Trailer Hitch and Bike Carrier for 2014 or 2015 Audi A6, A7, or BMW 535i

Question:

Im interested in buying a new car in the spring and Im shopping the Audi A6 or A7 and BMW 535i. Im also a competitive cyclist, and so I need to transport my bikes. I prefer a hitch rack over roof racks for many reasons. My question is... do all of these cars have options to install a class 1 or 2 hitch on the rear? I would prefer an option where only the receiver is showing. I do not want to see any support bars. This will only be used for a bike rack... no towing or heavy objects.

asked by: Jason R

Expert Reply:

We do have a trailer hitch option for a 2014 BMW 535 or 550 model, # C11381 (only receiver is visible). This hitch also fits a 2015 BMW 535i xDrive.

For a 2014 or 2015 Audi A6, any model, we have Curt hitch # C11423 (only receiver is visible).

And for a 2014 or 2015 Audi A7 we have Curt hitch # C11197 (visible cross tube) which fits all Sportback models with gas engines only.

All of these hitches are Class I hitches with 1-1/4 inch receivers and they are the only options for each of the vehicles. Curt also requires the use of stabilization strap # 18050 when using any of these hitches with a bike rack (or cargo carrier) to comply with their warranty requirements. The strap reduces the stress on the hitch.

For bike racks I have the perfect option for you. Take a look at the Kuat Sherpa, # SH12G for gray or # SH12B for black. These racks are aluminum so they are light weight and corrosion resistant. They hold the bikes at the wheels only so no damage to the frame of your nice bike. If you wanted to carry 2 bikes this rack has a good distance between the bikes making it easier to load and makes it unlikely the bikes would touch each other.