Lets see your Bike rack

[XXXRated3]

Anyone have any updated pics?

[rack_boy]

Most of the BMW X3 roof rack set ups for bikes that I'm seeing are the Thule Racks models, specifically the Thule 450 Crossroad car rack system, which uses the traditional square Thule cross bars, and the Thule 450R Rapid Crossroad car rack system, which uses the aerodynamic elliptical Thule load bars. Personally I think the 450R version looks way better on the X3 because it matches the design lines to a T. It's a bit pricier but looks count for a lot. Both mount right to the X3 rooftop side rails no problem. You can then connect any Thule roof mount bike rack to the load bars on either setup. A heads up on the 450R version though, most bike racks need a set of the Thule Xadapts to mount onto the elliptical bars. The Adapts slide into the slots on the bars and the bike rack then connects to the Xadapts.

A lot of folks use the Thule 232 Step-Up Assist on SUV's so they can access the top of the car better. It straps onto any of the wheels and provides a step for accessing the rooftop much easier than from the ground.

[Rick in Prescott]

I'm using the internal rack that mounts on the floor rails. Got it off eBay. It was short a couple of bits but I fabricated a few here in the shop and it works great.

[Vs1]

I used the Thule rack mostly for my Kayak but got a set of used bike racks from my friend and installed yesterday.

[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

[RastaGurl]

Originally Posted by jcolley

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.

I have a mountain bike, and only the front wheel has to be removed. I've fit a combination of mountain and road bikes, 2, of course, with only the removal of the front wheels.

[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)