[wahoorad]

Just bought the OEM roof rails for a MY21 x40i M sport. Question for the group:

Are there roof rail markings on the rails to add with positioning of the rails and beams. The manual is pretty precise about 460 mm for the front rail and 700 mm from the first rail to the second rail. I will be taking my measuring tape and a sharpie to mark the spot but would be helpful to know if its there. I looked quickly this afternoon and didn't see any markings but may have missed it.

thanks

[beegee227]

I had the same question as you, since the OEM roof rail instruction booklet says to look for the markings.

I also have an M-sport and couldn't find markings, so I'm wondering if the black rails don't have the markings, but the regular trim does.

In any case, I generally followed the measurements, but set it back by about an inch on each rail.

[Fennario]

I aligned the bars with the B & C pillars. Distributes the weight over the strongest part of the roof and keeps the leading bar underneath the laminar flow coming off the windshield (less noise).

[Superman750]

Originally Posted by Fennario

I aligned the bars with the B & C pillars. Distributes the weight over the strongest part of the roof and keeps the leading bar underneath the laminar flow coming off the windshield (less noise).

Do you happen to have pictures? We're about to pick some up and I'd love to see how you have them mounted.

[Fennario]

From the poll in Cosmetic Mods subform. I could probably move them forward an inch or two the next time I put them on the car. Better to remove for MPG when not using.

https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...1&d=1614358836

[Ryan5034]

My xline 50 didn't have any marks so I used a punch to make marks on the rails for easier installation. No one will see them unless you are looking pretty close.

[amus3d]

The markings are located on the inside of the rails on the rubber seals. They are very subtle and feels like an imperfection in the rubber.

[djsrubin]

We are trying to decide between the BMW and the Thule cross bars for our 2021 X5.

1) Does anyone know the distance from the roof to the cross bar? It looks like it sits very high - but I think part of that is because the side rail is very low to the car.

2) I am leaning toward the BMW cross bars - but does anyone have any experience with the Thule cross bars?


thanks for the help!

[Skimo612]

Originally Posted by djsrubin

We are trying to decide between the BMW and the Thule cross bars for our 2021 X5.

1) Does anyone know the distance from the roof to the cross bar? It looks like it sits very high - but I think part of that is because the side rail is very low to the car.

2) I am leaning toward the BMW cross bars - but does anyone have any experience with the Thule cross bars?


thanks for the help!

We are in the market as well. From reading a few threads, here are a few of my understandings:

BMW Bars: Sit higher on the roof, include locks if that is important to you, likely made by Thule, silver bars, cheaper.

Thule Wingbar Edge: Sit lower, a little sleeker looking, locks not included, available in black or silver, cost almost 2X.

[djsrubin]

Thanks!

The best price we have found for the BMW racks are at BMWpartshub.com $331. Have you found a better price?

[Skimo612]

Originally Posted by djsrubin

Thanks!

The best price we have found for the BMW racks are at BMWpartshub.com $331. Have you found a better price?

I haven't really been looking for OEM.

I'm going to buy the (all-black) Thule. We leave the rack on all winter so I wanted something that looked a little sleeker and matched the black trim on my car. More expensive, yes, but the cars aren't cheap.

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by Skimo612

We are in the market as well. From reading a few threads, here are a few of my understandings:

BMW Bars: Sit higher on the roof, include locks if that is important to you, likely made by Thule, silver bars, cheaper.

Thule Wingbar Edge: Sit lower, a little sleeker looking, locks not included, available in black or silver, cost almost 2X.

This. At one point, I have OEM and Thule Windbar Evo in black. If cost isn't an issue, black Thule work with M sport shadow rail a lot nicer, a lot more stealth. Thule's bar is also "thinner" if you will, overall more slick looking. However, cost difference is big. If you will consider used, Thule can be 3x of OEM. You can find OEM lease return for $200, maybe even lower. For my usage, I have bars and box off the car when I don't need them, so I don't mind the silver OEM look.