From the category archives:

BMW Racks

Image of a collapsible kayak rack on 2011 BMW 335xi 4-door vehicle rack cross rails, featuring the Thule 835Pro Hull-a-Port kayak cradles.

This single kayak holder for a sedan car rack on a 2011 BMW 335xi keeps your kayak safe and secure on any trip, and folds down when you aren't transporting your boat.

If you want a kayak rack that takes up minimal space on your cross bars, or a kayak rack that can collapse down out of the way when not in use, consider this customer install: a Thule 835Pro Hullaport kayak carrier on 2011 BMW 335xi universal cross bars. This option uses the Thule 835Pro Hull-a-port kayak system mounted on the 335xi sedan OEM cross rails. The stand-out feature on this Thule 835Pro is the J-cradles, which not only reduce the amount of room the kayak takes up on the roof rack by positioning it on a slant, but which also fold flush onto the cross bars with the quick pull of a lever, for improved garage access and efficiency when boats aren’t being carried. These padded cradles keep boats protected and stable, and cargo straps for tying the kayak to the cross bars and bow-stern straps for lashing the boat to the bumpers are also included. And thanks to the factory-compatible mounting brackets, the Thule 835Pro works great with almost any OEM cross bar (as shown here), or round/square cross bars like those from Thule, Yakima, and Inno.

For more information, go to the BMW 335xi sedan kayak J rack on elliptical factory cross bars installation page.

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Image of a BMW X5 vehicle rack for two bike systems, featuring the Inno INA388 Tire Hold bike racks connected directly to the factory cross bars.

This bike tire holder rack for BMW X5 OEM car rack cross rails is great for road bikes or mountain bikes.

When this customer sent in these install pictures they mentioned how much they liked their new Inno locking bike racks system for BMW X5 rooftop cross bars. They mounted two Inno INA388 Tire Hold bike carriers onto their BMW X5 OEM cross rails. This adaptable and value-packed bike rack is ideal for use on almost any rooftop cross bar, from elliptical factory options like the bars on this X5, to round or square Yakima, Thule, or Inno racks, and almost any style of bike, from 20″ wheel-size kids’ bikes to narrow-tire road bikes to 29″ mountain bikes. The Inno Tire Hold clamps bicycles by the front and rear wheels, meaning nothing has to be removed or adjusted on the bike before loading, and there is no rack contact with bike frame, brake or shift cables, etc. Placing the bike in the tray is simple with the self-standing front wheel arm that stays in place as you position the bicycle, and bikes stay upright and stable in transit thanks to the adjustable and snug-fitting ratcheting attachment arms. The Inno Tire Hold also comes with integrated cable and lever locks that lock the bicycle onto the tray and the INA388 tray onto the roof rack for peace of mind.

To learn more about this configuration, check out the Inno Tire Hold upright bike racks on a BMW X5 factory cartop rack installation page.

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2008 BMW 328xi Car Rack Luggage Roof Box System

by Rack-Z on November 12, 2012

Image of a cartop rack with luggage pod for parallel factory rails on a 2008 BMW 328xi, featuring the Yakima RailGrab roof rack with 48" cross bars and the Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 cargo box.

This 2008 BMW 328xi wagon vehicle rack with hard-sided luggage carrier is great for every road trip, short or long!

The sun is shining on this excellent 2008 BMW 328xi rooftop rack system with waterproof cargo holder, and it’s easy to see why. This install features a Yakima RailGrab roof rack with 48″ cross bars installed directly onto the raised side rails on this vehicle, and a Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 cargo box. The Yakima RailGrab Towers are designed to fit raised and flush factory side rails alike, so this is a versatile system that is easily interchangeable between cars. And with a Yakima SKS 4 lock pack, the towers can be locked to the side rails for extra security. Install is fast and simple, and this sturdy base system can be racked up with any gear accessories and will withstand years of abuse from the elements. And speaking of the elements, the Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 is ideal for carrying cargo in any weather. The RocketBox Pro 14 is constructed of a super durable, stiff plastic that is rugged and waterproof, and with a 14 cubic foot cargo capacity, it’s perfect for carrying almost any kind of gear you want to keep safe and dry. The RocketBox also comes with locks and keys for peace of mind, and universal attachment hardware that works with both factory and aftermarket cross bars, and offers a straightforward, tool-free install. That means this customer has their rack system installed in no time, which leaves plenty of time for getting out on the road and putting it to use.

Find more information on this setup at the 2008 BMW 328xi cargo box on rooftop cross bars for side rails installation page.

