Bicycle rack and roof bar overview for BMW 5 Series
This is an overview of roof bars and bicycle racks for BMW 5 Series models. Hopefully, at the end of the article one is ready to decide, which is the best bicycle rack for BMW 5 Series.
BMW produced two types of genuine bicycle carriers for BMW 5 Series - one that is mounted on the roof and one mounted at the rear of the vehicle.
BMW 5 Series roof bicycle racks
Roof bicycle racks are installed together with roof rack base support system, otherwise known as roof bars. Roof bars attach to the body of the vehicle and bicycle racks attach to roof bars. It's important to pick a set of roof bars, that is compatible with particular BMW 5 Series model:
- BMW 5 Series E60/E61 (2002-2009)
- BMW 5 Series F10/F07 (2009-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 5 Series rear-mounted bicycle carriers
Rear bicycle racks for BMW 5 Series models are installed only if the vehicle is equipped with trailer tow hitch (towbar):
Roof rack support systems for BMW 5 Series models
Sedan (E60). To mount bicycle rack, genuine BMW E60 roof bars for sedan are needed (original part no. 82710147586). Roof bars are installed by placing their rubber feet onto roof's rain channels and clamps between door frame and roof. There are indents under the roof edge where clamps should sit.
Touring (E61). To mount bicycle rack, genuine BMW E61 roof bars for touring are needed (original part no. 82710415052). This type of roof bars are also called cross members and were designed for vehicles with roof railing only. Cross members attach to roof rails that most touring models come with. In case vehicle was not equipped with roof rails, roof bars, in design similar to sedan ones, will do (BMW part no. 82710308451). For those who consider whether sedan roof bars would fit touring, the answer is no. The length of rear bar is different and bars' feet pad angle is inaccurate.
Sedan (F10). To mount bicycle rack, genuine BMW F10 roof bars for sedan are needed (original part no. 82712150092). Roof bars are mounted via attaching points pre set in vehicle's roof line.
Gran Turismo/GT (F07). To mount bicycle rack, genuine BMW F07 roof bars for sedan are needed (original part no. 82710443668). Roof bars are mounted via attaching points pre set in vehicle's roof line.
