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      03-15-2012, 11:57 AM   #14
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Drives: 2022 X3MC
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KF View Post
Hi All

Researching this topic myself.

BMW has a roof bar that can carry 75 kilograms. The Thule is only rated for 50 kilograms. The BMW ones are 50% dearer and look like they are also made by Thule.

The BMW roof rack is identical to the Thule but have deleted the Thule name!!?

The Thule / BMW bars are the only ones that I can find that fit the flush roof rails, other brands all have to clamp down into the door opening.
Probably the biggest difference between the BMW and Thule racks is that you can get the Thule with their new Aerobars which have completely supplanted their previous aero offering (I think they were called Rapid Aero). They're bound to be quieter than the Rapid Aero or BMW bars and certainly are quieter than the square ones.

I would think that the load restrictions are a function of the towers rather than the bars themselves. The aluminum extrusion profile of the Aerobars look quite robust and appear to be able to handle a massive load.
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