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Image of a Yakima kayak stacker car rack on a 2001 BMW 330CI Coupe, featuring the Yakima Q Tower roof rack with Q11 Clips and 48" cross bars, and the Yakima Kayak Stacker.

 

Image of a great 2001 BMW 330ci roof crossbars kayak carriers rack.

Here are some customer install photos of a Yakima kayak stacker and q tower rack on a 2001 BMW 330ci coupe, using  a Yakima  Q tower roof rack with 2 pairs of Q11 clips and two 48” cross bars. A Yakima Kayak Stacker is mounted to the cross bars. For more information, visit the mulitple kayak mounts roof top rack on a 2001 BMW 330ci installation page. 

 

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Image of preset mounting point roof rack bike trays for a 2007 BMW 335xi sedan, featuring the Thule 460R Rapid Podium base rack with Fit Kit 3028 and ARB47 load bars, and the RockyMounts Euro PitchFork bike racks.

 

This is a great BMW 335xi four-door cross bar vehicle rack with RockyMounts bike carriers.

C.R. from Philadelphia found an excellent two bike rooftop rack for fixed points on a 2007 BMW 335xi four-door, using the Thule 460R Rapid Podium base system. They installed the Thule 460R Rapid Podium roof rack onto the preset attachment points on their 2007 BMW 335i using Fit Kit 3028, and selected the aerodynamic and whisper-quiet 47″ Aeroblade load bars. This system is versatile and quick to install or remove, and even gives the setup a seamless, integrated finish thanks to the fixed point-attachment. C.R. also opted for sleek styling and ease of use by installing two RockyMounts Euro PitchFork bike trays. These bike racks connect directly into the channels on the Aeroblade load bars, are compatible with almost any style of bike, and are even available in a rainbow of fun colors. C.R. kept security in mind for their new BMW 335i roof bike rack system, too: they installed a Thule 544 4-pack of locks to lock the 460R Rapid Podium car rack to the roof, and a RockyMounts four pack of locks to lock the bikes to the Euro PitchFork mounts and the Euro Pitchfork mounts to the cross bars.

Visit the 2007 BMW 335i sedan Aeroblade cross bars car rack and fork mount bike carriers installation page for full details.

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Image of a factory flush rail roof rack on a 2011 BMW X3, featuring the Thule 460R Rapid Podium roof rack with 4023 Fit Kit and ARB47 Aeroblade bars.

 

A versatile and aerodynamic Thule roof rack for the 2011 BMW X3.

A sleek new rack system for a sleek new car…that’s what B.C. of Saint Hyacinth, Quebec set up with this 2011 BMW X3 flush factory side rail car roof rack.  B.C. installed the Thule 460R Rapid Podium roof rack with 460R Rapid Podium feet, Fit Kit 4023, and ARB47 Aeroblade load bars, which mounts directly onto the flush side rails on their 2011 BMW X3. The Aeroblade’s low-profile design makes for a quiet, attractive system that is also easy to install and versatile for carrying all kinds of rooftop gear. Thanks for the photos, B.C.!

For more information, visit the 2011 BMW roof rack cross bars for flush factory rails installation page.

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Here's a handy trunk hatch bike rack for the 2012 BMW X3, featuring the Yakima King Joe Pro 3 bike rack.

 

A convenient, versatile way to transport bikes on most cars, wagons, minivans, SUVs, and more: the Yakima King Joe Pro 3.

Want a bike rack that’s affordable, versatile, and easy to load?  Look no further. E.S. of Colchester, Vermont sent these install pictures of an excellent 2012 BMW X3 trunk hatch bike rack, using the premium Yakima King Joe Pro 3 bike rack. The King Joe Pro 3 carries up to three bikes, offers plenty of padding to keep your car and your bikes protected and cradles to keep bikes stable, is simple to install and adjust, and fits a wide variety of vehicles.  As E.S. learned, you can’t go wrong with a 2012 BMW X3 strap bike rack like this one!

For more info, visit the Yakima Bike Trunk Rack on 2012 BMW X3 Rear Door installation page.

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Roof Rack Crossbars and Bike Racks for 2008 BMW 328i

by Rack Magic Woman on April 9, 2012

Image of Roof rack for 2008 BMW 328I sedan featuring Thule 460R Rapid Podium Roof Rack

If you are looking for a bike rack for the roof of a 2008 BMW 328i here is a great example.  This bike rack carries 2 bikes on top of the 328i using the Thule 460R Rapid Podium complete roof rack system.  This setup includes the Thule 871XT  wind fairing and 2 Thule 518 Echelon bike carriers which attach to the 460R roof rack system. If you were to recreate this setup for your 328i you would want to use the new Thule ARB47 Aeroblade bars since the Rapid Aero bars shown in this customer installation picture have been discontinued by Thule.

