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      04-19-2012, 10:54 AM   #1
Markap
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F25 Roof Rack positioning

I needed to put the roof racks on my 2011 X3 the other day and of course, I can no longer find the small instruction booklet that came with them. There were specific measurements for the mounting points - does anyone know what these are?

thanks,

Mark
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      04-19-2012, 05:28 PM   #2
CaliRubicon
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I'm expecting mine this week. I'll post info when they come in.
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      04-21-2012, 03:59 AM   #3
Alligator69
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Markap View Post
I needed to put the roof racks on my 2011 X3 the other day and of course, I can no longer find the small instruction booklet that came with them. There were specific measurements for the mounting points - does anyone know what these are?

thanks,

Mark
On my previous car a 3 series there were small "dots" in the inner part of the rails indicating where to put the racks. Check if this is the case also with the X3.
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      04-21-2012, 03:28 PM   #4
CaliRubicon
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The cross member with the spoiler goes up front. Both placed facing forward. Then measure 450mm from the front of your rails for the front crossmember and then place the rear 710mm behind the front, measuring center to center.
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      04-21-2012, 04:37 PM   #5
Markap
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Thanks for the info. Just came in from measuring them. Within 10mm just putting them where I thought they ought to go - how often does that happen?
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      04-22-2012, 09:45 PM   #6
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I'm curious, why do they specify those positions (450mm and 710mm)? I mean you rails are there for flexible positions, correct?
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      04-23-2012, 08:00 AM   #7
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The suggested positioning of the roof cross bars are probably just a suggestion. There is a load weight limit for the roof as well.
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      04-23-2012, 08:27 AM   #8
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I bought the BMW OEM roof rails but returned them.
I don't always use the rack and prefer to slide the rails towards the rear of the car when not in use.
The front BMW rail will not slide all the way back, only goes about halfway.
Just my preference.

Last edited by swag; 04-23-2012 at 09:14 AM..
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      04-23-2012, 12:15 PM   #9
Markap
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The front rack ends up over the B pillar between front and rear doors. The rear rack is centered over the small semi triangular shaped window immediately behind the rear door window. These are probably the strongest roof supports which are the only points to use if carrying any substantial load (don't forget the impact of wind loading or lift)
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      04-23-2012, 02:24 PM   #10
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Also keep in mind that the roof line tapers toward the rear of the car and the cross bars are not the same length. This is why the front cross bar will only go so far back.
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      04-26-2012, 09:04 AM   #11
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OK. please don't jump on me for stupid questions. I just got a pair off of ebay. In the box were 2 rails and keys. Should there be an allen wrench? What size is this so I can buy one.

they have labels on the underside showing placement on the car, one looks front, the other back. Are they symmetrical, or is there a way to know which way they face?

Also, how to adjust the width? Do I slide them on in the front and back and just tighten? Or can I 'hook' them over the rails and get the locking mechanism to tighten. Since I don't have an allen wrench yet, I am not sure if I just loosen it alot.

Looked but can't find if there is a real instruction manual. Appreciate if anyone could give me a step by step. I know it sounds dumb, but I don't want to mar the top of my car doing things I can't. Thanks for your patience.
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      04-26-2012, 09:27 AM   #12
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for the most part you only need what you have. They are not symetrical. front bar has three bumps on the underside. The rear does not have any bumps. Each bar has a label with load weight and a top view picture of the car. When placing the bars on the vehicle, those labels should be on the passenger side of the vehicle (as opposed to the driver side). Use the key to unlock the housing at each end of the crossbar. There is a lever in there to open and close the foot clamp. Pull it straight and turn it. Once the bars are in place, tighten the foot clamp. Putting the lever back up and in place will tighten it further. If the lever will not tighten the clamp, that means it was loosen too much. You will then need an allen wrench to slightly loosen the bolt where the lever is attached to. It only take a small amount to loosen it.
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      04-29-2012, 11:09 AM   #13
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Thanks. On one side, I can't get it to loosen at all! How to get it to loosen?
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      04-30-2012, 09:52 AM   #14
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To loosen all the way that you can take it off or put it on? I'm not clear on what you are trying to do. Make sure the cross bar is where it is supposed to be. It seems the roof rails are not parallel so if you are trying to put on or take off the crossbar in the wrong area (the front bar too far back or the rear bar too far forward) I would imagine this would be a problem.

BTW the crossbars were excellent this weekend. I successfully transported a 177lb tool shed (unassembled and in a box) on the roof. I kept speed to 35MPH and took all the local roads (no highways) home. I had bought a couple of endless loop ratchet sets to secure the load.
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