BMW / Thule Rack Carrier
 

Got this installed last week, thought I'd share it with you.

BMW OEM cross bars
Thule bike racks (Criterion 598?)
Thule fairing (wind deflector)

:thumbup:

how much did they cost u ?

I got them over period of time, I believe all on ebay

Cross Bars - $170
Bike Racks - ~$120 each
Wind Deflector ~ $70 ?? (dont remember the exact number)

One note - the wind deflector had to be custom-fitted to the front tips of the bike racks, kind of DIY job :)

[ATTACH]I love it. I was trying to choose between a Thule fairing and the OEM Sun/Wind Deflector but I wasn't sure how it would look. Seeing your X with the cool Thule fairing help with my decision.:thumbup:
Does it reduce wind noise when you have your panoramic roof open? I was also wondering if the E70 BMW OEM Base Support System (part# 82-71-0-404-320 - shown on the right) would fit a E53. I like the looks of the E70's Base Support System much better what's offered for E53's (part# 82-71-0-415-053 - shown on the left):


Attachment 31546 Attachment 31547

I cant tell you if it will on e53. There is not much play in the width adjustments of the cross bars.

Keep in mind that this was a DYI job - fitting Thule wind deflector. It involved getting a thick 3ft 1/4" stell bar, drilling holes, painting, etc.

Can you take some closer pics on how you have your cross bars & Thule fairing attached so I can try to replicate your set up. A write up on the specifics would be ideal.:confused:

BTW, I have another set of cross bars for sale:

eBay Motors: BMW 07+ X5 E70 OEM CROSS BARS USED 82-71-0-404-320 (item 180346616445 end time Apr-21-09 09:15:10 PDT)

Part # for E53 (82-71-0-415-053)

Part # for E70 (82-71-0-404-320)

AS X5 Meister mentioned, the photo of the 053 is outdated. Just had a friend at dealer parts counter, confirm. They basically look the same, just different base fitments onto the OEM roof rails.

Are you sure about that? They have different part numbers and different prices. BTW, the photo of the -053 kit is not accurate. That photo is of the older style kit. The new kit with p/n -053 looks like this:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...-question.html