Howdy all, finally got round to posting after months of lurking, thanks for all the help that you've provided for me and for the potential help with this problem!

Just picked up my second mini, a 09 mini cooper d, with a roof rack and bike carrier thrown in for free. Very happy.

Only slight issue is that I can't get the base support bars off. Bike carrier comes off very easily but I'm stuck with the bars and the instructions are pants. As I understand it, to remove the bars, I have to open the lockable cover and half unscrew the brass nut in the centre of the plates so that it's loose.

As I didn't install the bars, I dont really have a gauge as to how much force i need to remove them. I've even tried loosening the Allen key bolts where the arm locks into the bar but to no avail.

Any help will be appreciated!

Thanks.

Can anyone offer some suggestions