Bike/Ski/Snowboard rack?

[mosx]

Hi Everyone!

Just bought a pre owned 2009 135i and I'm loving it so far! The car came with the "base rack" already installed. I don't really need or want it. Does anyone have instructions on how to remove it? It doesn't seem too difficult but I have yet to find any screws or bolts exposed. Thanks in advance for your help, looking forward to being apart of the 1 series forum here.

[Dinger28]

Don't know how it comes off, but if its in good shape and you want to sell it let me know. Getting mine in 2 weeks and I will have to get a bike rack.
You should be able to pop the covers off being that it screws into the holes that BMW has.

[mosx]

Yeah it will be up for sale just as soon as I can get it off I looked under the covers that pop up but it isn't a standard phillips or flat head. As soon as the batteries charge in my flashlight I can get a better look. Might be a torx. If anyone has any info that can make this easier so I don't have to struggle with figuring it all out I'd appreciate it.

[UdubBadger]

hahaha, there is a torx/hex wrench that should've been included with it that looks like a big screwdriver with a T handle on top of it. There are small windows on the black parts of the rack. If you pop them open then you'll see the screws that go into the slots attached to the roof. You just need to use the wrench and slide it into those slots from the top of the rack going down (not into the windows but above them in the opening) to undo those screws (and FYI they don't come all the way out of the rack but will come out of the hole on the roof) and it'll come right off. Let me know if you need pix and I'll take some of my rack for you.

[mosx]

I gotcha, after looking at it I can see how its done. So next, I don't have the right tools. I've never seen that style before. Any ideas on what size and where I can get a tool to remove those? Thanks again for your help.

[UdubBadger]

Originally Posted by mosx

I gotcha, after looking at it I can see how its done. So next, I don't have the right tools. I've never seen that style before. Any ideas on what size and where I can get a tool to remove those? Thanks again for your help.

it's included with everything when you buy the base support. Did you look in the trunk or the under part near the battery? Where did you get the car from? I assume they would have it. If not, I'm not sure if they are specific keys for each screw set on each rack (kinda like the wheel locks) but maybe someone else local has the same rack and can lend you theirs to at least take it off. Or you can possibly get one from Tischer or your local dealership, dunno if they'd sell it solo.

[mosx]

I bought it from a Toyota dealer, it was a trade in there. I'll check those locations, if all else fails can the dealer remove it?

EDIT: Looked in the spot in the trunk, not there, looks like the jack kit is missing too. Awesome.

[UdubBadger]

jack kit never was there. only included in europe but they make room for it on all the cars.

call the toyota dealership and ask if they can contact the original owner for you maybe?

BMW might be able to help you out too.

[mosx]

I'll see what I can do, the salesman said the guy that traded it was a "real prick" and "going through a divorce" so I might not have any luck asking the dealer for it. If anyone out there is wants to be nice enough to loan me one, I'll pay shipping to here and back, and enough cash to buy yourself a beer.

[UdubBadger]

Originally Posted by mosx

I'll see what I can do, the salesman said the guy that traded it was a "real prick" and "going through a divorce" so I might not have any luck asking the dealer for it. If anyone out there is wants to be nice enough to loan me one, I'll pay shipping to here and back, and enough cash to buy yourself a beer.

Just go post something in the South Central region section here asking for some local help.... and then I'd also try over on E90post.com in the Southwest region section too since the base support fits both 1's and 3's and the 3's are obviously the most popular model around here.

GL

[vwown3d]

haha i'd say BMW dealer is the best bet. Try Tischer as well. Also i'm looking for a rack so let me know if you get the damn thing off!!!!

good luck!

[mosx]

Found out its called a "Tamper Resistant Torx" which is a specialty tool. I have one on order, as soon as I get it off it'll be up for sale. Thanks for everyones help.

[mosx]

Finally got it off of there. In case anyone else runs across this thread with the same problem you need a T30 Tamper Proof Torx screwdriver. Sears sells them in a set for about $35. Really you only need the T30 size. Sears also called this a "T-Through" torx.