Recommendation For Bike Rack Options To Carry 3 Bikes on 2010 BMW X3

Question:

What 3 bike rack will fit the back of my 2010 BMWX3 without using a trailer hitch?

asked by: Rider

Expert Reply:

I do have a solution for your to carry 3 bikes on your 2010 BMW X3 without installing a trailer hitch. What you will need to do is install a roof rack on your X3 and use 3 roof mounted bike racks. The roof racks we have available for the 2010 X3 are only compatible with the X3 models that feature the raised side rails.

The Thule Roof Rack, parts # TH712400 and # TH710401, would be a roof rack I recommend for your 2010 BMW X3, which feature 53 inch crossbars.

For a roof mounted bike rack, a good option would be the Thule ProRide XT, part # TH598004, which attaches to the frame of the bike and also straps the wheels of the bike down. The representative at Thule informed me that you will be able to mount 3 of the racks to the bars of the Thule Roof Rack on your 2010 BMW X3. The Thule representative recommended alternating the direction in which each bike rack faces, so you would have one bike rack facing rearward, and the other 2 facing forward.

The more economical solution to carry your bikes would be a trunk mounted bike rack, but there is not a trunk mounted bike rack available that is compatible with the 2010 BMW X3.

If your BMW X3 has the flush-mount side rails, then your only option would be to install a trailer hitch and hitch mounted bike rack, as there has not been a roof rack released that is compatible with the flush-mount side rails, but it is in the works.

If you were to change your mind and go with a trailer hitch and hitch bike rack, or if you have the flush-mount side rails, a hitch I would recommend is the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, part # 75371. Then you could mount the Swagman Trailhead 3 Bike Carrier, part # S63365 to the hitch. The Swagman Trailhead would work well on your X3 as it has a tilting feature to allow easy access to the rear hatch.

I have linked instructions on the Swagman Trailhead 3 Bike Carrier, part # S63365 and the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, part # 75371. You will also find an FAQ Article on bike racks linked.