OEM VS Thule roof rail

rodneychan · 01-19-2013, 06:31 PM

Just wonder have anyone installed or compared the OEM roof rail and the Thule roof rail.?? try to purchase one and see which will be better...

thanks

Nor-way · 01-20-2013, 11:37 AM

Oem sucks! I've got it, would not buy it again. Thule is much better.

MCoen · 01-20-2013, 01:18 PM

Using thule bars for years. Wouldn't want any others. Have the wingbars now, very happy with them

DonC · 01-20-2013, 01:42 PM

I also have the new wingbars...

lbjgh · 01-20-2013, 05:25 PM

So what do you guys use the roof rails for?

rodneychan · 01-20-2013, 09:43 PM

thanks folks, I guess most people are more comfortable with the thule one instead of OEM..

I m thinking to put the cargo box on.. how about you guys?

02420X3 · 01-20-2013, 10:40 PM

There have been a few reports of people having difficulty tightening down the OEM rails and returning them.

MCoen · 01-21-2013, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbjgh

So what do you guys use the roof rails for?

cargo box mainly. but sometimes a bicyle as well. Rack on the towbar can only hold 3 bikes and sometimes need to transport a couple more

daveycrocket · 01-21-2013, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbjgh

So what do you guys use the roof rails for?

Cargo box for long trips, bike rack three bikes or snowboard/ski holder.

pacecapt · 01-21-2013, 11:04 AM

I am interested in a roof rack. Can someone post a link to the Thule that will fit the OEM Roof rails?

pokerface · 01-21-2013, 03:17 PM

slightly off topic.. but does anybody know if BMW did the same thing Audi did by installing sensors along the roof rails? The Q5 has sensors which apparently can tell when cross rails are installed and assuming that the vehicle has a higher centre of gravity and adjusts the stability control thresholds. Not much value add to me, but Kinda interesting.

MetaX · 01-21-2013, 06:04 PM

Thule's web site has a very comprehensive fit guide that tells you exactly what you'll need to order to fit the rack to your car. Most large online retailers of roof racks also integrate with Thule's (and Yakima's) fit system except with the retailer's pricing which is often better than factory-direct pricing.

GenX3 · 01-22-2013, 09:59 PM

Although Thule racks are as nice a rack as you will ever find... on a car. The OEM racks fit the car, period. You will not find a better looking and fitting system. I'm not a fan of the "over-hang" from the bars when using a non-OEM system.

That said, you have to follow the directions for installation, perfectly. There was some nonsense about if you over-screw some bolt that the racks would require a BMW technician or something. Very lame. And I've heard that some folks have had that trouble.

I got mine on and they have been fantastic. The OEM ski rack system is okay, but seems very large. Thule probably has some that will fit on the OEM base system.

EAW · 01-28-2013, 08:08 PM

Just got back from a ski trip with a yakima skybox mounted on the OEM rack. Very secure attachment to the flush rails, looked nice and worked just fine with the Yakima box, but the rack clamping mechanism is rubbish. Screw mechanism provides very limited travel for the clamp, which makes it hard to slip it over the rail. This is inexplicable -- looks like it should offer more adjustment, but it doesn't.

I also found it impossible to lock the rear bar to the car. Key would not turn to allow the lock to engage. I was successful in locking the front bar, but in retrospect, wish that i hadn't. When i got home, could not for the life of me release the locks on the front bar. Managed to twist off the key in one of them, which is always nice.

Finally tossed in the towel, drilled out the locks, released the front bar and went into the house and ordered the Thule Aerobar set.

It might be that I received a set of defective components or did something terribly wrong. On the other hand, I've owned about a dozen other racks over the years and have never had an issue like this. Am hoping the Thule does a better job.

pacecapt · 04-15-2013, 09:09 AM

I have a 2013 X3 with roof rails. I am considering purchasing the Thule base system. Question, can the cross bars placement be adjusted? I have an existing Sears Cargo box and the mounts are 21 inches apart, but I have have seen the install instructions and it shows the Thule system as being mounted 700 mm apart (27.5"). Is it adjustable?

perto · 04-15-2013, 10:46 AM

Yes is it, you can adjust Thule bars in both X and y axis.

pacecapt · 04-15-2013, 11:30 AM

Thank you for the response that is good news...

