I recently purchased a 2012 MCS and decided to purchase the MINI roof rack for hauling skis. I generally prefer not to have a roof rack, so I was planning on just having it installed during Winters. After receiving the roof rack and reviewing the installation instructions, I realized that I would actually have to remove 4 tiny sections or the rubber roof trim where the roof rack attaches to the MINI. Doesn't this make the roof rack a permanent install? In other words, if I do wish to remove the roof rack, will I have 4 missing sections of roof trim?

 

Don't quote me, but I believe the rack comes with four inserts to cover the holes when the rack is off. Motoring file has the actual DIY from MINI.

Hope that helps

 

Pain to put on\off on a regular basis but it wouldn't be too bad seasonally. Check Thule or Yakima. Thule aeroblades are by far the best thing going right now. Neither would put any holes anywhere in the vehicle.

 

It should include plastic cover pieces for when you don't have it installed. I have one on my MINI and only use it a few times a year. You can't even tell there are holes there with the covers installed.

 

Yes, there are 4 plastic pieces that plug into the roof when you remove the rack. Once fitted, the roof racks can be installed or removed in under 10 minutes, as long as you don't mess with the hex screws on the underside of the rails after the initial install.

 

I did find the 4 plastic plugs. I read the instructions and stopped (more like freaked out) when I realized that I had to alter the roof trim. I never made it to the section explaining the plugs. Thanks!

 

These are not permanent and you can take them on and off. It does get tedious but, like stated before if you are doing it seasonally it really is not a big deal. Just make sure you put the caps in you glove compartment so that you don't loose them.

 

Honest - you are doing yourself and your car a disservice if you put holes in the roof for a rack. PM me if you want more information about racks. I've been using them for years on cars and trucks and know the options pretty well. Thule or Yakima. Period. No holes, no caps, no modification to the car what so ever.

 

You don't put wholes in the R56 with the stock roof rack. There are already designated spots unlike the 1st gen.

Spend a little bit more time with the car you will learn it's idiosyncrasies.

 

Better yet here is a link to a thread with the roof rack info.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...f-rack-10.html

 

Porthos I believe we are on the same page. Kinda hard to tell who you are talking to. Here is a link with the base install complete on my son's '07 MCS.

http://www.rackoutfitters.com/produc...roduct_id=1847

It is Thule with Rocky Mount bike trays, but of course once the base is complete, any component can be used on them for skis, basket, kayaks, whatever. My son only carries lightweight race bikes so he opted out of the SRA which is a good idea if you carry a load. Skis wouldn't qualify as a load. As soon as my back fully recovers, I'll be putting a Thule on. That is if I have any money left by the time I've modded out my MINI!

 

Why do that when you can get a set of stock ones for like $225 with a guarantee factory fit then something that might fit ok?

 

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To MikewithaMini
I will also reiterate the sentiments of walk0080.
PLEASE STOP spreading the miss information. If you do not know the REAL answer to the question then don't make the false statement you have made.

To lsirois

Go thru the whole set of instructions before you try and put the rack on. As others have said it only take a few minutes to install and remove once it is set up properly. I will admit though that the instructions that MINI has put together are not really all that great.

One step I would suggest that I dont think is in the instructions is to loosen by a half turn (not remove) the bolts that hold the mounting brackets to the cross bars. this will allow the cross bars and mounting brackets to slide a little during the first install and then once fully on the car tighten the bolts between the brackets and cross bars. NEVER loosen them again. once this is done that way the cross bars and mounting brackets are in the proper alignment to go on and off rather easily. If this is not done then the racks will be very difficult to remove and install.

If you have any other questions about this please feel free to ask me. I can put mine on and take them off in less than 5 minutes and do so almost every weekend during the summer. I dont like them on the car when i have the windows and sunroof open because of the extra noise but I love to go kayaking or mountain biking on the weekends so that rack go on on saturday morning and come off on sunday night. I do keep the racks on all winter (late nov to late march) and have a storage box on top which holds my skis and the skis stay there all winter because I ski many weekday evenings as well as weekends.

 

Apologies to all. I will further research the OE rack.

 

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Do you know who manufactures the OE base rack and is it wide enough for 2 bikes alone though? thanks.

 

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Thule used to make them but now they are made somewhere else but are very very similar to the Thule Aero Bars. The slot in the top of the OEM MINI Roof Rack and the Thule Aero Bars are slightly different in size.

you should have no problem putting two bikes on the roof. I have seen a rack with three on it. Also seen one with one two person kayak on its side and two bikes. So there is room but it can be tight.

I can get one bike and two kayaks on their sides on the roof of mine. it Is tight but it can be done.

 

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Both Wheels are on the bike. If they were not the front handle bars would interfere with the kayaks. As it is i still have to remove the pedals as they poke out where the kayaks sit. The bike sits in the middle between the kayaks.

 

I just put the OE (made by Thule), and 4 touring mounts. I have a family of BMX racers, and I always take at least 4 bikes to the track. Note I choose to put the two rails on the outside with the support arm facing backward, as it tuck's away well when not in use.

 

I took off the stock tire straps as the metal buckle would scratch the rim. Adding the Thule fairing next week.

 

I have a '12 MCS and am also considering the roof rack. Based on this thread it seems to make sense to go OEM base rack. For those who agree, are you using OEM bike holders are you going aftermarket Thule and such. I believe I've heard stories that when the hatch is open, the spoiler hits the bike rails and therefore the rail had to be cut or installed backwards. True or misinformation?

 

I used the OEM rack with some Thule bike trays. Yes, mine did hit the rear spoiler. I alwas had to be cautious when opening the hatch. Also, as mentioned above, the slots in the oem rack are a bit larger than the Thule so larger "T" bolts or washers will have to be used for the trays to mount to the racks. Use of a Thule fairing can be done as well with a bit of cutting and extension work to clear the sun roof.