Compatibility of a 4 Bike Rack to Fit a 2015 BMW 328 XI

Question:

Hello , I have been looking at ridgeback 4 and full tilt bike racks for my BMW 328 xi with class 1 curt hitch. Currently we have 2 bikes 1 mens and 1 womens. Reason for looking into 4 bike rack is basically future proffing so i can use the same rack on my SUVs. Question is 1. Would you recommend ridgeback 4 or full tilt or light rider though they dont have 4 bikes and why is one better over other 2. Is there any other brand other than Yakima that would work better? 3. Is it a must to have the stabilizing strap from hitch to trunk? 4. I see both yakimas i listed above are markes as class 2/3... does it mean the hitch has to be 2/3? I do plan to buy the cross bar to be able to mount the womens bike. Thank tou for all the informational videos...learnt so much by watching them

asked by: Gowtham P

Helpful Expert Reply:

The 2015 BMW 328xi is confirmed to use a Class I hitch like the Curt Trailer Hitch, # C11367. However, the Yakima RidgeBack, # Y02458, 4-Bike Rack is not compatible with a Class I hitch.

I recommend the Thule Hitch Post Pro, # TH934XTR, on your BMW because it can fit Class I hitches. With that being said you're still limited to only 2 bikes with a Class I hitch but the Hitching Post Pro also fits Class II and Class III hitches. You'll be able to carry up to four bikes on the higher Classes.

The Hitching Post Pro has many of the same features as the Yakima racks including tilting and anti-sway cradles but it doesn't include locks. You can add a hitch lock and bike lock using # THSTL2 and # TH538XT.

If you plan on carrying any women's or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Kuat Bike Frame Adapter Bar # UB01 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.

I have attached a couple videos on the Thule Apex and the Kuat Bike Adapter Bar for you to review. I also included an FAQ article for you on how to choose a hitch mounted bike rack for you to also review.