Options for Carrying a Cargo Bag with a 2009 BMW X3
Question:
Looking for a soft carrier bag to attach to a 2009 BMW X3. SUV has factory roof rack, but no crossbars. Was considering a soft carrier bag that goes directly on the roof, but noticed the sunroof is quite large on this vehicle so Im concerned with putting a bag and additional weight directly on top of it. Was also considering the Rightline Gear Saddle Bag that attaches to the back of the vehicle ...but SUV has a large rear spoiler. Options?
asked by: Jamison
Helpful Expert Reply:
You definitely don't want to be putting extra weight on your sunroof or your rear spoiler. The best way to avoid that is to either use a roof rack or hitch mounted carrier.
For a roof rack we have the Thule Winbar Evo Bars # TH711400 for Silver or # TH711420 for Black with the Foot Pack # TH710401. A more cost-effective option is the Malone Roof Rack # MPG201 but it doesn't have an aerodynamic design so it will be a little more noisy and won't look as sleek.
You can then use a cargo basket like the Thule Canyon part # TH859XT along with a waterproof bag like part # RL100S30. Adhesive sealant # LT37467 is recommended to help seal the tubes for this basket.
The hitch option would require a trailer hitch like the Curt # 13573. You then need a carrier like part # C18151, with a hitch pin and clip # PC3 or locking hitch pin # 63232, and a water resistant cargo bag like part # 988501.
Either way I recommend checking your owner's manual for any weight restrictions. I have attached some videos for you to check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 400 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - 3-1/2" Span
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Universal Anti-Rattle Lock
- Keyed Unique
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Spring-Loaded Pin
- 3-1/2 Inch Span
- Lets Go Aero
more information >
etrailer Cargo Bag w/ Mounting Straps - Water Resistant - 20 cu ft - 59" x 24" x 24"
- Hitch Cargo Carrier Bag
- Water Resistant
- Large
- 59L x 24W x 24T Inch
- Black
- etrailer
more information >
Loctite RTV 598 High-Performance Silicone Gasket Maker - Black - 2.7-Fl Oz Tube
- Lubricants Sealants Adhesives
- Sealant
- Gasket Maker
- 2.7 oz
- Loctite
more information >
Malone SteelTop Roof Rack - Square Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Steel - 50" Long
- Roof Rack
- Complete Roof Systems
- Square Bars
- 50 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Malone
more information >
Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 4 Inch Span
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Rightline Gear Sport 3 Rooftop Cargo Bag - Waterproof - 18 cu ft - 48" x 36" x 18"
- Car Roof Bag
- Waterproof Material
- Naked Roof Mount
- Roof Basket Mount
- Roof Rack Mount
- Extra Large Capacity
- Long Length
- Gray
- Rightline Gear
more information >
Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Silver - 53" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 53 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Silver
- Thule
more information >
Thule Canyon XT Roof Cargo Basket - Steel - 49" x 40" x 6" - 150 lbs
- Roof Basket
- Cargo Basket
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Short Length
- Steel
- Medium Capacity
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 53" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 53 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Comparing Thule AeroBlade Crossbars vs WingBar Evo Crossbars
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Article: Roof Rack Information
- Q&A: Recommended Roof Rack For A 2016 Ford Fusion SE
- Q&A: Can the Spacing on the Thule Roof Rack for a 2024 Honda CR-V Be Adjusted on the Factory Rails?
- Q&A: Roof Rack and Thule/Yakima Roof Cargo Box Recommendation for a 2020 Toyota 4Runner
- Q&A: Thule Evo Roof Rack For a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Without Raised Rails To Carry Hullavator Kayak Rack
- Q&A: Thule Roof Rack that Fits 2024 Honda CR-V with Flush Rails
- Q&A: Difference Between Yakima CoreBar and JetStream Roof Rack Crossbars
- Article: How to Tie Down Skis and Snowboards to a Roof Rack
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: How to Install a Roof Rack
- Article: How to Replace a Rubber RV Roof
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes