Bicycle rack and roof bar overview for BMW X1
This is an overview of factory (OEM) bicycle rack / carrier systems for BMW X1 model. Hopefully, at the end of the article one is ready to decide, which is the best bicycle rack for BMW X1.
BMW produced two types of genuine bicycle carriers for BMW X1:
BMW X1 roof bicycle racks
Roof bicycle racks are installed together with roof rack support system, otherwise known as roof bars. Roof bars attach to the body of the vehicle and bicycle racks attach to roof bars. Roof bars that will fit BMW X1 model can be found at the bottom of this page.
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 X1 rear-mounted bicycle carriers
Hitch-mounted bike carrier for BMW X1 (original part no. 82722211177) can carry two bikes, or three if upgraded with an optional kit for a third one. To install hitch-mounted rear bicycle carrier, tow hitch is required, as it serves as a mounting point and main holder of the carrier.
Bumper-mounted bike carrier for BMW X1 (original part no. 82722230145) does not require tow hitch to mount it, as it screws in directly to the frame of the vehicle via two pre-set holes located in the rear bumper. The merit of this carrier is it slides away from the vehicle to allow the trunk to open, as well as bikes have to be lifted only about half a meter to mount them onto this carrier. It can hold up to two bikes, installation is pretty easy and takes about 10 minutes to mount the carrier and fasten bicycles to it.
Base support system for BMW X1 E84
OEM base support system for BMW X1 model, or simply roof bars, were designed for vehicles with roof railing only. The bars (might also be named as cross members elsewhere) are mounted by attaching them to the rails. Some BMW X1 vehicles had no roof railing, what means there's no possibility to mount roof bars on these vehicles for two reasons: firstly, no original BMW roof bars were produced to fit BMW X1 without rails, secondly, mounting points haven't been pre-set on vehicle's roof line. In such case roof rail installation or other types of carriers like rear-mounted one should be considered.
To mount roof bike rack, BMW X1 E84 roof bars (original part no. 82712149465) should be used as a base support system, which fit all E84 roof rail equipped models.
