VIP Bike Rack

[JonR]

VIP Custom Parts makes a bike rack adapter for the F56 and it works perfectly on the Mini Cooper SE.

Installation is pretty simple.

Step 1: Remove rear bumper cover as shown here.
Step 2: Follow the directions to drill the holes using the template provided. The kit comes with the drill and hole saw bits.

Step 3: Screw in the bracket.

Step 4: Put bumper cover back on.

Step 5: Install rods that come with the kit and use the included anti-seize.

Step 6: Mount the Yakima Front Loader. The VIP instructions suggest a Yakima model that is no longer being made and I found the Front Loader to be the updated version. It works perfectly.

The OEM tow hook covers come out easily and go right back in without any special tools needed. You just push the part of the cover with the arrow on it.

VIP Custom Parts $249
Yakima Front Loader MSRP is $199 but on sale now for $149 and use HAPPYCART code for an additional 10% off.

 

[fizzit]

That looks great, its a cleaner and cheaper option for a rear tray rack than the trailer hitch+kuat combo that I did. Are there any 2 bike racks that work on it?

 

[JonR]

That looks great, its a cleaner and cheaper option for a rear tray rack than the trailer hitch+kuat combo that I did. Are there any 2 bike racks that work on it?

You might be able to squeeze two bikes on there but VIP designed it with one bike in mind. You might be able to find other F56 owners that were able to get two bikes on there.

BTW, the stainless steel rods that come with the kit are HEAVY. They are solid and definitely can take more weight than the bumper can.

 

[Stillk]

Thank you JonR -- just ordered the rack adapter from VIP and the Yakima rack from REI Coop. Just what I have been looking for and am looking forward to receiving both. Looks like even I can handle the installation.

I wish I had not wasted my time and energy (and money) on the factory roof mounted bike rack. The base rails were a good investment and will work with my skis etc in the winter.

 

[CuriousGeorge]

VIP Custom Parts makes a bike rack adapter for the F56 and it works perfectly on the Mini Cooper SE.

Installation is pretty simple.

Step 1: Remove rear bumper cover as shown here.
Step 2: Follow the directions to drill the holes using the template provided. The kit comes with the drill and hole saw bits.
View attachment 21046

Step 3: Screw in the bracket.
View attachment 21047

Step 4: Put bumper cover back on.

Step 5: Install rods that come with the kit and use the included anti-seize.

Step 6: Mount the Yakima Front Loader. The VIP instructions suggest a Yakima model that is no longer being made and I found the Front Loader to be the updated version. It works perfectly.
View attachment 21048

The OEM tow hook covers come out easily and go right back in without any special tools needed. You just push the part of the cover with the arrow on it.
View attachment 21049

View attachment 21050

View attachment 21051

VIP Custom Parts $249
Yakima Front Loader MSRP is $199 but on sale now for $149 and use HAPPYCART code for an additional 10% off.

Given the width of the car, I'm not a big fan of the tray rack. Using the existing tow hook holes is genius, however.

 

[SameGuy]

The OE bike rack from smart for the fortwo also used the tow-hook holes, but the bike carrier was mounted high up the wishbone rack to get around the need for a “light board” (ie trailer lights, reflectors, and a place to relocate the number plate).

The upper part of the wishbone was braced to the chassis at roof level, and it was a remarkably strong setup, easily able to haul two FS mountain bikes. It originally took me an afternoon to install, which included needing to drill under the roof seals in order to mount brackets for the upper braces, but once I got the hang of installing the rack, I could have it set up in less than 10 minutes. Strangely, I have no pictures of mine, but I sold the rack after just a couple of years, as I never ended up using it much.