Being tired of my car always being a project, I decided to spend a bit more and get one that wasn't.

A fat stack of cash later, I've got an '02 mini sitting in my driveway- already on jackstands and finding itself being a project.

While the work will hopefully stop with just all new brakes, I'm hoping to pick up a good quality roof rack to haul around my 14' kayak without scratching the paint.

Reading around here most people say the factory mini rack is the best around, but I can't find one online. Do I have to go to the dealer for this part?

 

Mine came with the factory roof rack ('06 R53), as well as two bicycle attachments. That said, the plastic upright covers were sun-faded and worn. I checked ebay for what I figured would be a kit, hoping for just some parts. I found one of NAM's vendor supporters on ebay who has the factory kit new and in stock - for something like $170 (don't quote me on that, but I thought it was pretty reasonable).

Keep in mind that although the factory kit comes with very specific directions for install, you'll have to be drilling holes into your roof. So if that puts you off... The threaded bolt collars are already installed from the factory underneath the roof sheet metal.

BTW, I did find that the replacement parts I needed were available pretty cheaply through the dealer.

 

Interesting. While I feel drilling the holes is perfectly within my own level of skill, I'm not sure I want anything quite that permanent. I've also seen racks that claim to not require any drilling, is there anybody around here who has one and likes it? I don't know quite how sturdy something like this has to be (it just has to not slip and destroy the paint with a load on it!)

With bolt holes under a piece of body panel I'd imagine that drilling has to be fairly accurate. is there some sort of a measurement aid, either built into the car or that comes with the roof rack?

 

On second thought, I'd also like the ability to carry my bike on this.
Are the non bolt-in racks sturdy enough to take the abuse of that kind of a load during driving?

 

Yes. Very specific templates and drilling instructions are included. There's a .pdf floating around which shows the procedure.

There are also small, flat covers for the holes for when the bars are off of the roof. You'd still see them, but they're very minimal. You can see what the bike setup looks like in my sig pic (below). There's a bar that swings up and grabs the center bike post.

 

I have a factory roof rack in the box with templates and install instructions. It is a permanent placement. I'll send it for $90 plus postage. It is in the original container (box) and all parts are still in the plastic. I got it from a friend for the $100 but didn't really need it (he needed the cash more). Let me know if you're interested.

 

Cooper06- if it'll fit my '02 and shipping to 04103 is reasonable I'll take it

thanks everyone for the help. Stock sounds the way to go. I'll sharpen my drill bits

 

Don't drill holes!!
I have a Thule Roof Rack on my '02 R53 and it rocks.
It's easily removable and no drilling is necessary.
I can carry two bikes and a kayak all at the same time.
I'll post some pictures on here today...I just have to get them.

 

at the same time? I'd love to have my bike and boat with me at the same time...

Pics when you get a minute.

 

In for pics as well. Is it a suction cup system?

 

check the marketplace, I saw a few posted there.

 

Just pawed through the 3 "parts" pages in the mk1 marketplace and only saw one rack that was already sold. Am I missing something?

 

It's not a suction cup system. It locks to the rain gutters. As you can see, I can put another bike right next to this one and still have plenty of room for a kayak on the passenger side. This rack rocks. I can pop it off the car in about 3 minutes. I highly recommend it. Even without a faring, it's not loud at all... If you need more pics, let me know....

 

I use a mont blanc rack to carry my 11' surfboard. I have been using it for a long while and have not had any problems with it.

 

Sorry, was thinking mk2,

 

I'm drilling my roof this week. I chose the factory rack for how much it can hold. 160 lbs. This is a huge amount for a rack. You can buy assorted to put Thule rails and accessories on it. I have already looked into this. But all the other racks were going to cost me more than twice what I have in the new factory rack. But they can only take a 100 lb load. A roof racks load is determined not my how much it can hold but what it can hold while moving. Plastic rain gutters just can't take as much load as anchors welded into the roof structure of the car. Sure it is holes. But heck I will be able to put a basket on top, haul a canoe, install my roof top tent. Which is 150 lbs it's self. And will put another 400 lbs in it when in use.

 

Pics of the rooftop tent on the mini!

I'm sold on the extra weight, you never know what I'll strap on there.

 

Yes, please post pictures. I'd love to see the rack mount covers too...