X5 E53 with Roof Cargo box

plyon · #1 07-30-2010, 09:23 AM

The use of the BMW logos front and back are based on the trailer BMW used to sell - I think for the Z3 - it was an actual small trailer - this was my homage - and the BMW M Power is my joke - the M stands for mobility in this case

The case is as far back as is allowed by the attachment points as they connect to the bars. The bars are mounted per the instructions - you could move the front forward a little bit - but the rack starts to curve down. As for the back - the lift gate comes up and almost hits back of box - you could go a little bit longer - but what you should do if you need more is go wider or taller. My wife really wanted the box - its her car - so I decided to have a little fun with the decals.

JCL · #2 07-31-2010, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plyon

The use of the BMW logos front and back are based on the trailer BMW used to sell - I think for the Z3 - it was an actual small trailer - this was my homage - and the BMW M Power is my joke - the M stands for mobility in this case

The case is as far back as is allowed by the attachment points as they connect to the bars. The bars are mounted per the instructions - you could move the front forward a little bit - but the rack starts to curve down. As for the back - the lift gate comes up and almost hits back of box - you could go a little bit longer - but what you should do if you need more is go wider or taller. My wife really wanted the box - its her car - so I decided to have a little fun with the decals.

I remember those trailers. I only ever saw one in real life. The hood was optional, and the promo literature showed a BMW RT100 or something similar, on the open deck. It wasn't behind a Z3, given the weight. It had parking brakes, built in jacks, ramps, and cost a small fortune.

To move it rearwards, I was suggesting putting the crossbars where Bunyan has his in his photo. The rack only holds 220 lbs anyway, less 50 for the carrier, so if you are within that guideline of 170 lbs carrying capacity the crossbars will be solid wherever you put them. If you are over that guideline, I wouldn't move them from where you have them. I put my bike racks as far rearwards as possible, to reduce wind noise and reduce fuel consumption. I often see racks mounted forwards, but I just found them much noisier there. If you can't clear the rear hatch when it swings up, due to the length of the box, then it is all a moot point.

I had thought you had mounted 10 logos. It looks like four of them came on the rack anyway, so my mistake. It is your vehicle, so you should set it up exactly how you like it.

Good luck with it, looks good.

tdgard · #3 08-01-2010, 08:24 AM

Here is an 1800 on an E53

Not sure about the other setups but the guidelines for the box state to place the crossbars as far away from each other as possible. That-coupled with the rear opening clearance-places the front bar about as far forward as it can be. I find mine is super quiet-the bars make more noise than the box.

As for roadtrips-this thing is the best. For a beach trip all the chairs, umbrellas, kids toys, strollers, pack and plays, towels, and anything else that is going to get grungy go up there and get hosed off when you get home. The inside of the car is reserved for important stuff--like wine.