Hey, would anyone by chance have the instructions for installing the OEM rails? I live in Germany and the BMW/Mini dealer here is telling the shop I went to that these can't be installed after taking delivery of the Mini. Something to the effect that the roof won't support them and due to the sunroof. I don't think this is really the case. I know others have done it.

 

My '10 clubman came with the rails, it has a sunroof. I doubt that MINI would make a different roof for rail and railess cars.

I looked into taking mine off, the headliner has to come down and it would have left holes in the roof, so I decided to get used to them.

Dave

 

Dave, I couldn't agree with you more. I don't really have an issue with the mechanics taking the side of caution. The Germans have a different way of doing things. BMW/Mini is telling him it can't be done. You and I know it can.

Jack

 

Try the search feature. There has been many post about retrofitting the OEM roof Rails. As I recall, since the Rail's introduction on the 2009 model - no one on this forum has taken the trouble and cost to retrofit. Of course this did not answer your question if any one had the install instructions. Good luck and document the effort if you decide to fit the rails.

 

Thanks for replying. I have searched and only see where two people have retrofitted the OEM Rails. I'm not actually doing the job myself. I really don't like the idea of drilling holes into the roof. I'd prefer to have someone who know more about what they are doing actually do the install.

 

Part of the reason that BMW/MINI say it can not be done is the amount of time and the fact that the Side Curtain Air Bags have to come out to drill the holes. There are also reinforcement plates on the Roof when the OEM rails are factory installed which are not there when done after production.

But yes it can be done but MINI as far as i know has not produced any instructions or templates.

 

One person here had it done in Austin, TX and it took 6 hrs. and cost about $700 I believe. The mechanic doing the work said the next install wouldn't only take 2 hrs. I really would like to get this done, but without some installation instructions no one here will do it.

 

I had it done in austin and total cost was $750 including parts

Anyone who wants this done should get a headliner/sunroof shop to do it

I got
Texas auto tops of austin to do my install they did a fantastic job

Google them give em a shout im shure they will walk you through it

The owner did my install