Is there any way to remove the locking mechanism on the ends on the Oem cross bars. The reason I’m asking is because I want to remove them and get the aluminum bars powder coated black. I’m in the process of making my new MINI all black.

any help is appreciated.

 

I've been wanting to do the same. Just been waiting to find a color I like. I've got the day off tomorrow so I might take a crack at it. Worst case scenario it's too much hassle to remove and you just mask it off.

 

That would look pretty cool, looks like under the cowl and trim you can find it.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=51_9315

 

Easy Peasy, just watch Teedbean's video for the grill removal then you can get to the bar. I painted mine lime green to match my strips.

You Tube

 

Are we not talking about the roof rack crossbars?

 

You are totally right, please disregard my info, duh.

 

Oh, thought he has talking about the engine bay ones. Sorry.

 

yea. We are talking about the cross bars that are attached to the roof racks. Is there a way to change those bars on top black by powder coating them? If so, how do you remove them from the locking mechanisms on the side.

 

Just vinyl wrap them, inexpensive and easy to do. I did the ones on my 4Runner several years ago and they're holding up great.

 

That's another route I was considering since it lets me match the dechromed accents. Never worked with vinyl though so I wasn't sure how well it would stick to the rather textured crossbars.

 

You'd be surprised how well it'll stick given you use a good brand vinyl, I recommend Vvivid vinyl. Pretty easy to use especially since those seem pretty straight, just watch a few videos on it before attempting.

 

Were you able to figure out how to remove the end pieces? I might just get them vinyl wrapped, but I like getting things powder coated and I'm in the process of getting the exhaust tips I have in black too. Let me know how it goes.

 

Nah, I ended up not taking a stab at it. Ended up having to take my dog to the vet yesterday and didn't feel like messing with it afterwards. It also doesn't help that I don't know where the keys are so I can't remove the crossbars until those turn up anyway.

 

Found the keys late last night and took a look at it. I don't see any obvious way of how to get it apart. Each leg slides about 0.75" but I can't see whatever latching mechanism is holding the legs onto the crossbar. There is a sticker under the rubber seal on the crossbar covering something up. But my shift starts in 2 minutes so I'll have to explore that later.

 

Pulled the sticker off and there's a hole underneath but I wasn't able to progress any further. I was expecting a screw but nope. So I'm stumped. I vote wrap it or mask off the legs for powder coating. Maybe someone else can give disassembly a shot.