Bicycle Rack for My 550
04-28-2008, 06:09 AM
#1
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My Ride: 11 550i Sophisto Gray/Oyster Black/Anthracite, Sprt Trns, DHP, IAS, SP, PP1, PP2, CWP, HUD, DAP, AVSP, SF RS, CA, ACC - Euro Del
I just got a new Trek Madone 6.5 road bike. Does anyone have any advice regarding a bicycle rack for my 550? Are there any downsides to this? What type of rack do you recommend? Or should I just buy the rack for my wife's Passat?
04-28-2008, 06:50 AM
#2
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Leave your 550 in the garage and use the Passat to haul the bike. I recommend roof top or trunk rack, just remember to un-mount before you drive into your garage. 
Btw, congrat on the new bike, Madone is a sweet bike.
Btw, congrat on the new bike, Madone is a sweet bike.
04-28-2008, 07:59 AM
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My Ride: 2005 545i | Black Sapphire Metallic | Black Dakota Leather | Anthracite Maple | 6 Speed Manual | Sport Package | Logic 7 | Sirius Satellite Radio
Model Year: 2005
Nice bike! Nice car too!
How often, and how far do you transport your bike?
I take both wheels off my bike and put it in the trunk. I don't transport my bike too often so it isn't that big of a hassle.
How often, and how far do you transport your bike?
I take both wheels off my bike and put it in the trunk. I don't transport my bike too often so it isn't that big of a hassle.
04-28-2008, 10:25 AM
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My Ride: 2011, X6 Hybrid . Alpine White , every option. 20" Conti' NON runflats,OEM trunk spoiler , LUX V3 AE's , HP Thunder Fogs , custom front bumper reflector delete........
Bikes and cars are just "dents waiting to happen" , rack the Passat, I use our X5 for the Cannondales and even with a rear mounted rack I still get the odd bumper scuff etc............good Luck !
04-28-2008, 11:03 AM
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I have the BMW roof system. Very solid and well engineered. Got lucky and found on eBay from someone who bought but never used. No way you're going to get dents (as suggested above) unless you can't lift your (very) lightweight bike up to the roof . Only issue I have is a fair amount of road noise on the interstate, but that is true with any system.
I had looked around but could not find another system that claimed to fit on the BMW.
. Only issue I have is a fair amount of road noise on the interstate, but that is true with any system. I had looked around but could not find another system that claimed to fit on the BMW.
For that much money you could just about trade in the 550 for a used M5! 
04-28-2008, 02:40 PM
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I have a Yakima on my car. Roof rack with towers/pads and clips. I love it. Only thing I would recommend is a fairing. They whistle at highway speeds. Also, if you are not using it, take it off. Save a lot of gas that way.
04-28-2008, 03:44 PM
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My Ride: 2005 545i | Black Sapphire Metallic | Black Dakota Leather | Anthracite Maple | 6 Speed Manual | Sport Package | Logic 7 | Sirius Satellite Radio
Model Year: 2005
I had a Thule system rack for my E46. It fit perfectly into the roof mounts that are on the E46 which were hidden under hinged covers in the roof seams. Other than the four bolts nothing else touched the car. I wish the E60 had the same set up.
I do not have the folding rear seat but my bicycle will fit in the trunk if I take both wheels off which only takes a couple of minutes. In the trunk it is hidden from potential thieves if I have to stop for lunch, overnight, etc., and there is less wind resistance when going down the highway. Also, the bike stays clean and dry and you don't have to worry about low overhangs.
I do not have the folding rear seat but my bicycle will fit in the trunk if I take both wheels off which only takes a couple of minutes. In the trunk it is hidden from potential thieves if I have to stop for lunch, overnight, etc., and there is less wind resistance when going down the highway. Also, the bike stays clean and dry and you don't have to worry about low overhangs.