Removing the Roof Rails.
 

I am considering taking off the roof rails, but I dont know what trim covers fill the holes left or what they look like. Are they flush? Are they colour coded? Whats the part number?

I have looked on RealOem but cant find what is needed only the fitting of the rails.

Please can anybody help. Close-up Pics would be great if there are any out there.

Thanks.

I don't have the part number you need but there was a guy here in the States who used plastic plugs he bought at a hardware store.

FWIW, I don't like the X5 without the rails. This pic was cribbed from a post from LeMans X5.

http://www.bmw.ca/configurator3/imag...475_STDWLC.jpg

....That'd be me...
 

Sans roof rails....I found plugs (2 sizes needed) at my local OSH hardware....*BMW Stealer has various plugs/caps as well....if my memory serves me, they are 18 and 20mm....
*no plugs made specifically for this mod....:tsk:

can someone post a real life pic of the car without roof rails.

i think the x looks good with the roof rails, there was a pic a while ago where somebody did this mod.

Give it a go Pete, but I don't think it will look right. 4x4s need that rugged look and the roof rails are a big part of that look. Take the VW Touareg, the lower spec cars don't come with a roof rail and it looks to soft, saying that the roof rail system on that car is moving bars that act as a spoiler when not in use. Still doesn't look right but better than no roof rail system IMO.

Don

Has anyone actually used the roof rails??

I know i wont be!

I just did this past weekend. I have Thule crossbars, and then a soft zippered bag that attaches to carry extra "stuff". I went on a weekend lake trip, and that was great to have life jackets and other Waverunner junk up top.

I use mine all the time!

My dad and I both have the thule 5401 snowcat which works great.

http://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/5/7/DSC01350.JPG

I am the same I wont be using them. But I cant believe there isnt a proprietary trim finish once removed.

I just think with the lowering of my X and the Carbon black finish it would look more streamed.

I just dont know, maybe another answer might be the titanium roof rails as an option if it doesnt work.

I don't use them so I wouldn't mind removing them...I think the smooth look would be tight.

http://www.da-motorsport.com/projeler/x5/IMG_0029.jpg

http://www.da-motorsport.com/projeler/x5/IMG_0161.jpg

Here is the thread I posted of X5s in different colors without roof-rails. IMHO it looks bald without rails.

You have have fantastic looking X5. Don't do it.

I think it looks just fine - go for it. Hey, you can always reinstall them if you don't like the look...

:iagree: not digging the bald X5 look at all .... just my 2 cents.

Here is one of mine

http://www.stromberg.se/marcus/zebbe/4.jpg

More pics here: http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ighlight=Zebbe

Nice motor mate, I do like that smooth look.

But how have you finished/closed the fixing points, is it OEM? have you a part number or a close up please.

Thanks

Thanx!

Mine was orderd like that from the factory so I have no idea.