I have had my Mini Roof Racks on for about a month with no problems. To be safe I'll call the MA and ask him the specifics.

 

Not to get off-topic, but I really would have preferred a set of permanent factory roof rails for the Clubman, as featured on many wagons, instead of a set of clamp-on brackets. I guess there just wasn't enough room to fit rails, or MINI decided it was easier to simply offer brackets. I'm not a big fan of anything I have to clamp onto a car.

 

Agreed, but of course now that I'll be picking mine up on Monday - I would be quite upset if they suddenly did start making them with roof rails!

If you read over on MINI2 about the roof rack, a poster there has made a good case for why he thinks some may have had problems with their installation, while many have not. If you're interested here is the link and the possible explanation is on the last page, from a day ago:http://www.mini2.com/forum/mini-club...clubman-6.html

 

Well, have my Clubman back with the roof racks in the boot all tied up in a garbage bag...they wouldn't put them back on for liability reasons so I have to put them back on myself (plus some sort of weather stripping so the window stays dry). A little nervous about doing so but really need the racks for my bikes.

My MINI looks nicer, more streamlined, plus is SO much quieter without them so honestly I'd say if you don't absolutely need them then go without. I have no other place to fit 2 large mountain bikes so I'm stuck

I hope they come up with a replacement soon!

 

OT but what type of MTB you into?

 

We do all kinds of mtn biking, our fave is a single-track park nearby (Dryer Rd) that has quite a mix of challenging terrain...tough hills to climb along with roller coaster downs, jumps & bumps. Plus a new pump track and terrain course that has all types of fun things to hurt yourself on

I pretend that I'm 15 again lol

Some of the trails we ride:

http://www.victormtbc.com/

 

OH, forgot to mention what my dealer threw in for this rack and leak hassle....checkered door handles! My Clubbie looks so neat! I'll take pictures soon

 

I had the rack installed at purchase and have the bike rack.. My only issue is that I cannot find a fork mount for the front tire that will work with this bike rack.. I'd have to buy an aftermarket rack to make it happen... No leaks, or problems otherwise.

 

Wouldn't a Thule 593 work? I thought the MINI rack was a customized Thule Aero...

 

Sorry, let me clarify... I want a piece that will slide onto the Mini bike rack that will allow fork mount onto it... The mini bike rack uses two tire strap downs... I would like to use the mini bike rack (because I already have it) just with a fork mount piece...

The mini bike rack is a slotted/molded piece of aluminum and the strap downs are plastic pieces that slid in and you turn a thumb screw to tighten them down on the bike rack...

 

Has anyone tried a non-permanent trunk mount bike carrier, like Yakima's series of "Joe" racks? I have a KingJoe 2 and hope that I'll be able to use it on my Clubman.

 

Not familiar with the KingJoe, but I have a Stealth rack that I assume functions similarly and can not figure how it would mount to my clubman, though I've not tried too hard. Concerned that popping the barn doors open would make quite the mess, and there is precious little space inthe back for a rack, straps etc. I would be very interested to hear if anyone does have luck with a strap mount carrier though as it's almost the best of both worlds for bikes- retain the clean lines without the roof rack yet have the flexibility of carrying bikes, gear and passengers when needed. For now for me, it's pop off the front wheel, knock down the seats and stow the bike in the back.

 

To the poster who had the question about using a fork mount on the clubman rack, here is a picture of a regular mini using a Thule for mount:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ight=roof+rack

Wouldn't the Clubman rack be able to use this same fork mount? (I sure hope so, since I need a for mount as well before I jump in and buy one of these cars)

 

We had a Sport Link-Bike Rack on our 06 MCS. It worked fine and eliminated the noise and probably most of the wind resistance of a roof rack.

I understand that MiniFini is close to coming out with a Clubman version. Their design is targeted to have the rack pivot out of the way when you open the doors of the Clubman just like it did with the 06 MCS.

I am waiting to see!

 

Just came back with my beautiful new Clubman (which I will post pix of later on the appropriate thread) but I got a print out of the message from Aftersales Development dated April 17th whose subject is the Roof Rack R55: This was sent to "MINI Passenger Cars, All Offerings, ALL Regions, All Areas, Sales, Parts, Service, All"

So there you go. The Service Advisor told me that I shouldn't expect anything until August or September, but then he added "However, it could come through tomorrow - you never know."

I hope this is of some help to everyone.

 

If anyone has any concerns they ought to keep an eye on this thread: http://www.mini2.com/forum/mini-club...ml#post3416927 There's some new info and experiences that have been posted today.

 

Has anyone actually gone to pick up their clubman, expecting to get the rack and have their MA say they could not install it?

 

Well, I came close to actually doing that but instead I called several days before I was to pick mine up and that is when I was told about the bulletin that I've posted about. I have it sitting right here in front of me and it is dated 4/17/08.

Go read that thread I posted a link to just above your post, if you haven't already.

 

Got this response from Yakima:

"Hello Rex,

Thank you for contacting Yakima Customer Support.

We need to test every vehicle as it comes out with our racks to make sure that the fit is safe. Our Fit Team has not had an opportunity to test that vehicle. We cannot test anything until one becomes available from a dealership and then it has to go through rigorous testing to be sure it is a safe fit. Many times, once we’ve gone through all of the testing we can use one of our existing tower systems and call out the fit. That usually just takes a month or so after we’ve seen it. If we cannot use an existing system, we need to develop something especially for it and that does take at least 6 months to go through the development process.

I have logged that you requested a fit for your car, which will help show our engineers there is demand for it. Once the vehicle has been evaluated, www.yakima.com will be updated with the information (follow the “Fit My Car” link).

Thank you,
Yakima Support"

 

Thanks Otra - I have read it... Just crossing my fingers that they will have it sorted in the next 3-4 weeks before my clubman arrives. If not I am wondering if I should ask MINI to compensate me some how? I really need the rack and ordered the vehicle with the assumption that that was an option.

 

Thank Rexicon. I just sent Yakima an email as well, just to let them know that there are more owners out here interested. Maybe it will make them work a little harder at getting us a solution.

 

They'll compensate you by not selling it to you and not charging you the money they would have had you bought it.

 

its not about the money. its about the fact that I need the rack

 

I have the rack on my Clubman. It fits and does not leak. The rack is very secure, no shake or looseness.

My rack came in a box marked R56.
Tell them it is for a R56, buy it, install it and use it.

 

Are you in a position to either confirm or deny that the actual part number on your rack's box (or invoice) is 82 71 0 398 321?

I'm sure there's some difference between that R56 unit and the 82 71 0 435 846 unit sold for R55... automakers wouldn't go to that amount of trouble to stock the same product with different part numbers...