Thule Ascent 1600 problem
 

I mounted a Thule 1600 on my X5 today using the BMW cross members (Part # 82-71-0-404-320). These are a typical BMW product, over enginered and over priced but one great set of bars.
I have a problem, the Thule anchoring system does not close over the bars. (see pictures below) The problem is twofold, the front Thule clamps hit the aero tabs on the bottom of the bars and the back clamps simply won't close around the bar due to its size. Has anyone encountered this before?
Any suggestion?
Jack

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jack_muench/3035569098/[/IMG]

Cant see the pics.

Try This
 

Not sure if there's a way around it.

It have Yakima cross bars and it works great with my Thule Cargo box.

I was told that you can replace those newThule clamp system with the old clamp system from the old style Thule boxes like mine. I have the Cascade XT 1500. You will need to order the Quick Snap mount and the Ubolt. The Ubolt secures around any type of cross bars.
Thule Part# 05071
Hardware Bag QuickSnap $153.00

Not sure if this will fit your box but you can check with Thule to be sure www.thuleracks.com

This is a cheaper alternative than getting a new crossbar system.

Hope it works for you. Good luck

I had a Thule 591 bike carrier problem ad managed to get a BMW specific set of T-Bra bolts, perhpas this is another option to solve the same problem? Not sure if roof boxes can/should be mounted using the T-slot system...

PS sorry does this actually cause a problem? For the front you could trim the aero bits off as the clamps probably negate these anyway and at the rear is is not a solid connection anyway, I assume not :(

I dont think it has to close all the way, as long as it is tight and secure, you should be fine (IMHO)

BTW, can you also post the picture of the car + the box on top of it (from different angles)... I've just ordered Yakima SkyBox 16S, but was debating between Ascent 1600 and Yakima for a while.

I have Thule aero cross-bars, which I also happen to use for my bike rack.

By T boltsi am assuming it would be a Bolt that would go inside the cross member and come out thrugh the hole where the rubber piece goes.
JWM

Aha that's the ones.

Go to my flickr site for more photos.

Problem solved.
 

I talked to Thule customer service today (only open Tues - Fri)and was informed that seldom does their clamps lockdown far enough to bypass each other. As long as they are under the bar and the connection is tight they are ok. I tried to cut off the end of the plastic aero foil on the bottom of the crossbar that was impeding the front clamps. The piece popped loose. It was adhered to the bar with strip of clear adhesive that was making contact only on the end. The second one was the same. End of story.

Thanks, looks nice !

I am getting my Yakima box on Thursday, should mount it over the weekend. Will post pics.