Help! Anyone know how to locate "pre-cut" area to make first installation of base rack on 2009 Clubman? Some tell me I have to take it to mini dealer for first install. Is that right?

 

The "official" manual that comes with the rack doesn't specify, but there is a PDF document on this site that has instructions for installation, and it does indicate the locations of the four "cut-outs".

In my case, I found the slots in the roof, but I could *not* see the "pre-cut" sections on the rubber strip. I pulled with the supplied tweezers with no effect. I ended up *carefully* cutting the rubber myself with a sharp knife. You can see what the width of the slot is, and you can also use the little replacement tabs that fit in when the rack isn't installed, to calculate how far between one end of the cut-out and the other.

After that, it was just a matter of following the instructions -- cursing from time to time -- and eventually it all went together.

Total time, including cursing, was less than an hour. I hope to be able to get this down to a more efficient time with some repetition.

 

Thanks so much. I realized today that the "perforated cut out" noted in the official instructions is for another model mini or another buyer - who knows. I'm nervous about cutting into the rubber, but I'll put down tape to avoid scratching the paint. I'm anticipating one hour on this task as well -- at a minimum. You've saved me a trip to the mini service department so thanks for responding! -S

 

Here is the link to the thread that has better installation instructions. Follow these and you should have very little problems.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-roofrack.html