XSeries-forum

Hello forum.
How do you carry bikes on your X5?
I do not have a trailer hitch but the msport roof rails, but think the car is a bit high to carry 2 MTBs on the roof (?)
On a us forum I saw  back mounted rack identically to the ones using a hitch, but this one was bolted on the rear bumper via the screw holes in each side used to pull the car, the OP claimed they were a BMW OEM part Have not been able to find them atBMW in Switzerland, Germany, France or Denmark.
How do ou transport bikes?

Thanks
JensM

Hi I have the hydraulic bike lifts , they fit into the t track on the roof bars .
They are excellent as the arm pulls down , you place the handle bars then the seat on them then the lift , lifts them onto the roof with no hassle , then you simply pull the straps over on the wheel trays & off you go .
To get them down simply undo the straps then pull the bike towards you again it is assisted so very easy !
The only thing you need to watch is the handle bar size as if they are thick they need adjusted .
I can post a picture if you want ?

My post on for sale on the 15th January has a picture if you curse down , they are on an E53 but the T track is the same for the E70 , just watch if you buy some that they are the long bars as they did 2 different lengths the smaller ones aren't really long enough . They are genuine BMW bike lifts !

Or BMW do this bolt on rear version for non towbar equipped vehicles, one for with and one for without:

Bolt on rear carrier

If you put the last seven digits of you VIN into the 'serial number' field here in Realoem.com you'll find them under Universal Accessories for your version.

You need to be sitting down when you find the price though!!  It's scary in £ but it'll be worse in €.....

Richard

[quote="syg9m"]
Hi I have the hydraulic bike lifts , they fit into the t track on the roof bars .
They are excellent as the arm pulls down , you place the handle bars then the seat on them then the lift , lifts them onto the roof with no hassle , then you simply pull the straps over on the wheel trays & off you go .
To get them down simply undo the straps then pull the bike towards you again it is assisted so very easy !
The only thing you need to watch is the handle bar size as if they are thick they need adjusted .
I can post a picture if you want ?
[/quote]

Hi syg9m
Thanks for this, am however not really fond of having on the roof - before the X5 I had a X3 F25 and had the bikes on the roof. The X5 is min 10 cm higher, and I found the X3 already very high. This is why I am looking more into the rack sitting behind the car

Thanks
JensM

[quote="X5Sport"]
Or BMW do this bolt on rear version for non towbar equipped vehicles, one for with and one for without:

Bolt on rear carrier

If you put the last seven digits of you VIN into the 'serial number' field here in Realoem.com you'll find them under Universal Accessories for your version.

You need to be sitting down when you find the price though!!  It's scary in £ but it'll be worse in €.....

Richard
[/quote]

Hi X5Sport,
This is exactly the rack I am looking after. Can however not see if this can be purchased in Europe (Switzerland preferred). ALso I can not find the price?

Thanks
JensM

If you select the part number and google it, I got this as one hit.  £565.01 + VAT!!

Have you tried going into a Dealer and giving them the part numbers that you need?  It might be possible to ship from the UK, but it might be expensive given the weight will likely be more than a few kilos.

Richard

I put mine on the roof using an old Thule roof rack that I've had for years and used on my previous Audi A6. I needed to buy a single wider roof bar because the roof rails on the X5 were much further apart compared to the A6.

It's a bit of a stretch to get them on the roof but it's nice to have them completely out of the way to access the boot.

[quote="X5Sport"]
If you select the part number and google it, I got this as one hit.  £565.01 + VAT!!

Have you tried going into a Dealer and giving them the part numbers that you need?  It might be possible to ship from the UK, but it might be expensive given the weight will likely be more than a few kilos.

Richard
[/quote]

Thanks Richard,
I recall I have seen the price in US to be around $500, so obviously more expensive in UK and more likely even more here in Switzerland. Have not been at the dealer yet, but will go and show him this and hopefully they can figure something out

Thanks
JensM

[quote="leosayer"]
I put mine on the roof using an old Thule roof rack that I've had for years and used on my previous Audi A6. I needed to buy a single wider roof bar because the roof rails on the X5 were much further apart compared to the A6.

It's a bit of a stretch to get them on the roof but it's nice to have them completely out of the way to access the boot.
[/quote]

I agree with a 'bit' of stretch - were already this on the X3. I recall from the X3, the fuel consumption went some up, which is also one reason for having it on the back. The version I am looking at can tilt so you get easy access to the trunk

Thanks
JensM

I use the towbar mounted Halfrauds 4 bike carrier, check the price in comparison to the rest!!!!!!!
Excellent reviews on the MTB forums, I've had it for 2 x5s now, with no issues, about 6 mins to fit tow bar and 4 bikes.
Another advantage of this type is you can stick it in the boot when you are off biking, so its still there when you come back ( tools - 22mm & 19mm spanner)

[quote="Nessimmersion"]
I use the towbar mounted Halfrauds 4 bike carrier, check the price in comparison to the rest!!!!!!!
Excellent reviews on the MTB forums, I've had it for 2 x5s now, with no issues, about 6 mins to fit tow bar and 4 bikes.
Another advantage of this type is you can stick it in the boot when you are off biking, so its still there when you come back ( tools - 22mm & 19mm spanner)
[/quote]

Nessi,
Please note, I wrote I do not have a tow bar, hense why your suggestion will not work.

Thanks
JensM

New fixed Witter towbar - £400 fitted  & 4 bike carrier @ £130 = massive saving on alternatives, i've also found that having a fixed towbar visible at the back means you don't get people parking right up your a***, no idea why!