I'm thinking about getting a roof rack installed. I just don't know about getting holes put in the top of the car. I really like the look of the rack and It would be nice to take my bikes. Our Subaru has a Yak rack on it and I could just take that. That means my wife would drive the MINI. Now do you see me dilemma?
So for the people who have the factory rack on their MINI, do you like it? Also how do the caps look when the rack is off?

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03 Pure Silver Metallic MINI COOPER. w/ Cold weather, Premium and Sport Combos. H/K upgrade with disc changer

 

I like the factory rack on my MINI! I have not really used it much.
I got the base rails, plus the narrow basket (there are two widths). The basket makes quite a bit of wind noise when it is empty! I will probably get a bike attachment soon.

Here's are a few pics with the rack and basket:

[img]C:MinipicsCeleste Drive20030127-092826DSC_0124-2.jpg[/img]

[img]C:MinipicsCeleste Drive20030127-092826DSC_0034-2.jpg[/img]

[img]C:MinipicsCeleste Drive20030127-092826DSC_0023-2.jpg[/img]

Here's the only pic I have right now with the rack off, where you can sort of see the caps:



The caps and the looks of the caps don't bother me. I like the idea of a firmly attached rack. However, it is important to point out that the base rails ARE NOT LOCKED to the car. At least with the basket on, with the right kind of wrench key, the complete rack is theoretically removable, although it does take the right type of key.

Hope this helps!
Cheers!
Markus

 

Greetings!!!!
If you don't want holes in your roof check out Saris Products. They offer a clip type system for their roof rack designed for the MINI Cooper!
http://www.sarisproducts.com
Regards,
Ron
'03 MCS PS/B

 

yellow,
I have the Yak. Racks on my MCS You just need the Q towers and the #78 Q clips. It's real easy to put on and off, and looks pretty sharp if you get the windscreen too. I am with you on not putting holes in my new Mini. Sorry don't have any pictures.

Best of luck,

Christian

 

Haven't tried with the bike attachment yet. Makes noise with the base rack on, quiet with just the caps. The look is not distracting to me (looks cool with the base rack or with just the caps).

Bill

 

Looks like I have some options to look at. Thank you guys for the info and pics.