[jc4302]

Hi guys, so I am looking to get a pair of crossbars and a roof box for my 2022 X7 for the upcoming family trip but need some suggestions here (as I know nothing about these things). Should I just get a set of those BMW original ones or go with some third-party brand like Yakima or Thule? Please advise. Thank you all in advance!

[cncmastr]

I have the OE bars and large 520 I think, box, it's great. Otherwise you aren't going anywhere with your family AND their stuff.

[BMWX7m60i]

I prefer lower profile Thule Wingbar Evo look. Also the Thule motion XXL roof box.

[Neil39]

Do the lower profile interfere with sunroof operation?

[Debbill]

Also would like to know if the Thule Wingbar clearance is okay for sunroof.

[bagekko]

That looks like the 420 box, the 520 is huge. I also have the BMW bars and the 420 box. FYI the BMW box numbers refer to the capacity in liters, 320, 420, 520.

Interesting the front bar seems a little too far forward and the rear should be further back. I tried to follow the measurements in the manual but could not get the front bar to fit at where they said it should go.

No issues using the sunroof, the little wind screen flap doesn't come close to the box, also the trunk doesn't hit the back.

Only issue is it prevents you from entering a lot of garages. Be sure to check clearance of where you might be staying. In vegas at the the Cosmo garage, there were two entrances, it fit in one not the other, but only fit in sub level 1, other lower levels had smaller clearance.

Originally Posted by cncmastr

I have the OE bars and large 520 I think, box, it's great. Otherwise you aren't going anywhere with your family AND their stuff.

[Neil39]

Originally Posted by cncmastr

I have the OE bars and large 520 I think, box, it's great. Otherwise you aren't going anywhere with your family AND their stuff.

Can you confirm if these are the 420 or 520? I think the ones you have look perfect. I just ordered a 520 and if its bigger than what you have, I'll return.

[jc4302]

Originally Posted by cncmastr

I have the OE bars and large 520 I think, box, it's great. Otherwise you aren't going anywhere with your family AND their stuff.

Thanks for sharing! This looks nice! Did you get it from the dealer?

[jc4302]

Originally Posted by BMWX7m60i

I prefer lower profile Thule Wingbar Evo look. Also the Thule motion XXL roof box.

Are you still able to open your sunroof with the roof box installed?

[cncmastr]

Originally Posted by jc4302

Thanks for sharing! This looks nice! Did you get it from the dealer?

Yup, I think I had it delivered by a local dealer actually. It's been years. I bought it for my F31 back in the day.

[cncmastr]

Originally Posted by Neil39

Can you confirm if these are the 420 or 520? I think the ones you have look perfect. I just ordered a 520 and if its bigger than what you have, I'll return.

I can't find the original order, I'll try to measure to confirm.

Originally Posted by jc4302

Thanks for sharing! This looks nice! Did you get it from the dealer?

I believe I did, I was trying to figure out how to not pay for shipping.

[bagekko]

Here's a bad pic of my 420. Yeah ordering from a dealer is best way as shipping is exp, it is huge. When I picked it up hadn't installed the bars yet and with the 2nd row unlocked and 3rd row down it barely fit inside, the 520 prolly would not fit inside. Used CCA disc to save a little.

[laozixiazi]

would love to know if the Thule will be a better choice. Also is it hard to install the bar?

[jc4302]

Originally Posted by laozixiazi

would love to know if the Thule will be a better choice. Also is it hard to install the bar?

Picked up my cross bars from dealer today. Took me ~10 minutes to install them. It's easier than I expected. I am going to pick up my Thule Force XT box tomorrow and will share photos once it is installed.[IMG][/IMG]

[jc4302]

Picked up my Thule box just now and the installation took less than 5 minutes… BMW bars + Thule box combo. No issue operating sunroof. Thank you for all your suggestions and advice.

[bagekko]

One thing to note since no one ever reads the manual, is it states you shouldn't drive over 80mph with a roof box installed, it might be 75, can't remember, but non the less there is a CYA BMW has to cover itself from liability in case of any damage.

I see you mounted it more to one side than the other, seen many people do this. I prefer to center as I suspect it's ideal to have the wind disturbance in the middle vs greater on one side. Handling imbalance prolly minimal.

[BMWX7m60i]

[BMWX7m60i]

With this set up there is 2 inches left with sunroof open. Enough room for box clamps and lower profile.

[toddwalton]

I've got a Thule XL size which is perfect for the X7 proportionally and functionally.

I've got the BMW crossbars as I don't want interference with the moonroof, I know it's been engineered properly for balance/weight, and the larger airspace from the extra inch in height reduces wind noise.

Remember that with this setup, your duffle bag game needs to be spot on. You can get 6 full sized duffels up in an XL cargo box if you fill the duffels 80% and get ones that are 14" high by 30" long. Space is very limited with the 3rd Row in use so getting the right sized cargo box and duffels is critical.

[bagekko]

Am I the only one that thinks most people are mounting the cross bars too far forward? I tried to follow the specs in the manual and mine are at least 6-9 inches more back.

Why does it flip my pics...

Originally Posted by toddwalton

I've got a Thule XL size which is perfect for the X7 proportionally and functionally.

I've got the BMW crossbars as I don't want interference with the moonroof, I know it's been engineered properly for balance/weight, and the larger airspace from the extra inch in height reduces wind noise.

Remember that with this setup, your duffle bag game needs to be spot on. You can get 6 full sized duffels up in an XL cargo box if you fill the duffels 80% and get ones that are 14" high by 30" long. Space is very limited with the 3rd Row in use so getting the right sized cargo box and duffels is critical.

[toddwalton]

Originally Posted by bagekko

Am I the only one that thinks most people are mounting the cross bars too far forward? I tried to follow the specs in the manual and mine are at least 6-9 inches more back.

Why does it flip my pics...

There are specific markings on the roof rails showing exactly where you are to position the front and rear crossbar. They are debossed in the aluminum, but if you look for them they are easy to find. This is where BMW wants them positioned for proper weight distribution and balance.

[bagekko]

The small hash marks on the underneath of the rail? Where does it say these are markings for crossbars? Its not in the manual, it says follow instructions of the accessory equipment and that says nothing about using those hash marks. The recommended specs in the manual for the crossbars is closer to where I mounted than those hash marks.

Originally Posted by toddwalton

There are specific markings on the roof rails showing exactly where you are to position the front and rear crossbar. They are debossed in the aluminum, but if you look for them they are easy to find. This is where BMW wants them positioned for proper weight distribution and balance.