ReturnZero · 04-15-2013, 11:38 PM

I know this is an old thread, but I just put the OEM rails on my X3 and they're really nice. Very easy to install and adjust, no problems. They look the part as well. Two thumbs up.

jjax3 · 04-16-2013, 08:01 PM

Anyone have some pics of their thule "wing"-like bars? Looked at them in store, just couldn't visualize them on it though.

thrasher-b · 04-20-2013, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjax3

Anyone have some pics of their thule "wing"-like bars? Looked at them in store, just couldn't visualize them on it though.

I posetd some picks of the Thule AeroBlades a while back:
http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showth...1#post11683211

Works great, and I've been very happy with them.

jjax3 · 04-20-2013, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thrasher-b

I posetd some picks of the Thule AeroBlades a while back:
http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showth...1#post11683211

Works great, and I've been very happy with them.

Thanks!

BigJake · 05-10-2013, 09:25 AM

I have factory roof rails and just put the thule 460r feet, aero bars and echelon bike tray on....works great. Now if I can only figure out the trick of getting the foot covers on.

01-19-2013, 06:31 PM	#1
rodneychan Private 5 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2013 X3 M Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	OEM VS Thule roof rail Just wonder have anyone installed or compared the OEM roof rail and the Thule roof rail.?? try to purchase one and see which will be better... thanks Last edited by rodneychan; 01-19-2013 at 06:37 PM..
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01-20-2013, 11:37 AM	#2
Nor-way Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: X3 X-Line Pro Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	Oem sucks! I've got it, would not buy it again. Thule is much better.
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01-20-2013, 01:18 PM	#3
MCoen New Member 4 Rep 14 Posts Drives: BMW X3 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	Using thule bars for years. Wouldn't want any others. Have the wingbars now, very happy with them
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01-20-2013, 01:42 PM	#4
DonC Lieutenant 29 Rep 427 Posts Drives: 2013 X3 3.5i M sport, etc Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: near Seattle iTrader: (0)	I also have the new wingbars... __________________ 2013 X3 3.5i AW,Msprt,rear fogs,PS,CP, Tech, etc... Other cars 2005 S2000 2018 i3S
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01-20-2013, 05:25 PM	#5
lbjgh Lieutenant Colonel 104 Rep 1,511 Posts Drives: 2013 AW X3 M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: North of Toronto iTrader: (0)	So what do you guys use the roof rails for? __________________ 2013, AW, xDrive35i, M Sport Package, Technology Package, Dynamic Comfort Package, Premium Package, 3M Clear Bra, Euro foglight switch, a few coded fixes
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01-20-2013, 09:43 PM	#6
rodneychan Private 5 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2013 X3 M Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	thanks folks, I guess most people are more comfortable with the thule one instead of OEM.. I m thinking to put the cargo box on.. how about you guys?
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01-20-2013, 10:40 PM	#7
02420X3 Captain 63 Rep 983 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	There have been a few reports of people having difficulty tightening down the OEM rails and returning them.
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01-21-2013, 11:04 AM	#10
pacecapt Private 9 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40i Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 435i [0.00] 2013 BMW X3 28i [0.00]	I am interested in a roof rack. Can someone post a link to the Thule that will fit the OEM Roof rails?
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01-21-2013, 03:17 PM	#11
pokerface Colonel 430 Rep 2,527 Posts Drives: F25 X3 N20 / F80 ZCP Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	slightly off topic.. but does anybody know if BMW did the same thing Audi did by installing sensors along the roof rails? The Q5 has sensors which apparently can tell when cross rails are installed and assuming that the vehicle has a higher centre of gravity and adjusts the stability control thresholds. Not much value add to me, but Kinda interesting.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-21-2013, 06:04 PM	#12
