Bike rack on roof of E53 experience?
 

Looking for advice on adding a roof-mount bike rack to my '01 E53. Already have the standard side rails. Have found that a BMW OEM #82720137716 exists. Anyone with experience -- or another idea? Looking to carry two road bikes.

:wavey::xoutpost::wavey:

i have the profile 2000 and used to have the bike attachment. it's extremely hard to put a bike up there. you either put the bike onto the bike rack and bring both to the top, or put the attachment on the top and lug your bike up there. there's only one strap that holds the bike, and two wheel stoppers on the track. if your pedals have teeth, make sure you wrap them. i didn't and during a drive, the pedals moved to the bike holder arm and seriously scratched the finish. when you don't have a bike on the attachment, the holder arm cannot be secured down...it just floats there.

you can pay a little more for the more advanced one where all you have to do is to attach the bike on the ground, and flip it up...i haven't tried that one, but it seems a lot simpler.

No experience with a rack, but I have fit my bike into both the E53 and E70, with out need to remove anything from the bike. Once I actually fit three bikes in the E53. :D

I use and like the Thule bike rack. It fits the standard BMW rails that run fore/aft. You need load bars, mounting feet, and the bike holder for the rails. Go to the Thule site and you can build the config you want for a BMW X5. I have the mounting feet that have a rubber pad, and it all attaches in 5 minutes.

I have three of the previous-model bike holders that have a trough for the wheels, and a swing-up arm with a jaw to hold the down tube. It is very easy to attach a bike, one thumbwheel to clamp and two velcro straps on the wheels. It clamps in a flat position when no bike is attached. I have just bought another holder for a road bike, where I will remove the front wheel and use a quick-release on the fork. The bike holder is lockable, and the entire rack is locked to the BMW rails, all with the same key.

I don't have any trouble loading it, but I am 6'4" and can lift any bike straight up there. YMMV. Also, the bikes don't move at all and no damage can happen, unless you drive under a low bridge. Lots of posts on bike racks and part numbers if you search here.

Jeff

x2 on the Thule. I have recently ordered mine up. I prefer the fork mounts as they are more secure and low profile.

I had Yakima cross bars and steelheads and just sold them here. They worked great and look better than the BMW ones.

Anyone try the hitch mounted Bike racks? I'm thinking of order one for my fiance and I.

I have the Yakima bars w/LowRider mounts. Looks good -- all black. I have to recommend a faring, though. They are noisy without it. I've used Yak racks for about 15 years on at least 10 different vehicles for bikes, ski's and kayaks. Love them.

-- Kelly

I use the Thule rack and bike holders on the roof. I am also only 5ft 6in (and only when I round up to the nearest inch :rolleyes: ). This presents big challenges in getting the bikes on the roof. My solution is a three step aluminium Ladder which then has to come with me in the boot (trunk).