Ravenous666 wroteThank you! I have a Thule Force XT cargo box in the XL size and while I've found videos showing it on older gen X3's I'm hoping to see what that, and other, cargo boxes look like on the G45 so I can make a decision to keep the one I've got or buy a new one. These BMW options are not my first choice as I'd prefer them without BMW logos.Those are from various BMW sites advertising their transport accessories parts:
toddwalton wroteHey that’s my picture lol.
One of the best views of the all-black OEM crossbars on a G45 to date. I've yet to come across a G45 + roof box image. (If anyone has one please post)
DrewYokota wroteNice!
tuchkata wroteThanks! What size is your Thule cargo box?Here is mine with Thule roof box and thule wing bars
tuchkata wroteThanks so much. If you get a chance to take a side profile view photo that would be much appreciated.Mine is this one - Thule Motion 3 L
https://www.thule.com/en-bg/cargo-carrier/car-top-carrier/thule-motion-3-l-_-639700
tuchkata wrotePerfect! Thanks so much.I have one taken from above which might be helpful
X3inZug wrotePlease: how "tall" is the car+rail+box with this setup you have, toddwalton?
X3inZug wroteYour situation may be different, but we find we only need our cargo box a few days per year and it’s so easy to take the box and the OEM crossbars off we just swap it on/off the car when needed. Takes a minute to take the box down and two minutes to take the crossbars off, no tools required.thanks! unfort. 7.25 feet tall is more than my garage would allow, so I need to look at other solutions. I do have a trail hitch, maybe a box that sits on that? any experiences from anyone?
X3inZug wroteBars will not be interchangeable between Audi and BMW unless her bars are some "universal" type. Regardless, I wouldnt trust universal mounts - get some good bars. You dont want that flying off your car when you're going 80MPH on the highwaythank you for the answer. i will look into it. i still would like something for the trailer hitch that is nice/manageable.
i would also only use either solution a few times a year and i ran into a friend that could offer me this for free:
I guess I would still need to buy the bars, as her bars were for an audi. or they are interchangeable?
thanks again
X3inZug wroteLex gave you some great advice, here are a couple of other things you should know:thanks for the suggestions... I'm "new" to this concept and still debating if I go with it or not... (but yes, makes sense to have a "solid" setup...)
toddwalton wrotethank you. very informative and to the point. trying to see if it justifies now spending $$$ to buy such setup for only a few uses. But its clear to buy the right set of crossbars if I decide to go further. thanks.Lex gave you some great advice, here are a couple of other things you should know:
1. Each car requires its own set of unique crossbars. It's a sunk cost with each BMW you own. Every 3 years I lease a new BMW, every 3 years I buy a new set of OEM BMW crossbars specific to that vehicle. It's a major safety issue as the width of each roof is different and the height/design of each set of side rails is different. You don't mess with it.
2. The cargo box, different story, they are universal. So you buy one cargo box now and you keep it for the rest of your life. I like Thule as a brand, there are others. I like the 'regular' height so I can get full duffles or carryon suitcases up there, there are low height options if you just want room for skis or something not so chubby.
3. Convenience is a major, major consideration. I go with the BMW crossbars which are somewhat taller than other brands because they require no tools, come preassembled, and literally can be put on or off the car in under 30 seconds. Be careful when buying a non-OEM set of crossbars because most require pre-assembly and tools to put them on and off the car each time.
4. Lastly, safety is very important. There are specific mounting points for the crossbars and weight limits for the box/contents so that the balance of the vehicle is correct. You don't want an 80 MPH airflow lifting 150 pounds of luggage and plastic to go flying behind you and hit another car on the highway.
Enjoy!
