Recommended Trunk Mount Bike Carrying Solution for 2012 BMW 128i Convertible

Question:

Looking for the preferred rack for a 2012 BMW 128I convertible. Looking a Yakima King Joe, but wondering if there is a better choice?

asked by: Gail

Expert Reply:

The Yakima HangOut 2 bike trunk mounted bike rack you referred to, part # Y02637 is compatible with your BMW 1 Series convertible, which would be my recommendation. The KingJoe has been discontinued and is no longer available.

If you'll be transporting women's bikes or bikes with sharply-angled top tubes, you might also consider a frame adapter bar like part # UB01. The bar spans the distance between the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post, which provides a secondary attachment point for the bike rack. This allows the bike to be carried level, which maximizes ground clearance. I'll link you to a video showing how the adapter bar works.

Before installing a trunk mount rack, you'll want to ensure that the surfaces of the rack and vehicle that touch each other are perfectly clean and free of grit. A good coat of a quality car wax can provide additional protection. You'll also want to avoid raising or lowering the convertible top while the rack is in place.

expert reply by: Mike L