[epj3]

Curious if anyone here has the stock roof rack/bike rack, or pictures of it? I've only seen the thule one with the wind deflector. Any input?

Here is the RealOEM drawing
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...91&hg=82&fg=51 for the rack

There are also a few options for mounting bikes - the most interesting to me is the "bicycle lift" that lets you attach the bicycle to the rack off the side of the car... wouldn't have to worry about scratching/damaging/whatever the bike or the car.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...25&hg=82&fg=51

[Stovelegs09]

Um, am I missing something? The lift still looks like it goes on the roof rack... So how's that different?

[epj3]

Originally Posted by Stovelegs09

Um, am I missing something? The lift still looks like it goes on the roof rack... So how's that different?

Yes? You have to buy the rack in addition to the lift/bike mounts. The racks are almost all universal.

[Stovelegs09]

Originally Posted by epj3

Yes? You have to buy the rack in addition to the lift/bike mounts. The racks are almost all universal.

Ok, did you mean no damage from the ones that mount on the trunk that have been thread topics as of late? I agree about that; however I worry about the feet where the rack mounts to the car... My old one actually went into the rain gutters on the roof; so there was no contact with the roof surface itself; but I don't think we have that option on the M. My wind deflector, even with the rubber edge, still put little scratches on the roof panel after time.

I do think that the rack + bike holder is the best option for most. Sorry, I don't think I helped anything, but hope this helps.

[Stovelegs09]

Edit*

Ok, I just looked, and I think that the OEM rack does go into the rain gutter. That would be ideal rather than any mounting feet on either the roof or the trunk. I'd vote yes for that. Then just use your favorite bike attachment from Thule or Yakima.

[PetrolHD]

[epj3]

Originally Posted by Stovelegs09

Edit*

Ok, I just looked, and I think that the OEM rack does go into the rain gutter. That would be ideal rather than any mounting feet on either the roof or the trunk. I'd vote yes for that. Then just use your favorite bike attachment from Thule or Yakima.

Yes, it fits on the mounting points that are designed into the car for that reason.

What I want to know is if anyone owns the factory rack, and if its worth the $140?

[Stovelegs09]

Well, going onto Yakima's website - the base rack for an e46 is about $265 or so (Just comparing) - and neither Yakima or Thule even list a roof system for our cars. So, I'd say that for $140, an OEM-fit rack is worth it. (Granted I don't own one, but it's just my opinion. Goodluck.

[salty]

I have a factory roof rack. It is great. Much better than the Thule crap I have for the VW. Not sure if it mounts the same on a coupe. I think there is a photo of it on my car if you search M3 hauling lumber. Probably not a whole lot of accesories for it. It pops on and off in a minute.