**How can I remove the roof rails??**
 

Hi guys,
just saw couple of guys who removed their roof rails, I was just wondering if there is a link on how exactly to have them removed and what should I put in the wholes when the rails are out?? cheers:thumbup:

Actually I work at the Manufacturing plant where we made the E53 and I installed the roof rails lol. On the top inside part of the roof rails are plugs on the mounts. Pop those out and bolts are in there to remove the rails. However, under there are metal mounting brackets that have to be removed. There are 2 bolts on each of them. If I remember correctly they are 10mm. Then you'll need to order the non-roof rail strip to replace the one you have since there are no plugs for the holes left. Trust me on that, you can't plug them. Under the strip that you must remove, you will need to order plugs for some holes under there or you will get leaks. Go to realoem.com to get your parts break down and part numbers. The prices aren't dealer prices. The dealer will be higher.

Does anyone have pics of these ''strips'' or the part numbers?

:popcorn:

If you havent already seen the bolts you need to undo that attach the rails to the roof, they are TORX bolts, though I cant remember what size!

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...of+rail+delete

Start here.

Wow, you really work there?! Can you tell us about the non-USA X5's that went through there (i.e. individual editions, euro-spec, what options, etc.)

Wow, thanks for finally coming aboard :thumbup:

thnx for your detailed info coolbimmerguy. im going to take them out and once done ill post some pics.

i'll talk to Marc....he's the engineer in that department and see if he can round up some part numbers and specific parts needed to remove the roof rails. I must say, the euro models get the best options. Not so much as cosmetic but the specs are more toward what we in the usa want. Thanks to the emission laws, we can't have the unleashed versions.

Its nice to have members who actually works for BMW or a BMW Serv Dept. They seem to provide the best 411.