This is NOT a DIY--I'm just documenting the install of my factory roof rack.

After many years of debating about whether to drill 8 holes in my roof for the factory rack or not, the decision was easy after trying out an aftermarket rack--Mont Blanc MINI rack for an event. The factory rack allows me to load more weight on the roof and I can install the bars without needing an assistant.

Although I've got a MINI Fini Sport Link for my bikes, I needed to secure additional cargo on the roof using a Thule cargo box.

No I didn't drive with the bumper on the rear cargo carrier--it was placed here for doing polishing demos at MTTS 2008.


























Although drilling holes isn't hard, nor is locating the holes difficult, you still need to be ultra careful since any mistake could require body work to repair.


The most difficult thing I ran into was drilling the hole with a drill bit short enough that wouldn't damage the threads under the skin, but be large enough to clear the mounts. Pretty scary to do, and not something I'd recommend you to do without someone to help in case you mess up. My shop guys ended up finishing the install for me because I wasn't able to get the holes large enough to clear the threaded screw mounts without damaging the underlying threads. So would I do it again? Definitely not.

A few more shots with the factory rack and the Thule cargo box at MITM 2008

 

You damn well better like that rack!

 

I love it! It works great and I can install it without a second person, had I known the true benefits of a removable system and the factory one as far as carrying cargo goes, I would have gone this way the first time. The problem is that there is very little useful info here on NAM about these racks or of anyone installing one.

 

Octane guy,
I was wondering if you could measure the distance between the racks (front to rear) and the amount of rack space (from drivers side to passenger side, betweent he uprights).
Thanks
Cruzean

 

my car came with the factory roof rack but i havent tried it yet. hehe

 

HAH, Holy shoot. You drilled holes in your roof...kahuna's man, kahuna's

 

"Octane Guy", I am looking forward to putting a factory roof rack on my '09 (whenever it is delivered) as well. Do you know the largest Thule box that will fit on the rack? Hopefully my license plate will be MINISUV as I plan on replacing the XTerra with the Mini and taking it skiing, biking, camping, etc...

 

I need to drill the holes for mine. The dealer wants to charge me like $350 just to do it themselves. I can see where to line up the paper for the back holes but how do you line up the paper for the front holes??? Do I have to measure from the front in mm?

 

Here is a link to the installation instructions I think you are looking for:

http://www.outmotoring.com/images/ho..._ROOFRACK2.pdf

I will be doing this install myself once I get the plug guage and the keyhole saw (not included in the rack kit). I will post results when complete.

 

Took about three hours for everything. The templates were off by up to 8mm. May not seem like much, but when drilling into your car it means alot. My advice, go slow and be ready to adjust your drilling. Overall, very happy with the results.

 

Sorry to bring this up again. OctaneGuy. What type of attachements can be had for this rack? How did you care for the mount covers when the rack is off? Any pictures of this?

 

Attachments are available from Thule, Yakama, or others, almost all of them will fit, or can be converted to fit.

The mount covers, especially the white ones, yellow badly in the sun. I suppose that you could get them painted or do what I do and just forget about them and leave the "Frankenstein blots" exposed for all to see. A good conversation started if nothing else.

My current MCS is a 2006 in Space blue and silver roof. MINI never even offered silver mount covers. At least at the time my dealer only provided me with another set of white ones.

I have the MINI factory bicycle carries, kayak carries from Thule (Hull-a-port), and a cargo box that I bought from Colorado Cyclists that is neither Thule or Yakama. All work great, solid mounting, easy on-off, quiet riding.

 

Do you have pictures of the bolt covers with no rack installed? I really do want this rack but I wouldn't be driving with it all the time. I'd take it off a majority of the time when I'm done using it and worry about the look of the roof being 'messed' up with the covers...

 

my factory racks are 36inchs wide. and 28.5inches (front /rear) "centerlined", give or take 1/4 inch

 

Still wondering this. :(