E90 OEM Roof Rack fit

[F1EA]

Hey guys, got a question about fit for the OEM roof rack/load bars kit on my 2007 3 sedan:

Are the roof rack / load bars supposed to run perfectly flat, or should there be a bit of an angle/arc front to rear?


There's stickers at the bottom of each bar showing the location for each bar / mounting point... However, when I mounted mine at those locations, the load bars were not perfectly horizontal. They were slightly arc'ed (at a similar angle to the roof - let's say the front bar tilted towards the front, and the rear bar tilted towards the rear, but were good left to right).

I swapped the bars and put the rear bar on the front, and now both bars stand perfectly horizontal. But I cannot get to one of the tightening bolts for the bars (there's 2 on each side, I can get to 1 on each side to tighten)... this seems secure enough, but I doubt BMW/Thule made it this way... The bars were purchased brand new from an authorized dealer.

Any experiences?

Thanks!

[Critter7r]

pics?

I know that the pictograms on the roof racks are easy to misinterpret. That the rails are perfectly horizontal isn't critical, so long as they're horizontal enough to mount the accessories.

[F1EA]

pics?

I know that the pictograms on the roof racks are easy to misinterpret. That the rails are perfectly horizontal isn't critical, so long as they're horizontal enough to mount the accessories.

ok Thanks. I don't have a photo with me right now, but could get one later this evening.


Basically, if I put a perfectly flat object on top and accross both bars now, it touches both bars perpendicular and right above the rubber gasket.

If I put the same flat object (ie a box) with the bars as recommended, the box touches the bars more at an angle to both bars and not directly on top of the rubber.

I will try and get a photo tonight...

[F1EA]

Here's a photo (with the rear crossbar mounted in the front and viceversa):
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n631/F1EA1/4AE0EEBE-56B9-4821-A063-3709100A3C0B.jpg (http://s1143.photobucket.com/user/F1EA1/media/4AE0EEBE-56B9-4821-A063-3709100A3C0B.jpg.html)

[Critter7r]

it's hard to tell for sure with that perspective, but they look ok.

Level, end-on shots of each rail would be ideal.

But if your accessories mount up, then don't sweat it.

[F1EA]

Yeah... do you see the angles on the legs bases?
Basically, when mounted the "correct" way, makes the bars angled the front more towards the front, and the rear more towards the rear...... so if you lay something flat on top, the bars are both angled and the object lies not dead-centered on the rubber.......

The way they are now.... the angles on the legs counter the roof's angles and when you lay something flat, it rests even; dead center on the bars (directly over the rubber).

I will stop sweating it and leave it as they are now. The rear bar is up front and the front bar is mounted on the rear. Seems secure so i'll just leave it as is........