Ski & Snowboard holder on e70!!!
 

Hi, I'm planning to get a ski & snowboard holder for my e70.

I currently have three possible choices.


1. BMW OEM Trailer Hitch Class-III ($491) and Swing Away Hitch Mounted Ski & Snowboard carrier ($220)
http://accessories.bmwusa.com/Assets...tedSki_626.jpg

2. BMW OEM Base support system ($225) and Ski and Snowboard holder ($179)
http://accessories.bmwusa.com/Assets...d6Pair_818.jpg

3. Aftermarket adjustable ski & snowboard rack (around $150 ~ 200)


Which one would you prefer???

Thule Ski and Snowboard holder. get the wide one, and get the fat mouth clamps which are universal if you ever want to use it on another car. Also invest in the locks for thule.

I was so happy that I could put the skis and snowboard INSIDE my E70. Doing that worked just fine for me.

Not using roof racks or hitch mounted racks is going to save me a lot of money and trouble. The ride to the ski slopes were so much more pleasurable too without that noise and the wind resistance.

+1

No experience with snowboards, but I have used the Thule racks on three vehicles, including our previous X5 and our current X3. Get the locks too.

Yes, I could understand that. So far, I only have scratches from skis on my (new) rear bumper but I'll see how it goes. I have idle ski and snowboard racks in the garage...

I have Thule set - 5401. http://www.thuleracks.com/product.as..._id=9&sku=5401

Works great, just used it for both Ski and Snowboard. Also will fit your other cars. And cheaper than BMW accessories!

I would NOT get the hitch mount. Driving in snow with treated roads means a lot of salt/sand on very expensive gear. Not to mention the possibility of binding damage which could lead to binding failure.

Roof rack is second best. Still get some road grit, but less. Road noise an issue. I have driven from Colorado to Boston with a rack (not on a X5) and the noise is definitely very obtrusive.

A good box has less noise and aero issues and keeps the ski/board gear clean and safe. The main issues are low clearance garages and the inconvenience of having to lift skis and boards over your head.

Roof box is best IMHO.

Road noise can be completed muted if you slide close the sunroof headliner. Worked for me.

I've placed an order "Thule 5401 snowcat" today. I hope it works fine.
I'll upload some pix after I get it. Thank you guys so much for advising!!!