Trunk Mounted Bike Rack for 2006 BMW X5

Question:

WIll the rack fit a 2006 BMW x5?

asked by: Steven S

Expert Reply:

According to Thule, none of their trunk or hatch mounted bike racks will fit a 2000-2006 BMW X5, but there are some options that would work well for you.

Yakima confirmed a fit of the FullBack 2 # Y02634. Yakima makes a quality product, and this rack would work great for you.

For women's bikes or bikes with sharply angled top tubes or step-through frames, using a frame adapter like part # Y02531 is recommended. The adapter spans the distance between the seat post and the handle bar gooseneck, and provides a level attachment point to the bike rack so the bike is not carried at an angle.

Be sure that you DO NOT use the rear wiper with the rack installed.

I have linked you to the products I recommended, as well as their installation instructions and product demonstration videos.

expert reply by: Mike L

Judi

1/9/2013

I have a 2002 BMW X 5 just cant allow myself to sell it even though I have a newer car. I see that Yakima has a trunk bike rack that I could purchase. However, I have a step-through bike. Would I be better off installing a trailer hitch and then purchasing a rack? Id also like to not have to bother with a frame adapter. Any suggestions?

Patrick B.

1/16/2013

The only way to avoid a frame adapter would be to install a hitch and use a bike rack that holds the bikes by the tire like a Thule T2 part TH916XTR, the Kuat NV part N101 or the Yakima Holdup part Y02433. For a hitch, I would recommend the Draw-Tite 75492. It is a 2 inch hitch that will accept any of the bike racks I mentioned. It will also allow you to use hitch mounted cargo carriers or even tow small trailers.