[smithf80]

Despite not liking much about my previous Macan, I did like the fact that it was built without roof rails. I'll never use them, they're annoying during the wash process and somewhat unsightly to the profile of the car, not a huge deal, but if I can remove them, I would.

I was looking at the parts diagram, and was wondering if anyone else has looked into this?

I think its the "Roof trim strip" no 4 on this diagram:

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=51_A672

[pluckydks]

I use them as leverage (without much force) for when I'm cleaning the roof haha

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by pluckydks

I use them as leverage (without much force) for when I'm cleaning the roof haha

I'd rather they just be out of the way, hah. They trap so much water, and crap.

[pluckydks]

Originally Posted by smithf80

I'd rather they just be out of the way, hah. They trap so much water, and crap.

That's true. I'd also rather not fall and break my hip. But if you figure it out, it's something to consider.

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by pluckydks

That's true. I'd also rather not fall and break my hip. But if you figure it out, it's something to consider.

That is a plenty fair point. You could always get a high quality microfiber with a pole, Microfiber Madness makes the highest quality one, but if you're not insane like me, I'm sure any decent pole with a microfiber wash mitt on the end would be fine.

Something about them looks wrong to me, reminds me of a car wash, but those are practically brooms, and the logically side of me knows there's no difference if its on my hand or on a pole.

[sayemthree]

I use them for cross bars, cargo carrier and thule box.

[MrItaly]

So how hard would it be to remove them?

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by MrItaly

So how hard would it be to remove them?

That's the other thing I haven't attempted to figure out yet lol. If you need to get at them from above the headliner then I probably don't want to deal with it, but I genuinely have no idea at the moment.

I first want to see if a trim piece even exists or if you can only get this car with rails.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by smithf80

Despite not liking much about my previous Macan, I did like the fact that it was built without roof rails. I'll never use them, they're annoying during the wash process and somewhat unsightly to the profile of the car, not a huge deal, but if I can remove them, I would...[/url]

A few years ago when we were all discussing the upcoming F97/98, I had mentioned it would be nice to have the option of ordering without the rails. Given the large internal cargo capacity I've never needed to add anything to the top, so other than occ holding on when washing the car as pluckydks mentioned, I don't need them.

I've wondered if they help or hurt the model's aerodynamics but have never been able to find that answer. Probably negligible either way.

If I'm not mistaken, I know the F98 can be ordered without (at least in Europe), and I thought that maybe F97 overseas could be as well? Been at least a few years since I thought about it so that could be wrong.

Here was how I thought a potential X3MCS could look out of the box with CFRP roof and wider wheels and no rails. I wasn't skilled enough to add the aero roof channel like they have on many of their models. Let us know if you find out anything on deleting the rails.

[Macanakey]

Funny - that's one thing I felt my Macan was missing. I do like the way the roof rails look & also like to use them for leverage when I'm pulling myself up to wipe down the roof! I don't have the crossbars & wouldn't buy them unless I needed to use the rails, but I think the lines make the vehicle look more SUV-ey, which is a plus in my book.

[AlexFL]

In other news, Max has amazing photoshop skills.

[j080808]

I’d be interested in deleting the roof rails.

When I search that part number, the notes seem to pop up for “without pano roof”.

Did you check Newtis for headliner removal? IIRC, dropping it wasn’t easy. I looked it up for the roof antenna a while back.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by Macanakey

Funny - that's one thing I felt my Macan was missing. I do like the way the roof rails look & also like to use them for leverage when I'm pulling myself up to wipe down the roof! I don't have the crossbars & wouldn't buy them unless I needed to use the rails, but I think the lines make the vehicle look more SUV-ey, which is a plus in my book.

No doubt an aesthetic which some like and others don't. Because I couldn't order without the rails, and I knew they were gloss black in the Comp, that was the main reason I ordered mine in BSM thinking they wouldn't stand out as much.

Originally Posted by AlexFL

In other news, Max has amazing photoshop skills.

Ha! I wish, but thanks for the compliment. I use a little freeware photo editor so I know my attempts aren't polished like those with photoshop backgrounds and the actual software, but it allows me to see how ideas might look.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by Max Well

A few years ago when we were all discussing the upcoming F97/98, I had mentioned it would be nice to have the option of ordering without the rails. Given the large internal cargo capacity I've never needed to add anything to the top, so other than occ holding on when washing the car as pluckydks mentioned, I don't need them.

I've wondered if they help or hurt the model's aerodynamics but have never been able to find that answer. Probably negligible either way.

If I'm not mistaken, I know the F98 can be ordered without (at least in Europe), and I thought that maybe F97 overseas could be as well? Been at least a few years since I thought about it so that could be wrong.

Here was how I thought a potential X3MCS could look out of the box with CFRP roof and wider wheels and no rails. I wasn't skilled enough to add the aero roof channel like they have on many of their models. Let us know if you find out anything on deleting the rails.

Wow that is some impressive photochopping!

Liked the larger wheels/tires in the rear.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by smithf80

Despite not liking much about my previous Macan, I did like the fact that it was built without roof rails. I'll never use them, they're annoying during the wash process and somewhat unsightly to the profile of the car, not a huge deal, but if I can remove them, I would.

I was looking at the parts diagram, and was wondering if anyone else has looked into this?

I think its the "Roof trim strip" no 4 on this diagram:

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=51_A672

Ben, do you know if this "roof trim strip" is available to delete the F97 roof rails? r33_RGSport

[pluckydks]

Now the better question is how do we get the panorama moonroof delete and get CF roof. X3M CSL?

[r33_RGSport]

OP, I just went through the parts catalog and BMW USA build page.
Unfortunately, all X3, from base model to X3MC have roof rail.
I was hoping that the base model, even European cheapest model doesn't come with it.
But, indeed BMW includes roof rails on all variants.

You can always remove it, but you have to figure out how to cover the mounting holes.
And you will require to bring down the headliners to access the mounting screws or bolts.

Maybe when BMW decided to release X3MCS with CF roof, there will be an option.

[MrItaly]

Originally Posted by AlexFL

In other news, Max has amazing photoshop skills.

+1

[2kaccordocoupe]

No roof rails on my x4mc. Looks much better without them.

Option code 3MC adds them. Remove it from build.

Don't know if it's applicable to the x3m/c line...

[AlpineWhite_SJ]

I'd use them for a ski rack, but no urgency to put one on since I don't have a winter tire setup yet, so no way I'm taking it up to the mountains in winter on the summers.

[alex.v93]

I dont have roof rails on mine. In switzerland we can order the x3mc without them.

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by alex.v93

I dont have roof rails on mine. In switzerland we can order the x3mc without them.

Can you take a pic of the area so that we can see what the trim piece looks like?