Roof bars

jeremybingham · Jul 9, 2014

Hi has anyone specced their f56 with roof bars; I have as apparently you wont be able to get an ordinary roof rack on the f56 as per the brilliant way the rack fitted the r56. Instead you need to spec bars at the factory and then buy a roofrack base. Seems a bit of a shame, ebay here we come! but at least i won't scratch my new roof when it arrives!

catflap · Aug 25, 2014

jeremybingham said:
Hi has anyone specced their f56 with roof bars; I have as apparently you wont be able to get an ordinary roof rack on the f56 as per the brilliant way the rack fitted the r56. Instead you need to spec bars at the factory and then buy a roofrack base. Seems a bit of a shame, ebay here we come! but at least i won't scratch my new roof when it arrives!

We have a new MCS with factory roof bars...

You can see pictures here:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ozpzvei2h0tbgvz/AAD6YZ_YTUG_QTudIRJOGpYRa?dl=0

We use Thule 'Aero' roof bars, they fit really well.

Iznik · Aug 25, 2014

Nice photos. Some without pixelated reg in case you mind!

catflap · Aug 25, 2014

Iznik said:
Nice photos. Some without pixelated reg in case you mind!

Thanks, I've updated the folder!

mikeswagon · Aug 26, 2014

I also specced the roof rails (bars would refer to the cross members from mini/thule etc).

I wanted to be able to fit roof bars for future camping trips, bikes etc. They're not as noticeable on mine as it has a black roof.

BTW if you have a look on north american motoring I'm sure there are a couple of companies offering fittings to work without the rails.

Catflap, any chance you could upload any pictures with your thule aerobars fitted? Be good to see how they look, as I haven't bought any yet.

catflap · Aug 26, 2014

mikeswagon said:
I also specced the roof rails (bars would refer to the cross members from mini/thule etc).

I wanted to be able to fit roof bars for future camping trips, bikes etc. They're not as noticeable on mine as it has a black roof.

BTW if you have a look on north american motoring I'm sure there are a couple of companies offering fittings to work without the rails.

Catflap, any chance you could upload any pictures with your thule aerobars fitted? Be good to see how they look, as I haven't bought any yet.

Hi, Will do...might be a day or two!

syda · Aug 26, 2014

Is there a way to retro fit an F56 with roof rails? Unfortunately I was in a time crunch to buy a new car and it didn't come with the roof rails.

It's a shame too, because I can't figure out how to transport my road bikes. There doesn't seem to be any roof rack for it yet.

catflap · Aug 26, 2014

syda said:
Is there a way to retro fit an F56 with roof rails? Unfortunately I was in a time crunch to buy a new car and it didn't come with the roof rails.

It's a shame too, because I can't figure out how to transport my road bikes. There doesn't seem to be any roof rack for it yet.

I noticed on our new mcs that there are two blanking covers on the rear bumper one each side. Is it possible to fit the mini rear mounted cycle rack like on the Countryman?

Lonelycupid · Aug 26, 2014

If anyone has found a solution for fitting roof rack system onto their F56 without factory rails, please do share.
I optioned for this originally, but there was some weird factory production issue that prevents them from building my combo: white roof, sunroof and rails. So I had to drop the rails or wait an extra month...

Angib · Aug 27, 2014

You guys are lucky - I'm waiting for the F57 Convertible and I bet they won't offer any roof rails or rack for that.......

I did have a Mercedes SLK with a roof rail system (it went clean over the roof from windscreen header rail to boot - and could be used with the roof down), so I miss having roof bars on my Mini.

mikeswagon · Aug 28, 2014

guys, here's a link to the stuff I was referring to earlier.

http://www.northamericanmotoring.co...k-2014/273112-f56-aftermarket-roof-racks.html

jeremybingham · Aug 28, 2014

After my factory visit I am really glad I ordered roof bars. They aren't obtrusive in a offroader type way. V impressive. Don't think you can retrofit them as the tour guide told me the roof is different from the supplier ie comes with holes as does the sunroof option. 1Week 2 days to go. Got a reg number!

Per · Sep 10, 2014

Thule solution?

Thule have a solution according to their product selection tool: http://www.thule.com/fitguide/m/Default.aspx?Language=en&Market=GB#pageCategories

Online installation manual only cover 1st and 2nd gen Mini so verifying with Thule before buying is probably a good idea..

Per

jeremybingham · Sep 17, 2014

Have to confirm the roof rails that the roof bars fit to look really nice on the black roof. Really pleased with it.

Nick-MCS-VO · Nov 6, 2014

catflap said:
We have a new MCS with factory roof bars...

You can see pictures here:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ozpzvei2h0tbgvz/AAD6YZ_YTUG_QTudIRJOGpYRa?dl=0

We use Thule 'Aero' roof bars, they fit really well.

Hi, My mini arrives next month and i have the roof rails too. I already have some Thule wings which i love. Where did you buy the mounts for the rails that work with the Thule wings?

Cheers, Nick

AVP · Feb 21, 2015

Hello

I've just ordered with Roof Rails. Just need to find the bars and fittings (hopefully not from mini as the usual expensive option)

I have email the guy who's offering 10% off excessories through March to see if he has them and offering the 10%.

If anyone know of where to get them please let me know. Thanks.

jeremybingham · Feb 21, 2015

I know they're not cheap £170 but the bmw bars are a beAutiful design and so easy to fit

AVP · Feb 22, 2015

Morning.

Yes the bars do get the 10% off.

jockney69 · Mar 5, 2015

Still getting to grips on how this site works - sorry!
On the subject of roofbars, my MCS did not have the preparation for bars before leaving the factory.
Does anyone know how and if I can use Mini or BMW roofbars?
Or
Do you know of a quality alternative that will retrofit?

My dealer states that they could retro prepare for roof bars however they strongly advise against it as they would drill through the roof and integrity could not be guaranteed!!
I want to get my bikes on the roof!

uke · Mar 7, 2015

jockney69 said:
Still getting to grips on how this site works - sorry!
On the subject of roofbars, my MCS did not have the preparation for bars before leaving the factory.
Does anyone know how and if I can use Mini or BMW roofbars?
Or
Do you know of a quality alternative that will retrofit?

My dealer states that they could retro prepare for roof bars however they strongly advise against it as they would drill through the roof and integrity could not be guaranteed!!
I want to get my bikes on the roof!

If you didn't get the preparation, you cannot use the MINI bars.

Retrofitting the preparation is not advised, and involves drilling holes in the roof (leaks). Also, apparently the roof with the preparation is different to provide strength for the rack. If you try to use a normal roof, it may not be strong enough.

So far I have not found any aftermarket racks. Yakima and Thule have nothing for us.

Roof bars

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