[wanofakind01]

New timer here! But long time forum member from previous e93 335i vert and current f22 m235i. My wife and I decided to get an X1 this weekend after trading in my dd. She loves the size of the x1, and due to the height difference between us, she was never comfortable driving my murano (she's a whopping 5' lol).

My current dilemma is the roof rack. Currently have a set of aero bars from
rhino rack (plus bike and snowboard rack). Couldn't find rhino rack legs that allow me to convert these over. Searched the forum and couldn't find a specific thread for roof racks, had to really click on each page to find one or two.

Was wondering what options I have for roof racks for the X1? Is thule the only option at this time?

[MikeG12]

I just got the factory racks. List for about $250 but I got them for less because I bought them with the car. Thule is much more expensive. I had them on 2 previous cars and was not impressed.

[flopdog]

Originally Posted by wanofakind01

Was wondering what options I have for roof racks for the X1? Is thule the only option at this time?

I have the Thule 480R aero bars on mine. I didn't like the silver color of the factory one. It does sit fairly low on the roof, depending on which carriers you use, you may not be able to slide the sunroof open. The aero bars are designed more for attaching carriers via the t-track, but that involves cutting the rubber cover strip (not a problem if you don't change carriers often i suppose)

[wanofakind01]

Originally Posted by MikeG12

I just got the factory racks. List for about $250 but I got them for less because I bought them with the car. Thule is much more expensive. I had them on 2 previous cars and was not impressed.

Any chance you know the size that id be working with? Couldn't find the length online anywhere. Would like the know the measurement of the silver bar. On my previous set I managed to get both bike racks and a 30 inch snowboard rack on there.

[wanofakind01]

Originally Posted by flopdog

I have the Thule 480R aero bars on mine. I didn't like the silver color of the factory one. It does sit fairly low on the roof, depending on which carriers you use, you may not be able to slide the sunroof open. The aero bars are designed more for attaching carriers via the t-track, but that involves cutting the rubber cover strip (not a problem if you don't change carriers often i suppose)

Nice! Those look very similar to my current set. What size did you go with? I need about 42" of real estate for both bike racks and a snowboard rack. Would really prefer not to swap them from season-to-season if I can help it!

[xlr8it]

Originally Posted by wanofakind01

Any chance you know the size that id be working with? Couldn't find the length online anywhere. Would like the know the measurement of the silver bar. On my previous set I managed to get both bike racks and a 30 inch snowboard rack on there.

I have factory bars as well, they look good and have about 1 meter or 40" of usable space

[wanofakind01]

Originally Posted by xlr8it

I have factory bars as well, they look good and have about 1 meter or 40" of usable space

Thanks! That helps!

[flopdog]

Originally Posted by wanofakind01

Nice! Those look very similar to my current set. What size did you go with? I need about 42" of real estate for both bike racks and a snowboard rack. Would really prefer not to swap them from season-to-season if I can help it!

The Thule bars are 43" (ARB43 is the model). That is what the Thule fit guide spec'd out. Thier stuff may be expensive but their warranty and customer service is outstanding. I've had a few dealings with them in the past and always no hassles, they send out whatever you need very quickly.

[wanofakind01]

Originally Posted by flopdog

The Thule bars are 43" (ARB43 is the model). That is what the Thule fit guide spec'd out. Thier stuff may be expensive but their warranty and customer service is outstanding. I've had a few dealings with them in the past and always no hassles, they send out whatever you need very quickly.

Is that 43" workable real-estate or the total length of the bars? Typically I wouldn't be able to use any of the space above the legs or the distance that hangs off past the legs.

[wanofakind01]

Originally Posted by xlr8it

I have factory bars as well, they look good and have about 1 meter or 40" of usable space

Any problems with wind noise with OEM? Starting to lean that way since I don't think I'm going to get much more space across the bar. Wind fairing?

[flopdog]

Originally Posted by wanofakind01

Is that 43" workable real-estate or the total length of the bars? Typically I wouldn't be able to use any of the space above the legs or the distance that hangs off past the legs.

It's total length, the idea with the aerobars is that it is all workable space if you mount using the t-track. if you are using a clamp type mount, then it's much less between towers, i'd imagine at least 10" less, but i have no issues with two bike carriers and there would still be room for either a 3rd one backward all in between the towers. i'm sure a snowboard carrier would fit in the middle, they aren't typically very wide.

There will always be a little wind noise at certain speeds depending what carriers you have. A faring helps but doesn't eliminate it. I found the bike carriers aren't bad, the kayak carriers (empty) have quite a bit of whistle

[wanofakind01]

appreciate all the info guys! decided to go with the OEM rack after getting a great price from sun motors. i'll have to see what i can do, won't be getting more than 40" to work with off any rack really.

[GuyOh]

Originally Posted by wanofakind01

Any problems with wind noise with OEM? Starting to lean that way since I don't think I'm going to get much more space across the bar. Wind fairing?

I have factory as well and I only get a slight bit of wind noise when traveling between 80km/hr and 90ish km/hr, but if you are listening to music, you won;t really notice it

[wanofakind01]

OEM racks came in today! Shipping was ridiculously fast from PA to VA considering I just ordered yesterday afternoon. Anyway, managed to throw these on.

My impressions:
-love how the install does not require tools, definitely faster than my previous rack system
-be careful what you're mounting if you have a panoramic sunroof...my yakima snowboard rack screws were too long and will scratch if open. Will be looking for shorter screws or pulling out the dremel kit. Believe another member mentioned the Thule system being even lower!
-wind noise is definitely more noticeable than my previous SUV, but not sure if a wind fairing will clear the sunroof. Anyone have any photos with both the sunroof and a fairing?

[dubjj]

Originally Posted by GuyOh

I have factory as well and I only get a slight bit of wind noise when traveling between 80km/hr and 90ish km/hr, but if you are listening to music, you won;t really notice it

With the factory bars are you able to mount bicycles on it? I didn't see the bike system available from BMW. Thanks.