Anyone Tried Roof Racks for the BMW i3?

Parts and Accessories
1

Looking for Recommendations on Roof Racks for BMW i3

I’ve been considering adding a roof rack to my BMW i3 and would love to hear from others about their experiences. I want to use it for transporting bikes and maybe some extra luggage for road trips.

What to Consider:

  • Compatibility: Are there specific roof racks that fit well on the i3 without modifications? Any particular brands that stand out?
  • Installation Tips: How easy or difficult is it to install? Any advice on tools or methods that work best?
  • Aftermarket Options: Have you come across any good aftermarket solutions? I’m not entirely sure about the OEM options vs. third-party.
  • Weight Limit: What’s a safe weight limit for any of the racks you’ve used?

Personal Experiences:

If you’ve used a roof rack, please share your experience! What do you like or dislike about it? Any issues with wind noise or gas mileage?

Purchasing Advice:

I’ve seen some listings on eBay, but I’d appreciate any recommendations on where to buy or specific sellers who are reliable.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

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2

Does anyone know if there are any specific models from these brands that work well with the i3? I’d love some specific recommendations!

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You’re right, Cynthia! The Thule 400xt is often recommended. Just make sure to verify the max load, usually around 75-100 lbs, depending on the crossbars used.

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I found that a lot of folks have had success with it! Are there any modifications needed for installation?

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There shouldn’t be any significant modifications needed for Thule racks. However, some users mentioned minor adjustments when fitting them to the i3 since the roof shape is unique.

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What type of adjustments are we talking about? I want a hassle-free setup!

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In some cases, you might need to use different mounting feet, or possibly trim some clips. But nothing too complicated!

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I just put a Yakima roof rack on my i3! It’s super functional and really complements the design of the car. Plus, it’s easy to install, with no modifications required!

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That’s awesome! Did you face any issues with weight capacity?

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Honestly, I would recommend avoiding putting anything too heavy on the roof. The i3 is not designed for heavy loads. Better safe than sorry!

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No weight issues at all! Just make sure not to exceed the limit, which is around 75 lbs for the i3. I usually carry bikes or a kayak without a problem.

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Agreed! Sometimes the roof racks can be tempting for larger items, but it’s probably not worth the risk.

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If you’re looking for humor, just imagine an i3 with a huge surfboard wobbling on top! Definitely don’t want that to end badly!

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Haha, that’s a mental image! On a serious note though, any special racks for skiers?

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Definitely! There are ski racks available that fit the Thule and Yakima bases. I’d recommend checking reviews to find the best fit for your needs.

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Thanks for the info! I’m hoping to use them for a ski trip next winter.

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Looking forward to hearing more experiences! This is all great advice—thanks everyone.

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I’ve installed roof racks on my BMW i3, and it was surprisingly straightforward. All you need are some basic tools like a wrench, a Phillips screwdriver, and the rack system itself. Just be sure to read the manual thoroughly!

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That’s great to hear! Did you encounter any specific pitfalls during the installation that others should avoid?

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Absolutely, I found that not tightening the clamps enough can cause the rack to shift. Make sure to double-check everything after installation! Also, I recommend using a torque wrench for precision.

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