yeewiz

does anyone have a closeup picture of the BMW crossbars mounted to the e61 rails? would like to see how sleek they looked compared to aftermarket bars. thanks

norsecarnut

Those are cool.

On another topic, do you have any good photos of your e61 on those AluFelgen wheels? I'm considering a few different things but those are so cheap I'm curious.

norsecarnut

Hmmmmm, 100 mph is decent .... during a trip from Seattle to NC in our Audi S4 I cruised for about an hour at 120-146 mph. On the roof was the Thule 2100 on Thule bars and mounts along with a mtb bike on a fork mount. An E55 decided to run with me and trade lead for a while before we came to the Colorado border. I do have an Escort 9500ci which gave me the false sense of security needed to run that fast sustained for that long.

For Thule bar mounts, I prefer the "Crossroad" which uses the strap under and fully wrapping the bar.
http://www.rei.com/product/710446

I think it's the most secure and has a simpler mechanical attachment not relying on pressure of grabbing but rather a wrap around. It's slightly lower than other designs too which I like. Lastly it allows for the widest range of fitting along the rails because it can be all the way toward the front where the rail is fat and oddly shaped.

This is important to me because it in turn allows the wind fairing to sit just barely in front of the sunroof opening. However, when we only have the cargo box, I wonder if air flow would be more efficient without the fairing ???

Spartan335i

They aren't great but here you go:

Spartan335i

This is the model that will most likely be purchased as I have found a good retailer in Vermont where I will be headed for a ski weekend next week and will drive down with the skies in the car but come back with most likely the Atlantis 1600 in metallic black and the 450 crossroad base and rails. Thanks for the info

norsecarnut

Thanks for the photos!

You might consider the interior length and usability of the different sizes. The 1600 isn't very long. We also xc ski and our skis would be too long for that model. In fact, my classic skis will only fit in the 2100 because it's the longer one. The 1800 is a good compromise though for most peoples ski lengths but also it's the better looking size on the E61 due to the longer e61 roof. We had a 1200 on the e93 (the 328 wagon) but at some point also had the 1800 which was a touch long for that car.


I just looked over the sizes, a really great one is the Ascent 1700, very long but not so wide and less $ too. 2100 is 92.5", 1700 is 91.5", but Spirit 1600 is 90.5 vs Atlantis 1600 being a mere 74" - sort of short. So, be careful which model and maybe test fit items or measure because the Atlantis design is similar to the Ascent in shape which allows the most interior use of it's length, however, the Spirit tips up a little in the rear sort of like Yakima Sky box and that extra pointy length isn't usable.

See: http://www.rei.com/CompareProduct/User?storeId=8000

Spartan335i

My pleasure for the pics! I do like the way look they compliment the car well, need a drop imho but the wife is not keen on the idea. If all goes to plan she will get the new X3 and I will retain the E61. If this is the case, drop, mtech and black kidney grills will be on the to do list!!!

I'm awaiting for some pics of the 1600 on a E61 from a member here, this will help me make up my mind on which one I want and hopefully I can order the 1800 if I feel that the 1600 is too short as it's not currently in stock and not sure if they can get it in time!