alistair,

I thought the same thing because I have a hitch mount bike rack I used with my Excursion. I couldn't justify the cost of a BMW hitch, knowing that I would never tow anything.

I have the Yakima Steelheads which lock the front forks. I'm 6'2" but my wife is 5'8" and she can put them up no problem. Takes me about 5 or less for both bikes. The only thing I would recommend is getting the wheel forks so you are not putting the front wheels in the back.

I had the same problem a couple years ago but have not regreted buying the Yakimas. Good Luck!

__________________
________________
2003 X5 4.6is