[JSGR8]

Hey all,

Got my Thule Aeroblades installed this past weekend. Just wondering if there is a rule-of-thumb as to where on the roof should the bars be installed? I have them spaced 30" apart as recommended, but are they too far back on the roof? I've searched some pics and they all show the first bar closer towards the windshield.

Attached is a pic of my setup.

[Pinewood]

Haven't added any roof bars to my X3 as yet,but on all my previous BMW's the front bar was around 12" or 30cm from the windshield. The gap between them of 30" sounds about right but they both need to come forward some way

[Tjalle]

Yes! Load should be horisontal or leaning slightly forward - to reduce drag and airlift. Also to avoid contact with rear door.

[scs-X3]

I place the front bar about 2" back from the front of the sunroof, and the rear one about 27" back from the front bar. Minimum spread for my Force L box is listed as 23 5/8". This setup does not cover the fin as not to hamper Sirius reception.

[ejw2011]

I have my rear bar 2-3 inches forward respect to yours pictured and works best.

[JSGR8]

My front bars are 25" from the windshield. Then a 30" spread to the back bars; recommended is minimum 23 5/8" to 32"). I have the Thule Sonic 634; tested it on the roof and have no problems with tailgate clearance. The front of the box is basically at the windshield; I don't really want it to overhang the windshield. The manual says to set the box towards the back as far as possible to minimize wind resistance.

One more thing, how tight should I crank them bolts to the roof rails? The manual says tighten to 4 Nm with the provided Allen key. How the heck would I know how tight that is without a torque wrench!? Argh, since this is my first time ever using bars and a box I'm just a bit worried the feet will come loose and my entire cargo will come flying off the roof. I guess I will crank it until it won't turn anymore.

I will move my bars forward maybe another 8-10". Thanks for replies!

[Tjalle]

Don't set the box far back. Windtunneltests has proved horisontal or slightly forward lean bottom will minimize drag/lift.

[Crassus]

Slightly off tangent but how do you load a roof box on an X3. I am on renting one later this year. Do you load it while standing on a step ladder?

[JSGR8]

Originally Posted by Crassus

Slightly off tangent but how do you load a roof box on an X3. I am on renting one later this year. Do you load it while standing on a step ladder?

Depends on your height and strength. I'm 5'8" and can probably do it without help, but the box is bulky and awkward and one slip and something will get smashed it scratched. Lol.

So I had someone assist me, and I used a step ladder as well. :-)

[JSGR8]

Originally Posted by Tjalle

Don't set the box far back. Windtunneltests has proved horisontal or slightly forward lean bottom will minimize drag/lift.

So, right where the windshield starts, behind the windshield, or overhanging the windshield?

[Tjalle]

Can't tell - you have to test out position to get horisontal/forward lean.
On my X4/ BMW rack (made by Thule) front attachment is just forward of B-pillar.

I recollect front of my box (Packline) - is just ahead of windscreen - but that varies with box.

[JSGR8]

Originally Posted by Tjalle

Can't tell - you have to test out position to get horisontal/forward lean.
On my X4/ BMW rack (made by Thule) front attachment is just forward of B-pillar.

I recollect front of my box (Packline) - is just ahead of windscreen - but that varies with box.

Ok. I'll adjust.

I'm assuming by a forward lean you mean slightly higher on the back creating a downslope from back to front of the box.

[JSGR8]

Adjusted. Not sure if it's possible to create a downslope from back to front with the X3. The roofline slopes back towards the back.

[Pinewood]

That looks good to me

[Tjalle]

Yes, front part of floor lower. Horisontal is good enough.

Your front bar is about same position re. B-pillar as mine.

[JSGR8]

Attached the Sonic cargo box on the rack and took it for a camping trip this past weekend. Drove over 1000km; non-stop raining for two days; worked beautifully. The rack was solid. The box did produce a bit of wind noise and increased gas consumption, but overall it did its job--carried my stuff, kept everything dry and freed up space inside the car.

On the downside, my driver side passenger window started making a loud squealing noise when closing. Not sure if it's from all the rain, but it definitely started after all the rainfall. Maybe water found its way in and messed up the hardware. Maybe just coincidence with the rain, and it's just a faulty regulator. Will have to get it checked out when I bring it in for the recall.

[ipaq dude]

I have x3 2014, thinking of installing roof rails myself. Any video install help ? I do have any sort of bars . Is it possible to install roof bars on my car ? Please help, New to installing anything on my car.