I'm trying to decide whether or not to pull the trigger on the OEM MINI roof rack. It'll be needed to carry track tires, bikes, and climbing gear. I like the OEM look the most as other racks for one can't hold as much weight and two don't look as clean. What I'm worried about is that I won't have the rack on all the time. I'm VERY worried about how the roof looks with the screw caps on. Does anyone have pictures of what the roof looks like with these caps on? Anyone PLEASE?!

 

Here is the rack. Looks better than a yakima/thule for sure - if you don't mind the drilling.



With the caps on.



And what I did with the caps so I didn't lose them (which I should make a small write up for).




Installing/Removing takes 5 minutes. Probably less if I didn't have to walk around the car. And since the caps are magnetic now, i literally throw them on and they just stick.

 

Thank you! First one to be able to help!

Sorry that I'm going to ask for more but if you have the pictures it would be appreciated. Do you have a pictures taken further back with the caps on? By chance do you have a picture of whats under the caps? I ask as I'm wondering if that big of a cap is necessary.

Thanks again for the help.

 

Sure. Here they are:







You're going to want to put the caps on as there are two bolts that will stick out for each leg of the rack.

If you go with the factory rack remember that it's permanent. You are drilling into the roof skin. It holds more weight because it's actually bolted to the car's actual roof, which is underneath the roof skin. Also, remember to use an anti-rust protection after drilling (I used a clearcoat on the rough edges followed by nail polish) and use a thicker grade rubber gasket to prevent water from entering. You'll feel the factory rubber foam gasket and know why.

 

Thank you very much for the pictures. This is first time I've been able to see what the roof looks like with the caps on. I agree with you in that I love how the OEM looks sooo much more clean than other racks and I love that it holds more weight. I just can't decide if I want to start drilling!

 

Get a competent shop and you'll be fine. Preferably, someone who's had extensive knowledge with Minis. The newer models don't have to be drilled anymore as they incorporate a dedicated rail.

 

I'm thinking about purchasing some OEM caps to magnet them on without the rack to see how it will look in person...

 

First, a shout-out for the first-gen rack: this is the best roof-top system I've ever worked with or around. I almost would not consider a second-gen car just because of the ingenuity of the first-gen rack! I installed it myself, and yes, it was equal parts frustrating and terrifying, but it was 100% worth it. I would highly recommend you not even consider anything else.

I don't have any pictures for you, but just this week I uninstalled my rack my rack for the first time. I discovered I only use it for bike trays, and would prefer my snowboard were in the the car - but I also have deleted my rear seat in favour of storage. I installed the caps, and have decided I like the car rack-less as much as I like it rack-ed. On the same note, I'm having my trunk lid replaced this week under warranty, and am going to go without my factory S spoiler on the new boot: with the few bike trays I've tried, they need to be installed very far outboard to prevent them punching holes in the wing the first time the boot is opened! I ride some pretty big snowboards, so I imagine this might be a problem with a snowboard up top, too. That said, even with a few bikes with 28"-wide bars, I still don't have the feeling they're abnormally far to the outside of the car.

The magnets are a GREAT idea; I started to worry I'd lose the caps pretty much immediately after installing them!

 

The caps are what they are. It's a side effect of having a 1st gen roof. I assume you are the few that find the caps bothersome since it doesn't go as smooth as the rest of the mini's lines, but I completely understand. It had weird look for me in the beginning, but the summer called for endless bike rides so the rack never actually came off. My first set of caps that i've lost were actually painted to look like band-aids since trying to make it blend with the roof was useless anyway.

There are options out there that require less commitment in modifying your Mini. Drilling into the metal would not be high on the list for many, but having an OEM rack fits well with the design of the 1st gen and is decidedly more capable than most others.

If aesthetics with the rack off is your priority then roll with a yakima/thule. I've always rolled with one of them on my previous cars. They are still great racks and will do what roof racks will do and wont leave a mark when you're done playing.