[Staszek]

I know many people on these forums have roof boxes. We won't be using them often, but we do have a few bigger trips and eventually, when the kids are skiing age we would like to be able to lug them around as well.

After a ton of research, I am going with the Thule Motion XT. What I need help with is the size, XL or XXL. The XL is on backorder and I should get it in time for a trip in August you never know.

That being said I can get the XXL pretty much now, they are in stock. I dont know if I need the extra 2 cu ft, but I was thinking it doesnt hurt.

My concern/question is will it look too big on the X7. Love to see some pics of people who have either of these, especially if anyone is using Yakima low-profile bars.

For reference, the XL is on the left and XXL on the right.
Thanks!!

[serpentine]

This is the Large (I know you didn’t ask for that size). Cross bars are where the indicators are on the roof rails and box is placed in the rearmost position.

[Staszek]

Hmm something I didnt think about with the XL and XXL block the shark fin antenna and the Sirius signal? Seeing your L on there it actually shows that it clears. Not sure it would on the others.

[toddwalton]

An older Thule version, but this is what an XL looks like. Allows the rear hatch to be opened without interference, doesn't block the satellite antenna, fits in the garage far easier, and is plenty big enough to hold 6 large sized duffle bags.

[Staszek]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

An older Thule version, but this is what an XL looks like. Allows the rear hatch to be opened without interference, doesn't block the satellite antenna, fits in the garage far easier, and is plenty big enough to hold 6 large sized duffle bags.

Thanks looking at the XL I think it would be big enough, especially how forward you have it right now to not block Sirius on top of the rear hatch, I would think the XXL would hang even more.

[unfoundnemo]

Originally Posted by Staszek

Thanks looking at the XL I think it would be big enough, especially how forward you have it right now to not block Sirius on top of the rear hatch, I would think the XXL would hang even more.

Here's the XXL:
https://g07.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...29&postcount=1

[Staszek]

Originally Posted by unfoundnemo

Here's the XXL:
https://g07.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...29&postcount=1

Thanks I missed that one when I did my search. That helps. It looks like it will be ok for the Sirius signal but its cutting it close.

[jsmonet]

the xxl:


my vector medium looks like a toy up there, but it's more than enough room for me now that I only have one troller to carry and our duffle bag game is on point

[Staszek]

Thanks, I decided to wait and just get the XL, I probably don't even need that much but since both the XL and L are back-ordered I am getting the XL. Sirius became a big issue for me if I went XXL, it still may work but I didnt want to take the chance.

Now it's crossbars. I am really like the low profile of the Yakima in black, has anyone used those with the Motion XT?

[ppagiga]

here's XXL

[unfoundnemo]

Originally Posted by Staszek

Thanks, I decided to wait and just get the XL, I probably don't even need that much but since both the XL and L are back-ordered I am getting the XL. Sirius became a big issue for me if I went XXL, it still may work but I didnt want to take the chance.

Have you tried calling any local/independent shops in your area? The XL is a popular size (obviously), and smaller places tend to tuck them away because they don't have the space to display them. Thule has some dealer inventory available online, but not all.

I was in the same situation last year, and noticed a couple local ski shops were on the approved dealer list, which surprised be because I frequent a couple and never saw them. The first one I called said "oh, the shiny one, yeah we have it", they took me up to stock room off their 2nd floor showroom to see it before I had them slap it on.

[ppagiga]

I never had problem with Sirius fwiw

[Staszek]

Originally Posted by unfoundnemo

Have you tried calling any local/independent shops in your area? The XL is a popular size (obviously), and smaller places tend to tuck them away because they don't have the space to display them. Thule has some dealer inventory available online, but not all.

I was in the same situation last year, and noticed a couple local ski shops were on the approved dealer list, which surprised be because I frequent a couple and never saw them. The first one I called said "oh, the shiny one, yeah we have it", they took me up to stock room off their 2nd floor showroom to see it before I had them slap it on.

Good call I will check!

[Staszek]

Originally Posted by serpentine

This is the Large (I know you didn’t ask for that size). Cross bars are where the indicators are on the roof rails and box is placed in the rearmost position.
Attachment 2798444

What crossbars are those?

[toddwalton]

Originally Posted by Staszek

Thanks looking at the XL I think it would be big enough, especially how forward you have it right now to not block Sirius on top of the rear hatch, I would think the XXL would hang even more.

Agreed.

Note that the BMW side rails have very specific crossbar mounting positions, they mark them deliberately. So that's the stance of any cargo box you buy, they tend to be more forward than rearward, just BMW's decision based on weight, balance, safety, etc.

How many in your family? 4? 5? 6? I can tell you that as a family of 6 we can fit 6 large duffels up there which is really important as with the 3rd Row up you lose 80% of the interior storage area, if you've got a stroller, forget it. Not just for skiing, even a summer weekend trip needs a cargo box. 4 people, different story, with the 3rd Row down its nice and spacious.

[Staszek]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

Agreed.

Note that the BMW side rails have very specific crossbar mounting positions, they mark them deliberately. So that's the stance of any cargo box you buy, they tend to be more forward than rearward, just BMW's decision based on weight, balance, safety, etc.

How many in your family? 4? 5? 6? I can tell you that as a family of 6 we can fit 6 large duffels up there which is really important as with the 3rd Row up you lose 80% of the interior storage area, if you've got a stroller, forget it. Not just for skiing, even a summer weekend trip needs a cargo box. 4 people, different story, with the 3rd Row down its nice and spacious.

4, we have a very small backpack stroller we use which is great when we travel and fly. Smaller kids so pack and play for sleeping etc all take up space, the luggage clothing part isnt to bad.

[superpanjy]

any recommendation on crossbars?

[toddwalton]

Originally Posted by Staszek

4, we have a very small backpack stroller we use which is great when we travel and fly. Smaller kids so pack and play for sleeping etc all take up space, the luggage clothing part isnt to bad.

No worries then. The XL size will suit you just fine. Frankly, a simple ski rack on the roof would do it, the bags and such will fit easily in the back compartment with the 3rd Row folded down. You may not need a cargo box at all for now.

[toddwalton]

Originally Posted by superpanjy

any recommendation on crossbars?

Yeah, we've had several crossbar wars over the years. I'm a fan of the OEM BMW's because they are designed specifically for the X7, therefore very safe, tall enough to allow the sunroof to open, and I'm not worried about it looking particularly sleek because the X7 is gigantic and not a sportscar.

But there are others who feel the X7 is a sporty stealthy gazelle and swear by the Thule or Yakima which are an inch lower and appear sexier in photos.

[serpentine]

Originally Posted by Staszek

What crossbars are those?

I posted this in another thread on same subject. I don't like the OEM bars because I want something that's 1) black and 2) lower to the roofline as I not only like the look but have clearance requirements.

These bars are lower than the OEM bars, higher than some of the low profile bars and offer enough clearance to get in my garage and have the sunroof open. I have a Thule Motion XT L box.

It’s two Thule Aeroblades 7603 in black (large) with kit 184023.

https://www.rei.com/product/892315/t...rect-pup=false

Attachment 2786386

Attachment 2786387

Attachment 2786388

[serpentine]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

But there are others who feel the X7 is a sporty stealthy gazelle and swear by the Thule or Yakima which are an inch lower and appear sexier in photos.

I do it for the #gram.

[jsmonet]

Originally Posted by superpanjy

any recommendation on crossbars?

Get the thule crossbars