SUV's without roof racks look like minivans or vans to me. But, like what ppl have stated, it's a matter of personal preference.

As far as being easier to wash the car without them, I don't think that's the case at all. When I wash my X5, I stand on the running boards and grab onto the roof racks to wash the roof of the car. Without the roof racks, I don't know what I would grab for leverage.

Also, to add the roof racks when you place your BMW order, it's only around $100. To add it after you take delivery, I hear it's nearly $1000 because the whole interior roof/liner has to be taken off. So, it's safer to just get it. Because, you don't want to omit it and regretting it later on.

I just can't imagine any real reason not to have it though.