Lets see your Bike rack

[mwbbmw]

Originally Posted by X3eme

This may be crazy, but I am going to try creating a hitch mounted bike rack from a left over hitch ball holder thingy (ahh, the part that goes into the 2" receiver that the ball mounts on), and parts found at a home improvement center. Should work just fine and cost around $60. I will post instructions when I get around to doing it.

I'm actually working on making my own as well - only I'm going the inside route. I found some pics on the net of the internal bike rack from BMW and it doesn't look to complicated. I've already got the cross rails made and am working on the track that the bike actually sits in. I even made a special bracket that holds the front forks. I'll post some pics when/if I can get it figured out. I'm pretty sure I've found the pieces I need and now just need to get it done. It may not look the prettiest when I'm done, but it should function well. It will use the internal rail hooks as well to help hold the bike in place, but iall should work relatively well. We'll see . . .

[Flyer1]

Originally Posted by mwbbmw

... My '06 X3 doesn't even have the cutout like my '04 did so in order to install a hitch I would have to cut that fascia. I've seen it done (posted here) but I don't know if I'm that brave especially since I'm leasing. ...

BMW offers a different lower fascia with a cut out for the hitch. You may have to cut the inside of the bumper behind the fascia (I did on my '04, not sure about the newer style bumpers) but that mod would not be visible if you reinstalled the facia that the X3 came with.

Ref item 6...
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...43&hg=51&fg=15

Suggest anyone double check the p/n's application to your vehicle before buying. EG: I didnt need it on my '04 since it already had an area you could remove for the hitch. I think the part is for '06 and up. (body colored bumpers)

[PeterNYC]

makes sense mod cat....I have an x3, so....it's a bit easier to reach

[statdoc]

I bought mine from these people...good service and top quality. The best thing was being able to configure what you wanted, based on your model car, and it telling you everything you needed to order (such as for roof racks, etc.).

[PeterNYC]

Looks like a good place for racks, Doc...A Thule or Yak Rack will work great...for me, i wanted to keep the lines as clean as possible...I've been hauling bikes around for about 20 years now, and the BMW solution is about as clean as i've seen

[XXXRated3]

Great solutions.

I'd like to keep the lines clean as possible

[RastaGurl]

I have the bike rack that fits within the trunk, and am extremely satisfied thus far. I've had no issues transporting 2 bikes. Unfortunately, I have no pics, but I'm sure PeterNYC will take a couple for ya! Hint, hint!

[jcolley]

Originally Posted by alpine rasta

I have the bike rack that fits within the trunk, and am extremely satisfied thus far. I've had no issues transporting 2 bikes. Unfortunately, I have no pics, but I'm sure PeterNYC will take a couple for ya! Hint, hint!

Do you have road bikes or MTBs? I recently picked up road cycling and an X3 and I'm a little torn. I almost wonder if wheel bags and and a frame bag are a better option...

Other than removing the front wheel, is there anything else that needs to be done to the bike? Lowering/removing the seat?

It certainly seems like it would be more fun to drive with the bikes inside on the way to wherever you're going.

[jwbekens]

I just installed the BMW base system and Bike Lift. I purchased from Mike at Morristown BMW with internet prices (an X3world.com/xoutpost.com sponsor).
This setup is easy to use.
1. Must have handlebars and seat at about the same height.
2. Might have to remove handlebar mounted accessories such as a computer.
3. Will need a cable lock to prevent theft.

My old Bridgestone CityBike (CB0) (matches the factory Bridgestone tires) isn't all that heavy, but using the lift is so easy compared to lifting it up there my self, even with a step stool. The vertical pole is easily removed by loosening a thumbscrew.

Jon

[gburrell]

Here are a couple photo's of my aftermarket internal bike rack.
I got the parts from a couple different companies.

Bottom Rail.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...ple+Track.aspx


I bought the 47" ($50) and cut it down to about 37" They have a 35" version but for some reason it's $66. You can get the mounts there for $15 each

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...t+Carrier.aspx

I had, happened to buy some mounts at performance and planned to make my own rack, but then found the rail above.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...e.cfm?SKU=3702
I got them on sale for about $7 with another order, but they seem to be $10 right now.

Now for a road bike there are a couple issues. I'm short and ride about the smallest road bike they make and the saddle touches the roof of my X3. You might have a little more room in an X5, otherwise you'll need a quick release on the saddle. Also the bike has to go in on an angle (See photo's) otherwise the handle bars hit the hatch. I think a mountain bike or comfort bike would fit easier.

Gary