Roof rack/base recommendations

NGT2 · 04-07-2022, 09:27 PM

Does anyone have recommendations? I'm surprised to find that OEM are the cheapest option. But it's still more than I'd have thought to go all in for the rack/base and a good roof box.

I'm also hesitant to spend that kind of money when I know nothing about the different models/shapes and what I'm getting for the money.

Right now, I'm leaning toward OEM base and a Thule Pulse box.

Any suggestions on lesser known brands or experience/suggestions on the name brands like Thule or Yakima?

SonD · 04-08-2022, 02:15 AM

While UK based, this site has a fair bit of useful info.
I am unsure as to what will be available over your side of the lake.
I am going for the KAMEI Fosco 420 as it should get a lot of the stuff we take with us on holiday, along with the Yakima roof bars package - S16 silver bars with K1048 kit as they appear to make the least wind noise.

They are biased towards a few brands as they are the UK importers, but a fair few independent reviews are there as well..
https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rb...d1v40.T%60azVC

NGT2 · 04-08-2022, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonD

While UK based, this site has a fair bit of useful info.
I am unsure as to what will be available over your side of the lake.
I am going for the KAMEI Fosco 420 as it should get a lot of the stuff we take with us on holiday, along with the Yakima roof bars package - S16 silver bars with K1048 kit as they appear to make the least wind noise.

They are biased towards a few brands as they are the UK importers, but a fair few independent reviews are there as well..
https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.php/roofbars/yakima_120cm_through_bars_2_silver_s16/Qx%40w%2C6M4gNax5vN1Yv0vegd3uHKJCT_qxxynX5QKg%7B%7 BQWEwR_5WO5d1v40.T%60azVC

Thanks!

Warp Ten · 04-08-2022, 10:00 AM

I endorse your first thought--go with the OEM offeings. They seem reasonably priced and you know they will fit right. You probably could have the dealer install the rack for not much money. When I sold BMWs and MINIs, I personally installed ordered roof racks on their new MINIs myself for my customers. Not a big deal but I was practiced. I don't recall any of my BMW customers ordering roof racks but I am sure some did. --Bob

NGT2 · 04-08-2022, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warp Ten

I endorse your first thought--go with the OEM offeings. They seem reasonably priced and you know they will fit right. You probably could have the dealer install the rack for not much money. When I sold BMWs and MINIs, I personally installed ordered roof racks on their new MINIs myself for my customers. Not a big deal but I was practiced. I don't recall any of my BMW customers ordering roof racks but I am sure some did. --Bob

Thanks. That's probably what I will do. Some of the others look sleeker. But from the video I watched, it's really quick and easy to install and uninstall OEM. Plus it's less expensive and should fit perfect out of the box. Some of the others look better when on, but install and uninstall is more complicated. When I don't need it, I want it off completely. Seems that's not as easy with non OEM.

It's frustrating that OEM is all different price depending on the dealer. We have one dealer in town with zero incentive to price competitively. I can find other dealers that sell them cheaper, but then likely paying shipping.

540iSUP · 04-14-2022, 07:24 AM

I have the OEM and a yakima rack. The OEM is faster to put on because it bolts into the slots in the roof. I don't have a box, but I have a Thule Roof Basket and it fits both the Yakima and OEM BMW rack.

I got lucky and was able to find an OEM rack here on this forum.

NGT2 · 04-14-2022, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 540iSUP

I have the OEM and a yakima rack. The OEM is faster to put on because it bolts into the slots in the roof. I don't have a box, but I have a Thule Roof Basket and it fits both the Yakima and OEM BMW rack.

I got lucky and was able to find an OEM rack here on this forum.

Thank you! Very useful information.

choppedliver · 04-14-2022, 04:10 PM

I have OEM as they were the same price as aftermarket and fitted straight away, no messing with setup. Also the load rating was higher than aftermarket.

Only annoyance is the spacing is different to the standard holes on our Thule Polar 200 box and I had to drill some new ones. Very odd as I’ve used the box on loads of other cars and it fitted without drilling.

NGT2 · 04-14-2022, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choppedliver

I have OEM as they were the same price as aftermarket and fitted straight away, no messing with setup. Also the load rating was higher than aftermarket.

