I have an 06 MCS and am looking into getting a hitch.

Before purchasing a bike rack, the hitches would cost...

The MiniFini would cost $680 ($351 sport link 1, $250 sport link attachement, $80 receiver attachment)

whereas

The MDM would only cost $250.

I only plan to mount a bike/snowboard rack. But I heard from one source that because the MDM hitch is hidden within the bumper, it makes adding/removing attachments a pain because you have to crawl under the car to pin/upin them to the hitch.

Is this accurate? That would be a pain, but idk if it's worth a ~$400 diference.

If so, with the MiniFini all aspects of the hitch would be readily accessible. I would likely leave the sports link attachment on all the time because it doesn't look at that bad and would keep people away from my bumper when parallel parking (I live in a city). Even with the sports link attachment off, the visible sport link mounts match the aesthetic of the car and don't bother me.

Can someone speak to their experience?

 

Bump!

 

A6" hitch extender puts the pin outside the bumper. Can be left in if biking often. Remove from under car when not needed for extended time. It also makes a bit of a battering ram for those park by ear people! Caution; Reduces tongue weight by up to half. Still plenty strong for two bikes or skis.

 

I have the MDM and I am pleased with it. I also only have a bike rack for our two MTN bikes.

Pros:
The hitch is HIDDEN. With the rear fog light in place, you would never know it is there.

Easy enough install

Much cheaper than Mini-Fini

Cons:
It is a bit of a PITA to reach up in there and put the pin in. It is do-able, but you need to stick your hand up under the bumper and feel around.

You will need to remove the socket/bulb/harness from the rear fog. Mine was inoperable, so no big deal. I put a rubber stopper in the light to keep water out.

I would get one again...and I did, for our Countyman.

Good luck!

 

I would personally recommend the Minifini link. It just seems a lot more stable and user friendly. It's easy to switch between accessories and I've heard that the MDM cant actually damage your bumper since it's only connected on one place and it can twist and put stress on the bumper bolts.