[bernard54321]

Installed a bmw oe roof rack, and between 55 mph and 75 mph there's a weird buzzing or humming sound. I'm assuming it's from the wind going into the channel of the rack... but I'm not sure, any fix? I don't like the way the fairings look but idk if I have another option.

[Needbmwpartzz]

Your going to hear more noise no matter what rack you have.....a fairing may help a bit but that's about it.

[Needbmwpartzz]

Originally Posted by Needbmwpartzz

Your going to hear more noise no matter what rack you have.....a fairing may help a bit but that's about it.

Take rack off when not needed

[princelybug]

Agree with all replies above. It's terrible that BMW doesn't offer an OEM fairing.

You can use an aftermarket fairing which won't eliminate, but will markedly reduce wind noise:

[david in germany]

Originally Posted by princelybug

Agree with all replies above. It's terrible that BMW doesn't offer an OEM fairing. :thumb down

You can use an aftermarket fairing which won't eliminate, but will markedly reduce wind noise:

I did testing with and without fairing on my e87 and e90 and both cars showed an increase of fuel usage of 2-3mpg with fairing vs rack without fairing. This is on a set 50 mile one way commute with cruise control set at 65mph and a single bike mounted and 45 day period. With the rack alone I averaged 2 mpg **less** than without rack. This was a thule fairing mounted to an oem BMW rack.


By the way, gorgeous car.

Edited to correct

[princelybug]

Originally Posted by david in germany

I did testing with and without fairing on my e87 and e90 and both cars showed an increase of fuel usage of 2-3mpg with fairing vs rack without fairing. This is on a set 50 mile one way commute with cruise control set at 65mph and a single bike mounted and 45 day period. With the rack alone I averaged 2 mpg more than without rack. This was a thule fairing mounted to an oem BMW rack.
By the way, gorgeous car.

Thanks, David!

So let me get this straight: your MPG's went UP with OEM rack & Thule fairing versus no rack at all?

[david in germany]

Originally Posted by princelybug

Thanks, David!

So let me get this straight: your MPG's went UP with OEM rack & Thule fairing versus no rack at all?

oops, should be MPG went down. Loss of efficency with the rack and more loss with rack and fairing.

I corrected my statement.

[bernard54321]

hmmm interesting, i removed it for now... at least until i get the fairing, i was toying with the idea of putting something in the channel that would stop the air from passing in there...

(the o.e. bmw rack measurements are 1" wide at the bottom opening, 1/2" tall of the bottom channel, and 1/2" wide opening at the top opening of the rack.)

theoretically it cant be too hard to find something to fit in there, right?

[princelybug]

Originally Posted by bernard54321

hmmm interesting, i removed it for now... at least until i get the fairing, i was toying with the idea of putting something in the channel that would stop the air from passing in there...

(the o.e. bmw rack measurements are 1" wide at the bottom opening, 1/2" tall of the bottom channel, and 1/2" wide opening at the top opening of the rack.)

theoretically it cant be too hard to find something to fit in there, right?

Is this the channel you're talking about?:

[bernard54321]

Originally Posted by princelybug

Is this the channel you're talking about?:

Yes like maybe a piece of aluminium in this shape:

____
I . I
I______I

[bernard54321]

Originally Posted by bernard54321

Yes like maybe a piece of aluminium in this shape:

____
I . I
I______I

Spaces are not working lol, but in the shape of the rack channel.

[princelybug]

Please post if you come up with a solution.

[bernard54321]

Bump, anyone found a solution?

[bernard54321]

okay so I found a place that will make a perfect fit into the channel of the roof rack, they make it out of aluminum and will include 3 holes drilled and tapped with screws to hold the bar in place. they are charging me 180 to make it, anyone seem interested in it?

[princelybug]

Pics! Also, that's a bit rich for my blood.

How effective do you think this'll be?

[cgrizzly888]

Why don't you get the protective rubber strips that come with the bars? That will eliminate the air flowing through the channels.

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES196908/?g...FdgNgQodOH4Amw

[cgrizzly888]

This is the part # 82120393629 (Profile Cover)

[LeeCatD8209]

+1 to the rubber strips.

Mine is almost unbearable without them.

[bernard54321]

okay so i got mine, and installed them, and there is no humming, buzzing or anything! finally! problem solved! the machine shop told me they can do it again as a group buy for minimum 6 people so let me know guys.

[bernard54321]

Ps the ecs rubber strips can't be bought without a whole new rack

[princelybug]

Originally Posted by bernard54321

Ps the ecs rubber strips can't be bought without a whole new rack

Are you sure? I actually can place them in the cart. But, I haven't ordered them yet, as shipping costs more than the part.

[bernard54321]

Originally Posted by princelybug

Are you sure? I actually can place them in the cart. But, I haven't ordered them yet, as shipping costs more than the part.

hmm maybe im wrong but last time i checked they came with the rack only... but that was about a week ago