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I'm looking to add a roof rack and cargo bag to my 2005 r53 for a move to California this summer. I've done some research and it seems like the OEM rack is a pretty cost efficient way to go. Does anyone have any idea where I can buy the kit? So far all of the places I've checked are saying it's no longer available.
I'm also not completely closed off to other options as long as they are around $150. I'm on a pretty tight budget.
That is what I would do. Get the curt trailer hitch off amazon. It is less than $150. Then rent a small uhaul.
That said. I have the factory roof rack and it is very handy. I have hauled doors, lumber, jeep bumpers, tires and wheels, the factory roof rack has the highest weight rating. But you do have to drill holes in your roof. You dont need betalink sealant. I used black silicone and it is fine.
I would definitely buy the factory rack if they still made the install kit. All i can find is just the bars. My only other option is some used Yakimas since brand new ones are way out of my price range. Theres a good chance I'm not gonna need to use them for a long time so I'll probably just sell them after the cross country trip.
Any idea how expensive it would be to rent a small uhaul one way from Virginia to California? And how difficult is that Curt hitch to install?
The hitch install is very easy. Pull off back bumper and it bolts right in using existing bolts. For trailer lights they make a harness that is plug and play in the tailight plugs. Like a 15 min install. Look it up on YouTube there is an install video. Uhaul website should be able to get you a quote. I rented a tow dolly once one way interstate for $90.
What is the cost to UPS Ground what you want to get out here vs. rack cost or trailer rent? Plus the hassle of unpacking & packing each time you leave the car out overnite. Things to consider.
when I installed my R50 roof rack it didn't come with all those extremely useful installation parts (hole saw, alignment template and arbor gauge) so I had to do it blind, based off measurements in the instructions. I would not recommend this method, even if you are somehow able to get the mounting bolts needed to install the base bars. Although, I'm sure you could find a PDF of the install templates online, which are the most important part of the full kit. You can get your own hole saw, and the arbor gauge is really only used to check the depth of the hole so you don't screw the mounting bolts down too tight and dent the roof - this can be managed by just being extra cautious. Sealant is sealant - you could use silicone sealant, or like ECS mentioned, BMW's favorite goo, Betalink. So, realistically, if you were to source those mounting bolts (8 stainless steel bolts with female threaded inserts through the top and 8 galvanized security screws that attach the base bars to the mounting bolts) you'd be fine ordering just the base bars. I can tell you, it is amazing what you can carry with a MINI on those roof racks - I used to haul 30 to 50 board/feet of hardwood lumber on a consistent basis and it was honestly easier than even a large pickup truck would be. The OEM bars are extremely solid and if you've got a decent set of open ended ratchet straps, you can pretty much safely carry anything.
jarman65 they do sell the kit. it's just a pain in the *** to get. I just bought one, it took 6 months to arrive. and i believe that only 4 were shipped to the us. I know this isn't much help but i went to kinkos and made a copy of the templates if you do get your hands on the kit.
And the install kits ( for people that have the bars but need to mount them ) for the white caps are available. 82790139366 . We are waiting for the same kit only with black caps to be released again.
