Hi all,
Please give advice about these roof bars systems.

- I really like the look of the whispbars but fitting these involved drilling holes in the plastic covers, presumed 4 holes for 4 feet which isn't a problem. As I don't intent to leave them on permanently, these holes will need covers when the roof bars are off; do any of you use them and what is the solution? some sort of caps? Roofbox selling these 2 for about £190, my fl2 doesn't have any sunroof.

- Thule system consists of 2x962 wingbars, 1xThule 754 kit and 1x1443 adapter kit which also come out about £186 from Roofbox. There isn't any drilling required but it doesn't look as good as the whispbars. Have any of you used this Thule system and what are your opinions?

Many thanks!

Why not factory rails? 10 minute job to instal - easy!
Plenty copies on ebay at good price! As long as your not worries about having LR stamped on them.
No drilling, all fixings already present!

 MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
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Nice green colour there mate
I am not sure about the look of the rails and a bit worried about the noise as well. Previously I usually don't fit roof bars until I need them.

Can be a personal thing
I really like them and think it enhances the cars stance.
Yes, I get a bit of noise above 110km/hr with rails in place, off no noise or more from mirrors.
I'd go original, even if for just resale!
Haha Yes Green, never thought I buy Green, but wow it's a great colour, pics really don't pic up the metallic.
But Silver looks great also!! Especially if you tint windows and put roof rails on!

 MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

There you go Paxman, found a pic in your colour with factory rails

 MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

Thank for the pic, makes me think about that route!
Green is my wife colour, she has the green mini and loves it to bit.
I'd refer black but black shows dirt very easy. In the end I have no choice as this car was near and within the budget, given a choice I may pick green over grey.
BTW did you mod the side steps?
Regards

+2 for factory rails

Click image to enlarge

Without going off topic too much I think LR's without roof rails look odd! I think the reason is that seeing so many D2s and FL1's with them on is that main reason why. On the 3 door FL1 they acted as an external roll cage. I like to think that this feature is the same on mine  MY14 Kahn Converted Dynamic - Fuji White Ebony/Pimento Interior
MY15 Xenon Headlight Conversion

MY17 RRS SVR - Estoril Blue Cirrus/Ebony 🪣💺’s

I would normally want factory accessories over after-market but IMHO the factory roof rails don't enhance the car at all. Much too tall and out of scale with the rest of the car

Yes Paxman, factory side steps but put them on myself as I knew I do a better job! Again
not a hard task.
There are plenty of copies on ebay but wasn't prepared to take risk on such a large visible item. Mind you other non genuine have been amazingly good quality!


 MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

My whispabars do not screw into the roof - they use similar fixing to the Thule. This screw in fitment was a fairly new addition to the bars I think at the request of owners(and there are posts on here about it) but I think you can still order the brackets that clip onto the gutters as an option. Try roof box.co.uk, they are very helpful and will be able to tell you for definite.

LRNut: ... Acting as the roll cage! Unless the roof frame is very strong I don't think it could take much mate! The safe loading for the roof is only 70Kg..
I agree with Le bouch the rails are a wee bit tall ..
How long did it take you to fit those step Stuart ?
@ decho: what is the product number for those feet that do not screw in? The product number for screw in is K 631.

Try here....
http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4...7BIaQ7aBF8

The fitting kit is k455 but I may stand corrected as to whether it's still available.
Search this site for whispbar and you will see the posts I am referring to.

I have Whispbars with K455 feet. They clamp in the door frame, easy to fit, no drilling, no marks when removed. Also VERY quiet! I would try the bolt-on 631 version which looks very neat but I have a sunroof which will foul the bar supports.

Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

I note that unlike most roof rails, the roof rails for the FL2 have a horizontal cross member which , to my mind, might create a lot of noise.

Im in 2 minds over fitting OEM permanent roof rails or thule roof bars as and when I need them. I dont want extra wind noise all the time. Jules