The kit on JT///MC's X5 is what i was referring to...

That's not the E70 kit. They may look similar, but they are not the same.

They must look alike then, 'cause there's a 4.8i in my parking garage and his kit looks exactly like mine. Unless he's using the 053.

Yes the style is the same across the board, but the fitment is different for the different models BMW makes. Your reply to the poster was that the kits are the same (at least that is how I read it) which is not a correct statement. If he buys the E53 kit for his E70 or vice versa expecting it to fit he might be in for a surprise. You should correct your reply and make it more clear.

As much as I like to stick to OEM, I still think that Thule's 450R Rapid Crossroad is superior to the "tall and huge" BMW rack attachment. But that's just my opinion :)
http://secure.actionsportsct.com/act...ucts/79328.jpg

I don't know for certain who currently makes the racks for BMW, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was Thule. They already make some parts for them... such as.

Yakima or Thule bars look better than OE (imho of course)

I also have Thule 450R cross bars. They are 0.5" lower (yes, just 0.5" !), stick out on the sides, and have whistling noise now matter what kind of fairing you use. BMW OEM have much cleaner look.

IMO, I would get rid of the Thule wind defector. Iit sort of degrade the premium class of the X5.

I would recommend the hitch rack carrier from Yakama.
Easy mount, unmount and secure.
I found that the roof carries are way too much work to mount and unmount plus the height limitations.

Yakima DoubleDown 4 Bike Rack from Backcountry.com

I found the customer support and service at Backcountry top notch (worldclass service) at the same worldclass service as Invision Industries (rear DVD entertainment systems), they will never stop until you are totally happy with the product.

I believe Atera makes the BMW racks.