MetaX Second Lieutenant 105 Rep 253 Posts Drives: 2022 X3MC Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0)	Thule's web site has a very comprehensive fit guide that tells you exactly what you'll need to order to fit the rack to your car. Most large online retailers of roof racks also integrate with Thule's (and Yakima's) fit system except with the retailer's pricing which is often better than factory-direct pricing.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-22-2013, 09:59 PM	#13
GenX3 Private First Class 27 Rep 159 Posts Drives: 2012 X3 35i Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Colo Spgs iTrader: (0)	OEM over Thule Although Thule racks are as nice a rack as you will ever find... on a car. The OEM racks fit the car, period. You will not find a better looking and fitting system. I'm not a fan of the "over-hang" from the bars when using a non-OEM system. That said, you have to follow the directions for installation, perfectly. There was some nonsense about if you over-screw some bolt that the racks would require a BMW technician or something. Very lame. And I've heard that some folks have had that trouble. I got mine on and they have been fantastic. The OEM ski rack system is okay, but seems very large. Thule probably has some that will fit on the OEM base system. __________________ 2012 X3 35i \| Space Gray \| Sand Beige \| Sienna Packages \| M-Sport \| Cold I & II \| Tech \| Premium \| Sound \| BMW Apps, HUD, Net
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01-28-2013, 08:08 PM	#14
EAW Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2013 X3 3.5 M Sport Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Switching to Thule Aerobar Just got back from a ski trip with a yakima skybox mounted on the OEM rack. Very secure attachment to the flush rails, looked nice and worked just fine with the Yakima box, but the rack clamping mechanism is rubbish. Screw mechanism provides very limited travel for the clamp, which makes it hard to slip it over the rail. This is inexplicable -- looks like it should offer more adjustment, but it doesn't. I also found it impossible to lock the rear bar to the car. Key would not turn to allow the lock to engage. I was successful in locking the front bar, but in retrospect, wish that i hadn't. When i got home, could not for the life of me release the locks on the front bar. Managed to twist off the key in one of them, which is always nice. Finally tossed in the towel, drilled out the locks, released the front bar and went into the house and ordered the Thule Aerobar set. It might be that I received a set of defective components or did something terribly wrong. On the other hand, I've owned about a dozen other racks over the years and have never had an issue like this. Am hoping the Thule does a better job.
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04-15-2013, 09:09 AM	#15
pacecapt Private 9 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40i Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 435i [0.00] 2013 BMW X3 28i [0.00]	I have a 2013 X3 with roof rails. I am considering purchasing the Thule base system. Question, can the cross bars placement be adjusted? I have an existing Sears Cargo box and the mounts are 21 inches apart, but I have have seen the install instructions and it shows the Thule system as being mounted 700 mm apart (27.5"). Is it adjustable?
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04-15-2013, 10:46 AM	#16
perto Private First Class 11 Rep 141 Posts Drives: BMW I3S + IX40 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	Yes is it, you can adjust Thule bars in both X and y axis.
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04-15-2013, 11:30 AM	#17
pacecapt Private 9 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40i Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 435i [0.00] 2013 BMW X3 28i [0.00]	Thank you for the response that is good news...
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04-15-2013, 11:38 PM	#18
ReturnZero First Lieutenant 45 Rep 323 Posts Drives: 2013 X3 35i M-Sport Join Date: May 2012 Location: Dallas, Texas iTrader: (1)	I know this is an old thread, but I just put the OEM rails on my X3 and they're really nice. Very easy to install and adjust, no problems. They look the part as well. Two thumbs up.
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04-16-2013, 08:01 PM	#19
jjax3 New Member 0 Rep 24 Posts Drives: 2013 X3 28i Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Anyone have some pics of their thule "wing"-like bars? Looked at them in store, just couldn't visualize them on it though.
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05-10-2013, 09:25 AM	#22
BigJake Private First Class 48 Rep 147 Posts Drives: 2019 X3M40i Join Date: May 2012 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I have factory roof rails and just put the thule 460r feet, aero bars and echelon bike tray on....works great. Now if I can only figure out the trick of getting the foot covers on.
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