Bicycle rack and roof bar overview for BMW 3 Series
This is an overview of available bicycle racks / carriers for BMW 3 Series models. Hopefully, it will help to decide, which is the best bicycle rack for BMW 3 Series.
Originally, BMW manufactured two types of bicycle carriers for BMW 3 Series - the one mounted on the roof and the one mounted at the rear of the vehicle.
BMW 3 Series roof bicycle racks
Roof bicycle racks cannot be installed without roof rack base support system or otherwise known as roof bars, which are there to support bicycle racks. The most important part is to choose the right roof bar set, that is compatible with particular BMW 3 Series model:
- BMW 3 Series E46 (1998 - 2005)
- BMW 3 Series E90/E91/E92/E93 (2004-2011)
- BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34 (2011 - onwards)
OEM roof bike racks are universal accessories, which were designed to fit any OEM BMW roof rack support system (roof bars). There are two types of roof bicycle racks produced by BMW - racing and touring bike racks. Each differs in construction and the way bicycle is attached to them.
Touring bicycle rack (original part no. 82712166924) has an arm that secures bike by attaching to it's frame. The arm is able to hold bike frames within a diameter of 25mm - 80mm. If frame does not fall into this range, racing bicycle rack should be considered.
Racing bicycle rack (original part no. 82720393083) does not have holding arm like touring ones do - front bike's fork is attached to the rack instead, thus the rack is also called fork-mounted. Before bike can be mounted onto rack, front wheel has to be removed, thus this type of racks are more practical for bikes with quick release wheels. Racing bicycle racks tend to have a solid connection to bike's front fork, whereas the front wheel on touring bike racks might rattle at higher vehicle speeds, as the wheel is fastened by a strap. At the time of transportation, bike's front wheel can be stored inside trunk, or on the roof with a dedicated front wheel holder (original part no. 82722150270). Extra care has to be taken when installing the bike with front wheel removed, as front fork might easily do damage to vehicle's bodywork.
OEM roof bicycle racks can easily be mounted on the vehicle if sticking to installation manual. They come with keyed secure locks, which keep bike from being stolen. If installed properly, bicycles will be transported safely - racks are robust, able to resist hard windage.
Roof bars and bicycle racks by separate manufacturers combined together might not match perfectly, as both components by the same maker would. That's why it's recommended to go with a sole manufacturer set, even more preferably by BMW, as bicycle rack systems were made for each BMW model individually.
BMW 3 Series rear-mounted bicycle carriers
Rear bicycle racks for BMW 3 Series models are installed only if the vehicle is equipped with trailer tow hitch (towbar) or click-on installation kit:
Roof rack support systems for BMW 3 Series models
Sedan. To install roof bike rack for BMW 3 Series E46 sedan, genuine BMW E46 roof bars (original part no. 82710142220) are needed, which are mounted via attaching points pre set in vehicle's roof line. As roof bars are adjustable, they will fit coupe and cabrio models as well. See BMW 3 Series E46 roof bars installation guide for mounting instructions.
Touring. To install roof bike rack for BMW 3 Series E46 touring, genuine BMW E46 roof bars for touring (original part no. 82710415054) are needed, which attach to roof rails. These bars are also know as cross members. Most touring vehicles come with roof rails already. In case not, E46 sedan roof bars can be attached instead.
Coupe. Roof bike rack for BMW 3 Series E46 coupe is mounted the same way as on sedan. Genuine BMW E46 roof bars for sedan will fit E46 coupe model, as mounting points on the bar are adjustable.
Cabrio. Roof bicycle rack for BMW 3 Series E46 convertible are installed on models with hardtop only. Genuine BMW E46 roof bars for sedan will fit E46 cabrio model, as mounting points on the bar are adjustable.
Sedan (E90). To install roof bike rack for BMW 3 Series E90 sedan, genuine BMW E90 roof bars (original part no. 82710403104) are needed, which are mounted via attaching points pre set in vehicle's roof line.
Touring (E91). To install roof bike rack for BMW 3 Series E91 touring, genuine BMW E91 roof bars (original part no. 82710415050) are needed, which attach to roof rails. These bars are also know as cross members. Most touring vehicles come with roof rails already. In case not, BMW E91 roof bars for vehicles with no rails (original part no. 82710397227) can be attached instead. These bars will also fit E92 coupe.
Coupe (E92). To install roof bike rack for BMW 3 Series E92 coupe, genuine BMW E92 roof bars (original part no. 82710397227) will be needed.
Sedan (F30). To install roof bike rack for BMW 3 Series F30 sedan, genuine BMW F30 roof bars for sedan (original part no. 82712295099) are needed, which are mounted via attaching points pre set in vehicle's roof line. These bars will also fit F34 GT.
Touring (F31). To install roof bike rack for BMW 3 Series F31 touring, genuine BMW F31 roof bars for touring (original part no. 82712232291) are needed, which attach to roof rails. These bars are also know as cross members.
Gran Turismo/GT (F34). To install roof bike rack for BMW 3 Series F34 GT, genuine BMW F34 GT roof bars (original part no. 82712295099) are needed. These bars will also fit F30 sedan.
