Hello,

I have a 2005 mini cooper with the factory roof racks. I would like to remove them. Is this a dealer job or can I do it myself? Will I need to use anything to cover the holes?

Thanks!

 

I don't know for sure, but I would say you would have to have the holes welded and the roof painted.

If it was me, I would find stainless steel bolts, pain them the color of the car and screw them in with rubber washers to seal them tight.

 

The rack is held on with torx screws. There are plates used to cover the mounting brackets when the rack is off, as seen here.
Are you talking about removing it permanently?

 

Yes, I would just like to remove the whole thing. Though I suppose if I am able to remove it, I should be able to put it back on, right?

So the plates would just lay flat against the roof?

Thanks for replying.

 

The plates are plastic, and though not truly flush with the roof, look fine in my opinion. They just slide in place. I've lost a couple over the years when I didn't check them after washing the car, but replacements are cheap. If you do decide to remove the rack, make sure you have someone helping you so you don't nick the roof during removal. You should have a tool that came with the rack to loosen the Torx screws.