Click here for  complete info on 2008 BMW 328i 4 Door sedan roof rack…

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Image of 2010 BMW 535 Roof Rack Cargo Box and Bike Rack, featuring the Thule 450R Rapid Crossroad Roof Rack and ARB53 Aeroblade bars attached to factory siderails. Rack system is set up with Thule 598 Criterium upright roof bike rack and Thule 611 Boxter cargo box.

A sweet system with tons of storage space and easy loading of your bike on the roof without removing the front wheel.

If you want a cargo box and roof bike rack for a 2010 BMW 535 Sportwagon with factory siderails, look no further.  This customer installation uses the super sleek Thule 450R Rapid Crossroad roof rack on the vehicle’s raised rails, and ARB53 Aeroblade cross bars for minimal wind noise and plenty of rack space on the bars.  Attached to the rack system are a Thule 611 Boxter roof cargo box for hauling lots of gear in a high-performance package, and the Thule 598 Criterium upright roof bike rack with Thule Xadapt 8 adapters to connect the bike rack into the channels on the Aeroblade bars for an integrated look.  For full security, top off this setup with a Thule 596 six-pack of locks: four locks for the 450R Crossroad feet, and two for the 598 Criterium (one to lock the bicycle to the rack and one to lock the rack to the cross bars).  The 611 Boxter comes with lock and key included.

Visit the 2010 BMW 535 Roof Rack Cargo Box & Bike Rack installation page for more information.

 

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RockyMounts Euro PitchFork Bike Rack

by rackdawg on May 18, 2011

Picture of the all-new Rocky Mounts Euro PitchFork bicycle carrier, a fork mounted roof bike rack for use on votex rack cross bars - OEM roof racks for Audi, BMW, Porsche, Mini Cooper, VW, Volvo etc.,  Whispbar roof racks, Thule Rapid Aero load bars, Thule Xsporter truck rack etc.

Picture of the all-new Rocky Mounts Euro PitchFork bicycle carrier, a fork mounted roof bike rack for use on votex rack cross bars - OEM roof racks for Audi, BMW, Porsche, Mini Cooper, VW, Volvo etc., Whispbar roof racks, Thule Rapid Aero load bars, Thule Xsporter truck rack etc.

Following on the heels of the wildly-popular Rocky Mounts Pitchfork bike rack is the uber-cool RockyMounts Euro PitchFork bike rack. While the standard PitchFork model fits any roof rack square and round cross bars from Thule Racks, Inno Racks, Yakima Racks etc., it falls short when it comes to working with any oval, aerodynamic style cross bars with t-slot channels such as votex roof rack cross bars, which are available as OEM roof racks on Audi, BMW, Porsche, Mini Cooper, Volkswagen, Volvo etc., Whispbar roof rack crossbars, Thule Rapid Aero load bars, Thule Xsporter truck rack and more. The Rocky Mounts Euro Pitch Fork bicycle carrier has all the same premium features included on the normal RockyMount PitchFork, as well as the specific installation hardware for the slotted channel cross bars. And as with all other RockyMount bike rack products, this carrier delivers all the same high-end features, design styling and ease of use found on Yakima and Thule roof bike racks yet is available at a cheaper price. Works with most styles of bicycles, from road to mountain and anything in-between. Optionally locks the bicycle to the rack and the bike rack itself to the roof rack (RockyMounts locks sold separately).

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2006 BMW 325xi Roof Rack Cargo Luggage Bag

by Rack James on April 5, 2011

Great photo of a 2006 BMW Xi roof rack cargo storage bag with the Yakima RailGrab roof rack system, a 38" wind fairing/noise deflector, and the Yakima GetOut roof cargo storage bag.

Great photo of a 2006 BMW 325 Xi roof rack cargo storage bag with the Yakima RailGrab roof rack system, a 38" wind fairing/noise deflector, and the Yakima GetOut cargo bag.

Here is a great shot of an easy and affordable way to transport extra cargo on your next road trip.  This 2006 BMW 325 Xi rooftop rack system and cargo bag is using the Yakima RailGrab base rack system, which attaches to the BMW factory roof rails, with a 38″ wind fairing/noise deflector and the Yakima GetOut cargo bag

More details and info for 2006 BMW Xi roof rack luggage bag.

