Recommendation for Carrying 4 Bikes on a 2011 BMW 335D

Question:

Will this hitch work for a 335d? Can this hitch support a 4 bike rack? What king of support straps do I need with such a bike rack, and where would I get them? What part of the car do they attach to. I don't want to harm the paint. Finally, I am not handy and would like a recommendation for an installer in Milwaukee, WI. Thanks.

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Curt Mfg. and found that the Curt Trailer Hitch, # C11756, will not fit on your BMW 335D vehicle. At this time there is not a trailer hitch available for the 335 Diesel models.

The Trailer Hitch Support Strap, # 18050, that is mentioned in the hitch description is required by Curt Mfg. for warranty. We carry this strap, see link. A Class I hitch is limited to carrying two bikes because the weight of the bikes out farther on a hitch will put too much torque on the hitch and vehicle frame.

To carry 4 bikes with your BMW 335D, you would need to go with a roof rack and a trunk mount bike rack.

For a roof with no existing rails or crossbars, I recommend going with the Thule WingBars, # TH711200 or # TH711220, Thule Podium Foot Pack, # TH460R and Thule Fit Kit, # THKIT3028.

If you have flush mounted rails that run front to back you would use the same bars and foot pack along with a different fit kit, part # THKIT4003.

If you have a wagon with factory installed rails that run front to back you can use the Rola Sport Series Roof Rack, # 59898, on your vehicle.

You could then install two bike racks like the Thule UpRide Wheel-Mount Bike Carrier, # TH599000.

You could then use a 3 bike trunk mount rack like the Yakima HangOut 3 Bike Rack, # Y02638, and carry two or 3 bikes at the rear of the vehicle.

For the trunk mounted rack, you may need to purchase a bike adapter bar, like part # Y02531, for each bike that does not have a horizontal top tube that will slide over the bike rack arms. We have a video, see link, that shows these adapter bars in use. This should help you determine if your bikes needs an adapter.