I had the MINI roof rack installed at the time of purchase and after this last winter in MI I inspected the mounts. I found that the bolts that tie the cross beams to the upright mounts were rusted and there was some rust along the welds in the mounts themselves. That was after only 4 months .

I just took it the dealer and they are going to have a MINI rep. inpect the rack and will replace it, but I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem. I wasn't sure if maybe the dealership used the wrong bolts for the install or if this is common with other rack owners.

 

Not good news at all. I can't say that I've had any similar issues. I went with an aftermarket rack, but any rust on a MINI is definately bad news bears.

 

I have had my rack since Aug 2002 (dealer installed). I normally have it off & capped. I don't have any problems with rust. My one complaint is that the caps (white plastic) keep yellowing. I'm on my third set (all replaced under warranty though).

My bolts appear to have a silicone/caulking gel or similar seal around them.

 

Sorry to hear of your issues with the roof rack. We've had ours on since delivery in May of 02' - no rust at all. It's rarely been off the MINI and has been exposed to all 4 seasons of weather and not garaged (no space - LOL!!):smile:

It should be covered under warranty so I would absolutely take it to the dealer and show them...

Chow!

Donna

 

the dealer's replacing the entire rack and a MINI rep will be investigate why it happened. I just wanted to find out if others also had this problem. I'll post pictures soon of the rust.

 

:smile: mattcoon - that's great news! Do keep us updated on what the Rep. says - thanks:smile:

Chow!

Donna

 

I bought two packs of white covers incase i lost any, and my whole first set turned yellow too! I was wondering if it had anything to do with storing them in the glove compartment when not in use??? Now i keep them in the garage.

 

I can safely say the glovebox is guarenteed to turn them yellow. But I had one in the garage that did it too - just took longer. I'm thinking maybe red or black caps might not do this. Otherwise, I'm going to investing in some Kryleon paint after warranty. They need to source better plastic!

 

what is it thats rusting exactly?
the bolts? or the roof where the holes were made for the roof rack?
I would check to see if the holes were covered with paint after the drilling, also check to make sure there was some kind of silicone used. and also i would make sure the bolts were stainless steel.