[cfabluenose]

Does anyone have some advice about good trunk mounted bike racks? I have noticed a couple of models made by Thule and Yakima that have received good reviews. But I want to make sure that I don't get one that would cause any damage to my '09 328i. Thanks for your help.

[RyanE92]

I would not go with a trunk rack. Anything that touches the paint makes me nervous. I've been very happy with my roof setup.

That said, I did use a trunk rack at one time. I had a Saris Bones rack and had zero problems with it as far as stability and holding onto the bikes. You do have to make sure the wheels and lower parts of the frame are secure and not banging or rubbing against the rear bumper.

The Saris never caused any damage that I saw, but again, IMO, its worth it to spring for a roof or hitch setup to protect your car.

[enigmaticdream]

Why not get the bmw bike rack? Obviously more expensive but if you are concerned for the paint job it might be worth it. Also, if you have the cold weather package you can put down your rear seats. If you don't mind taking your front wheel off you can fit your bike in the car. I did that with mine to move it to work.

[skier]

I've looked recently into a roof mounted bike rack for E92. Interestingly, BMW OEM rack costs less than contenders from Thule or Yakima. I'm debating if I should get the fork mount, or go with the arm holding the frame.

[Buegie]

Originally Posted by skier

I've looked recently into a roof mounted bike rack for E92. Interestingly, BMW OEM rack costs less than contenders from Thule or Yakima. I'm debating if I should get the fork mount, or go with the arm holding the frame.

if its a road bike you should go with fork mounted, it puts less stress on the frame

[RyanE92]

+1 on the fork mount.

I used the BMW base system and a Thule fork mount rack. Worked perfectly.

[JacksonHandy]

I didn't notice any damage with my trunk mounted rack. Of course I didn't leave it on there for any longer than the trip required.

Nice two wheeled ride Ryan92 by the way. Since I moved here to Germany I want to get a Canyon carbon frame to build.

[rothwem]

Originally Posted by skier

I've looked recently into a roof mounted bike rack for E92. Interestingly, BMW OEM rack costs less than contenders from Thule or Yakima. I'm debating if I should get the fork mount, or go with the arm holding the frame.

I agree that the roof rack is the way to go for our cars, but I think the thule is a bit better than the OEM, it sits closer to the car and looks more streamlined. The standard rectangle bars are nice too, with a wider selection of trays to hold your bike.

I like the fork mounted racks for my road bike and mountain bike, they seem to hold more securly for longer trips. Around town with the mountain bike, I like the frame mount.

When I'm carrying just my road bike, I generally run without a rack, becuase I can get better mileage. I don't bother to put the seats down, I put a beach towl over the backseat and take the wheels off. With the wheels off, the bike fits nicely on the backseat upside down. I buckle it in, and i'm good to go.

What I would really like is a hitch mount, becuase of the minimized mileage hit, but we have a giant muffler behind the bumper of our cars, I'm not sure how a hitch would fit there.

[reelgr]

i like that roof rack.. nicely done.

[brunp]

I have the BMW racks, just need to wait to get the Thule fork mount so I can put 2 bikes on my roof.

How does the rear adapter work with the track system? I know the thule square bars are more secure, but curious about the adapter kit because on my previous Saab, even the adapter kit made the rear wobbily....

Paul

[cfabluenose]

Great comments, thanks. Looks like I should buy the BMW roof rack and then get a roof mounted rack. Great looking Specialized - I have a Specialized hybrid.

[Christos]

Originally Posted by cfabluenose

Does anyone have some advice about good trunk mounted bike racks? I have noticed a couple of models made by Thule and Yakima that have received good reviews. But I want to make sure that I don't get one that would cause any damage to my '09 328i. Thanks for your help.

Look here for the best trunk mount bike rack

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=saris

[jasonschock]

RyanE92, I'm looking to build the same rack as yours. Did you need any adapter kits to make that fit?

[RyanE92]

Originally Posted by jasonschock

RyanE92, I'm looking to build the same rack as yours. Did you need any adapter kits to make that fit?

I believe you want the XAdapt 9 kit if you go the same way I did. The bike carrier I have is the Thule Peloton. The BMW base system is basically just a set of relabeled Thule Aero Bars.

You'll want to double check the compatibility info, but I'm pretty sure this is correct.

[AV8Flyer]

I mountain bike a lot but I don't want to put a bike rack on the my car. Its just too damn gorgeous to be sticking stick on it. I just put the seat down and pull both the wheels off the bike and stick it in the trunk...works well.

[Sweeeper]

I Found a good pre-owned original bmw roof mounted rack for half the price. i feel it's well worth 1-2 hours surfing the net to find it... good luck!

[jasonschock]

Originally Posted by RyanE92

I believe you want the XAdapt 9 kit if you go the same way I did. The bike carrier I have is the Thule Peloton. The BMW base system is basically just a set of relabeled Thule Aero Bars.

You'll want to double check the compatibility info, but I'm pretty sure this is correct.

Cool, thanks.

I found some pretty solid deals at REI.com on Thule bike racks if anyone's interested.