I need to find a way to transport my bicycle if I want to train or race. Does anybody have some suggestions about:
1. Trunk mount vs installing a hitch is better
2. Particular brands of bike racks that have worked well for you.

Thanks

 

I would never put a trunk mount or hitch on my E60. I've used both in other cars and much prefer the hitch mounts. For past BMW sedans, I've used the roof mounted sysctem from BMW and Thule (pretty much the same). I like the BMW cross bars but you're limited to the addon's.

 

I've never put it on my BMW but I just love the design of the Saris Bones RS rack. (Don't confuse it with the more generic "Saris Bones" model...the letters "RS" designate a much better model that has a ratchting system [RS] that makes it really easy to install and remove.)

http://www.saris.com/p-301-bones-rs.aspx?skinid=1

I've only used it on my minivan but to protect the area where the rack touches the paint, I put some 3M clear bra tape on the contact area and it works perfectly. If I had to install it on my E60, I'd put some 3M tape on the contact area and wouldn't hesitate to use the Bones RS...

 

Thule doesn't make a roof rack for the e60....atleast thats what I was told. Yakima does though, which I am considering, or maybe the BMW rack, both are about the same price. I saw a BMW rack on a e60 the other day, and it actually looked pretty good

 

I had actually forgotten about the roof-mounted rack - thanks....