Roof Bike Rack

[Fredo]

Has anyone got either of the OEM roof mounted bike racks or could they recommend another make? Particularly interested in the lift style OEM one part no 82 72 0 137 607.

Thanks

[JCL]

I did a search here on Roof Bike Rack and got 31 hits. I posted in quite a few of them, so I will let you read about the detail there. I put pictures of my bike rack on two different vehicles in those posts.

In summary, the BMW rack is expensive, and while the lifting arm is an interesting idea, I have never struggled to lift the bikes up (including a tandem).

I recommend Thule and Yakima for crossbars, with Thule, Yakima, or ATOC bike holders. If you are not tall enough to put the bikes on the roof, carry a Rubbermaid step stool with you. Our X3 is easy, our E53 was fine, and I suspect that the E70 is just that little bit higher.

Jeff

[alexmish]

Thule, all the way.... Not to mention it will fit future cars you'll drive at no extra charge...

[Fredo]

Thanks! Thule does seem to be the right answer then.

Can you get a bike rack on aongside a roof box I wonder?

[alexmish]

Originally Posted by Fredo

Thanks! Thule does seem to be the right answer then.

Can you get a bike rack on aongside a roof box I wonder?

Most likely yes, but it depends on the roof box's width. Thule makes a few of them, and I did see other cars with a bike rack alongside with a roofbox.

[JCL]

Links to description and photos of Thule rack on X3 here. Rack works exactly the same on the X5.

http://www.xoutpost.com/x3-e83-forum/...bike-rack.html

[E61Silver]

You might find a hitch rack easier to use and it won't produce aero noise/drag.