Cross bars help needed
 

Hey dudes,

Ran across this ad on craigslist: 2000-06 BMW X5 Roof Rack

Can anyone tell me if these are the updated "locking" bars? From my research, the original E53 bars were not lockable???

My source for parts says that there are no locks/keys available in the USA or Germany... are these NLA from BMW?

Anyone???

Thanks,

ep

If the racks are not lockable (i.e. the seller is confused), then (obviously) you can't lock them.

If the racks are indeed lockable and the keys are NLA from BMW (which I find strange), call a locksmith to swap the old barrels out with new ones/corresponding keys. I'd call BMW first to confirm.

Job done.

So there are two versions of the cross bars, right? First I need to confirm that these are the lockable ones. From my research, it seems so, just wanted to confirm.

I like the locksmith idea but the cross bars in question have no locks to begin with.

Will call BMW.

The rack maybe the one that require a "Special" tool to install and remove. The special tool is the deterrent to someone taking the rack off.

Ditto...if there's no actual "key"...the bolt that secures the rack to the rail has a special "keyed" tool that is required to remove the bolt. There are multiple keyed tools...and you need the code to order it from a BMW dealership's parts department. Most times, the code is engraved somewhere on the keyed bolt.

If you look up the mutlple rack systems for the e53 on realoem.com...you'll see what upallnight & I are referring to. :)

EDIT: after clicking the link to the CL you posted...the seller posted a pic of the racks that show the BMW part nbr...if you go to realoem.com...you can see which rack system it is...it happens to be the one that uses the tool that is "keyed" to fit the securing bolts: