two mtb carriers (bought them a day after I bought the car at the same dealership and after some discussing they gave me a "new car" discount of 20% and a JCW key chain lol)

I was considering the carrier in the back but it also only carries two bikes. Since I wanted the roof rack anyways for snow- and surfboards I went with this option.

I think it looks good and works well.

 

I'm in Wiesbaden, though my job thinks we are moving to Sembach next year. I'll get some pics soon. Just got the car and now I'm furloughed, so should have some time to get out and about with the camera. :-)



as to the rack, I was really hoping to find the rear carrier option. We have the double moon roof, and I think it would be easier for my wife to be able to handle bikes on the back as well. We really only need to haul 2 at a time, so no biggie there.

 

I don't like the version of the rear bike carrier for the countryman that MINI sells in Europe. Because of different traffic laws you'd have to get the one with the license plate holder and lights/turn signals which makes it quiet bulky.

The US version comes without that.

I'd check for third party racks then which also might be way cheaper and slimmer.

 

Welcome to NAM, mossless and congrats on your new MINI. Hope you find the best bike rack option for your Countryman. We'd love to see a few pics when you get it all set up. Happy motoring and don't forget to wave.

 

Nice. I'm in kaiserslautern. Plenty of good trails to ride here.

 

Used to be stationed in Bamberg, back in Cold War days! Love Germany and have been to all the places mentioned above. Would love to drive my Mini on Bavarian roads!!!

 

Stationed at Sembach from 83-86. Ramstein from 96-99. Last time I was there, Sembach was non-operational, only open for military housing, commissary, and a few other things. Is it back to being an operational base now ?

Loved Germany and all the travel opportunities living ithere afforded me. Hope you're enjoying it and whether you're active duty or a civil servant, thanks for serving !

 

Cold war vet!!!! Welcome! If I could only spell "Willkommen"!!! lol

 

Yep....being that close to the Soviet Union back in that day was a bit sobering. Thanks for your service too ! And you spell in German better than you think !

We sure had a lot of bases and service members in Germany back in that day, didn't we ?

 

Yes we did. I was in Bamberg, 1st AD

 

23 years Air Force. At Sembach I was part of the 601st AGS. At Ramstein I was on the HQ USAFE LG Staff.

Wish I could do it all over again. My son, a senior in High School is on delayed entry. I can't express to him the kind of life that awaits him and how fortunate he is to be approaching the start of a military career.

Very proud of his decision and to be the person in my family to begin a tradition of serving.

 

Was an E5/Infantry before getting a commission/Armor. Was a tank company commander with 1 AD/3BD during Desert Storm. Went through one or two Republican Guard divisions before the cease fire. I applaud your service but hope that your son stays out of combat. Its't as romantic as it it portrayed. Thank you for your service and welcome to Mini.

 

You definitely did your country's duty... thanks so much for that. I joke with my friends in the Army and Marines about how "cushy" my Air Force job was but they all know how much I respect them for doing our country's hardest work. Same goes for you... thanks a million times over !

My son is waiting to find out what his career field is going to be. Whatever it is, hoping he won't be doing it long... he appears motivated to complete his degree quickly to become commissioned. Not like me... didn't finish my degree until my 17th year of service.

 

Don't thank me too much, my decision and my fate. Civilian Air Traffic Controller right now, being forced to work for no pay.... Sigh

 

Actually coming from Vietnam war father, got to play in the "game"... almost got killed (sniper) but was very successful. Hope you kid stays safe.... seriously, hope to see him/her in a Mini

 

You making that decision is exactly why I thank you and everyone should thank you. You weren't drafted, you chose to serve, chose the branch, chose the MOS. None of those are easy decisions.