...is not fun. Not any fun at all. I'm not sure if it's worth the $500-some the dealer wants, but it's a seriously terrifying, nerve-wracking pain in the ****. I don't think I would do it again.

 

Agreed, a pain for initial install, but it is worth it. I really miss the gen 1 rack, as now I have the gen 2 piece of junk. Would have been nice to have the option to put the old one on.

Now that it is done you can enjoy it!

 

True. It's totally worth it. Feels like a pair of strut-tower stress bars for my roof, and a more than safe enough place to put my bike. Seriously: I've NEVER felt a rack this sturdy!

Plus, it's about a third of the price of something from Thule... And I get a deal on Thule.

 

I had my Gen 1 rack installed by a small shop that essentially works on MINIs and an occasional BMW. They quoted $165, which was about $300 less than the dealer. I could tell, however, how nervous they were, and realized that it would be their first time. In fact, the mechanic assigned the task, didn't show up at the garage on the day it was scheduled. Later I was informed that he was working up the nerve.

In the end, they installed perfectly, and I agree with others, that this is the best roof rack I have ever had.

Sometimes on long trips I carry a full size spare on the roof along with other gear. It looks like I am ready for Monte Carlo!