I have a 2013 Countryman and want to get a roof rack and the torpedo for storage. The easy solution is to buy from Mini, and I'm ok with that because I like the style and the "MINI" image on the side.

I am worried about noise though. Thule has a "blade" system they claim is the quietest system out there. Can I use the Mini storage box with Thule, or do I have to use the full Thule system if I go with the blade?

Any other ideas or comments?

 

ive got a 12 CM, no sunroof, i have the MINI bars on right now, some people with sunroofs complain about noise, some dont, i drive with windows down and never heard any wind noise, Blades or Bars, your preference.

 

I drive a 2013 CM with the OEM Mini bars all winter. Sunroof and a ski-box. No real noticeable wind noise

 

Ok, thanks both. I do have a sun roof. I'll probably just stick with the MINI setup for simplicity.

 

and price. It's about half of a similar Thule setup

 

I have the MINI roof rack, and have no issues whatsoever with noise, although I do not have a sunroof.

 

I have the mini roof rack I bought on ebay for $175. With the panoramic roof there is a significant increase in wind noise, but after a while you'll get used to it.

 

i have a mini roof rack for sale 150 + shipping. PM me

 

I have a 2013 CMS4 w/the Thule Aeroblades and their Ascent 1600 cargo box. I leave the blades on all the time as I really do not hear hardly anything from them. I also have the sunroof. I have heard others complain about noise, maybe I am lucky, but if there is any I really do not notice it.

Very happy with the setup, I also have four bike mounts I put on the blades and I do like the extra overhang you receive opposed to the factory mounts. I am not sure I would be able to get four bike racks on top w/the factory mounts as my two outside racks straddle the posts when I attach them.

The cargo box is great for my needs and I averaged about 31.9mpg on our trip from Florida to Maine last summer. All told the trip put about 3,500 miles on the CM with about 3,100 in here to there plus running around. That was two adults, two kids (13/14) and loaded down with golf clubs, luggage, etc... in the roof box.

Good luck deciding.

 

I have aeroblades on a VW and the MINI rack on the CM, they are both about as noisy as each other, the MINI OEM rack is made by Thule as is the MINI cargobox. One thing of note is that the T track system on the MINI and BMW bars is slightly wider than the standard Thule system so if you swap accessories like bike carriers between both racks you need to change the T bolts.

 

It can be done, you just have to have two bikes facing forward and two bikes facing backwards. It's also easier with road bikes than mountain bikes.

 

That sounds like surprisingly good mileage - what kind of mileage do you get without the cargo box?