[Robocheme]

That's what I do now with my Prius (lay the bikes on top of each other with a blanket in between). However, we plan on going on bike trips in the X3 where we'll need the floor space so having both bikes vertical has its advantages.

[Harplayr]

Originally Posted by 02420X3

That's what I'm saying - I don't think it exists for an F25, thus there is no part number.

But the one for the E83 works just fine in the F-25. That's what I'm using. Just order the E83 part.

[terrytnt]

Let me be absolutely clearn... USautoparts.net does NOT have this part nor is noted in it's catalog. We need to look elsewhere.

If any of you think I'm wrong, locate the part and post the part number

[highmodulus]

Note- this won't work with taller bikes (58cm or seat mast bikes). As I have the deadly double (58cm seat mast bikes) it the "bike sandwich" for me.

[married w/X3]

Am I the only one who worries about "projectile bicycles" during a collision when laying bikes down in the cargo area? I think a rack is a necessity.

[02420X3]

Originally Posted by Harplayr

But the one for the E83 works just fine in the F-25. That's what I'm using. Just order the E83 part.

Is the E83 bicycle rack that you are successfully using in your F25 the one that is BMW Part Number 82710302450? If so, then that's the Part Number that Terrytnt is seeking, and it's a BMW number, not a USAutoparts.net number.

[Harplayr]

Originally Posted by 02420X3

Is the E83 bicycle rack that you are successfully using in your F25 the one that is BMW Part Number 82710302450? If so, then that's the Part Number that Terrytnt is seeking, and it's a BMW number, not a USAutoparts.net number.

I bought it in 2004 when I purchased my first X3.
I don’t remember the part number, but it was the official bike rack supplied by BMW.
Doing a search on that part number seems to pull up the correct item

[terrytnt]

Originally Posted by 02420X3

Is the E83 bicycle rack that you are successfully using in your F25 the one that is BMW Part Number 82710302450? If so, then that's the Part Number that Terrytnt is seeking, and it's a BMW number, not a USAutoparts.net number.

Well, I did some research with BMW (many thanks for providing the BMW Part Number). So here's the story, YES, the BMW has an Internal Bike Rack for first generation X3s. I found 2 dealerships who could order the part in 2 days - $260. Problem for us 'second generation' X3 owners, this rack (per the BMW Parts staff) will NOT fit the newer generation X3s.

I still think we should check this out, but not willing to make the purchase and be charged a restocking fee

[bigblackwolf]

Originally Posted by Harplayr

But the one for the E83 works just fine in the F-25. That's what I'm using. Just order the E83 part.

Originally Posted by terrytnt

Well, I did some research with BMW (many thanks for providing the BMW Part Number). So here's the story, YES, the BMW has an Internal Bike Rack for first generation X3s. I found 2 dealerships who could order the part in 2 days - $260. Problem for us 'second generation' X3 owners, this rack (per the BMW Parts staff) will NOT fit the newer generation X3s.
I still think we should check this out, but not willing to make the purchase and be charged a restocking fee

That seems to be conflicting. Harplyar says the E83 part fits in the F25, and terrytnt says it does not.
As I am interested to buy this, I would like to know more. So,
Harplayr: I understand you are using the E83 part in the F25. Can you post a picture?
or
terrytnt: can you explain why it does not fit?

[02420X3]

Harplayr bought the rack for his E83 in 2004, and says that it works in his F25.

BMW Parts at two dealerships tell terrytnt that the E83 part number will not work in an F25.

Having no reason to doubt Harplayr, one of two things is correct. Either the rack has been modified since his purchase in 2004, and the revised part does not fit the F25, or BMW Parts (who only know what their computer tells them) is wrong.

The only way to know for certain is for someone to care enough about the matter to buy one and try it.

[terrytnt]

I would agree with the rationale of the Second Lieutenant. Though 2 BMW dealership Parts Mgrs, indicated this was ONLY for the E83 models, they're ONLY reading from the computer. I even pushed the point be saying "wouldn't the cargo rails be relatively similar between X3 gens to support the mechanism" and one person's response was NO, they are different.

So, YES, someone needs to buy and check this out... best case, finding someone who has a relationship with one of the Parts folks and would be willing to waive any restocking fee if the internal rack didn't fit.

[Leighton]

I read Harplyar's description several times and examined the photo carefully. He appears to be attaching to only one rail which he says is enough for stability and suggesting drilling new holes if you want to use the other rail as well. He also cautions about the maximum height of the user's bikes.

[Harplayr]

Originally Posted by terrytnt

Well, I did some research with BMW (many thanks for providing the BMW Part Number). So here's the story, YES, the BMW has an Internal Bike Rack for first generation X3s. I found 2 dealerships who could order the part in 2 days - $260. Problem for us 'second generation' X3 owners, this rack (per the BMW Parts staff) will NOT fit the newer generation X3s.

I still think we should check this out, but not willing to make the purchase and be charged a restocking fee

I can verify that it certainly WILL work in the F-25.
I’ve posted pictures to prove it.

[Harplayr]

Originally Posted by Leighton

I read Harplyar's description several times and examined the photo carefully. He appears to be attaching to only one rail which he says is enough for stability and suggesting drilling new holes if you want to use the other rail as well. He also cautions about the maximum height of the user's bikes.

That is true.
The rails for the original X3 are wider than the F25.
I only secured to the right hand rails, but the bike attachment completes the square and is very stable.

Someday I might take out my trusty drill and drill holes in the cross members to fit the F25, but it just isn’t necessary except for aesthetics, and I’m just plain too lazy to mess with something that is working great.