Bicycle rack and roof bar overview for BMW X3
This is an overview of factory (OEM) bicycle rack / carrier systems for BMW X3 models. Hopefully, at the end of the article one is ready to decide, which is the best bicycle rack for BMW X3.
BMW produced three types of genuine bicycle carriers for BMW X3:
BMW X3 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. It's important to pick a set of roof bars, that is compatible with particular BMW X3 model:
- BMW X3 E83 (2003-2010)
- BMW X3 F25 (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 X3 rear-mounted bicycle carriers
Hitch and trunk mounted factory bicycle carriers are available for BMW X3 models. Hitch-mounted bike carrier (original part no. 82722211177) is compatible with all X3 models and 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.
BMW X3 (E83)
Besides hitch-mounted bicycle carrier, trunk-mounted carrier (original part no. 82710147373) can be installed on E83 models, which can carry two bikes, or three if upgraded with an optional kit for a third one. The carrier is lockable and comes with anti-theft mounting screws. To comply with road safety regulations, the carrier with bicycles loaded stays out of taillights and license plate area. Even if the carrier is called trunk-mounted, it actually attach to roof rails, thus only suitable for vehicles with roof railing.
BMW X3 (F25)
Besides hitch-mounted carrier, factory rear bicycle carrier pro (original part no. 82722296747), installed together with rear transport system click-on kit only, is also an option.
BMW X3 interior bicycle holder
Interior bicycle holder (original part no. 82710302450) is a bike rack system for BMW X3 1st generation (E83) only, which allows bicycle transportation inside the vehicle rather than the outside. Extra windage, which would be created by exterior bicycle racks and carriers, is not the case with this type of holders. Interior bicycle holder supports maximum of 2 bikes and can be installed on vehicles equipped with lashing rail system (vehicles with storage compartment package) only. Before bike can be mounted onto the holder, front wheel has to be removed, thus this type of holders are more practical for bikes with quick release wheels. Furthermore, rear seats have to be folded down in order to install holder and attach bicycles to it, what means only driver and one passenger will be able to travel on the front seats.
Roof rack support systems for BMW X3 models
OEM roof bars for all BMW X3 models 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 X3 models 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 X3 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 X3 E83 roof bars (original part no. 82710415051) should be used as a base system for the rack, which fit all E83 roof rail equipped models.
To mount roof bike rack, BMW X3 F25 roof bars (original part no. 82712338614) should be used as a support system for the rack, which fit all F25 roof rail equipped models.
