I know there is another discussion on the aftermarket racks available like the Q Towers for when you don't have the factory rails installed, but my F56 JCW that I will be getting soon will have the rails installed. Is there anything aftermarket that can use these rails or am I stuck with the OEM roof rack?

We travel with our dogs a lot so need to carry a roof box when we do. I have the OEM rack for my R56 and it works just fine except a little bit of a pain to take on and off if I want to. Is the roof rack that uses the rails better in this regard?

Thank you.

 

Thule replied to a note and stated that they will have something soon. About then end of this month I'll check back with them.

 

I have also had both types and the new system is much easier to remove and install. No tools are needed! They have built in "wheels"!

 

The new roof racks are big improvement. I can take put them on in 5 minutes with no tools. The old ones on my Clubman were an adventure every time. Now I pull the racks off for long trips.

 

They're a huge improvement, but also very cost-prohibitive when equipping the cars after the fact. The old system was a bit of a pain in the rear, but at least all of the cars came with the ability to fit the accessory bars. The new cars need the rails to take advantage of the factory rack system.

You'll be looking at $800-$1000 to retrofit the rails at a dealer vs. ordering the car with them built into the order. Ouch.