Getting a bike on an X5?

[Fimbo]

I am thinking of getting a bike rack for my X5 but wondered for those that have one, how you managed to get your bike fixed in place without scratching the car's paintwork? I mean, I'm 6'1" and it looks to me like it could be 'entertaining' trying to put a bike on the roof! Is it tricky? Any tips/techniques?

Also, should I go with the BMW bike system £125 for the cross rails and £99 per bike rack or Thule?

Thanks.

[oastbloke]

I was concerned about the same thing (and my wife had no chance!). I went for the gas strut lift variety and have been happy with them. It's easy to get the bikes on and off and with a little care there's no chance of scratches.

Downsides - you can only get two bikes on the roof at once and they're expensive.

To save a bit of money I went for Thule roof bars and got the rack/lifter bit from a Volvo garage - same OEM as BMW, but about £50 cheaper...

[Beardy10]

I'm 6'1" drive an X5 and have a Thule bike rack!

I don't have any problem with mine at all but my bike is a light road bike rather than say a downhill MTB. If it's a road bike I think you'll be fine....I just hold the bike by the head tube and seat stays and lift it up. I have the ProRide 591 so just position the down tube clamp before lifting the bike...it effectively catches it when you lift it up.

[philip600]

Hi,
I wouldn't even consider attempting to lift my bikes onto the roof of my X5 !
Too much risk of damage to paintwork & I also have the panoramic sunroof !
I bought a Thule 3 bike rack for my previous Kia Sorento for the same reason, it fits to a tow bar so there's no chance of damage to the car paintwork. It's much more stable & less likely to be affected by crosswinds & it even hinges away so you can get in the boot when the bikes are on the back.
I have to admit I haven't used it on the X yet as I haven't had chance to have a towbar fitted but to me it's the best option to carry bikes. It's not cheap but then neither is the cost of damaged paintwork.
Phil.

[Fimbo]

thanks for your replies. The gas strut system is attractive but, as mentioned, you are limited to one bike on each side of the vehicle. according to the bloke i spoke to at BMW, you can get a third bike rack on the car with the gas strut system but it has to be manual and getting it would also be restricted by the apparatus of the gas strut system. having a wife and two children, hence needing to store up to 4 bikes, I think i heading down the manual route. The question is which one. The bikes are all lightweight specialised MTB's but it only takes a slip..... I'm going to have a look at some other systems, including a trailer but I loathed to add any more weight to the car unless I have too. plus, with a trailor, I assume speed is even more limited(having never owned one I am ignorant of the details).

Edited by Fimbo on Friday 26th March 10:58

[Beardy10]

Get yourself a rooftop one and some steps like these if you are worried

http://www.johnlewis.com/230457568/Product.aspx

I don't know how many times I have lifted my bike up and off my X5 and I don't think I have ever felt I was in danger of damaging the car (tempting fate or what?!?!). I've got a Panaoramic Roof too but with the bar already raised on the carrier before I lift the bike I honestly can't see how it would ever fall on that.