I have the sunroof and I also wanted to get the roof rack so I can put my kayak on it. Does that work? How does it look? I still want access to the sunroof but maybe since the rack is removable you can just put it up when needed? How easy is it to put on and take off?

 

I have the rack on my CM and have no issues with it and the sunroof. I have, however, situated the cross bars to be even with each "seam" of the sunroof so from inside, it doesn't block anyones view up. I leave my rack on 24/7 as I think it "trucks" the CM up a bit. Super easy to remove/align! I think one of the NAM sponsors has it on sale for $190 or so, which is an awesome deal!

 

Works well for me. Looks is secondary to me because I need the rack, but I agree with Tacoman--it toughens the car up a bit.

 

I've got pics of the Thule rack with my sun roof on my blog: Blog Post.

I think everything looks good with it on there.

 

Thanks for the responses! Do you remember who had it on sale for $190? I have only seen it for about $250. I do have a $25.00 coupon for my dealer but if I can get it for $190 I definitely would get it somewhere else. Thanks.

 

Mine's on year-round too. No issues with sunroof.

 

Interested as well if it's on sale for $190....

 

There is an ebay seller who is a BMW/Mini dealer that sells the rack for $180 with free shipping. I got one for my wife's Countryman S and it got here from TN in two days!!!! Brand new in the original box!!

 

Easy on, easy off, doesn't interfere with the sunroof unless what you're carrying gets in the way. Cuts back significantly on gas mileage (>5%), though, and makes a bit of noise at high speed.

I put a kayak on mine too!

 

Thuke base rack vs. Mini-branded base rack pros vs. cons?

I know that the Thule base rack gives a bigger width, but other than that I can't decide.

I'd be using it with a couple of attachments, probably Thule, for snowboards and bikes. Is one base rack easier to take on and off? Does one fit in the rails better than other? I am more likely to leave my rack on during winter than summer, because I snowboard less than biking.
If I got the Thule I'd probably get the new aero bars...

 

I have the OEM rack, but I don't know about the Thule rack and how different it is.

 

Is this the one? have you installed it yet? how is it? thanks.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINI-COUNTRY...item4843037c8d

 

On and off with the rack is very quick. I have a marked stick for getting the spacing right and use an electric drill to tighten or remove. No trouble with the kayak roof opened or closed. Best if it is closed if kayak is still dripping.

Bill

 

anybody want to share how they position their roof rack? this will be my first one so any tips would be welcome.... this will be mainly for a bike but am also looking at the thule/mini cargo box....

 

No comment on the Thule rack?

I've seen the pics that were posted, but wouldn't mind some more commentary...