X5 E53 with Roof Cargo box

[X5kindathing]

Originally Posted by JCL

It is all just a trade-off on length and width. You can get as long as you like, but to clear the rear hatch you often end up with it forward of the extended profile of the windshield, which increases drag and noise. If you run a straight edge along your windshield, and have the hatch open, that will provide the maximum length for the lowest drag.

I don't think width is a problem for an added bike rack. I have four bike racks on Thule crossbars, and I could put one of them next to any of the boxes in these shots, inside the rails. Two on some of them. The aero or low-profile crossbars may restrict it a little, as you lose mounting space right next to the rails. I use Thule standard cross bars, and can mount things outside the rail if I like (helpful for four bikes and separate wheel carriers)

Thanks for the input. All I need is actually two bikes with wheel mounts and a narrow box. The black Thule @ the start of this thread looks sharp. Extra X5 Badges aren't my thing but the roundels are ok and do add that "factory" look sort of. I might get mine painted Artic Sliver to match the car when I get it.