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How does that work then?
Like this
No, that’s not it - there’s one that mounts into two holes in the bumper.
I assume (but don’t know) it needs special fittings? Anyone got one and is it BMW only?
Not sure if its a bmw/mini rack only. But I nearly bought one for mini a few years ago, but the cost through the dealer was crazy. Just lived without it as I couldn't justify it. But from memory they did look like a well built rack.
It was neat in that you didn't need a towbar to mount the rack, just pop out the two plastic circles in the bumper and slide the rack into the mounts in the chassis. So was much better and safer than one of those racks thats hangs of the tailgate.
I think it's a US part only. I spoke at length with the guys at MINI about options (including different cars) and in the hour or so we talked, not one of them mentioned this at all. So it's either the least well known part in the history of car accessories, or just not available in the UK.
NickC, I think it was available in the UK. Our local mini dealer had one on display a few years ago when we looked. But I don't think I've ever seen one on a car outside of the dealership.
Think storage could be an issue with them. It didn't appear to fold down much, so off the car it looked like it took a lot of room up.
But they certainly were expensive. A lot more than a thule rack if I remember correctly
Ah fair enough, once more this forum proves more knowledgeable!
Just looked it up on the MINI accessory site....Holy cow it's nearly £700!
There a couple on ebay now. Less than £200.
There a couple on ebay now. Less than £200.
Do they come with the optional reinforcing and fitting kit with the drop down plug that the rack requires ? Mini usually only comes stock with a single towing eye cover and the bike rack mounts into 2 of them ...
ISTR that this is a factory build option, or was when looking a few years ago. Bought a sea sucker for the roof instead and which could be used on more than one car, plus was cheaper o/a.
Got one on my Countryman. Fits it 2 minutes and is rock solid. Didn't pay much second hand.
Set an alert on eBay/Gumtree as folk will sell once they get rid of the car.
Only allows two bikes and the wheel holders are pretty thin and might not be wide enough for a long slack sled. My fattie fits with a bit of a bodge though.
Definitely saw one on a Countryman in Rochdale.
£700 isn't too bad if the alternative would be fitting an OE towbar and separate rack.
I guess you could also copy the fittings so you could lift it off the car and fit it into a stout timber on a spare bit of garage wall space and use it as a garage rack instead of having a problem storing it.
I thought about making one when I bought a 3dr Mini Cooper eight years ago; using the two bolt holes for the towing eyes. In end the end I just bought a SeaSucker Talon.