[pej7445]

I've been searching the forum for some feedback and info about anyone that has used the OEM BMW Roof Rack for Bikes. Specifically Mountain Bikes.

I'm considering this piece for my X3 m40i. I already have the Cross Bars.
82-72-2-472-964

The appeal is the cost savings compared to a hitch mounted system.

Thanks in advance for any input/feedback.

[CRuben09]

Originally Posted by pej7445

I've been searching the forum for some feedback and info about anyone that has used the OEM BMW Roof Rack for Bikes. Specifically Mountain Bikes.

I'm considering this piece for my X3 m40i. I already have the Cross Bars.
82-72-2-472-964

The appeal is the cost savings compared to a hitch mounted system.

Thanks in advance for any input/feedback.

I hope this help. So far no issues.

[pej7445]

Originally Posted by CRuben09

I hope this help. So far no issues.

Thank you.

How difficult is it to load/unload the bike?
What is the max speed you've driven with the bike up there?

I'm looking at this one https://www.bmwpartsnow.com/oem-part...12-82722472964

I don't plan to remove the front wheel as pictured in your setup.

Thanks in advance.

[chassis]

pej7445 I use Thule Pro Ride XT bike racks with the same principal of operation as the rack you posted. They work great. Very solid and acceptable wind noise. If you haven't already purchased the bike racks, have a look at the Thule Pro Ride XT and see if they fit your budget, and your cross bars. The Pro Ride XT uses a T-bolt inserted into a channel in the crossbar for attachment. I think this is a pretty standard attachment feature.

The lower bike frame bar is held by the bike rack strut/arm, very securely. Front and rear tires are cradled from below and secured with straps.

I use the rear door sill as a step up on my GLE to load and unload the bikes. I imagine this is possible on the X3. Even easier on the X3 because of lower overall height compared with the GLE.

I have driven over 80mph for over 1,000 miles with two adult bikes on the roof using these racks. In total I have several thousand miles on these racks.

[pej7445]

Originally Posted by chassis

pej7445 I use Thule Pro Ride XT bike racks with the same principal of operation as the rack you posted. They work great. Very solid and acceptable wind noise. If you haven't already purchased the bike racks, have a look at the Thule Pro Ride XT and see if they fit your budget, and your cross bars. The Pro Ride XT uses a T-bolt inserted into a channel in the crossbar for attachment. I think this is a pretty standard attachment feature.

The lower bike frame bar is held by the bike rack strut/arm, very securely. Front and rear tires are cradled from below and secured with straps.

I use the rear door sill as a step up on my GLE to load and unload the bikes. I imagine this is possible on the X3. Even easier on the X3 because of lower overall height compared with the GLE.

I have driven over 80mph for over 1,000 miles with two adult bikes on the roof using these racks. In total I have several thousand miles on these racks.

Thank you very much!! This is so helpful.

I already own the BMW roof rack (crossbars) so I'd just buy the attachment for the bike.

I assumed it would have been tested vigorously by BMW before they offered it, but getting real-world testimonials is reassuring.

Thanks, again.

[CRuben09]

Originally Posted by pej7445

Thank you.

How difficult is it to load/unload the bike?
What is the max speed you've driven with the bike up there?

I'm looking at this one https://www.bmwpartsnow.com/oem-part...12-82722472964

I don't plan to remove the front wheel as pictured in your setup.

Thanks in advance.

Is basically based on preference. I feel my bike is more secured with the front wheel removed, as to it is locked by key. So if I want to stop and eat something, I just leave it there worry free. I don't know if the setup with the wheel on has a lock on it. I'm 6'2" so I'm able to put it up with little to no hassle, but I'm always nervous to accidentally drop it and mess the panoramic sunroof. Other than that, it works great. I try to keep it under 80mph.

[pej7445]

Originally Posted by CRuben09

Is basically based on preference. I feel my bike is more secured with the front wheel removed, as to it is locked by key. So if I want to stop and eat something, I just leave it there worry free. I don't know if the setup with the wheel on has a lock on it. I'm 6'2" so I'm able to put it up with little to no hassle, but I'm always nervous to accidentally drop it and mess the panoramic sunroof. Other than that, it works great. I try to keep it under 80mph.

Sounds like a winner to me. I'm trying to keep my hitch freed up for a cargo box and maximize the utility of the X3.

It's a bonus that 2 bike rack attachments will cost approx half that of a good hitch-mounted rack (Kuat or Thule).

I'll give the roof system a go.

Thanks again for the input.

[chassis]

Originally Posted by CRuben09

Is basically based on preference. I feel my bike is more secured with the front wheel removed, as to it is locked by key. So if I want to stop and eat something, I just leave it there worry free. I don't know if the setup with the wheel on has a lock on it. I'm 6'2" so I'm able to put it up with little to no hassle, but I'm always nervous to accidentally drop it and mess the panoramic sunroof. Other than that, it works great. I try to keep it under 80mph.

Yes, the Thule Pro Ride XT has a lock. The lock cylinder is visible just under the hand turn knob, at the base of the frame-holding strut. The bikes are securely locked with a key to the bike rack, the bike rack is securely locked with a key to the crossbars, and the crossbars are securely locked with a key to the factory installed vehicle roof rails.

All good. Secure and reliable. Strong recommend.

[CRuben09]

Originally Posted by chassis

Yes, the Thule Pro Ride XT has a lock. The lock cylinder is visible just under the hand turn knob, at the base of the frame-holding strut. The bikes are securely locked with a key to the bike rack, the bike rack is securely locked with a key to the crossbars, and the crossbars are securely locked with a key to the factory installed vehicle roof rails.

All good. Secure and reliable. Strong recommend.

I was referring to the original BMW bike rack. There are 2, one that requires the front wheel to be removed, and the other that don't. I'm not sure if the OEM with the wheel on has a lock. I was just judging the OP picture

[chassis]

Originally Posted by CRuben09

I was referring to the original BMW bike rack. There are 2, one that requires the front wheel to be removed, and the other that don't. I'm not sure if the OEM with the wheel on has a lock. I was just judging the OP picture

Yes, from the photo and the bmwusa site, a lock isn't visible and the product description does not mention a lock. A cable or chain lock would be an option, to lock the bike to the crossbars. Not a great option, but an option that in my view would be secure.

[parma1975]

i got the Thule ProRide XT mounted on original BMW bars (82 71 2 414 373) and they work pretty good. Drove on highway ~125km/h and curvy country road with no issues.
I'm 6'3" so not too big deal to get the bikes up but need some attention and balance to get them tied up on the rack.
as far as upright or fork-mounted they both are pretty safe, agree with folks that it comes down to personal preference between one or the other.

[pej7445]

I got my BMW racks installed last week and have had the opportunity to test them out. They hold up quite well. They also lock to the roof rails and the arm that connects to the bike frame has a lock.

I put these through their paces at highway speeds and a couple of test emergency braking sessions. The bikes are stable at all speeds and in all situations.

The engineering is smart and easy to work with once you read the instructions. As a bonus, BMW warranties the racks for 2 years, 4 years if you get them as part of your new vehicle delivery.

I'm only 5'10" so I need a small foldable step stool to safely load/unload the bikes from the top of the X3.

[chassis]

Looks great, enjoy!