bicycle rack or fold down rear seats?

328fan · 01-22-2008, 04:55 AM

Will it be better to use a bicycle rack or the fold down rear seats if i want to take my road bicycle with my car?

Kylekuu · 01-22-2008, 05:18 AM

I would use a bicycle rack, wouldn't want to dirty up the interior. But get a good rack too and make sure you don't scratch or scuff your paint when you load the bike

rs1115 · 01-22-2008, 07:29 AM

I have done both in the past year. It depends a bit on your frame size and what else you drag w/you. There is plenty of room to fit a frame as long as it is not excessively large. My frame fits fairly tight but works.

However, I much prefer the Thule roof rack that fits w/the BMW perfectly. It keeps the bike out of the car when it is dirty and it honestly easier than wrestling the frame out of the trunk. It takes me only a couple minutes to put the bike on the rack, rear wheel in the trunk and I am off.

335i4u2nv · 01-22-2008, 07:46 AM

fold it down!!! bike racks r pricey yo!

raleedy · 01-22-2008, 08:06 AM

For just one bike, the fold-down seats are a good choice. A trunk liner or tarp can protect the car (and you can put the bike in chain-side up), and having the bike in the car means it's more secure, protected from theft and from the elements, and the car is more aerodynamic. If you have more than one bike, or some other use for the interior space, then a roof rack is probably the better alternative. It will produce wind resistance and noise (a wind deflector on the front can help a surprising amount), and if you have a garage, you need some kind of fail-safe reminder system to avoid a collision when there is a bike or two atop the car.

jongchen · 01-22-2008, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 328fan

Will it be better to use a bicycle rack or the fold down rear seats if i want to take my road bicycle with my car?

I have both. When it is just me I fold the seats down and put the bike in the trunk. I need to take the front wheel off to get it to fit. I have the roof rack but I only use it when I have more than 1 bike to carry. Sure it is fast to put the bike on the rack if it is always on your roof. But I don't always keep the rack on the roof. The rack on car reduces gas mileage and also adds a lot of wind noise. There is no way that you can keep your sun roof open if you have a roof rack on the car. The fixed point system makes is very easy to attach the rack to the roof once you get it properly adjusted but I just hate spending 15 minutes putting the rack on and then another 15 minutes taking the rack off every time I go for a bike ride.

canucklion · 01-22-2008, 09:29 AM

I want to see what your next thread is going to be, 328fan. Judging from your past threads, I'm going to say it's going to be another one related to rear folding seats and bicycles

328fan · 01-22-2008, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canucklion

I want to see what your next thread is going to be, 328fan. Judging from your past threads, I'm going to say it's going to be another one related to rear folding seats and bicycles

Yes, i am having a difficult time deciding whether i should get this option or not. This seems like a rare option in SoCal on the e90. I want to determine from what other people say about whether this option is not worth it or not. If it is not worth it, i can just pick a e90 w/o this option easily on the lot. But if it is really worth it, then it might be worth waiting for a few months.

raleedy · 01-22-2008, 10:13 PM

I'd say it's essential. It's now standard on the coupe, and its availability there made the difference for me -- I wouldn't have considered the coupe otherwise.

wantmye90 · 01-22-2008, 11:20 PM

1. storing your bike in the trunk keeps it clean and out of the elements.
2. keeps your bike secure from theft
3. no worries about hitting something
4. and fold down seats allow you much more flexibility in carrying much more than a bicycle too. You WILL use it.
5. get the option now because you can't add it later, and if you decide you want a rack, that's an easy after market add on.

montreal red · 01-23-2008, 01:19 AM

i have a mtn bike and i fold down my seats to put it in... it fits when i remove the front wheel... i feel more secure this way because after rides, i often stop for lunch somewhere.

rg87 · 01-23-2008, 02:35 AM

folding the seats down is okay if you have just one bike. although, it can be a pain sometimes folding the seats and making sure you don't get the interior dirty. otherwise, just get a bike rack or roof rack and save yourself the hassle.

japac1 · 01-23-2008, 06:26 AM

Just get the folding seats. You'll find ways to use them. I would also not put my bike in the car, so get a rack also!!

plugboots · 01-23-2008, 08:53 AM

You WILL use the folding rear seats.

zamboni · 01-23-2008, 10:52 AM

For a road bike is fine with fold down seat but not for Mt bike because of dirt & mud.

Spool · 01-23-2008, 11:15 AM

Just buy the car already man, you started so many threads asking so many questions...

If this car is out of your price range, look for something else that has all the amenities you need...

