[roundle]

Hi All,

***I am posting this in the E90 section as there are not a lot of MPV enthusiasts on bimmerpost***

In any event, I have a 2017 220i Gran Tourer (F46) with the factory roof rails.

I have purchased the BMW roof bars and factory roof box (460). Overall, I'm really pleased with the setup.

Here's my question:

The box came installed at delivery (see pic below). However, the roof rail's rubber strips (that get pushed into the top of the roof bars) were not installed.

I cannot find any instructions that indicate whether or not the rubber inserts should be installed when the roof box is on.

If they should be installed, I suspect that I will need to cut the stripes into three (one large piece in the middle, then two smaller stripes on either side of the mounting bolts?

Any tips?

Thanks!

[Bluewater328iT]

This is a brand new car and should have a warranty. Why not just return to the dealer and have them fix it?

[Texus]

Measure twice, cut once. Just take the long strip and press in to where you need to cut. This will noticeably cut down on the wind noise.

[roundle]

Originally Posted by Bluewater328iT

This is a brand new car and should have a warranty. Why not just return to the dealer and have them fix it?

Nothing's broken.

I'm just curious how others are using their cross-bars and roof boxes.

The BMW manuals (for the cross bars and roof box) do not specify; so I doubt that the 'genius' at the dealer will be more helpful than bimmerpost.

[david in germany]

Does the box clamp onto the bars or does it have tabs that slide into the bars? If it clamps put the strips on and install the box on top of them ( it will reduce rattles) if it has the tabs, attach the box and then fill the exposed track with the proper sized strip.

[roundle]

Originally Posted by david in germany

Does the box clamp onto the bars or does it have tabs that slide into the bars? If it clamps put the strips on and install the box on top of them ( it will reduce rattles) if it has the tabs, attach the box and then fill the exposed track with the proper sized strip.

No clamps. There are bolts that come up from the bottom of the bars (see pic within the below URL):

Box:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/82730412015/

Cross-bars:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...s/82712232293/

[david in germany]

in that case, put the box on and trim the rubber to fit the gap not covered by the box.

Easy!

Originally Posted by roundle

No clamps. There are bolts that come up from the bottom of the bars (see pic within the below URL):

Box:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/82730412015/

Cross-bars:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...s/82712232293/

[roundle]

Originally Posted by david in germany

in that case, put the box on and trim the rubber to fit the gap not covered by the box.

Easy!

So the rubber should not go under the box (to prevent vibration?)?

[CW]

You can put the rubber strip under the box, but I doubt there would be any excessive vibration without it.

[roundle]

Originally Posted by CW

You can put the rubber strip under the box, but I doubt there would be any excessive vibration without it.

OK. Good tip.

That said, the idea of mounting the rigid box directly on top of aluminum seems like a recipe for rattling -- surely rubber bushings (i.e. the rubber strip) would help when placed between the roof rack and roof box (at least in theory.

Anyone with practical experience?

[Aspen235]

Originally Posted by roundle

OK. Good tip.

That said, the idea of mounting the rigid box directly on top of aluminum seems like a recipe for rattling -- surely rubber bushings (i.e. the rubber strip) would help when placed between the roof rack and roof box (at least in theory.

Anyone with practical experience?

It better not rattle because it wouldn't be tight enough. You want to screw it down tight, you should be able to rock the whole car from the box with no movement of the rack or box. The rubber is not necessary under the box because there is little air getting in. It may help reduce noise from the sides.