Hi friends,

I have to order a E61 (530d touring) soon. But as far I can't decide whether to take roof rails or not.

It?s not a question of function, because I will rarely put something on the roof and in case one can easily find a roof rack that will fit. It?s simply a question of looks and style.

What do you think? Do the roof rails spoil the line of the car and is the E61 clearer and purer without? Or would you say that roof rails simply belong to the special ?Touring? look?
At least in this moment (may change until tomorrow) the car will be titan grey (or jet black) with amethyst interior.

I?d also like to know what the e60 drivers think. E61 owners may be a little bit biased by their own decision.

best
Matts

 

I wanted to order my car without rails but it became too expensive (the rails belong to a well priced package of equipment, deleting the rails would mean breaking the package).

I think a railless roof will look good if you order the sunroof. This will visually break up the huge roof a bit.

The car will also be easier to clean / dry. Also without the sunroof the look will be clean and "pure" especially if you order m-sport or sports suspension, which makes the car sit a bit lower on preferrably 18" wheels.

I guess it's a matter of balance; rails always look OK, railless looks best on low car + 18" + panoramic roof.

/M

 

I really do prefer a touring with rails.

Have a look at this thread for pics of one without...

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?s=&showtop...ndpost&p=286969

 

I am a former E60 driver and now I have an E61. No doubts with rails it is much more sporty and better looking.

 

There isn't an estate car made that doesn't look better with roof rails.


...retires to safe distance for onslaught.

 

Hello,

you made my decision easy. I'll stay on the safe side and will order my E61 with rails.
As tegel sayd it's indeed a question of balance and even the pics could not convince me that it would be better to leave out the rails.

Thanks

 

I am sure you have taken the right decision. You won't regret it.

 

Agreed. I want my car to be unique! I did try to convince BMW to make this an Alpina only option but to no avail.

Deleting the rails makes the car look a lot lower, sleeker and more menacing to cars in front. All estates, regardless of make, have the rails so people do wonder what the heck mine is. From the way they move over I assume they believe it is a Police car.