Do E60 roof racks fit the E61 without roof rails? answer inside!
 

I have a 2008 E61 that came equipped without roof rails. Of course I need a roof rack, ;) so the hunt was on.

I obtained BMW 8271047586 based on the belief that the OEM E60 would fit. Looks like I was half right, as the front rack fits great, but the rear rack does not work. THe angle of the 'foot pad' is wrong, and it is 1" too long.

I subsequently obtained and installed BMW 82710308451, and it fits perfectly. It is the same rack, but the rear mount is slightly different, and the bar is shorter.

Interestingly, the THULE web page says their rack for the E60 will fit the E61, so I guess it may just be the OEM BMW E61 rack that is model specific, and after m,arket racks may fit both models.

Pics to come!

thanks