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2003 BMW 325i Car Roof Rack Fairing System

by Rack James on March 9, 2011

Image of 2003 BMW 325i roof rack system using the Yakima Control Tower system with two sets of Yakima #11 Landing Pads, SKS4 4 pack of locks, and a 48" fairing-wind deflector.

Image of 2003 BMW 325i roof rack system using the Yakima Control Tower system with two sets of Yakima #11 Landing Pads, SKS4 4 pack of locks, and a 48" fairing-wind deflector.

Nice shot of a 2003 BMW 325i rack system for roof featuring the Yakima Control Tower Complete Base System (one set of Yakima Control Towers, 2 sets of Yakima #11 Landing Pads) and a 4 pack of locks and 48″ wind fairing.

More info and images for 2003 BMW 325i Yakima roof rack system.

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2001 BMW 328i Tandem Bike Rack

by Rack Princess on October 15, 2010

Picture of tandem bike roof rack for 2001 BMW 328i as well as Thule 753 BMW Roof Rack and Thule 503 Load Stops and Thule 532 Heavy Duty Straps

Picture of RockyMounts R4 tandem bike roof rack for 2001 BMW 328i as well as Thule 753 BMW Roof Rack and Thule 503 Load Stops and Thule 532 Heavy Duty Straps

This customer install photo features a 2001 BMW 328i roof rack that includes a Thule 753 BMW Roof Rack with RockyMounts R4 Tandem Bike rack for carrying a tandem bicycle on the roof of a BMW 328i.  This BMW owning outdoors enthusiast also manages to carry a tandem kayak on the roof rack of  a BMW  328i by using Thule 503 Load Stops and 523 Heavy-Duty Straps. Fun for 2 people and 2 sports!

See complete info on 2001 BMW 328i roof rack for tandem bicycle.

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Picture of a custom outfitted BMW motorcycle trailer cargo carrier using the Thule 682 SideKick luggage box.

Picture of a custom outfitted BMW motorcycle trailer cargo carrier using the Thule 682 SideKick luggage box.

Ready to think ‘outside of the box’ when considering your cargo luggage carrier options when traveling by motorcycle and pulling a motorcycle trailer? Check out this sweet set up configured by one of our customers. He has a BMW motorcycle trailer cargo carrier that is using the Thule 682 SideKick luggage box custom mounted to the motorcycle trailer.

BMW motorcycle trailer cargo carrier install details

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2010 BMW 328i Roof Rack and Bike Carriers

by rackdawg on April 8, 2010

Picture of a 2010 BMW 328i car rack with roof mount bike racks. The Thule 460 Podium roof rack is mounted to the 2010 BMW 328i fixed attachment points located on the car top using the Thule 3039 Podium Fit Kit brackets (included with the 460 Podium complete system).

Picture of a 2010 BMW 328i car rack with roof mount bike racks. The Thule 460 Podium roof rack is mounted to the 2010 BMW 328i fixed attachment points located on the car top using the Thule 3039 Podium Fit Kit brackets (included with the 460 Podium complete system).

Many vehicles available today feature attachment points on the roof top (called fix-points), allowing for the mounting of an aftermarket roof rack system to these fix-points. The customer installation photo shown above is an excellent example of this. This is a 2010 BMW 328i roof rack that is using the Thule 460 Podium car rack system mounted to the 2010 BMW 328i car rooftop fix-points. The Thule 3039 Podium Fit Kit brackets (included with the complete Thule Racks 460 Podium car rack system) mount directly to the fix-points. The result is a premium, sleek and integrated looking roof rack system.

2010 BMW 328i roof rack install details

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2004 BMW 545i Roof Rack and Snowboard Rack

by rackdawg on April 3, 2010

Image of a 2004 BMW 545i roof rack snowboard rack setup using the Thule 480 Traverse car rack (with the Thule 1325 Fit Kit), Thule 872XT large fairing and Inno INA-945 Rail Slider ski-rack-snowboard rack.

Image of a 2004 BMW 545i roof rack snowboard rack setup using the Thule 480 Traverse car rack (with the Thule 1325 Fit Kit), Thule 872XT large fairing and Inno INA-945 Rail Slider ski-rack-snowboard rack.

A very nice looking 2004 BMW 545i roof rack ski-snowboard carrier system is shown above. Components used include the Thule 480 Traverse roof rack system (using the Thule 480 Traverse Foot Pack, Thule 1325 Traverse Fit Kit clips and 50 inch load bars) mounted to the 2004 BMW 545i roof top, the Thule 872XT rack fairing and Inno Racks INA-945 Rail Slider ski-snowboard rack. This system easily transports up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards, and of course you can carry skis and snowboards at the same time.

