[Flashy09]

Do they help the appearance? Are they louder at highway speed? Just realized my order doesn't include them.

[clivem2]

To my eye the car looks naked without them. No noise from the roof rails, just a little from the HUGE mirrors.

[Dukat]

Is BMW's price for the roof rails reasonable or should I look for after market?

Are these the base roof rails?

Any suggestions for aftermarket or stick to stock?

Thanks

[Beyu]

It's just personal preference really. The roof rails probably have little to no effect on wind noise and chances are you'll get an X3 with improperly installed door seals anyways.

[Dukat]

Originally Posted by Beyu

It's just personal preference really. The roof rails probably have little to no effect on wind noise and chances are you'll get an X3 with improperly installed door seals anyways.

Is there a way to check for bad door seals before I sign for the car? Anything visual?

[Beyu]

Originally Posted by Dukat

Is there a way to check for bad door seals before I sign for the car? Anything visual?

I don't think there's anyway to check visually. If you can, try driving on the freeway with your music turned off and see if there's excessive wind noise, I have it on my driver's side door but haven't had a chance to get it fixed. The noise will be pretty distinct as it's not so much as not enough sound dampening material in the car but it is like there's a small gap in a door seal and now you can hear the wind from outside.

It seems to be a pretty minor fix and you won't have to pay anything out of pocket but it's a pain to have to wait for them to ship parts from Germany and it's never a good feeling to buy a new car just to see something go wrong with it.

Here's a thread that talks about it.

http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showth...ight=door+seal

[Harplayr]

I would recommend the factory installed roof rails. I hate the idea of somebody drilling holes into my new car’s roof and increasing the chance of leaks and rust.

I haven’t attached the cross bars yet, so I can’t say if they will increase the noise, but I don’t notice any wind noise from the rails.

[Dukat]

The 35i with sports package should come with the rails so I'd just need to buy the cross bars?

[greg2step]

The sport package def includes the rails in alum satin. Looks like it can be ordered as a standalone option as well. I haven't added the crossbars, but i suspect i will next summer when I need them for something.

[skier219]

Originally Posted by Flashy09

Do they help the appearance? Are they louder at highway speed? Just realized my order doesn't include them.

If you have to ask, obviously you don't need a roof rack.

[Harplayr]

Originally Posted by skier219

If you have to ask, obviously you don't need a roof rack.

Everybody needs one!
I use my roof rack to hold onto when I’m waxing or drying the roof.

[skier219]

Originally Posted by Harplayr

Everybody needs one!

That's my attitude too! I often make vehicle ourchase decisions based on the rack, and whether or not Yakima has a fit yet. I couldn't live without a roof rack, especially since I have a big investment in Yakima mounts for skis, kayaks, and bikes. Great for lumber too.

[Itchywasabi]

Originally Posted by Harplayr

Everybody needs one!
I use my roof rack to hold onto when IÂ’m waxing or drying the roof.

Yeah. I only purchased the roof rack. But luckily, when the roof rack was delivered an SUV was attached to it.

[RyanSoundLab]

I got a slightly used 2013 X3 from the dealer (service loaner car) and it had everything I wanted except roof rails. This cheap ($250) option should be standard but it's not and the dealer won't install them afterwards, either. However, I managed to get a new pair of roof rails from BMW of Mt Laurel NJ on ebay for about $450 and yesterday I actually got them installed. Yes, it requires removing the headliner - a major headache. No, there's virtually no relevant info on the web about how to do it for the F25 model that I could find. I made a YouTube video of it at this location in case anyone is interested:

It's a chore and a half but you don't have to drill any holes - they're already there, covered with tape. Not for the faint of heart, though. I'll be happy to answer any questions about it.

Kit

[Want the thrill]

Dang! Impressive!

[Sireal]

When I bought my 2014 X3 off the lot, it did not have Roof Rails, I negociated for them as part of the deal and they were install afterwards. It took the dealer a lot longer (3 hours vs 1, that they initially estimated for the job) to install them, so I hope they are installed correctly. Yes the roof liner came off, and they did a slighlty sloppy job of reintalling it, I had to point some issues and have them fix it.

[RyanSoundLab]

You were lucky the dealer agreed to do it. Mine just gave me a blank look like "we don't even have that service in our flat rate book...". Still, 3 hours is a lot shorter than about 7 hours which I took. The 2nd time I could probably get it down to maybe 4 hours. Still wish I knew how to take off the A-pillar cover.

[YellowMellow]

Skip the roof rail/rack and go with a hidden rear hitch. Easier access and more importantly, a lot of options to carry and lightly tow things

[RhoXS]

I already have roof rails but they are 100% worthless because it is not possible to attach anything to them, not even a bungee strap hook or a rope. They certainly look nice but what good are they if they cant be used without installing an entire roof rack? I guess I am annoyed because appearance was placed well before function in this case.

Is there anything available that attaches to the rails simply to provide a point to attach a bungee strap hook or tie on a rope?

[RyanSoundLab]

Originally Posted by YellowMellow

Skip the roof rail/rack and go with a hidden rear hitch. Easier access and more importantly, a lot of options to carry and lightly tow things

Well, I agree on having a hitch. I had one added (not OEM) and it's great to have for hauling my motorcycle around. However, for taking home a sheet of plywood from Home Depot, a roof rack is more convenient, so I'm glad I have both now. But I also agree with RhoXS that they look good. A nice piece of aluminum trim along the roof line that complements the wheels.

[335xs2dinan]

Originally Posted by RyanSoundLab

I got a slightly used 2013 X3 from the dealer (service loaner car) and it had everything I wanted except roof rails. This cheap ($250) option should be standard but it's not and the dealer won't install them afterwards, either. However, I managed to get a new pair of roof rails from BMW of Mt Laurel NJ on ebay for about $450 and yesterday I actually got them installed. Yes, it requires removing the headliner - a major headache. No, there's virtually no relevant info on the web about how to do it for the F25 model that I could find. I made a YouTube video of it at this location in case anyone is interested:

It's a chore and a half but you don't have to drill any holes - they're already there, covered with tape. Not for the faint of heart, though. I'll be happy to answer any questions about it.

Kit

Thank you Im going to give this a go.

Dealer hosed me when I went to install mine, I called ahead of even ordering the roof rails. They quoted me 1 hour and $99 but when I went in the claimed 6-8 hours at $120/hr. Hopefully this DIY will resolve my bitterness with Erhard Bloomfield Hills.

[RyanSoundLab]

That agrees with some other quotes I've seen on the web - more than $1000 labor plus the parts. You can do it yourself - just be patient! Something like the metal dental pick I showed is vital for the job - could be a small screwdriver that you bent in the vise to 90 degrees. You'll also need torx 25 and 15 (15 is a small one and sometimes not in the sets) and two rather small (but not jewelers) screwdrivers (to get into the overhead handle snap-in mechanism). The rest is regular tools. Don't forget to disconnect the battery when working around those air bags. Good luck!