Just ordered my 2012 countryman (surf blue, base) with OEM roof rack. Still waiting for the transport. ETA is early July. I can't wait.

I heard that if you get roof rack, wind noise will be a problem and thus I may need wind fairing to reduce the wind noise.

I want to hear from other CM owners with roof rack. Any issue with noise?

If a fairing is needed, what brand and size would you recommend?

Thanks guys!

 

I've had my OEM rack for a week and installed it using the dimensions provided and I cannot hear a thing from it. Of course the run flats aren't the quietest tires in town so they may drown it out, but I doubt it. My VW has a Thule rack and I can hear the difference immediately when the rack is on it. Both racks have the same bike carriers too so that doesn't play into it.

 

What kind of roof bike rack do you use, Kispian?

I am looking at Yakima frontloader:
Would it fit OEM rack?

Thanks!

 

We have a THULE peloton 515 for our road bikes and Thule Criteriums for our Mountain bikes (Similar to the frontloader). They have adapter kits for their aero bars that translate pretty well to the OEM bars...added a 3/4 washer to the attadching bolt foot for extra grip on the bars. Per the video you attached they state at about a minute in that the front loader is a universal rack...so you may be in luck.

 

I have the oem roof rack and have not had any problem with wind noise. Since you mentioned bikes I also have the mini rear mount bike rack. It's expensive but it's pretty nice. Very good quality part. No complaints with either one.

 

I also have a oem rack. I have the yakima high roller bike rack on it. Could be the bike rack its self, but there is quite the whistle over 50. I just turn the radio up so it doesn't drive me crazy. interested in a faring though.

 

I only notice noise from the roof rack when it's a pretty windy day (20+ mph), especially if it's a cross wind.

 

I'd only put it up when you need it. Only takes a minute to do and will save on gas

 

I have the same setup; very little noise. I use the top bars for skiis with a Thule rack. Rack comes off when I don't need it to save fuel. The Mini rear bike rack is nice.

 

I just bought the OEM roof rack. I love the look and planning on getting a roof box and bike rack in the near future. No noticeable noises or whistles but I do not have a sun roof.

On a side note, can anyone with a fairing attached to their roof rack answer if it leaves marks on the top of your MINI when you remove it? Please indicate Thule, Yakima or other. Thanks.

 

I have a thule fairing on my r56. My setup is oem rack, yakima high roller and thule fairing. I had to make my own attachment for the fairing to make it work. No marks since the thule fairing have rubber nubs on the base to prevent scuff marks on the paint it rests on. The fairing reduce wind noise significantly.

Currently waiting for my custom countryman to arrive. I plan on doing the same setup for it when I pick it up.

 

Thanks urayamu,

I just found out Yakima fairings do not have stock hardware for the MINI OEM rack either. Although Inno has a universal mounting that I am looking into. I will update my findings. Or if anyone has info...

 

I have the roof rack with the roof basket. I get a little whistling at highway speeds but if you move it to the farthest back position it does away with the noise. But, it will cover the sat receiver and you will not get good or any reception. So, I just put it back in the original position and live with the whistling. I just turn on the radio and I don't hear it. I love the basket. I can throw 4 60lb. bags of mulch/manure on top without strapping them down and head home without the fear of them coming off. Went to the beach and threw our beach chairs up there and they stayed also while running down the road at 80 mph. Love this thing. It doubles what I could carry before and I don't mess up my interior.

 

Hi, lets revisit this thread. I have the '12 CM with MINI Cross bars... I want a fairing for style.. anyone find one that fits?

 

Have there been any advancements on this?

 

any know how many inch fairing should go for the OEM cross bar?? I am going to buy one, which one are you guys recommend?

 

Try using a tape measure?