Comparing thePassage # TH910XT and the OutWay # TH45JV for Use on a 2018 BMW 3 Series

Question:

Looking for a trunk mounted bike rack for my 2018 BMW3 series and I am debating between the Thule Passage and Raceway on your site. What are the differences and what do you recommend?

asked by: Amanda

Expert Reply:

Both the Passage # TH910XT and the GateWay # TH45JV are excellent bike racks for you to use with your 2018 BMW 3 Series. They share a lot of the same features like bike and rack locks, adjustable arms, and the FitDial system for easy adjustments. I do recommend going with the OutWay though as the 2 retractable cables, Road dampening technology, and extra padding gives it an advantage over the Passage XT. The OutWay is more experience but it is much easier to use.

The biggest differences are that the Passage uses 6 straps to secure the bike rack and has long-arcing tubes to better accommodate spoilers, while the OutWay has only 2 Sure-Tight retractable cables to secure the bike rack and cable covers, TPE sleeves, and molded, rubberized base pads for trunk protection.

Both bike racks have arms that are 10-1/2" apart on center which makes using the adapter bar # TH982XT for alternative bike frames less likely, but the Raceway PRO arms can be adjusted in to 6-1/2" to accommodate a wider variety of bike frames.

I have attached some review videos of each bike rack that you can reference as well.

expert reply by: Jon G