[driverseven]

I just got an email from Thule that they finally released the e90 roof rack kits.

I had signed up for their update about 2 years ago when I first tried to buy one. Never thought I would hear from them.

This is a kit that will screw into the car's sockets. I had one for my 2000 5-series and was planning on using most of the same parts.

This is the Thule listing...
$314.
460R PODIUM AERO FIXPOINT FOOT | RB47 Rapid Load Bars | 3028 Fit Kit

Since I just got the email today, I don't have it but plan to order it right away. I am hoping to order just the feet and save some money.

[banggooooo]

Nice find! I've been searching around for a way to get a thule.

[dth656]

any word on if you can use yakima attachments with it?

I've seen some e90s with a thule tower and cross bar system in place, i'll post pics if i can find them. since this was many months ago, i'm assuming its not the setup mentioned in your email from thule...

[dth656]

actually, i think this is it:

http://www.rackattack.com/product-pa...point-foot.asp

doesnt include the crossbars and/or this "Podium fit kit" in the $149 price. for $175, the BMW base system includes the crossbars and towers, so it might be a better buy?

[banggooooo]

Originally Posted by dth656

actually, i think this is it:

http://www.rackattack.com/product-pa...point-foot.asp

doesnt include the crossbars and/or this "Podium fit kit" in the $149 price. for $175, the BMW base system includes the crossbars and towers, so it might be a better buy?

OP was posting about that. But how do you know if the BMW system is compatible with a...lets say thule flattop snowboard/ski carrier. I have yet to see pictures of a flattop 6 from thule work with the BMW system.

[driverseven]

It is hard to tell from the rackattack ad, but it may fit inside the door rim. The thule kit screws right into the car's roof, using the standard sockets.

the downside of the BMW kit -- the last time I looked -- was the cost of the additional options. I have 3 bike carriers for my Thule and planned to keep using them for years, no matter which car I owned. I bought them for my previous BMW.

[Nikos335i]

I've had a solution for a while it's called a Volvo XC70

Cheers and happy new year!

[discoboy1]

The oem rack can be bought for less than 300$, what is the advantage of the tule?

[dth656]

if you buy the BMW base rack, you do NOT have to use BMW attachments. The BMW base rack cross bar is actually a Thule aero bar, so that you can use Thule attachments using the XAdapt9 adapter. this is probably the way i will go when i purchase the rack system...

[banggooooo]

You can use any thule attachment? Like the flat top 6 for snowboards and skiis?

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by dth656

if you buy the BMW base rack, you do NOT have to use BMW attachments. The BMW base rack cross bar is actually a Thule aero bar, so that you can use Thule attachments using the XAdapt9 adapter. this is probably the way i will go when i purchase the rack system...

This is correct.

Also, in case anyone is interested, I am selling a new roof rack system plus two bicycle holders for it. Send me a PM.

[Maestro]

I was just about to post this too, got the email the other day too, its a bit expensive, I think the BMW solution is cheaper. I was originally waiting to see what they came out with and figure they might be cheaper then a BMW solutions, I guess not, for once BMW is a better deal.

[dth656]

what i would like to know is if its possible to use yakima steelhead bike carriers w/ the BMW base (aka Thule aero bar) crossbar. I know that you can use yakima stuff w/ normal Thule square bars, but not sure about the aero bars.

i've had the yakima system on my corolla since 1998, and its been pretty bullet proof.

[Drive_right]

Wow, its about time. Already got the bmw system and pretty satisfied with it.

[328 driver]

Can someone post pictures of the Thule setup? Thule offers a lifetime warranty on their products. Even though BMW's factory racks are manufactured by Thule, I think the warranty is only 12 months. I have never owned Thule products but I have owned Yakima products for years without any problems.

Happy New Year

Allen

[driverseven]

I have found that Thule sells the adapter that connect the bars to the roof sockets separately for $159 -- they call it the 460R Rapid Podium Fixpoint Foot Pack.

http://www.thuleracks.com/product.as..._id=3&sku=460R

I'm still trying to figure out if it works with the load bars I already have

[T-MC-G]

Originally Posted by dth656

if you buy the BMW base rack, you do NOT have to use BMW attachments. The BMW base rack cross bar is actually a Thule aero bar, so that you can use Thule attachments using the XAdapt9 adapter. this is probably the way i will go when i purchase the rack system...

Not true... If you want to use the ski carriers, even with the fat mouth adapters (which in the instructions say they do fit the aero bar), they do not fit around the bars. The Thule Aero bars are actually smaller than the OEM BMW ones. I had to run around Home Depot for 30 minutes to get all of the hardware to make the ski rack work with the OEM bars.

[dth656]

wait, so you're saying that the OEM BMW and Thule aero bars actually differ slightly? in that case, it might make sense to go with an all Thule setup...hmmm

[Maestro]

Originally Posted by driverseven

I have found that Thule sells the adapter that connect the bars to the roof sockets separately for $159 -- they call it the 460R Rapid Podium Fixpoint Foot Pack.

http://www.thuleracks.com/product.as..._id=3&sku=460R

I'm still trying to figure out if it works with the load bars I already have

For what ever the reason it does not work on the 06 and above 3 series, except the 3 series wagon. I do not believe this is a solution for everyone.

[driverseven]

Originally Posted by Maestro

For what ever the reason it does not work on the 06 and above 3 series, except the 3 series wagon. I do not believe this is a solution for everyone.

What makes you say that? Thule is presenting it as a solution for the '06 3-series sedan.

[TambourineMan]

How difficult/timeconsuming is it to attach and then later detach the base BMW OEM or the Thule to the roof sockets. What tools are needed?

[driverseven]

The first time you put it on, it may take about 30 minutes as you familiarize yourself with the stuff and tighten the cross bars at the right width for the car

Once you do that, getting it on and off takes about 5 minutes. You use a hex wrench to tighten the hex bolts into the car's roof sockets.

Beyond that, it depends what you're attaching to the cross bars. With a bike carrier, the first time you attach them, you have to tighten the nuts and bolts at the right spot, so it takes time to figure it out. After that's done, they go on and off in a couple of minutes.

The kit comes with the necessary hex wrench.