[sharp]

Originally Posted by khai37

Thanks for the tip, will try this if i hear any whistling while i drive

You're welcome. Here is the forum post I was referring to https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showp...54&postcount=8

[sharp]

Do you guys use a step stool or a ladder to pack and unpack your roof box? Do you take it with you when traveling?

[keg97]

Originally Posted by sharp

Do you guys use a step stool or a ladder to pack and unpack your roof box? Do you take it with you when traveling?

I just step into the vehicle with the doors open.

Having said that, I've seen people who do the step stool thing. Nothing wrong with it, but it seems to me it would defeat some of the extra space you're trying to create with the roof box in the first place.

[sharp]

Originally Posted by keg97

I just step into the vehicle with the doors open.

Having said that, I've seen people who do the step stool thing. Nothing wrong with it, but it seems to me it would defeat some of the extra space you're trying to create with the roof box in the first place.

That makes sense. How tall are you? I'm 5'8", and strapping the load inside the roof box while standing on the car is a bit of a challenge to me.

[khai37]

Originally Posted by sharp

You're welcome. Here is the forum post I was referring to https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showp...54&postcount=8

so just reporting back, picked up my box from REI on monday, given that i got the xxl size, they had to help me install it so i can get it home. No whistling whatsoever. I was very surprised, given that my Golf with thule bars whistles. I was cautious not to accelerate to fast, but was able to get it up to 80ish with not alot of extra noise. I did have the sun visor open on the roof just to ensure the box didn't fly off the top of my car. So far very please with the box and OEM bars.

[sharp]

Originally Posted by khai37

so just reporting back, picked up my box from REI on monday, given that i got the xxl size, they had to help me install it so i can get it home. No whistling whatsoever. I was very surprised, given that my Golf with thule bars whistles. I was cautious not to accelerate to fast, but was able to get it up to 80ish with not alot of extra noise. I did have the sun visor open on the roof just to ensure the box didn't fly off the top of my car. So far very please with the box and OEM bars.

Have you tested the cross bars without the roof box installed?

[toddwalton]

Originally Posted by sharp

That makes sense. How tall are you? I'm 5'8", and strapping the load inside the roof box while standing on the car is a bit of a challenge to me.

Did you get the running boards? They help a great deal.

[turbohardtop]

anyone know wht is the factory OEM cross bar part number? I tried to search cross bars on Parts Hub and so many matches. Thanks in advance.

[khai37]

Originally Posted by sharp

Have you tested the cross bars without the roof box installed?

Yes I have, took it up to 80mph and no noise at all. I was shocked given some people heard whistling. I even open up the roof shade to try to catch the whistle.

[keg97]

Originally Posted by sharp

That makes sense. How tall are you? I'm 5'8", and strapping the load inside the roof box while standing on the car is a bit of a challenge to me.

I'm 5'9" so the same as you. I do use a stepstool when attaching the box to the cross rails. But once it's on, I'm chucking stuff in there!

[sharp]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

Did you get the running boards? They help a great deal.

No, I don't. But even if I had them, they would still be lower than the door step, so am not quite sure how they could help me reach to the center of the roof box.

[sharp]

Originally Posted by turbohardtop

anyone know wht is the factory OEM cross bar part number? I tried to search cross bars on Parts Hub and so many matches. Thanks in advance.

Search for the 82-71-2-455-808 part number or use this link https://www.bmwpartsnow.com/oem-part...em-82712455808

[toddwalton]

Originally Posted by sharp

No, I don't. But even if I had them, they would still be lower than the door step, so am not quite sure how they could help me reach to the center of the roof box.

It's not about height, it's about depth. The running boards put your body 7" further out so you're not bending backwards as you are now.

[sharp]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

It's not about height, it's about depth. The running boards put your body 7" further out so you're not bending backwards as you are now.

Thanks for your input. That definitely makes sense, but I'm more concerned about being able to reach any spot in the roof box from just one side.

[toddwalton]

Originally Posted by sharp

Thanks for your input. That definitely makes sense, but I'm more concerned about being able to reach any spot in the roof box from just one side.

At your height you'll make it. The running boards are the answer. The X7 is a great vehicle, but the way that one has to step into the car and lean backwards to get to the roof is truly a case of putting design over function.

[khai37]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

It's not about height, it's about depth. The running boards put your body 7" further out so you're not bending backwards as you are now.

Too bad you can’t have running board on an Alpina…😭

[sharp]

Adding this to the thread's collection - here is my X7 with OEM cross bars and Thule Motion XT XL

[BurqueBMW]

Just a note that if mounting the Thule Motion XXL (biggest one) with the BMW racks, you will not be able to clear a 8 foot high garage door. However the Thule Motion Alpine, which is 5 inches shorter, but just as long and wide, fits perfectly and I think it is the best looking rack for the size on the X7. Especially if you need it for ski equipment.

I have not noticed any vehicle sound increase at all, even with cruise set at 85, and MPG is almost the same with rack on or off. Very impressed and happy with it.

I followed the guidance here and have a ceiling mount and just leave the bars attached to the box when I lift it off so the bars are never on the vehicle without the rack.

[rezi68]

For those using a Thule roof rack system (like the WingBar Evo) how difficult is the setup? Approximately how long is the install taking?

And for those using OEM roof rack, are they compatible with other Thule products besides the roof box, like the bike or kayak rack?

[Foxglove]

Originally Posted by keg97

I apologize for the poor pictures, but like many here, I only will use these Turtle cross members (from eBay for well under $200) once/twice a year. They held firm with no issues for over 1200 miles at speeds well into the 90's. They fit on my wife's 2019 40i but these are on my 2024 40i.

Attachment 3257753

Attachment 3257754

Nice photos - love Bucee's too How's the wind noise that everyone is talking about with these? Any different with the box on there? thanks!