[grover]

Through an acquaintance at Yakima Racks, I was able to get a hold of the required parts list and necessary measurements to install a Yakima rack on my MINI. For those of you who aren't into drilling into your roof, I think the Yakima is a great option since it is sturdy, but also easily removable without a trace. All parts are currently available at Yakima dealers.

What you'll need is the following: One set of four Q-Towers. Two pairs of Q78 clips. One pair of 48" round cross bars. Plus whatever bike or ski attachments you want (max load is 75 pounds.) The other piece of info you'll need, which most dealers will not yet have, are the measurements. While they'll appear a little cryptic here, once you get the parts and see the instructions, you'll understand the measurements listed here: M1 36 1/2". M2 6". M3 37 1/8". M4 18".

The rack was pretty easy to install and the cross bars have just enough clearance to let the sunroof tilt up and slide back. From what I can tell, the rack feels solid. See attached picture (assuming I did the link correctly.)

[MiniShuttle]

This is a long standing issue. Is Yakima going to be listing this as a fit for MINI. I would really like to see some close-ups of this one. Can you give us more detail on the attachment? My concern has always been the lack of a metal edge to grab onto. Do the hooks grab the plastic trim, or do they reach up under the trim to the roof. Does the front mount interfere with the window? The window passes very close to the trim piece even with auto shift working on the windows (and what about when it doesn't work? interference?).

Sorry for all the questions. I've been watching the subject for a long time.

Brad

[6f7]

Thanks for taking the initiative grover! This is great news. However, I am also really concerned about the plastic trim. i would hate to loose a piece of trim and my bike. Keep us posted on how it works after using it for a while and post more pics. Thanks.

hmm...to paint them white to match the roof or not?

[grover]

According to my contact at Yakima, the parts and measurements provided to me are official, I know they were based off of actual tests they did on a Cooper.

As for how it attaches, the clips actually hook onto the underside of the plastic trim piece and it feels pretty solid. The clips do not intefere with the window opening and closing when using the doors.

Another bonus of this set-up is that the rack is very easy to remove and put back on once the Q-towers have been mounted to the cross bars for the first time and adjusted to the right tension (the most time intensive portion of the installation). I think it will be wise not to leave the rack on when not using it because over time the plastic trim may get deformed. While the lighting isn't great, check out this second picture with better detail of how the clips attach.

[ugofaster]

My one big concern had been what do do about my bike. Is this what you are using your rack for? One thing I've learned about roof racks is that solid does not always equal solid, especially at 75mph with your new S-works Stumpjumper bouncing down the road.

I'd tell you the story, but it chokes me up worse than the ending of Old Yeller.

[NEMINI]

Quote:

I'd tell you the story, but it chokes me up worse than the ending of Old Yeller.

*waits for story thinking this should prove interesting*

[Bibendum]

Grover,
Thanks for the info. Is the sunroof operational w/ this arrangement? Can it be fully opend?

Bibendum

[Jim Ray]

But that thing is going to come off the top of that MINI faster than the top layer of chickens on a Mississippi poultry truck meeting a low flyover.

Check for the many posts on this board of plastic trim gutter falling off with no stress attached. That stuff won't even hold water. Pretty, but no practical value at all.

Go ahead and fire away. I have been shot at three times this week for being the bearer of bad tidings.

Don't forget your liability for damage to vehicles following you.

If your contact at Yakama will give you a guarantee of fitness in writing, then hit the road with a clear mind.

I have cobbled Yakama racks on other cars I have owned. I have three old racks in the garage and have been looking at them and wishing I could use them. No way so far.

I really hate to post this, because I have been there, and can project how badly you want this to work. Be careful.

[ugofaster]

I guess the bike just gets taken apart and put in back, like I do now.

[Bibendum]

All,
Called Yakima today and it's an 'offical fit' now. Only good for two bikes, or a bike and ski set, or a 'basket w/ a bike or ski set but no box ~ 75lbs. I'm friends w/ my local bike shop... going to fit one up and take a look.

Bibendum

[MiniShuttle]

That kills it for me. I need 125lbs. My car is on the boat, I'm letting the dealer drill. Thanks for the post though. I still have a couple weeks for a better system to come around.

[Bibendum]

MiniShuttle,
If you can wait a couple of weeks I might have a solution for you. My S (trading in standard) arrives this week. I've desigend a hidden hitch for the S on the CAD/ CAM at work... just waiting to build and fit check. I designed it so the backup light can be popped out and the 'attachement' for the bike rack (two bike) or trailer ball can be slid in and pinned. I plan on posting pictures and drawings as soon as I can fit check. Like you, no holes in the roof unless it's the LAST resort.

