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I've seen some discussion about the bike rack prep. From what I've gathered this simply adds a second threaded hold in the bumper and (possibly) a wiring socket for lights.
I can't seem to find the F56 bike rack, so I'm guessing it's not really out yet.
Can someone with the bike rack prep give me some more details on what that actually entails?
Would someone measure the distance between the two mount points?
Or even better, does anyone know if the Countryman rear rack (which I already own) will fit?
I've seen some discussion about the bike rack prep. From what I've gathered this simply adds a second threaded hold in the bumper and (possibly) a wiring socket for lights.
I can't seem to find the F56 bike rack, so I'm guessing it's not really out yet.
Can someone with the bike rack prep give me some more details on what that actually entails?
Would someone measure the distance between the two mount points?
Or even better, does anyone know if the Countryman rear rack (which I already own) will fit?
the Countryman rear rack won't fit :-( the tow hooks are spaced out slightly narrower. As for the OEM bike rack - I haven't seen one offered yet from Mini.
I strongly recommend a Curt or MiniDoMore hidden hitch and the 1upusa.com bike rack.
I'm sure both Curt and MiniDoMore support the F56 now.
Over in the Gen2/R59 Roadster forum is a thread on hitches. TG has photos of his hidden Curt(?) hitch and I have photos and a detailed write-up on the 1Up rack and MiniFini hitch (very pricey compared to the Curt)
The Curt/1Up combo should come in at around the same cost, but as the Curt is an actual hitch you have more long term options.
And nothing compares to the 1Up when it comes to platform type bike racks.
I've seen some discussion about the bike rack prep. From what I've gathered this simply adds a second threaded hold in the bumper and (possibly) a wiring socket for lights.
I can't seem to find the F56 bike rack, so I'm guessing it's not really out yet.
Can someone with the bike rack prep give me some more details on what that actually entails?
Would someone measure the distance between the two mount points?
Or even better, does anyone know if the Countryman rear rack (which I already own) will fit?
It comes with a wiring harness under the bumper as well as the threading under the rear circular covers.
The wiring harness is because the rack covers the rear lights so it has auxiliary lights on it that need to be powered.
As of now it is not available in the US. There is a part number for EU though.
As of now it is not available in the US. There is a part number for EU though.
82 72 2 285 993
Thanks for the info! I guess I shouldn't be shocked that it's even more expensive than the CM bike carrier was.
I previously purchased a hitch from CooperCrap, I wonder if he's got plans to make something..
Honestly, after looking at my existing bike carrier, I almost wonder if I couldn't have a local machine shop create something for me and then just re-engineer the existing countryman bike carrier.
I just received the hitch from Mini Mania. Fits F56 & F55 S and Cooper. Wiring harness is also available.
Probably be a while until I have time to install.
would be great to see a pic, after it's installed. My mini didn't come with a second tow hook (just came with the cover) - so i'll likely be going the hitch route.
So, this thread is a little old, but I figured I would update it with some (potentially) exciting news for those of us with the rear bike rack prep... looks like they are out!
$250 for the bike rack prep and and $700 for the rack?! wow!!
I paid $309 for my Yakima roof rack set-up (Q-tower, clips, round bars) and a bike tray runs $100-200 usually.
This rear bike rack has some pros: doesn't touch the paint, don't need to lift the bike as high, and probably quieter. But it doesn't offer the versatility of a rack, costs significantly more, and you can't open the hatch with a bike on.
I bet I'll never see one of these in person! although I've never seen another F56 with a roof rack other than mine either.
This rear bike rack has some pros: doesn't touch the paint, don't need to lift the bike as high, and probably quieter. But it doesn't offer the versatility of a rack, costs significantly more, and you can't open the hatch with a bike on.
Actually, that's the beauty of this rack... you can open the hatch with it attached. I had the same design for my '12 CM. Basically, there is a small button that you press down and the entire rack sort of arcs down and away from the body, allowing you enough room to get in to the hatch without taking the bikes off.
Originally Posted by g34343greg
is this is? only pictures i could find
Yup, that's the one. Biggest difference between this and my old CM rack is there are now lights and mounting point for the plate. The EU version of the other rack had both of these features.
As for cost... yeah, it's crazy expensive. For me the tradeoff is I can put it on/take it off in a matter of minutes (two long allen bolts that go in the frame) and it keeps my roof rails open for a gear box.
So, this thread is a little old, but I figured I would update it with some (potentially) exciting news for those of us with the rear bike rack prep... looks like they are out!
That's the only pic , like above, in the past the euro bike racks have the additional lighting and plates. Which the US version is similar but does not have those lights or plate frames. It just came out so we don't have a pic yet.
That's the only pic , like above, in the past the euro bike racks have the additional lighting and plates. Which the US version is similar but does not have those lights or plate frames. It just came out so we don't have a pic yet.
I mean why else would the bike rack prep come with the wiring harness under the bumper on my car if it wasn't going to have the lights?
I was told by the dealer that the bike rack prep on the F56 included a wiring harness, although I don't recall seeing an easily accessible (eg swivel down style) anywhere under the bumper. That said, it could very well be there, I haven't really bothered to hunt for it yet.
Looking at RealOEM with that part number shows the light assemblies.. so maybe they changed this with the US version?
Andy at Cooper Crap made a sweet hitch along the same lines for the Countryman that I really liked. In fact... I just realized I still have it. One more item for the craigslist pile.
I spoke with him a few times back when I got my CM and he's an awesome dude. Don't know if he's working on something for the F56, but I would definitely hit him up.
As a testament, I used that with a ball hitch and a cheap/light trailer to haul around a cruiser motorcycle and even a multi-state move. No issues whatsoever, great quality.
I was told by the dealer that the bike rack prep on the F56 included a wiring harness, although I don't recall seeing an easily accessible (eg swivel down style) anywhere under the bumper. That said, it could very well be there, I haven't really bothered to hunt for it yet.
Looking at RealOEM with that part number shows the light assemblies.. so maybe they changed this with the US version?
I have it on my F56; On the justa (mine), it is under a removable plastic cap in the bumper. On the S it is under the bumper next to the exhaust. Here are some pictures from my post:
