I recently received a Thule 1366 system with Quick Traverse and AeroBlade rails. After removing the bit of roof strip at the perforation to access the factory mount points for the OEM rack, I noticed that the bracket for the kit is at least 10 mm too wide to fit in the slot. I have read similar problems by other NAMers with this system, as well as conflicting information regarding where this system should be mounted (i.e., at the factory mounting points or just to the plastic stripping itself). Personally, I only want to mount it to the roof using the factory mounting points, but, with the supplying brackets in the 1366 kit, I cannot even fathom how it would attach to the car at all.

Has anyone out there mounted this system to an R56 before? If so, please share which kit number and how you did it. Thule customer support is closed for the holiday right now. Plus, I'd like to get the opinion of someone who has actually done it. Like I said, the information I've found so far on NAM is conflicting at best, or not related to my specific issue.

Thanks for any insight!

 

I have a Thule rack with aerobars that I bought for my R53 that I now use on my R56. It's been awhile since I bought it so it may be different than yours. How about posting some pictures of what you have.

 

I had the same set up...kit worked just fine for me. In fact, there was enough room in the stock mounting slot between the window and the roof for the 1366 bracket to slide back and forth about a cm each direction.

It's tough to find that mounting slot between the window and the roof, especially for the rear window. I was scared I was going to pop the rear windows out lol. But if you push up on that roof lining, you'll see the cutout where the bracket slips in. Kind of have to muscle it in there.

 

Are you saying that there is more space to slide the bracket in besides what you can see here?

 

ah man...not sure why that piece is cut out...I didn't need to do that, I slipped it UNDER that lining. that's the part that I was referring to where you kind of need to 'muscle' it in.

 

Here is what the bracket looks like.

 

yup, that's what I had. wish I still had the bracket so I could show you...anyway I just made a short video clip. Once it uploads to youtube, I'll post it here.

 

I removed that part of the rubber strip where it was perforated (as though I were installing the OEM rack) because Thule's directions made it seem like that was the proper mounting point.

How did you achieve enough space under the strip to shove that bracket under there?

 

yeah that's the proper mounting point for sure...but the thule footpack installs differently.

How did I shove it under there? You just have to work that rubber lining up. Took my time, pushed and pryed, pushed and pryed, little by little...until I was eventually able to slip the bracket in.

Like I said, it's scary at first...you think you're going to pop the window out or damage the lining somehow...but it'll give. The GOOD thing is, you already know where the mounting point is...so that takes away half the battle. It was hard as hell trying to find where that slot was the first time (tee hee).

 

So, just so I understand, are you saying the bracket hooks up under the plastic strip and then slides into the slot (that I have exposed)?

If that is the case, then my bracket is too wide for that.

 

Exactly. Hooks up under strip, sits in that slot.

Not sure why it's too wide for you. Even when I had my bracket in, like I said, I had enough play to move it back and forth about a cm.

Are you judging the slot based on what you cut out?

 

I'm just physically comparing the slot and the bracket. With the piece of the strip removed, I can put the bracket right up to the slot, and it is just too wide. Out of curiosity, when did you purchase your Thule kit?

 

Sure thing, I understand. This pic might help explain the actual room you've got under there. There's a little more than 4 inches between the two circled plastic 'stops'.

Sorry if the pic isn't clear, but you're looking at me pushing that lining up as much as I could so you can see between the window and the roof.

In between the stops, there's a recess for the bracket to slip in.

I purchased my thule kit in 2013.

 

I just measured everything. The bracket is exactly 7 cm wide, but the slot is just about 5.5 cm.

 

Did you see my last post with the pic and measurements?

 

Yes, I did. If the slot on your car is almost 4", then it is much wider than 5.5 cm.

 

As an aside, how do you like the rack? I suppose you're probably not taking it off the car much given how exciting installation was. How is road noise at high speeds? Is that the reason for the wind deflector?

 

right on man, well I don't know if there's much else I can offer to help...best of luck with the install.

as far as the rack...that initial install was the hardest part due to having to line up the bars and making sure everything was parallel, even, etc. But after that, take down and reinstallation was a breeze.

I added the wind deflector for aesthetics really...my mini is really loud as it is (I have to wear ear plugs)...so I never noticed wind noise if there was any.

I use to transport a 55lb downhill mtn bike....and I wouldn't recommend that lol...there was a little toooo much movement on the rack for my comfort.

I did see MPG dip about 2 mpgs with the rack on. BUT I also had longer than recommended aero bars.

I loved the look with the rack on...wish I didn't sell it but needed the money for another project.

 

I definitely appreciate all of your help. As new developments arise, I will be sure to update the thread. It's possible I may need to just opt for the OEM rack, but I'll decide after I talk to Thule. (BTW, what year is your R56?)

 

totally welcome my man...I have a 2009 but the thule site says it's the same kit all the way thru 2013. good luck!

 

I wonder if the post-2011 LCIs have a narrower slot than the original R56. I'm curious if other NAMers could be able to confirm that.

 

Hi all, late to the party but wanted to add to this thread as I referenced it today for my installation — hopefully it might help others.



A pretty straight forward installation, nothing advanced, no additional tools or cutting required.


Front

Front adapters fitted easily — ease down the rubber seal and the metal adapter lip will fit right in. A little bit of manipulation was required, but just some wiggling and flexing of the rubber, nothing excessive.


Rear

Was worried how I was going to be able to manipulate the rigid plastic roof-edge strip. I chose my kit based on a few photos I had seen, but was worried I’d actually need the ugly and costly short roof adapter. It turns out there is a slot more than wide enough for the adapter above the rear window under the plastic strip. Push your little finger onto the underside of the strip and you’ll quickly feel the edges of the gap. The adapter slotted in very easily, no force required at all. When fitted, it will look exactly the same as the front.



Short Roof Adapter

In my opinion, after watching multiple YouTube videos of what it does and how it’s fitted, is not required at all. If you choose to use one, you fit the rear adapters at a half way point between the front and rear bars, and the rear foot sits atop the roof, not locked down. Seems completely pointless when the Mini has points specifically for mounting a roof rack built in to it.



Kit List

• 2011 Mini Cooper 3d (R56, 2006-2013)
• Thule WingBar Evo 118
• Thule Adapter Kit 1366
• Thule Rapid Foot System 754