I got this email today from Yakima:

"Great news, Yakima Products now has a fit for your vehicle! That means that all your toys that have been longing to be back out in the fresh air since you got that new vehicle will soon be back on the trail, slopes or open road.

Here is your fit information:
Vehicle: MINI Cooper Clubman
Year Range: 2008-2011
Fit Type: Top Factory Rack: Naked Roof
Weight Limit: 125
Tower/ Attachment: Q Towers
Required Accessory: None
Crossbar Length: 48" CrossBars Recommended
Fairing: 38" Fairing
Front Clips/ Landing Pads: Q116
Rear Clips/Landing Pads: Q116

M1: 36 3/4 M2: 3 1/2 M3: 37 M4: 26

Notes:
6. At the specified measurements, insert a plastic card under the trim to locate the hidden slot. Firmly press the clips into the hidden slot, using the plastic card to help leverage the clip into place. Download the supplemental instruction at yakima.com/download/clubman.pdf for further reference.
82. Any load extending beyond the length of the roof (except luggage boxes) must be secured to both the front and rear of the vehicle, in addition to the rack.
102. StrapThang limited to 2 surfboards. Board length limited to 10' or less on this application. Boards must be stacked -DO NOT carry side-by-side.
103. Due to crossbar spread limitation, Kayak Stacker is not recommended on this application.
104. Canoes must be 14 feet or less on this application.
112. The sunroof should not be opened while the rack is installed. Remove rack when not in use.
114. Check clips after installing. Grab each clip and try to pull them hard away from your vehicle, twice. If the clip moves after the second pull, tighten the adjustment post. If the clip still moves after the second pull, recheck your measurements between the towers and adjust if necessary. Check clip again.
161. Maximum allowable weight load is 125 lbs.
180. This fit requires the use of current generation Q-Tower (4 Pack PN 8000124 or 2 Pack PN 8000135). Contact your local dealer if you have questions or call Consumer Service at 888-925-4621, Option 2, from 7am-5pm Pacific Time M-F.
187. Boa bike mount will not work due to crossbar spread limitations.
197. Foam blocks limit capacity to one boat per vehicle.

If you would like to choose your system with all your bells and whistles you can click here to be taken to our Rack Configurator. If you all you need is the base rack and you're ready to buy you can click here to find a dealer in your area as well as some online dealers. Thanks for your patience, now get out and play!"

A quick look at the PDF install instructions shows this rack installs in the same place as the factory option, under the rubber trim. This will be a nice option because it costs less than the Thule rack and seems like it will be more secure than hooking over the rain gutter.

 

Just purchased the Yakima. It's not installed yet, but why would it indicate to not open the sunroof when the system is installed?

 

Potential for pedal-strike, perhaps?

 

Yakima roof rack successfully installed!
2009 Clubman
Fit Type: Top Factory Rack: Naked Roof
Weight Limit: 125
Tower/ Attachment: Q Towers
Required Accessory: None
Crossbar Length: 48" CrossBars Recommended
Fairing: 32" Fairing
Front Clips/ Landing Pads: Q116
Rear Clips/Landing Pads: Q116

It was initially daunting due to the landing pads, this is installed on the rubber strip that runs through the door. Initially the concern was breaking the rubber seal and if it would cause leaks. My husband used a credit card to insert through the rubber seal and then with the credit card angled at about 45 degrees you then insert the landing pads. You will need to put some force and it will click in. Try to put it about where you will actually place the whole Q Tower so if you have to adjust left or right, it would only be pushing the landing pads to the desired exact location (will have to use a good push on the pads if to get it to your desired location). You will need to do this 4 times!! Follow the rest of the measurements that's suggested (your only play is about 1/8 off). The result is completely secure. Amazing!
We chose Yakima because all our other equipment (powerhound for snowboards) can be switched between the 2 cars).
The clearance is good enough to open the sunroof. It does not touch the bars.
Wind noise is also good with the sunroof completely opened.
Adding a fairing will not interfere with the bug net infront of the sunroof. Just make sure you follow the suggested measurements.

As a preference, I used the black side of the fairing, which actually looks cool because if you're looking at the car on the driver side, you will see the Yakima logo from the back! Another preference was going with the 32" inch fairing as opposed to the 38". IT"S A MINI!!! and BTW her name is Simba!

Hope this write up helps for anyone thingking of adding a non OEM roof rack.

 

On second thought, it could be an issue with the roof structure 'flexing' under load without the torsional rigidity that the closed glass panels might provide.

You might ask Yakima why they recommend keeping the roof closed.

P.S. Congratulations on the successful installation. Pictures?