Inexpensive roof rack for E90

metsker · 07-17-2018, 09:56 AM

Hi, I want to add a roof rack to my 2010 335ix so I can carry my kayak, however, am not interested in spending $500+ on a Yakima or Thule system as I'll probably only have this car for another year or so, and the kayak didn't even cost that much.

Sunroof and sharkfin along w a curved roof make for interesting configurations.

Does anyone have any product that they're happy with?

Was looking at the "wholesale" website (is this for real?) :
https://www.bmwpartswholesale.com/oe...xoC1z8QAvD_BwE

And at the Rola Roof system, which I've never heard of.
https://www.etrailer.com/multi-produ...ASK&manuf=ROLA

Thanks for your help.

ECSTuning · 07-17-2018, 10:13 AM

The BMW style is a T-Rail system so you can use most aftermarket rack accessories. Build quality is also great, and fit and finish is well just like stock. On the E90 the genuine rack is my go-to suggestion.

-James

e90yyc · 07-17-2018, 10:14 AM

The BMW system isn't terribly expensive, if you're just looking for the roof rails.

That website is legit, but reviews seem to be very mixed. If I was you, I'd avoid them. Their price isn't anything special either, so no reason to roll the dice on shitty service or shipping delays. Here's another option:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E90-3-S...-/171860256644

Check out CL and other local classifieds. You might have some luck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ECSTuning

The BMW style is a T-Rail system so you can use most aftermarket rack accessories. Build quality is also great, and fit and finish is well just like stock. On the E90 the genuine rack is my go-to suggestion.

-James

+1 on going OEM. Especially given the price (good).

n50four · 07-17-2018, 10:41 AM

I have an OEM rack in great condition that's up for grabs. Make me an offer. I use my e46 as my bike hauler is the reaon for my selling.

blueloco · 07-17-2018, 10:46 AM

I have the Rola rack, purchased on Amazon. It was a little cheaper than the BMW part, but the main reason I bought it was the previous owner reporting he had the BMW rack on the car and didn't like the noise. The Rola rack has a more aerodynamic shape in my opinion and rubber inserts for all the slots. It does make noise but not much. My main complaint is it casts an annoying shadow through the sunroof. The Rola product is really stout... I have yet to strap lumber to it but have come close.

hassmaschine · 07-17-2018, 03:03 PM

Never had noise problems with the OEM rack. You have to install it correctly (the front is different than the rear) so he probably just had them backwards.

07-17-2018, 09:56 AM	#1
metsker Registered 2 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 335 ix Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: colorado iTrader: (0)	Inexpensive roof rack for E90 Hi, I want to add a roof rack to my 2010 335ix so I can carry my kayak, however, am not interested in spending $500+ on a Yakima or Thule system as I'll probably only have this car for another year or so, and the kayak didn't even cost that much. Sunroof and sharkfin along w a curved roof make for interesting configurations. Does anyone have any product that they're happy with? Was looking at the "wholesale" website (is this for real?) : https://www.bmwpartswholesale.com/oe...xoC1z8QAvD_BwE And at the Rola Roof system, which I've never heard of. https://www.etrailer.com/multi-produ...ASK&manuf=ROLA Thanks for your help.
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07-17-2018, 10:13 AM	#2
ECSTuning New Lifetime Replacement Policy 811 Rep 11,738 Posts Drives: Independent Tuning Specialists Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ohio iTrader: (18)	The BMW style is a T-Rail system so you can use most aftermarket rack accessories. Build quality is also great, and fit and finish is well just like stock. On the E90 the genuine rack is my go-to suggestion. -James
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07-17-2018, 10:41 AM	#4
n50four Private First Class 131 Rep 187 Posts Drives: '07 335i Sport; '01 330i Sport Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	I have an OEM rack in great condition that's up for grabs. Make me an offer. I use my e46 as my bike hauler is the reaon for my selling.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-17-2018, 10:46 AM	#5
blueloco Private 20 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 325xi Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Alaska iTrader: (0)	I have the Rola rack, purchased on Amazon. It was a little cheaper than the BMW part, but the main reason I bought it was the previous owner reporting he had the BMW rack on the car and didn't like the noise. The Rola rack has a more aerodynamic shape in my opinion and rubber inserts for all the slots. It does make noise but not much. My main complaint is it casts an annoying shadow through the sunroof. The Rola product is really stout... I have yet to strap lumber to it but have come close.
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07-17-2018, 03:03 PM	#6
hassmaschine Major General 3966 Rep 7,215 Posts Drives: "NBO" 330i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	Never had noise problems with the OEM rack. You have to install it correctly (the front is different than the rear) so he probably just had them backwards.
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