E91AWD · 01-23-2008, 01:37 PM

I would never buy a car without rear seats that fold down. Just MOP. However, I do have a rack for those time where I am transporting more than one bike, or more than one other person.

e92drivver · 01-23-2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 328fan

Yes, i am having a difficult time deciding whether i should get this option or not. This seems like a rare option in SoCal on the e90. I want to determine from what other people say about whether this option is not worth it or not. If it is not worth it, i can just pick a e90 w/o this option easily on the lot. But if it is really worth it, then it might be worth waiting for a few months.

Regardless of whether you put the bike in the trunk or on a roof rack you should get the folding seats. You will find many times when a folding rear seat is helpful, not just for hauling your bike. Its money well spent for folding seats. You can always buy a bike rack but you cant easily go back and add the split seats when you need them.

Personally, if I were using the bike a lot I would invest in the bike rack. If you rarely use the bike put it in the trunk, if it fits. Either way, get the folding rear seats.

SoYank · 01-23-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E91AWD

I would never buy a car without rear seats that fold down. Just MOP. However, I do have a rack for those time where I am transporting more than one bike, or more than one other person.

Remind me never go driving with you and another friend. We'd have to flip a coin to determine who gets strapped to the rack.

E91AWD · 01-23-2008, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoYank

Remind me never go driving with you and another friend. We'd have to flip a coin to determine who gets strapped to the rack.

That's not usually the problem, it is my car. The thing that really bugs me is the noise it makes.

cvc 22349a · 01-23-2008, 04:29 PM

Just a fyi: I received an email from Thule 2 weeks ago and they now sell direct fit roof rack system for the e90.

abcommercial · 12-23-2008, 09:43 PM

I don't have fold-down seats and I have been taking both wheels off to get the road bike in the trunk. For my last 5 sedans (including an A4) I have had MasterHitch install an aftermarket 1-1/4" hitch and used a Yakima DoubleDown (formerly Kingpin) hitch rack.

They have one for the E90, but I have resisted getting it so far since this is my nicest car and because it's pricey (around $400 for the hitch, installed). It is really low profile though and I probably will get it eventually. The hitch-mount option is superior to roof racks because the car is protected, and the bike is more protected from the wind and garage doors (you can keep your eye on the bike in the rearview mirror).

