Best roof rack for e46?

[mikeyb74]

What base are you using? Thule 753?

I got a facelift 325i
now to just find those parts on cl =[

my budget = 200$

here would this one work for me?
http://lancaster.craigslist.org/pts/2047802152.html

The feet kit will not work on a BMW that this guy is selling. You will need to buy part #753 for the base kit which so happens comes with the mounting feet, load bars, and locking bolts.

That guy that is selling those parts want way to much for it all.

[jjcools]

I have had both Thule and Yakima. Yakima is slightly better build quality but I didn't like the red they use on all their racks so I tried Thule. I have the Thule aero bars on the Audi cause of all the al trim on it. Both are sweet systems but I agree that the black looks better on most cars.

[Sognare]

shit so thats where the hard part comes in... I got to find someone selling a thule #753 and then I can get the other parts fast cuz everything else is all over cl.

[mikeyb74]

shit so thats where the hard part comes in... I got to find someone selling a thule #753 and then I can get the other parts fast cuz everything else is all over cl.

How fast do you need it? Have you looked on ebay?

[Sognare]

How fast do you need it? Have you looked on ebay?

I need it asap. I looked some places but I might as well buy the foot on eBay and then buy everything else from people

I found this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Thule-753-Rapid-Fixpoint-Carriers-/320616262511?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM& hash=item4aa637eb6f

which was pretty cheap i guess

once i buy that i need 2 50" loading bars right?

and then bike mount and then im good/?

Or do i need this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Thule-753-Rapid-...item20b513ad2b

[mikeyb74]

I need it asap. I looked some places but I might as well buy the foot on eBay and then buy everything else from people

I found this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Thule-753-Rapid-Fixpoint-Carriers-/320616262511?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM& hash=item4aa637eb6f

which was pretty cheap i guess

once i buy that i need 2 50" loading bars right?

and then bike mount and then im good/?

Or do i need this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Thule-753-Rapid-Fixpoint-XT-roof-rack-FOOT-PACK-Sweden-/140476919083?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item 20b513ad2b

You realize that both of those auctions are overseas? How much did you say you wanted to spend?

The full 753 kit sells for $229.95 new.

[Sognare]

You realize that both of those auctions are overseas? How much did you say you wanted to spend?

The full 753 kit sells for $229.95 new.

True haha i didn't know

ok so ima just buy a 753 kit with 42' load bars for 125$ + shipping from this guy on e46fanactis

then all i need a a bigmouth bike attach peice and a fairing

[ropehnd]

I would recommend the thule over the yakima. I have the yakima and it touches the paint. More like rubs the paint.

Thule>Yakima (at least in this application)

[mikeyb74]

True haha i didn't know

ok so ima just buy a 753 kit with 42' load bars for 125$ + shipping from this guy on e46fanactis

then all i need a a bigmouth bike attach peice and a fairing

I bought my bigmouth on ebay for 60 or so bucks if I remember correctly.

[jaymar88]

OEM with Yakima fairing

PAC.. how did you get the fairing to sit down on the roof? I have the 38 inch yakima and cut the round edges off and the fairing kind of hovers over the roof? Did you bend the arms somehow?

[billschusteriv]

+1 for the thule.

I'm not much help here - I have the factory roof rails with a universal thule kit. I also use the short thule fairing so it fits in between my roof rails. This is based on placement of the thule car top carrier I use.

The 50" load bars are huge on our cars. I have caught my head while loading/unloading and getting in/out of the car. I'm planning to chop them down so they are almost flush. So the 42" load bars might work well with your setup.

I wasn't able to keep within my budget when I purchased my setup as I needed it asap for a road trip. With patience and time though, you should be able to find everything you need within your budget.

Sorry no recent pics with the fairing and carrier.

Good luck with your search - post some pics of your setup when you get it.

I have a Thule setup

It is like I have seen the future. This is where I am headed with my wagon - very cool.

