thanks! that's very helpful.

this is the bike rack I bought about a month ago (to use with my husband's truck...but I'd like to make it work for the mini because I love this bike rack)

http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-R...an/S64650.html

But when I looked up the hitch on the same site I got this-
http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2010_Mini_Cooper.htm

which mentions-

All non-trailer loads (bike racks, cargo carriers, etc) must be supported by stabilizing straps per Curt warranty requirements

as well as-

Heat shield must be trimmed or modified for hitch installation

It looks like the MiniDoMore hitch doesn't have those issues.

Thanks!