Only annoyance is the spacing is different to the standard holes on our Thule Polar 200 box and I had to drill some new ones. Very odd as I've used the box on loads of other cars and it fitted without drilling.

I think OEM will be the way to go with the rails. Price is better, from what I've seen, and the fitting seems way easier.

jsf721 · 04-14-2022, 07:10 PM

Not for my g30 but I have been very happy with my Thule. Had it for almost 10 years and it still works but it needs a re paint and a rivet to hold the hinge.

Still works fine and is weather tight. This summer I’ll get it fixed and painted and sell it for a pretty penny.

04-07-2022, 09:27 PM	#1
NGT2 Brigadier General 5598 Rep 4,526 Posts Drives: BMW M550i xDrive (2020) Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: West TN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 M550i xDrive [9.00]	Roof rack/base recommendations Does anyone have recommendations? I'm surprised to find that OEM are the cheapest option. But it's still more than I'd have thought to go all in for the rack/base and a good roof box. I'm also hesitant to spend that kind of money when I know nothing about the different models/shapes and what I'm getting for the money. Right now, I'm leaning toward OEM base and a Thule Pulse box. Any suggestions on lesser known brands or experience/suggestions on the name brands like Thule or Yakima? __________________ 2020 M550i xDrive (Champagne Quartz/Black) 2021 X7 40i M-Sport (Arctic Gray/Tartufo) RETIRED: 2018 540i Luxury Line (Dark Graphite/Canberra Beige)
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04-08-2022, 02:15 AM	#2
SonD Lieutenant 325 Rep 436 Posts Drives: 545e (Finally :-) ) Join Date: May 2021 Location: Midlands UK iTrader: (0)	While UK based, this site has a fair bit of useful info. I am unsure as to what will be available over your side of the lake. I am going for the KAMEI Fosco 420 as it should get a lot of the stuff we take with us on holiday, along with the Yakima roof bars package - S16 silver bars with K1048 kit as they appear to make the least wind noise. They are biased towards a few brands as they are the UK importers, but a fair few independent reviews are there as well.. https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rb...d1v40.T%60azVC
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04-08-2022, 10:00 AM	#4
Warp Ten Captain 642 Rep 628 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW 540xi Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Lake Bluff IL iTrader: (0)	I endorse your first thought--go with the OEM offeings. They seem reasonably priced and you know they will fit right. You probably could have the dealer install the rack for not much money. When I sold BMWs and MINIs, I personally installed ordered roof racks on their new MINIs myself for my customers. Not a big deal but I was practiced. I don't recall any of my BMW customers ordering roof racks but I am sure some did. --Bob __________________ 2019 540xi M Sport, Carbon Black/Cognac, 2014 328xi, 2016 Corvette Z06; Previous:2010 BMW 535xi M Sp, 2008 335xi, 1998 M3 Sedan,1980 528i, 1977 320i, 1976 2002
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04-14-2022, 07:24 AM	#6
540iSUP Captain 704 Rep 801 Posts Drives: G30, E36 Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: California iTrader: (1)	I have the OEM and a yakima rack. The OEM is faster to put on because it bolts into the slots in the roof. I don't have a box, but I have a Thule Roof Basket and it fits both the Yakima and OEM BMW rack. I got lucky and was able to find an OEM rack here on this forum.
	Appreciate 1 NGT25598.00 Quote

04-14-2022, 04:10 PM	#8
choppedliver Captain 159 Rep 758 Posts Drives: 2020 M550ix Pure Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Australia iTrader: (1)	I have OEM as they were the same price as aftermarket and fitted straight away, no messing with setup. Also the load rating was higher than aftermarket. Only annoyance is the spacing is different to the standard holes on our Thule Polar 200 box and I had to drill some new ones. Very odd as I’ve used the box on loads of other cars and it fitted without drilling.
	Appreciate 2 NGT25598.00 540iSUP704.00 Quote

04-14-2022, 07:10 PM	#10
jsf721 Captain 1111 Rep 869 Posts Drives: 2019 540i X M Sport Join Date: May 2019 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	Not for my g30 but I have been very happy with my Thule. Had it for almost 10 years and it still works but it needs a re paint and a rivet to hold the hinge. Still works fine and is weather tight. This summer I’ll get it fixed and painted and sell it for a pretty penny.
	Appreciate 1 540iSUP704.00 Quote