Just put together my kuat sherpa bike rack this weekend, below are some pics.

 

Looks good

 

I have the OEM roof rack, but didn't install it yet

 

Hi,
I am about to order Curt 11498 hitch for my '06 530i. I am trying to understand how the trim panel (under the car, the panel that is between the spare tire and rear bumper) comes off. I've removed couple of nuts and a screw from under the car. Is there a trick to removing that panel?

(I 'borrowed' other member's picture and added the arrow to it because I can't go back under the car to take a picture) :-)

 

I installed the roof rack because I didn't want to install a hitch on the back and make the car look ugly all the time. Roof-rack system is by Thule and I had the bars and bike racks from a Passat that I traded for the E60. The towers and adapters were purchased from REI and cost $180, Bars would be another $50

It can be installed in about 5 minutes as long as you have someone to help lift it into place. Alternatively you can have it stored on a pulley (my next goal) and then just lower it enough to get it secured. It works very nicely and adds the flexibility of kayaks, roof top box for longer trip with a full car.

Just my thoughts.