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Recommended Trunk Mounted Bike Rack for 2018 BMW X3  

Question:

Hi all, Im looking for the most sensible option to carry 3 bikes 2 adult + 1 kid on my 2018 BMW X3. Here are my considerations/limitations: 1. I do not have a hitch installed. 2. The vehicle is on a lease, due to end in 16 months. So: 2.1 I dont want to make a dead investment 2.2 I dont want to cause damage to the vehicle trim for hitch installation, damage from trunk rack, etc to avoid hefty lease-end fees Ive done a fair amount of research - Ive looked at Saris, roof-rack carriers, and finally at the HRF2-3 but have no clear idea what would be the best option. Your help will be greatly appreciated! Cheers

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Expert Reply:

Since this is a leased vehicle and trimming would be required of some of the underbody paneling, adding a hitch for a rack likely isn't the best solution. Additionally, going with a roof rack, you may find that your investment is "dead" if you switch to a vehicle that you can't transfer the rack to, so I feel like for this situation the most cost effective and practical solution is going to be going with a trunk mounted rack since they'll traditionally fit a much wider variety of vehicles.

When used properly, a trunk mounted rack like the Hollywood Racks Over-The-Top # HRF2-3 won't damage your vehicle at all, but it's not the rack I would recommend for you. I recommend using the Yakima FullBack 3 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms # Y02633, which will fit on your 2018 BMW X3 and has all of the same features as the # HRF2-3, but also comes with locks for the bikes and a way to secure the rack to your vehicle. This means that your investments are always going to be secured. I also like that this rack fits a huge variety of vehicles, so the chances that you'll be able to transfer it to your next vehicle are pretty good.

If you're still concerned with potential damage to your leased vehicle, the SeaSucker Mini Bomber Roof 2 Bike Rack - Fork Mount - Vacuum Cup Mounted # 298-BM2006 (2 bikes) or the SeaSucker Bomber Roof 3 Bike Rack - Fork Mount - Vacuum Cup Mounted # 298-BB3008 (3 bikes) could be used. The SeaSuckers attach with vacuum mounted suction cups that won't damage your vehicle, yet still provide a strong connection to the vehicle. This system will absolutely fit on your next vehicle since it's a universal fit rack, so it would be a great solution that will be able to be used in virtually any situation.

I've linked a some short review videos of these racks for you to have a look at.

expert reply by:
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Erik B

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