XSeries-forum

Hi all
I'm looking for some suggestions on how to carry two bicycles and a kids bike on the x5 e70 59 plate. I don't have a towbar and am struggling to find a rack that hangs them off the back. Do I need to go for roof mounting? Any recommendations welcomed.

Is there nothing from Thule that might do the job?

We had a great thread on this subject on the old forum with different types of rack ..... it was for the e53 mind so don't know if it would have been any good is the e70 tow bar different to the e53?

[quote=""x555""]We had a great thread on this subject on the old forum with different types of rack ..... it was for the e53 mind so don't know if it would have been any good is the e70 tow bar different to the e53?[/quote]

No tow bar....

Sorry should have read op more carefully
If you don't want to fit a tow bar then there are options for the rear but i would sugest a roof mounting system as you still can gain access to the boot area.

Retro-fitting a tow bar seems like a lot of hassle and probably cost. Sounds like roof is the way to go.... Presumably Thule bars and then bile mount? Any recommendations?

Have a look here at some options.... http://www.thule.com/en-GB/GB/Products/ ... riers.aspx

I'm about to fit a tow bar to my X5 and for the purpose of holding a bike rack. Roof bars are fine but it's quite high vehicle to lift them on to and the bikes add a lot of drag, noticably reducing fuel economy, making quite a bit of noise and meaning you have to be careful of overhead space. It will end up costing me a lot, particularly as I am planning on getting a high quality removable tow bar but as we will use it a lot I think it will be worth it in the long run. The type of rack I am considering is the Thule 909 or something lower down the range but similar. The rack can be had for £330 or thereabouts (I've not shopped around properly yet) but the bar, electrics and fitting will cost be more than that on top (but can be a lot less if going for a fixed bar and basic electrics).

All....

Have looked into this already and have identified that BMW do make one for holding two bikes

This bike rack utilises both towing eye sockets in the bumper of the x5.....and hinges down so you can still use the rear tailgate...I think it is around 450 GBP so not cheap......but will be looking at getting one myself this year for my bikes.......

I have asked stealer about it and he reckons 4 - 5 week delivery as comes in from Germany....

Hope this helps

Do a search on BMW accessories for the below

Your selection.


Rear carrier, lockable
Suitable for carrying two bicycles. Even when loaded, the carrier can be lowered out of the way when you want to open the tailgate. It can be attached quickly and easily to the screw points of the tow eyelets, and as such, is suitable for vehicles without the trailer tow hitch.
Price on request

Available for X5 from 03/07

Think this is what you are refering to




If you chose to go for the roof mount option then Thule is the only way to go IMO, bike mount kit is the Thule '591' ProRide as for roof bars, I have the 'Aero' type and they look very smart. Best look at the Thule link above as several options are listed, most common is the 757 foot pack with 862 'Aero' bars

HTH

Nice one for that chompers that is exactly what I need.

[quote=""NewX5""]Nice one for that chompers that is exactly what I need.[/quote]

No problem

brilliant... had no idea bmw would make one!

thanks

Sorry about the quality of the picture, but you get the idea.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_2edpR1FzWRk/TTl6y ... C03491.JPG

BTW it cost £258 from Bavarian Belfast, slightly more than half of the Dublin main dealer price.

I take it they don't do one of those for the E53? It would save me the cost/hassle of fitting a tow bar if they do.