Bicycle rack and roof bar overview for BMW X5
This is an overview of factory (OEM) bicycle rack / carrier systems for BMW X5 models. Hopefully, at the end of the article one is ready to decide, which is the best bicycle rack for BMW X5.
BMW produced two types of genuine bicycle carriers for BMW X5 - ones that are mounted on the roof and ones mounted at the rear of the vehicle.
BMW X5 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 X5 model:
- BMW X5 E53 (2002-2009)
- BMW X5 E70 (2009-2013)
- BMW X5 F15 (2013-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 X5 rear-mounted bicycle carriers
Hitch, trunk and bumper mounted factory bicycle carriers are available for BMW X5 models. Hitch-mounted bike carrier (original part no. 82720440791) is compatible with all X5 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 X5 (E53)
Besides hitch-mounted bicycle carrier, trunk-mounted carrier (original part no. 82710309192) can be installed on E53 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 X5 (E70)
Besides hitch-mounted bicycle carrier, bumper-mounted bike carrier (original part no. 82710443424) can be mounted on E70 models, which does not require tow hitch 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. This carrier might not comply with road safety regulations in some states, as it does not have auxiliary lights to substitute vehicle taillights, which will be obstructed by the carrier.
BMW X5 (F15)
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.
Roof rack support systems for BMW X5 models
OEM roof bars for all BMW X5 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 X5 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 X5 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 X5 E53 roof bars (original part no. 82710415053) should be used as a base system for the rack, which fit all E53 roof rail equipped models.
To mount roof bike rack on BMW X5 (E70), one of the two rail-mounted roof rack support systems should be used, depending on what type of roof rails the vehicle is equipped with.
BMW X5 (E70) models were equipped with two types of roof rails - standard and low profile ones, each of them accepting different type of roof bars. Low profile rails are also known as individual or solid rails, and can easily be visually recognized by missing gap between rail and vehicle body (you cannot put your hand between rail and roof). Rails are also less protruding above roof line, thus named low profile. To mount bike rack on this type of railing, BMW X5 (E70) roof bars for low profile rails (original part no.82710405052) should be used. Roof bars for low profile rails will usually have a sticker with a note "IND" on them (standing for "individual"). For vehicles with standard rails (also called high profile), BMW X5 (E70) standard roof bars (original part no.82710404320) will do.
To mount roof bike rack, BMW X5 F15 roof bars (original part no. 82712232293) should be used as a support system for the rack, which fit all F15 roof rail equipped models.
