I got my lovely hot chocolate clubman off of the showroom floor, but I am not in love with my roof rails. I am wondering if it is possible to remove the OEM roof rails without damaging the roof or having to replace the roof?

 

I'm guessing it would require removal of the headliner followed by welding of the holes in the roof. Extensive bodywork and paint would follow.

 

As KyleMc569 stated you will have to remove the head liner and air bags (air bags run all the way along roof line just about the head liner on each side. then you will need to well all the hole up and paint the roof. Of course then put everything all back together.

The real problem will be with the air bags as most likely they will have to be reinitialized by the dealer to insure proper function.

 

i.e., way to expensive a proposition to follow through with. Okay, suddenly the roof rails are beginning to grow on me. Perhaps I'll add some sort of cute roof rack. Yes, that sounds like a good plan.

 

I don't like the look of them either but luckily for me they were not available when I ordered my car. And even if i was to purchase a new car to day i would make sure I did not get the roof rails. But that is just me, other people love them.