So I just installed the OEM Mini Roof Rack Base Carrier. I was interested in getting a bike tray that will allow me to put the whole bike (Mountain Bike) on it without having to remove the front tire. I've heard about the Thule Sidearm and the Yakima Highroller. At this point I'm leaning more towards the Thule Sidearm for not having to mount it backwards as I've seen on several Mini Cooper setups. My question is as follows. I was going to order the Thule Sidearm from Amazon. Will it work right out the box on the Mini Roof Rack? Or do I need to purchase an adaptor kit or run to the local hardware store to get some bolts etc.. I rather know all this before I order or receive the tray.

PS: I've heard some say I would need a Thule Adaptor Kit called xadapt9 or xadapt1. Can anyone confirm?

Thanks guys

 

The OEM corss bars are the same shape and size as the Thule Aerobars.

So make sure you get what ever kit is needed to be able to mount it to Thule Aerobars.

 

I'm In the same boat! I have 2 Thule bike trays (big mouth) and orders the x9 adapter kit. Won't fit. I called
Thule and they said the side arm is the only one that will fit, unless u want to order the adapter which looks
Like an extra rack!!!(do it would look like a rack on a rack! Horrible)

 

I have two sidearms on the oem rack. I didn't buy any fit kit yet. The racks come with plates that go under the base rack and are clamped down with wing nuts one of the nuts on each side goes under the plastic covering so that it can be locked with thule lock cylinders. Doesn't look great but they hold pretty well even when having some fun on the mountain roads getting to the trail.
Let us know if you find a fit kit that works.

 

Schatzy is correct. If you can wait till Tuesday I can get you exact answer from our Fit tech. If you've already ordered the bike carrier and no adapter and find you need one PM me. I work for Thule.

 

So, turns out we used to make stuff for MINI, but not anymore. Some of our stuff is sold thru BMW, but not all. Interesting. Anyway, not sure if this answers the question, but, our Fit dude just said:

594 needs Xadapt9.
594XT needs nothing.

Hope that helps!

 

Great looking Mini. I just got hooked too.
I bought Thule 594xt racks also, but cannot figure how to mount the front universal kit in between the OEM Mini foot bolt on load bar and the little plastic fin sticking down off the load bar. Can you tell me or show me a pic of how it fits?
Thanks, Mini Moose