I am considering getting an OEM roof rack.

So show me your roof rack!!

 

here

 

Here ya go...



Donna

 

Is it safe to roofrack with a sunroof? I like the look and functionality but want to make sure that the extra weight won't do anything to compromise the fit of the sunroof

 

Disclaimer: I never recommend anyone do this.

But it does make a funny picture -

 

Nice racks.

I might get one of those if I get the girl to go camping more.

 

The OEM one is not a problem at all. If you search on the forum for the R56 roof rack you'll find lots of threads detailing how it attaches to the gutters rather than the roof itself.

I am sure that there is a weight limit that you can look up as well. For carrying skis/bike/kayak I think that you're safe.

 

All of our MINIs have had a sun roof and a roof rack and we've had no issues at all. The weight limit specified by MINI is 165 pounds.

Donna

 

There are some pics in my gallery of the OEM roof rack & OEM bike rack. It has worked out ok. I usually only put it on when I need it, so taking it on & off is something I've had some practice with. No issues regarding the sunroof.

 

Im revisting the idea... Anyone have any more pics of a chili red with an OEM rack? Thanks

ANd thanks to all that posted a few months back

 

OPC have you put 2 bikes up there?? Wondering if 2 Road or 2 Mountain Bikes will fit?? Will be traveling to Yellowstone next year and hoping to take some bikes along.

 

The new OEM racks are detachable now right? Like the Yakima and Thule stuff?

And can you get one of the front wind guards?

 

Mine is detachable. Photos are in the "Show me your wheels" thread.

 

I haven't put two up there, but they'll fit. It depends on your handlebar width if one has to ride facing aft. The OEM bike rack is ok, but if I were to do it over I'd go with the RockyMount.

I still might since I have more than one bike.

 

A roof rack? A small biker trailer would hold even more.

 

Man, remove just one word in this thread's title, and this takes on a whole new angle entirely...

 

I'm interested in this as well.

I was initially going to get the minidomore trailer hitch, but it looks too difficult to use since you have to aim the male end of the rack into a recessed receiver hitch. Then to put a pin through the hitch to secure the rack, you need to crawl under the car? Seems cumbersome to me.

So, I'm thinking of getting the factory roof rack.

To those who have it, is it easy to take off and put on? And what happens to the "slots" in the roof of the car when it's removed. Do they get plugged with something? I want something that's easy to use and doesn't damage the car in any way.

Thanks,
Tony

 

About an hour the first time, 15-20min after you have some practice.

It comes with little tabs that pop into the slots in the roof. Take a look at your MINI along the rain gutter and you'll find a couple of points where it has been pre-scored for removal. This is where roof cutouts are and the OEM rack attaches.

This is tougher. The OEM rack is fine, but it's not the best design I've run across. There are sharp edges and little quirks to installing it. I had the dealership do the first install ($$$) to make sure it was right. Then practiced on my own. Always caution is advised when removing or installing.

There is a pretty good thread that really dug into the roof rack characteristics: NAM Roof Rack Thread

Cheers.

 

Wait for aftermarket racks. Although the OEM one looks better to the overall flow of the car, the clamping mechanism seriously lacks much end-user-friendly thought. I spent 2 hours the first time I tried attaching it. The second time it was simpler but still the pushing in of the darn clamping plates hurts if you're in butt cold WI(not to mention it might scratch the roofline). Oh and the words "MINI" on the towers get rubbed off easy. I had to replace them with vinyl lettering 4 days after using them(installing and reinstalling on the Clubbie)

As for the OEM bike tray, skip it. It's not easy to unload. It slides into the cross bars(and you have to lock and unlock the Mini towers to slide it out) and needs a frigging torx key to tighten and loosen. There's a risk of the cap on the 4 towers to come loose if it's not locked too. Oh and if you have differing length bikes, you have to readjust the supports. I'm not sure how the fork mounted one is, I have the touring version that does not require taking off the front wheel. I definitely regret going OEM. -.-

Oh, I did get them painted flat black though since I have no silver on my Clubbie(other than chrome handles that are gonna go as soon as it's warmer out)

 

Yes I thought the same thing only to find a G rated thread. -

You can always check out
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-in-minis.html

 

Sully there are Ladies present!!

 

Thanks for the posts guys. Guess I'll start looking at the Thule Rack.

 

I was debating the same thing. Thule or Mini. I just want to be ble to cary my skis. Which Thule were you considering. Should i pay to have it installed or can i do it myself.