TQ2K, Your X may be one of my favorite e53's on this site. The wheels are pushing what I typically like as far as size is concerned, but it looks pretty damn clean.

Watch out for the Hotel valet and low hang park garages in the city. I had my Thule taken out last year by a valet even after I told him to watch out. A box on the E53 is a great companion. Good work.

This is why I bought the Thule Terrapin hitch mounted cargo box. Well, that and there is less aero drag, less noise, and it is easier to load and unload. :stickpoke

Thanks and I hear ya about the wheels.... I wasn't a big fan initially and even just tried out a pair so I can see it in person and liked it thereafter.

With big wheels 21 or 22" on the E53 IMHO it really depends on the style, weight and finish as these will dictate success or failure in the looks and driveability perspective

Here's hoping you have better luck than me TQ...

Have you had to replace a barrel ;-).......

After the 7th or 8th time, 7X beeing too many, I changed wheels...
Between $300+ being the cost of a average repair, dismouting, mounting, balancing, packing, shipping...it get's a lil tiresome..


Was just looking at Morr or Neez for options. Love their wheels - just the style of what I was looking for was not there...

Great looking setup. If I happened to be a factory guy I might see a profit center here. Hmm :thumbup:

Anybody with pics of a narrower model AND at least one bike next to it? I am looking to get a box as well for my 4.8is but would like to still be able to fit at least one bike up there. what's the maximum size (length) after which you cannot open the rear lift gate without it touching the box?

Thanks guys.

i , like fseth have no use for one but want one after seeing yours. the frond and back badges make it look like a beemer part, though id take the x5 off the sides for a cleaner look. i have the cross bars in the garage (never put them on)

It is all just a trade-off on length and width. You can get as long as you like, but to clear the rear hatch you often end up with it forward of the extended profile of the windshield, which increases drag and noise. If you run a straight edge along your windshield, and have the hatch open, that will provide the maximum length for the lowest drag.

I don't think width is a problem for an added bike rack. I have four bike racks on Thule crossbars, and I could put one of them next to any of the boxes in these shots, inside the rails. Two on some of them. The aero or low-profile crossbars may restrict it a little, as you lose mounting space right next to the rails. I use Thule standard cross bars, and can mount things outside the rail if I like (helpful for four bikes and separate wheel carriers)

Thanks for the input. All I need is actually two bikes with wheel mounts and a narrow box. The black Thule @ the start of this thread looks sharp. Extra X5 Badges aren't my thing but the roundels are ok and do add that "factory" look sort of. I might get mine painted Artic Sliver to match the car when I get it.