Thule AeroBlade Roof Racks and Compatible Roof Bike Carriers for 2015 BMW 3 Series

Question:

I am trying to decide between the Thule AeroBlade and the AeroBlade Edge for my 2015 BMW 328i sedan. Which model would you recommend? I have a pair of Thule 518 Echelon bike carriers and a pair of 593 Wheel On carriers from my old car that I would like to reuse. Will they fit both models? With the aero shaped bars, will I still require a fairing, like an 871XT? Will the Edge model prevent me from opening the sunroof on my car? Thanks!

asked by: Juri B

Expert Reply:

The main difference between Thule's AeroBlade and AeroBlade Edge roof racks for your 2015 BMW 3-Series sedan is that the Edge system offers, for some tastes, a sleeker and more OEM-like appearance since the bars are shorter (35-1/4-inches long) and flow into the footers rather than extend past them toward the sides of the car. The standard AeroBlade bars are 47-inches long. Installation will be slightly easier with the Edge version since the bars and footers are integrated into one assembly but in terms of wind noise performance the two systems are essentially the same. No wind fairing is required.

You can use the link provided to select your roof configuration (bare roof or flush rails) and to select 4-door from the drop-down menu box to see the compatible Thule AeroBlade racks. You have a choice of silver or black bar in both rack versions. For example, if you have a bare roof and prefer black crossbars you can use the Edge system consisting of parts # TH7602B-TH7602B and # THKIT3028.

Your Wheel-On Roof Mounted Bike Wheel Carrier # TH593 will mount directly to either bar version
but your Echelon bike carriers TH518 will each need one Thule XADAPT9 Load Bar Adapter # THXADAPT9.

The roof rack may not prevent opening of your sunroof the but bike rack hardware almost surely will.

expert reply by: Adam R