Great Thule Roof Box Set-Up with Bars
 

I searched this board previously to see if anyone had a good set-up but didn't find a ton of info. Well I finally made a purchase and I think it is a great set-up so I thought I would share. It will probably work on the E70's and my total cost was 20% MSRP for all parts so about $560 total.

I do hear some wind noise with the windows down but when the windows are up and the sun roof cover closed, I don't hear it at all.

It also fits great in my garage with almost 2 feet of clearance. I can open the top in the garage and it doesn't hit the rolled up garage. I live in a 6 year old Lennar home so most new homes will probably fit it the same.

Gas mileage on my last trip was still decent so I don't know how much it affected things.

I also used the Thule Setup that goes over the tire and it worked very well.

Here is the set-up I purchased. I especially like the ease and quickness of the set up and the new Aero style bars that are not square. It fits the length of the roof perfectly.

Rack Attachment - 450R Rapid Crossroad
Rack Bar - RB53 Rapid Load Bars
Roof Box - 689B Atlantis 1600 Black (has the new quick attachment feature and is quite aerodynamic. The company rep told me it was as good as the Spirt which is more expensive)
Matching Key Set

http://www.jonny.com/bmw/roofbox/IMG_0185small.jpg
http://www.jonny.com/bmw/roofbox/IMG_0188small.jpg
http://www.jonny.com/bmw/roofbox/IMG_0190small.jpg

I've got the Aero bars as well and they are awesome! I have different feet however. The box looks good!

Looks sweet--I've been shopping for one for my X3. What is the deal with the aluminum step on the tire? Where did that come from? Looks like a necessity. . .

Thule make a step that folds up very compact. It fits over any size tire fairly well and made a great difference in how easy it was to access th box. I am no longer sliding off the door sill or stepping on my seats.

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?i...emType=PRODUCT

Wheel Step with Diamond Plate Tread

This is what I use on mine. Unfortunately it is a bit far back, you have to release the from lock from the ground or the running board. It has worked well and is quite adjustable.

john

I put this setup on my E70. Have you noticed a lot of windnoise? Mine is rather annoying...

Thanks Jonny 4.4 for the pictures,

I put this luggage box on the factory racks of my X5 4.4 last month for a long trip and it was fantastic. I cannot hear any noise at highway speeds. Don't know if it is because the factory racks are higher (and uglier) than the Thule bars.
Just had 2 kids and was looking for a way to keep my X5 because of lack of cargo space...

Nice setup. I'm going to place an order now!

I'm considering buying this box too -- were there any issues with the hatch/spoiler hitting the box when it's open?

Does not hit the spoiler
 

No issues. That is why I ordered this box. You can open the hatch fully. The box can also be adjusted forward and backwards once on the bars. I got this size also as it would fit well on the wife's RDX.