Hey guys,

I'm looking into getting a roof rack for an 05 R50. I really like the look of the MINI factory base model, but I've heard in order to fit it on the 05 model it takes some drilling into the roof line. Not too sure how I feel about that, but i think aesthetically speaking it is far superior than the others. Anybody have any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

ive had mine on my car for 5 years now and love it.. the bolts done look that bad and as long as you measure there shouldnt be any issues with drilling holes. The bars go on and off super solid and hold a lot of weight which is good when strapping a lot of gear on your mini. Installation\removal is just 4 bolts.. dead simple.

phil.

 

I bought my mini with roof racks already on it and I think it looks great. But i hear a whispering sound as soon as I start driving. I can even hear it with the windows closed. Do you get this too??

 

I was about to pick up a roofrack until i found out that you had to drill the roof. Just can't justify doing that. Would rather drive my Jeep Commander to haul stuff that drill a hole on my bud.

 

I agree with the previous comment that the MINI racks do whistle. I find them rather loud while moving down the highway, even with the windows and sunroof closed. Not so bad in the city though. I drive over 70 miles a day and I only install them when I need to use them, mainly due to the noise. I find the "whistleless sound" much more enjoyable when the sunroof is open.

 

I love my Yakima Rack, if you get the fairing it is not loud. Plus with a Yakima rack you can take it on/off anytime you want. Very easy to do. I leave mine on all the time, doesnt bother me. Just installed one on my Moms MINI. Take only 1-2 hrs. But once together takes 5min to take on/off/

For a cargo box, i have there Rocketbox 15s it is the perfect size.

 

I found this company last fall who makes racks that use suction cups to adhere to the roof. I have been wanting a set so I can mount my bike but Id love to know if anyone has every seen one up close. Any thoughts if there is room to mount this in front of the sunroof if not partially on the sunroof??

http://www.seasucker.tv/

 

I'd be curious to see how well it works on a Mini...