[Romanian nightmare]

Hello all,
I have a 2017 X3 and recently bought the crossbars to add/use a Thule box on long trips. First time use and the front right locking mechanism stopped working. The screw/bolt that is supposed to tighten the lock, stripped and now I cannot use it. Of course, Murphy's Law kicked in full force and this happened the morning we were leaving for the beach. I ended up getting it as close as I could, used some small pieces of wood to get it tighter between the rail and the carrier, and ultimately I ended up using tie wraps to secure it.

Now, I'm looking to replace the stripped special bolt. I cannot find any info or sellers of this bolt. I have called the dealer and they are searching too. I can't imagine that if this bolt is stripped, it will render the whole cross bar system useless and the only option is to buy the whole set again for nearly $250.

I will try to post some pictures later, but any input on this dilemma, would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Cheers!

[raddoc]

Three ways to go:

1. Helicoil if hole threads are bad.
2. Tap new thread or find new SS screw. Most Ace hardware stores have a reasonable selection.
3. Machine shop

None will cost $250

[Romanian nightmare]

The dealer called and they do not have replacement parts for this accessory.

So at this point, I'll search for a shop to make one at least similar so I can use the expensive BMW accessory!

[Romanian nightmare]

Originally Posted by raddoc

Three ways to go:

1. Helicoil if hole threads are bad.
2. Tap new thread or find new SS screw. Most Ace hardware stores have a reasonable selection.
3. Machine shop

None will cost $250

Thanks for the suggestions. i'll have to look into the Helicoil option

[6MT_Addict]

Originally Posted by Romanian nightmare

Hello all,
I have a 2017 X3 and recently bought the crossbars to add/use a Thule box on long trips. First time use and the front right locking mechanism stopped working. The screw/bolt that is supposed to tighten the lock, stripped and now I cannot use it. Of course, Murphy's Law kicked in full force and this happened the morning we were leaving for the beach. I ended up getting it as close as I could, used some small pieces of wood to get it tighter between the rail and the carrier, and ultimately I ended up using tie wraps to secure it.

Now, I'm looking to replace the stripped special bolt. I cannot find any info or sellers of this bolt. I have called the dealer and they are searching too. I can't imagine that if this bolt is stripped, it will render the whole cross bar system useless and the only option is to buy the whole set again for nearly $250.

I will try to post some pictures later, but any input on this dilemma, would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Cheers!

What stripped? The bolt or where it threads into?

I'm not familiar with the roof rack clamps but if it's just a stripped bolt figure out the thread pitch and bolt size, and get a replacement. Won't be more than a few bucks.

[najnad]

There is probably a few boxes in China with the special bolt in them, but of course they are not for sale....

[Msportdriver1]

The BMW crossbars are just re badge Thule , you could try thule direct, or replace bolt etc as previously suggested.

[Romanian nightmare]

Well....I found a magical machinist at my work and he was able to re-thread both nut and bolt and will try it tonight.

Still amazed that there are no replacement parts, and I'm sure people have bought new systems because of it.

Cheers!!!