I want to purchase a cargo box for my 2008 MCS, and am having a dilema....I don't like the look of the factory cross bars, and wanted to go with a Thule set up, but they state that the Mini's roof will only handle 110#. This means with a box, I'll only be able to carry about 60# inside.

Does anyone know how much the factory rack can support? Also what are others using? What type of box, what size, what type of rack?

Thanks

 

Not 100% sure on weight limits, but I'm looking at either the factory box or this. Review has a 2007 S owner who says it fits the OEM rack.

http://www.autoanything.com/roof-racks/69A1848A0A0.aspx

 

why dont you like the look of the factory cross bars? i think they match the MINI very well... not to mention they are actually Thule Aero bars with MINI logos on them.

Im quite certain that the factory rack has the highest load rating compared to other generic rack options. It has a load rating of 75 kg which converts to 165 lbs.

 

I'm going to go with the factory rack, now just trying to narrow down the box. I like the Thule Atlantis 1200, but it may be a bit narrow for my needs. There is a nice thread about the racks and boxes I found after 5-6 hours of searching....I never seem to get the same search results.... I'm still up in the air, the problem is I don't have my car yet, and I'm in Portugal, so I haven't found a dealer with stock I can see....plus the Euro to Dollar is not good, so I'll probably see if I can get it shipped from the states....we'll see.

 

I have the factory rack, and the THULE Atlantis 1600. Fits nicely and looks pretty darn good. I went with the 1600 because it is wider than the 1200 and shorter also. I don't think I would go any longer than the 1600. It sits a bit forward so I can open the rear hatch. Also, you have got to get a super shorty antenna or just take your stocker off.

 

Thanks, when you say super shorty, are you speaking of a 4in. antenna, or smaller? The 1600 is more what I was thinking in terms of length, but I do like the idea of being able to keep a bike rack and car box on the car.... Do you have any pictures of your car with the 1600 on it? Thanks...

 

I have the factory roof rack, and it's great. I can't imagine installing an aftermarket rack that rests on the MINI's roof... the factory one uses mounting points on the roof sides and is very secure. If it's a Thule Aero, it should work with some other Thule stuff, including the boxes...

 

it has thule aero bars for sure. MINI wouldnt go through the trouble and hassle of designing their own rack....

that said, you may need adapters for whatever you are mounting because not everything made by thule comes with the necessary hardware for aero bars.

 

Cheaper option: duct tape baby!!!

 

We have the factory roof rack - love it. It installs very easily - specs. say it will hold up to 165 pounds. This is our 3rd MINI and OEM roof rack. Never had one single issue.

Donna

 

I love my Thule.

LINK: http://www.5280driver.com/2008/02/13/18/

Yes the factory bars look JUST LIKE my Thule Aero Bars. Thule says this set up should only hold 100lbs. I would guess more though.

 

JohnJohn, How do you like your PIAA lights? Does the kit come with all mounting hardware and switches? Also, are you using any cargo box? If so which one. Great pictures online btw.

 

I wish you the best but I would be surprised to see the "rain gutters" on the R56 hold 200lbs. The factory mount attaches into the roof and while the bars may appear the same, that attachment point is very different.

 

I have a Yakima box 16s, it's as wide as the MINI roof and holds 16 cubic ft. It also opens from either side of the car and the locking hardware is far superior to thule.

 

+1 on the Yakima boxes.

No matter what rack you get, get a Yakima box. I have a Yakima box on my pop-up trailer. Opening from both sides is a huge bonus.

 

I can't seem to find the capacity of the OEM box-- anyone know?

 

I don't know if this specifically answers your question but I posted ^^ that the rack itself, will hold up to 165 pounds.

Donna

 

Donna-- not quite but I appreciate it!! I've committed to the factory rails, but I think aftermarket is probably my best bet for the box. Just trying to gauge what size I really want/need.

 

I use this one. The box would be way to big for the Mini though. I was just commenting on how much I like Yakima boxes...not that I use mine on my Mini. Skis and bikes only on the Copper.

I love my PIAA lights. Mounting bracket, everything included. The covers are ugly, but I'm going to paint them.

Link: http://www.5280driver.com/2008/03/13/piaa-540-install/

PM me or comment on the blog if you have any more questions about the lights...or want some different photos.

 

Thanks for the info, I'm trying to pick lights, and had seen the PIAA lights before. They look good.