[crsv619]

I have a medium size Thule fairing laying around my garage if anyone is interested.

any chance you still have that fairing?

[stickbuilder]

I have a Thule setup





I have a medium size Thule fairing laying around my garage if anyone is interested.



No because these are for vehicles that have factory roof racks. You will need the base fit kit. Shoes, bars, and hardware.

What's the puddle under the driver's side?

[easyIsle]

To confirm,

The thule 753 base is the best option for any e46?

I think so, as I do not wish to use the systems that have a metal bracket hanging over the side of the roof into the doorjamb.. and rubber pieces touching the paint. The 753 is inline with what I want.

However I would prefer to have the Aero bars. To be more aerodynamic and to look better. Reduced wind noise thanks to the differing mounting system would be nice as well.

the 480 and 480R base recommended by Thule's fitment website at this time for my 2002 330i sedan (Feb 2011) .. appear to come with fitment kits that have the bracket in the doorjamb. I tried confirming this is what "traverse" means, but it's not clear anywhere.

Anyone know? Or I'll give em a call tomorraw.

[mikeyb74]

any chance you still have that fairing?

Not anymore sorry.

What's the puddle under the driver's side?

It's water. It rained over night of the Bavauto Show & Shine.

[Rallfs]

Hi, what the front lip on bmw e46 sedan titansilber ?

[Rallfs]

What lip they have ?

[droveto]

I'm happy with my Thule

[milhaus]

Drumming up an old thread here. I am looking to get a BASIC roof rack for the e46 M3. Looks like a lot of people like running the Thule 753 base. Is this still true?

All I am looking for is base plates that screw into the factory roof rails...not door or gutter mounts. Then just need two 42" bars so I can mount my fly rod holder and a single bike carrier. Thoughts or suggestions?

I've heard that the Yakima system is more universal, but Thule may be a cleaner mount?

[Pelican Parts]

Take a look at the link below - I believe that we have a roof rack that would work.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...pg7.htm#item19

Drumming up an old thread here. I am looking to get a BASIC roof rack for the e46 M3. Looks like a lot of people like running the Thule 753 base. Is this still true?

All I am looking for is base plates that screw into the factory roof rails...not door or gutter mounts. Then just need two 42" bars so I can mount my fly rod holder and a single bike carrier. Thoughts or suggestions?

I've heard that the Yakima system is more universal, but Thule may be a cleaner mount?

[milhaus]

Take a look at the link below - I believe that we have a roof rack that would work.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...pg7.htm#item19

This looks great and is a viable option with a nice price. However, two questions I have about this rack.

1. Is there a way to seal off or protect the roof/screw interface point? Looks like water could get trapped in the rail?

2. What are the accessory options for this rack? Like bike mounts, etc?

Thanks for the link.

[Pelican Parts]

This looks great and is a viable option with a nice price. However, two questions I have about this rack.

1. Is there a way to seal off or protect the roof/screw interface point? Looks like water could get trapped in the rail?

2. What are the accessory options for this rack? Like bike mounts, etc?

Thanks for the link.

No problem at all!

1. There is a plastic piece that slides over the rail that covers it; so water will not get trapped inside. If you google the part number, there are a few images that show the black strip that goes over the top of the rail.

2. There is a bike rack, a ski/snowboard one, and also an aluminum luggage basket.


If you have any other questions, please let us know or feel free to give us a call at 888-280-7799 and one of our BMW part specialists will be happy to answer any questions!

[curry]

I have the BMW [Thule] system on the factory hardtop for my 330 cabriolet. It fits with little problems. However it is the noisiest as wind noise goes system that I have ever owned. Also it appears that Thule has made their crossbars thinner since it was produced and none of the Thule accessories available fit on it without using much longer screws. Still I got it for $50.00 on ebay so I can go kayaking during the winter months.
I'm glad I didn't pay more. I've always had Yakima racks before on my e34 and e36 with no issues.