[audioMeth]

do the painted inserts on the roof rails go back in place after you pop them out to mount a roof rack base? looking to get a roof rack but just starting to research and couldn't find anything that answers this silly question.

[BreakPoint]

Originally Posted by nuespeedgti

do the painted inserts on the roof rails go back in place after you pop them out to mount a roof rack base? looking to get a roof rack but just starting to research and couldn't find anything that answers this silly question.

They don't pop off, they pop open like a door. They're hinged.

[audioMeth]

Originally Posted by BreakPoint

They don't pop off, they pop open like a door. They're hinged.

thanks for the quick answer. i know it sounded silly but my buddies range rover pop off and can never be placed back into place.

any other words of advice for a new to be roof rack owner.

[talljosh85]

I bought the BMW version new from the dealer, in hindsight I think I should've looked longer for a slightly used one and bought it from them. Installation wise, its pretty straight forward and easy to use. For opening the little hinges, credit cards and the such work great, I would not recommend using anything metallic to avoid scratching the paint. Its pretty noisy about 60mph+ so I don't leave it on unless I'm actually carrying my bike(s). Any specific questions?

[mlermin]

I have the OEM rack with the mountain bike holders where you don't have to take the wheel off, there's an arm that holds it in place.

To cut down on the noise I used Gorilla tape (http://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Glue-6.../dp/B003YPPZ9Y) to tape off the gaps on the rack, worked like a charm, there was still noise, but it wasn't horrible when you have the windows up and the sunroof closed.. did a 4500KM road trip this past summer... racks are very easy to get on/off and putting the bikes on/off the car is also very easy..

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...66&postcount=6

[BreakPoint]

I use a Yakima rack with a fairing..its very quiet and nice looking.

[lilh00kup]

Looking to get a Thule rack for this winter on an e92. What specific parts do I need for the complete set up. If anyone knows, thanks!!

[audioMeth]

Originally Posted by BreakPoint

I use a Yakima rack with a fairing..its very quiet and nice looking.

does it rest on the paint?

[BreakPoint]

Originally Posted by nuespeedgti

does it rest on the paint?

Yes, there are rubber booties that touch the paint and stop debris from entering where the mounting points are. I just had it on my car for a solid year, removed, washed, and no sign of anything touching the paint.

[Pinarello Rider]

I just took my Yakima racks off for the season and there are no marks after 8k miles, give or take. That being said, for next year, I think I am going to find some clear tape to put around, just in case I get uppity or something.

I may have cross-threaded the bolts though. That's what I get... Ugh. That's not a BMW issue though, that's all operator error suffering from a horrible case of stupidity.

[Morpheus]

Originally Posted by lilh00kup

Looking to get a Thule rack for this winter on an e92. What specific parts do I need for the complete set up. If anyone knows, thanks!!

I have the thule rack. go to the thule website (thule.com) and it will let you purchase from them or print out a shopping list. Basically you need the bars, the feet, and the fit kit. I didn't spring for aero bars-how aero can you be with a bike on top???

edit*** for clarity-the thule website has a fitment app by specific vehicle.

[Pinarello Rider]

Originally Posted by Morpheus

I have the thule rack. go to the thule website (thule.com) and it will let you purchase from them or print out a shopping list. Basically you need the bars, the feet, and the fit kit. I didn't spring for aero bars-how aero can you be with a bike on top???

edit*** for clarity-the thule website has a fitment app by specific vehicle.

Aero matters when there's no bike on top. MY mpg decreases by about 10% with the racks and fairing on. That matters over the course of a summer - real dollars I'd rather spend on my bike.

[Express]

my MPG decreased by about 2mpg with just the base and no attachments

[Pinarello Rider]

Originally Posted by express705

my MPG decreased by about 2mpg with just the base and no attachments

Sounds about right - I am getting 25.2-3mpg combined without the racks. With the racks, I was at 23.

[lilh00kup]

Originally Posted by Morpheus

I have the thule rack. go to the thule website (thule.com) and it will let you purchase from them or print out a shopping list. Basically you need the bars, the feet, and the fit kit. I didn't spring for aero bars-how aero can you be with a bike on top???

edit*** for clarity-the thule website has a fitment app by specific vehicle.

appreciate the help! will post pics as soon as i put it on

[Morpheus]

Originally Posted by Pinarello Rider

Aero matters when there's no bike on top. MY mpg decreases by about 10% with the racks and fairing on. That matters over the course of a summer - real dollars I'd rather spend on my bike.

yeah I take mine off and on-no sweat. Not worried about the mpg-I just don't like the wind noise with the sunroof open.

Those new asymm pinarellos are awesome. They look like they have muscles!