TLO03

I never really did a walk through on this cuz I'm lazy , but ill try to break it down. Please keep in mind i did this a few years back so these instructions are to the best of my recollection . but i also feel i could do this tomorrow just that way

1] order the part in the above link. notice the link to real oem is for a euro version e61. As roof rails an option across the pond. also keep in mind that they are un painted . this was no problem for me because i wrapped my roof..

2] drop headliner it appears like a super pita but its not to bad but you need atleast one guy i did it with a total of 3. honestly took only a few hours to do this mod. once the lights and sunroof switch pillars etc. are out of the way i pulled headliner down never completely out..

3] with the headliner down you can see where the roof rails bolts and nuts are . undo the 3 bolts per side remove rails. then you can just pop out the molding with the holes.. there are still holes in the body but the molding must be water tight because there is nothing on the roof rail bolt to make it water tight.. but i did apply some clear bra material over the holes just in case..

4] pop in new hole-less euro spec molding and re install headliner i think here is where you really need the help.

pm me if you have more questions hope this help

TLO03

Found a pic

Sixracer

Wow, this is substantially more of a PITA than it was on my E46. That’s pretty obnoxious BMW. This is a great mod for better fuel economy and lower CG. Those bars are heavy!

tttxgreg

I am wanting to delete mine. What about the idea of trading parts for parts with someone who is wanting rails?

BTW the parts for delete show $105. in RealOem. These went from roughly $115. to current $575. each in less than a year!

FuzzyWuzzy

RealOEM just posts the original cost of the part, but never updates it.

Looking at pictures of the molding, I wonder if it'd be possible to just fill in the three rectangular holes that remains when the rail is removed.

If someone had access to a 3d printer, they could always start seeing what works!

tttxgreg

RealOEM has always posted the list price for parts. The typical rule was (10+ years ago!), you could purchase most parts much cheaper than listed. This last year or so, only particular parts have suffered this massive price increase. Cause? Who knows...trade tariffs, BMW not wanting to produce these parts?! I'm damn sure not paying $550.+ for a piece of trim and a few fasteners! The 3d printer suggestion is good but I think it would look funky, like a retrofit. That trim is all one piece, I'm afraid the inserts would break that top clean line of the profile?
Nobody wants to think about the trade I suggested? Look up the kit on ECS, it involves a few pieces including rubber moulding.

FuzzyWuzzy

Makes sense as to why I've never gotten lucky to find a part listed on RealOEM at the same price shown these past two-ish years I've owned the wagon.

If not 3d printed mold, then could possibly take the trim piece off, fill/blend/paint, and put it back on. Either option is much more "budget-friendly" compared to throwing down $550+ for one side.

I've been searching for a very long time on the UK eBay for these, but I never see them come up. Then the bigger issue is trying to get someone across the pond to even ship these long, thin things stateside.

tttxgreg

I'm not understanding why we can't work a swap? Not one reply yet responding to that approach. Eh?
im thinking the rubber gaskets don't need swapped.

my experience with RealOem goes way back to parts for a few of my 850's. I have not seen an adjustment in their prices since day one! However, obviously the real market varies.

TLO03- nice ride!

tttxgreg

I actually had a set almost purchased a few years ago at the $113.-115. price. I flinched because I thought that price was too high!

Sixracer

On different touring model (E46) I reinstalled the rail bolts with anti seize and used electrical tape to cover the rectangular molding holes left after removing the rails. Low cost option that worked pretty well. Just replaced tape as needed every other year.

Note E46 holes don’t go through the roof all the way.