We are considering installing the Mini roof rack. There are lots of times when it will come in very, very handy (and I like the rocket box-type thing) but I am reluctant to commit to drilling the roof and seem to recall some people complaining about it whistling.
So, any owners out there care to comment on it?
Thanks in advance.
R

 

I've got the rack with the luggage carrier and bike racks. The rack will make noise. The only question is how much. If you insert the vinyl strips in the linear grooves, the shrill whine is unbearable above 15mph. If you remove these, the noise doesn't get bad until about 50mph. At this point, the sunroof must be closed. You will have the option of removing the rack and lock oblong white caps on each of the studs that remain. Overall, I wish I hadn't gotten the rack but it does look pretty good on the car. When I first got the car and discovered the noise shortly thereafter, I freaked out. You can probably find some of my discussion on this website. The good news is that I have learned to accept the shortcomings of the rack. The real pain is that I bought it to haul my bikes around, yet the bike racks that I bought won't fit either of my bikes. I did get the dealership to refund my money on those. I'll be more than happy to give you a good price on two bike racks. Good luck.

 

Doesn't Yakima or Thule make racks for the MINI? If they do, that seems like a better option than a permanent rack on the car.(IMHO)

 

I found the whistle to start at about 15 and go away above 50 with the slot cap in place.

Thule does not make a roof rack. Yakima makes a roof rack which is held on using the gutter and is rated for only 75 lbs. Saris makes a rack as well, but I do not know what it is rated for.

I also have the problem of not being able to fit our bikes in the BMW/MINI bike holders and am working on a way to use the Thule bike trays I already have.

 

I have the rack, but don't have it on yet - I am using the caps over the bolts now. My warning to everyone: the caps come off in the car wash - check for all your caps before your drive away.