Extra-Long Replacement Bolts for Thule Roof Bike Carrier for Use on Mini Cooper Factory Crossbars

Question:

I have a mini cooper with mini cooper cross bars. The bike rack is Thule single bike carrier. I need to replace the hex head factory bolts because the factory ones are to short. What would you recommend? I also need to replace the rear bolts that slide into the frame of the wheel base. I believe they are called Square head bolts. Again the factory ones are to short. Remember, the Mini Cooper factory cross bars are thick. Any assistance would be helpful. Thanks

asked by: Matt B

Expert Reply:

My contact at Thule checked the fit for all of their roof-rack-mount single bike carriers and advised that none are a confirmed fit for the factory roof rack crossbars on the Mini Cooper. As you note, the unusual thickness of the OEM bars makes them a challenging fit with many roof rack accessories.

Since I do not know which Thule carrier you are using I can suggest you review part # 915-068-054, which is a 6 x 80 millimeter carriage bolt. This is the longest one Thule offers. Thule cannot confirm these will work on your Mini and they do not offer alternative hardware kits to adapt their carriers to your particular vehicle.

If the parts listed above do not work for your installation you may be best-served by taking measurements of the bolt length needed and visiting your local hardware store to find suitable substitutes. Also, if you can advise which Thule carrier you are using I may be able to assist further.

I have linked you to a page showing the Thule Echelon and Prologue carriers for reference.

expert reply by: Adam R