| Hi,
I had a Hayman Reese towbar fitted to my 05 Mini Cooper Chili about 2 years ago.
It cost $330 and that included $30 extra to have the tongue chrome plated.
The main reason it is cheaper than the $1500 (approx) that the mini dealer in Adelaide wanted to charge is that it does not include extra wiring for plugging in trailer lights. At the time, those were about $450 just for the parts.
Not a big deal for me as I only want it for the bike rack and the only thing you need for them is a light for the number plate if you are going to drive at night.
It was done at Allin towbars in Adelaide (google allin tow bars). I also got a price at Halls towbars in Adelaide but they wanted $425 and started getting stroppy when I asked them to match the price (they are closer to my home).
I am very happy with the job they did, a very neat cut to make the hole for the bar to come through UNDER the rear bumper (not through thankfully).
I am thinking of a different option next year when I may upgrade to a new Cooper S. The Saris Bones RS bike rack, although this may not work for you if you have a spoiler on a Cooper as the straps may not fit under the non-S type spoiler (They are quite different shapes). Check their website for a fit guide. (just google saris)
A friend has the Saris Bones that he mounts on the back of his Ford Territory and to stop the paint getting marked he has put coloured tape over the parts of the hatch where the straps attach. They are noticeable but it is better than scratching your paintwork and I think still more practical than roof mounts (which I am told by the dealer in Adelaide can be fit to the new minis).
I could post a picture of the tow bar if you want.
Hope this helps
ICC  | 