2004 BMW 545i snowboard roof rack install details

If interested in purchasing these items and you live in new England or will be in the area, Adventure Skier is an excellent resource for finding store locations. It is also a nice guide for skiing and snowboarding in New England.

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2008 BMW X3 Car Rack Luggage Box

by rackdawg on March 16, 2010

Customer installation picture highlighting a 2008 BMW X3 car roof rack luggage box. Components used include the Thule 450 Crossroad car rack system for factory siderails and the Thule 604 AScent 1600 gear box.

Customer installation picture highlighting a 2008 BMW X3 car roof rack luggage box. Components used include the Thule 450 Crossroad car rack system for factory siderails and the Thule 604 Ascent 1600 gear box.

Heading out on vacation and other adventures and looking to keep all your gear and belongings dry and protected? Then check out this customer installation picture of a 2008 BMW X3 roof rack cargo gear box system featuring the Thule 45050 Crossroad car rack mounted to the BMW X3 factory side rails, while the Thule 604 Ascent 1600 roof box is connected to the 45050 Crossroad bars. All locks are included with this setup. This ORS Racks Direct customer says he traveled across the country and back through wind, rain, sleet and snow and everything stayed safe and dry the entire time.

2008 BMW X3 roof rack gear box install details

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Thule 460 Podium Car Rack Review by ‘Tim’

by rackdawg on March 16, 2010

Thule 460 Podium roof rack review by 'Tim'. He is using the 460 podium system as a 2010 BMW 328i roof rack that he then attaches a couple bike carriers to.

Thule 460 Podium roof rack review by 'Tim'. He is using the 460 podium system as a 2010 BMW 328i roof rack that he then attaches a couple bike carriers to.

Overall Rating: 5 Stars (out of 5)

Configuration: 2010 BMW 328i roof rack for carrying bikes

“If you will simply take your time to read the Thule 460 Podium car rack instructions and follow them step by step, assembly and mounting is a snap – start to finish. They look great and are very sturdy. This is my second BMW and my second Thule roof rack and bike carrier system. It is well worth the cost and the best way to go if you want to haul your bikes around with total confidence!”

all Thule 460 Podium car rack reviews

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Customer installation photo featuring a 2003 BMW X5 roof rack system for carrying kayaks.

Customer installation photo featuring a 2003 BMW X5 roof rack system for carrying kayaks.

Additional image of the 2003 BMW X5 kayak car rack setup using the Thule 450 Crossroad roofrack system and Thule 830 Stacker kayak rack.

Additional image of the 2003 BMW X5 kayak car rack setup using the Thule 450 Crossroad roofrack system and Thule 830 Stacker kayak rack.

A very nice customer installation of a 2003 BMW X5 car rack system and kayak rack. Configuration includes the Thule 450 Crossroad roof rack system that mounts directly to the BMW X5 factory side rails. The Thule 830 ‘The Stacker’ kayak stacker is then connected to the 45058 Crossroad load bars. A 4 pack of Thule locks is also included with the Crossroad system. This locks the roofrack to the factory siderails.

Thule 45058 Crossroad roof rack  system

Thule 830 Stacker kayak rack

2003 BMW X5 kayak roof rack installation page

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  BMW 535i Roof Rack Mounted Ski-Snowboard Rack, Two Fork Mount Bike Racks and Car Rack Wind Fairing
 
The Thule 300 RainGutters car rack system is mounted to the BMW 535i roof top. The Thule 91724 Universal FlatTop ski-snowboard rack, 2 Thule 517 Peloton fork mount bike racks and the wind fairing are all attached to the Thule 300 Gutter Foot roof rack base system cross bars.

 Thule 300 Gutter Foot RainGutters Mount Roof Rack System

Thule 91724 Ski Rack – Snowboard Rack

2 Thule 517 Peloton Bike Racks

Thule Car Rack Fairing

BMW 535i roof rack system with snowboard-ski rack, 2 bike racks and wind fairing mounted to the raingutters car rack system.

BMW 535i roof rack system with snowboard-ski rack, 2 bike racks and wind fairing mounted to the raingutters car rack system.

Close up of the BMW 535i car rack system attached to the rain gutters and the ski-snowboard carrier, 2 bike racks and wind deflector mounted to the load bars.

Close up of the BMW 535i car rack system attached to the rain gutters and the ski-snowboard carrier, 2 bike racks and wind deflector mounted to the load bars.

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