Does the e91 need to have the roof rails to connect the BMW Base Support System?

fueledbymetal · 10-01-2009, 03:06 PM

I'm thinking about trading my 5 in for an e91 and was looking at the BMW acessories site. I noticed that the way the BMW base system attaches to the roof rails for the e91 makes the rails seem redundant (why aren't they simply crossbars?).

http://accessories.bmwusa.com/ItemVi...&productId=864

Does BMW offer a base support system for the e91 that doesn't require the e91 roof rails (so I can skip the $100 roof rail option)?

This would be for a bike rack fwiw.

fueledbymetal · 10-05-2009, 03:08 PM

bump

Drillslinger · 10-05-2009, 04:59 PM

A quick check of realoem.com shows 2 types of crossbar.

One for vehicles without roof rails; http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...30&hg=82&fg=51

And another for vehicles with roof rails; http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...59&hg=82&fg=51

I personally plan on getting the roof rails because the roof line looks too long without them and because I heard that the crossbars w/roof rails goes on quicker/easier

Hope that helps

Kilgore Trout · 10-05-2009, 05:56 PM

Without roof rails, I believe you have the same little flaps as the rest of the e9X line that make installation of roof racks relatively easy.

With the rails, you may have more options for aftermarket crossbars.

Drillslinger · 10-05-2009, 06:42 PM

There's a dude that works next door that puts a rack on his M3 Coupe and the rail-less E91 has the same attachment points.

fueledbymetal · 10-09-2009, 08:50 AM

Thanks!

goldn · 12-01-2009, 02:43 PM

anyone have pictures of the OEM crossbars installed?

10-01-2009, 03:06 PM	#1
fueledbymetal Lieutenant 129 Rep 579 Posts Drives: 2024 G80 6spd, Cayman GTS 4.0 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lexington Park, MD iTrader: (0)	Does the e91 need to have the roof rails to connect the BMW Base Support System? I'm thinking about trading my 5 in for an e91 and was looking at the BMW acessories site. I noticed that the way the BMW base system attaches to the roof rails for the e91 makes the rails seem redundant (why aren't they simply crossbars?). http://accessories.bmwusa.com/ItemVi...&productId=864 Does BMW offer a base support system for the e91 that doesn't require the e91 roof rails (so I can skip the $100 roof rail option)? This would be for a bike rack fwiw. __________________ Instagram: te37sl_m3
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-05-2009, 03:08 PM	#2
fueledbymetal Lieutenant 129 Rep 579 Posts Drives: 2024 G80 6spd, Cayman GTS 4.0 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lexington Park, MD iTrader: (0)	bump __________________ Instagram: te37sl_m3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-05-2009, 04:59 PM	#3
Drillslinger Captain 22 Rep 908 Posts Drives: BSM 1M / R53 / E91 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: No. VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 1 Series M ... [9.00] 2006 MINI Cooper S [9.60] 2010 328i Wagon [9.60]	A quick check of realoem.com shows 2 types of crossbar. One for vehicles without roof rails; http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...30&hg=82&fg=51 And another for vehicles with roof rails; http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...59&hg=82&fg=51 I personally plan on getting the roof rails because the roof line looks too long without them and because I heard that the crossbars w/roof rails goes on quicker/easier Hope that helps __________________ *Vorsprung durch Gas Geben!!* 172 of 740
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-05-2009, 05:56 PM	#4
Kilgore Trout Chicks dig wagons! 43 Rep 1,375 Posts Drives: 2009 E91 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Where you can see through the people, but not the air (i.e., Los Angeles!) iTrader: (0)	Without roof rails, I believe you have the same little flaps as the rest of the e9X line that make installation of roof racks relatively easy. With the rails, you may have more options for aftermarket crossbars. __________________ E91 Montego Blue gray leather burl walnut , Idrive, PDC, Logic7, CA, Sirius, xenons, 6FL, ZPP, heated seats, 17" tires. 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-05-2009, 06:42 PM	#5
Drillslinger Captain 22 Rep 908 Posts Drives: BSM 1M / R53 / E91 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: No. VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 1 Series M ... [9.00] 2006 MINI Cooper S [9.60] 2010 328i Wagon [9.60]	There's a dude that works next door that puts a rack on his M3 Coupe and the rail-less E91 has the same attachment points. __________________ *Vorsprung durch Gas Geben!!* 172 of 740
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-09-2009, 08:50 AM	#6
fueledbymetal Lieutenant 129 Rep 579 Posts Drives: 2024 G80 6spd, Cayman GTS 4.0 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lexington Park, MD iTrader: (0)	Thanks! __________________ Instagram: te37sl_m3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-01-2009, 02:43 PM	#7
goldn Captain 30 Rep 727 Posts Drives: 2010 E91 328i xDrive 6MT Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Collingwood, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0)	anyone have pictures of the OEM crossbars installed?
	Appreciate 0 Quote