01-19-2013, 06:31 PM | #1 |
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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.. |
01-20-2013, 05:25 PM | #5 |
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So what do you guys use the roof rails for?
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01-21-2013, 03:34 AM | #8 |
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01-21-2013, 06:43 AM | #9 | |
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01-21-2013, 11:04 AM | #10 |
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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 |
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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.
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01-21-2013, 06:04 PM | #12 |
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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.
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01-22-2013, 09:59 PM | #13 |
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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.
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01-28-2013, 08:08 PM | #14 |
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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 |
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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, 11:30 AM | #17 |
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Thank you for the response that is good news...
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04-15-2013, 11:38 PM | #18 |
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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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04-20-2013, 07:03 PM | #20 | |
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http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showth...1#post11683211 Works great, and I've been very happy with them. |
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04-20-2013, 07:39 PM | #21 | |
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05-10-2013, 09:25 AM | #22 |
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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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