Bibendum

[MiniShuttle]

Quote:

Originally posted by Bibendum
MiniShuttle,
If you can wait a couple of weeks I might have a solution for you. My S (trading in standard) arrives this week. I've desigend a hidden hitch for the S on the CAD/ CAM at work... just waiting to build and fit check. I designed it so the backup light can be popped out and the 'attachement' for the bike rack (two bike) or trailer ball can be slid in and pinned. I plan on posting pictures and drawings as soon as I can fit check. Like you, no holes in the roof unless it's the LAST resort.

Bibendum

Way cool idea. I'd like to check it out, but I don't think I can use it. I need to put 1 (and for short periods 2 or three) white water kayaks on the car. Be sure to post the design.

[Jim Ray]

Quote:

Originally posted by Bibendum
All,
Called Yakima today and it's an 'offical fit' now. Only good for two bikes, or a bike and ski set, or a 'basket w/ a bike or ski set but no box ~ 75lbs. I'm friends w/ my local bike shop... going to fit one up and take a look.

Bibendum

I am impressed. Good that Yakima is going to stand behind that install. Very well, carry on, well done...

[jtljohnson]

The Yakima website still says they are working on a fit. Nothing definitive yet www.yakima.com

Also, the right gutter on my cooper came out on its own and would not stay in. Replaced under warranty It is a really weak attachment system with a male and female plastic clip. I would never put my $4000 rocky mountain ETS70 on it. Sorry guys. Use your Subaru for hauling the bikes, use the mini for screaming around corners

[6f7]

Just wanted to follow up and see how the Yakima rack is holding up (and the gutters)? Anyone besides Grover have the Yakima rack yet?

[eltel]

I think that the real answer is to have two frames. One at the front and the other at the back.

Make the frames from 1" aluminium tubing, with the ends flattened out. Each frame is an inverted U and the flattened ends are bent back so that you can slip the ends under the wheel arches.

The front frame clips under the wheel arches just behind the bonnet gap, and the frame lays back to where the windscreen meets the roof. The frame shouldn't actually touch the car, as the horizontal section of the U-frame (that curves along the top edge of the roof) is covered with the soft foam that these roof racks are often covered in.

The rear frame clips under the rear wheel arches. It goes over the roof just ahead of the spoiler, and again the horizontal section is covered in soft foam.

The two frames are then either joined together with aluminium or steel rails, or by textile straps that can be tightened with a ratchet (those luggage strap things).

I don't expect that this setup would carry much weight but for transporting bikes it would work.

The frames should fit into the car with the seats down.

I know that you wouldn't clip anything onto just the black wheel arches, so the frame ends would need to go up under the wheel arches to grab onto something solid.

Patent Pending 436687112

Regards, ElTel

[GMINI]

Quote:

Originally posted by jtljohnson
The Yakima website still says they are working on a fit. Nothing definitive yet www.yakima.com

Also, the right gutter on my cooper came out on its own and would not stay in. Replaced under warranty It is a really weak attachment system with a male and female plastic clip. I would never put my $4000 rocky mountain ETS70 on it. Sorry guys. Use your Subaru for hauling the bikes, use the mini for screaming around corners

I see websites far behind in updating. It is quite possible it has acheived guarantee status. I'd definitely want it in writing. But it sounds solid to me. I t looks sound. The bottom clamp point is not necessarily on the pastic trim at all.

If it is entirely, I worry. However, recent production runs have had the trim adhered far more strongly than previously. Not sure of the physical improvement.

I am very excited at the prospect.

How is it so far? Max speed so far? Max load? Have you anything in writing?

Good luck!!!!

PS- I find my long-ass snowboard bag actually fits in the rear! However more than two passengers and I could use a rack. -- How much do I really want all that wet gear INSIDE the car?

[GMINI]

Let us know how it's been with the rack. please.

I mean. Have you the set up yet? If not, pardon my impatience. I am a bit enthused about the prospect of finally having an aftermarket rack that fits.

Also still a bit skeptical about the the integrity of the fit at the gutters. Any news on that? Will Yakima guarantee in writing?

Cheers!

[Bilbo Baggins]

Quote:

Originally posted by MiniShuttle
That kills it for me. I need 125lbs. My car is on the boat, I'm letting the dealer drill. Thanks for the post though. I still have a couple weeks for a better system to come around.

The factory rack is incredibly solid and rated for 75 Kg, or 165 lbs.

One of the best things about the MINI factory rack is that NOTHING touches the roof panel. No scratched paint! Very quiet at speed on the highway/motorway. So quiet you can forget it is there until you catch a shadow of the bicycles without rides pacing you down the road. Really troublesome when you can't shake them.