01-22-2008, 04:55 AM	#1
328fan Private 12 Rep 74 Posts Drives: - Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	bicycle rack or fold down rear seats? Will it be better to use a bicycle rack or the fold down rear seats if i want to take my road bicycle with my car?
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01-22-2008, 05:18 AM	#2
Kylekuu Captain 30 Rep 679 Posts Drives: 08 328xi, 84 318i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kenosha, WI iTrader: (0)	I would use a bicycle rack, wouldn't want to dirty up the interior. But get a good rack too and make sure you don't scratch or scuff your paint when you load the bike
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01-22-2008, 07:29 AM	#3
rs1115 New Member 1 Rep 7 Posts Drives: E46 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Bike Racks I have done both in the past year. It depends a bit on your frame size and what else you drag w/you. There is plenty of room to fit a frame as long as it is not excessively large. My frame fits fairly tight but works. However, I much prefer the Thule roof rack that fits w/the BMW perfectly. It keeps the bike out of the car when it is dirty and it honestly easier than wrestling the frame out of the trunk. It takes me only a couple minutes to put the bike on the rack, rear wheel in the trunk and I am off.
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01-22-2008, 07:46 AM	#4
335i4u2nv Colonel 66 Rep 2,765 Posts Drives: 335i e9O sL0w Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: im right behind u iTrader: (0)	fold it down!!! bike racks r pricey yo!
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01-22-2008, 08:06 AM	#5
raleedy Colonel 160 Rep 2,248 Posts Drives: 2016 228i 6-speed Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portland, Oregon iTrader: (0)	For just one bike, the fold-down seats are a good choice. A trunk liner or tarp can protect the car (and you can put the bike in chain-side up), and having the bike in the car means it's more secure, protected from theft and from the elements, and the car is more aerodynamic. If you have more than one bike, or some other use for the interior space, then a roof rack is probably the better alternative. It will produce wind resistance and noise (a wind deflector on the front can help a surprising amount), and if you have a garage, you need some kind of fail-safe reminder system to avoid a collision when there is a bike or two atop the car.
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01-22-2008, 09:29 AM	#7
canucklion pull my finger to get your kinder® surprise 148 Rep 10,455 Posts Drives: circles around you Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (9)	I want to see what your next thread is going to be, 328fan. Judging from your past threads, I'm going to say it's going to be another one related to rear folding seats and bicycles __________________
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01-22-2008, 10:13 PM	#9
raleedy Colonel 160 Rep 2,248 Posts Drives: 2016 228i 6-speed Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portland, Oregon iTrader: (0)	I'd say it's essential. It's now standard on the coupe, and its availability there made the difference for me -- I wouldn't have considered the coupe otherwise.
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01-22-2008, 11:20 PM	#10
wantmye90 Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 220 Posts Drives: 06 BMW 330 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: In My Car! iTrader: (0)	Definitely get fold down seats... 1. storing your bike in the trunk keeps it clean and out of the elements. 2. keeps your bike secure from theft 3. no worries about hitting something 4. and fold down seats allow you much more flexibility in carrying much more than a bicycle too. You WILL use it. 5. get the option now because you can't add it later, and if you decide you want a rack, that's an easy after market add on.
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01-23-2008, 01:19 AM	#11
montreal red chris 278 Rep 12,144 Posts Drives: White Boat Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (31)	i have a mtn bike and i fold down my seats to put it in... it fits when i remove the front wheel... i feel more secure this way because after rides, i often stop for lunch somewhere. __________________ Current: 2013 F10 M5 & 2016 Mini JCW 2013 GLK350 (gone), 997.1 GT3RS (gone), 2009 WRX STI (gone), e92 M3 (gone)
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01-23-2008, 02:35 AM	#12
rg87 Lieutenant 51 Rep 513 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1)	folding the seats down is okay if you have just one bike. although, it can be a pain sometimes folding the seats and making sure you don't get the interior dirty. otherwise, just get a bike rack or roof rack and save yourself the hassle.
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01-23-2008, 06:26 AM	#13
japac1 Major 21 Rep 1,100 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Keller, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335xi [0.00]	Just get the folding seats. You'll find ways to use them. I would also not put my bike in the car, so get a rack also!! __________________ [FONT="Garamond"]2007 E90 335 xi, Monaco Blue, Beige, Prem, Cold, Step, Navi, Sat, iPod
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01-23-2008, 08:53 AM	#14
plugboots Nude Member 6 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2011 328 xit, 2012 Golf R Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	You WILL use the folding rear seats.
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01-23-2008, 10:52 AM	#15
zamboni I want to drive a Zamboni 1131 Rep 5,557 Posts Drives: 13 E93 M3 18 F80 M3 16 K71 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Monte Sereno, CA iTrader: (7) Garage List 16 K71 F800GT [10.00] 2018 F80 M3 [10.00] 2013 BMW E93 M3 [10.00]	For a road bike is fine with fold down seat but not for Mt bike because of dirt & mud. __________________ 18 F80 Imola Red 6MT 16 K71 F800GT Montego Blue 13 E93 M3 Melbourne Red 2000 E46,2006 E90,09 E82,13 E93 328i,14 F30 335i,18 F80 M3 My next vehicle would be a Zamboni
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01-23-2008, 11:15 AM	#16
Spool ****** 558 Rep 6,169 Posts Drives: A few Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (24)	Just buy the car already man, you started so many threads asking so many questions... If this car is out of your price range, look for something else that has all the amenities you need... __________________ MKIV 6spd 1000hp Club
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01-23-2008, 01:37 PM	#17
E91AWD Lieutenant 16 Rep 448 Posts Drives: BMW 2007 328xiT Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon iTrader: (1)	I would never buy a car without rear seats that fold down. Just MOP. However, I do have a rack for those time where I am transporting more than one bike, or more than one other person.
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01-23-2008, 04:29 PM	#21
cvc 22349a Colonel 164 Rep 2,556 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: SF Bay iTrader: (11)	Just a fyi: I received an email from Thule 2 weeks ago and they now sell direct fit roof rack system for the e90.
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12-23-2008, 09:43 PM	#22
abcommercial Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 237 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	I don't have fold-down seats and I have been taking both wheels off to get the road bike in the trunk. For my last 5 sedans (including an A4) I have had MasterHitch install an aftermarket 1-1/4" hitch and used a Yakima DoubleDown (formerly Kingpin) hitch rack. They have one for the E90, but I have resisted getting it so far since this is my nicest car and because it's pricey (around $400 for the hitch, installed). It is really low profile though and I probably will get it eventually. The hitch-mount option is superior to roof racks because the car is protected, and the bike is more protected from the wind and garage doors (you can keep your eye on the bike in the rearview mirror).
	Appreciate 0 Quote