Hi again guys. I purchased my 535i 2 weeks ago and just had my Bianchi shipped to my local shop for re-assembly. I need a way to transport the bike and hate the trunk-mount racks. They scuff up the paint and just feel really flimsy at high speeds(which is why I bought the 535i!) Anyone here have the BMW base mount and road bike mount? To those who have it, how easy is it to take off and put the trim back in? I don't really like how it looks and would only put it on for transport of the bike. Thanks in advance, best forum out there!

 

VERY VERY EASY.

can be done with 1 person, but having a 2nd would be a little easier. I took mine off last week and it took me all but 5 min. Putting it on would probably be the same or a little more

 

I, too, have the BMW roof mounted bike rack system on my 550i. While I agree that it is easy to install and take off, I don't necessarily like it. If you are going to leave it on the car for the whole summer, that is one thing. BUT taking it off and on greatly increases your risk of badly scratching a very visible part of your car since the cross bars just grab around the edges of the door openings. I used to have a 335i and loved the rack system on that since it had little trap doors in the rain gutters that opened up to reveal a welded nut that the rack screwed into. It never touched the paint. I just took off my rack the other day (off the 550i) for an upcoming trip sans bike and had to be EXTREMELY careful so as not to scratch the shit outta my paint while taking the bars off. Just something to think about.

wvcajun