So last night I decided to install my OEM roof rack that I bought from Morristown MINI with my younger brother. It was probably one of the most difficult things I've done in life! I may be exaggerating quite a bit here but it's very hard. I'd get one side of the rack fit snuggly into the slot but the other side wouldn't budge. After about 3 hours of frustrating tries I decided to call it a night.

Do any of you have recommendations as to how this rack can be fitted with 'ease' if it's at all possible? Do both sides need to be pushed in at the same time? Will the MINI dealer install it for free? I'd appreciate any help or recommendations.

 

No dealer will do any work for FREE. Did you try loosening the under side bolts? There are 4, do NOT loosen them all the way.

 

Yes, loosen the 2 bolts on each side of the rack. That will give you enough play in the fit to get it seated properly. Then it should be easy. I can do it by my self in about 20 minutes now. Granted, it took my father and I three hours to get it done the first time.

 

The instructions from MINI are very poor. Here is a link to the thread I started for instructions i made for a Clubman but the way it works is exactly the same for a coop. Check the first post for the link to the PDF.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-roofrack.html

 

Thanks! The instructions seem to be much, much more helpful.

 

Flyinace2000, when you install it yourself do you push in each side all the way or do you just gently push each side in little at a time? I'm tempted to cut the rubber part off from the metal clamping plates because it seems to create a lot of friction and it's ripping off already anyways. Does it install for you 'clean?' or does it stick out a little bit and do you just compromise?

 

Honestly i don't do it often. Last time i did it was to move it from my 07 to 09.

Don't cut the rubbe thing off. The other trick i used was to place the bolt completely above the two plates. Trying to keep the plates in the notch when tightening was to hard. So i placed a washer between the plates and nut. That was the pressure from the nut is applied via the washer. Did that make sense? If not i can take a photo tomorrow before work.

 

A picture would definitely help
I'm gonna go buy some washers right now.

 

Alright, i will go take some photos and post them.

 

Click for full size images

 

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And here are the nuts to loosen to give you more play for the install.

 

Wow, thanks so much for posting the pictures Flyinace. So those nuts underneath the roof rack should be loosened up just a little bit? Hope to give good news by tonight.

 

How did you make out? Photos help?

 

I thought hard about the MINI rack but after reading how it makes noise at speed and has to cut through the weather strip to install I went with a Thule. I will let you know how that goes very soon. Should have it this weekend when I go buy a X-mas tree and strap it to the roof!!!!

 

Dont do one side of a rack arm at a time. I did that and it makes it considerably more difficult to fit. Fit one side, fit the other. Adjust one side, adjust the other right after. Tighten one side... etc...

Also be careful about those gold nuts. I stripped one completely and just happenend to find a nut/washer that fit correctly to replace it.

 

The mini rack doesn't make noise when i have only the bars on. The only time i have road noise is when the ski rack is on and there are no skis in it.

 

Sorry for the late reply. I was cooking all day
The photos helped A LOT. The photo of the 2 bolts under the racks were the key to my help. I really appreciate your help! I love how the OEM Rack looks. I'm gonna take a picture once dinner my family is over.