How hard to install crossbars for roof rails?
 

I have purchased from BMW the crossbars for the factory-installed roof rails but would like to try installing them myself rather than pay the labor for BMW service to do it.

Anyone have experience on this or can advise on the tools / level of expertise needed?

I have not yet picked up the crossbars from the dealership, but hope to get them and do the job this week.

very easy DIY

it is just about the easiest job that can be done!

If you put fuel in your vehicle, you can install the OEM crossbars :).

The crossbars are not something you leave on permanently. When not in use you should remove them...plus they do affect your fuel consumption somewhat as well.

One tip when installing though - make sure the front one goes at the front part of your rails...I had a bit of fun until I figured that out! Mine were used so i didn't have the luxury of any indication on them.

I don't know.. just to eliminate the risk, I'd recommend professional installation. BMW dealers are fully trained for this kind of task and to risk it for a few bucks seems shortsighted.

A

Huh? Every time you want to use the roof rack you go to the dealer?

Got the crossbars today - and also fitting instructions
 

Thanks to all who provided their views - I'm confident these will be pretty easy to fit onto the roof rails after reading the instructions. I also give great credit to the BMW Parts employee at Inskip (Warwick, RI) who cheerfully printed out the 10-15 pages of instructions on his printer for me. The instructions may be inside the box but I've not yet opened it up.

The crossbars come with a T-handle hex wrench that is pre-designed to show the proper torque when tightening them - so it's practically a no-brainer to ensure the right amount of tightening.

Now to make final choice on a cargo box for our summer vacation trip - I'm leaning heavily towards a Thule - the 687BXT in particular. It has 18 cubic ft of storage, a slick gloss black color (which will go well with our white X5/ gloss black trim), and should provide some room to grow as our family does. We have one 7-month old girl so far, and I need something to easily handle the bulky stroller as well as some other items. The X5 is fantastic automobile but the interior volume certainly isn't the most in mid-size SUV/SAV category.

Of course, I was spoiled a few years ago by owning a used Ford Expedition if we're talking interior volume...

Sounds good. Also check out the Thule Boxter ->
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...er-top-x5.html

-Brian

I've got the OEM BMW 460L roofbox. This one is designed to fit exactly on your roofbars. Loads of extra space and the fit and finish is perfect. Plus the with BMW logo on the sides it looks fantastic on the car.