Recommended Roof Rack for 2016 BMW X6 with Naked Roof

Question:

Which roof rack is recommended for my 2016 BMW X6 with naked roof?

asked by: MIKE C

Helpful Expert Reply:

I have two roof rack systems that I can recommend for you: Thule and Yakima.

The Thule Roof Rack system consists of Wingbar Evo Crossbars # TH711420, Evo Clamp Feet # TH710501 and Fit Kit # TH145145. I'm a fan of the 53" WingBar Evo crossbars in this system, especially how the T-tracks are designed. Most moderns bars have T-tracks, but Thule stepped it up in their latest edition where you just slide the endcaps off to mount accessories and the rubber in the channels adapt to your equipment. You can check it out in my test fit of these bars in a video attached below if you want to see how it works.

Another recommendation is a Yakima Roof Rack consisting of JetStream Crossbars # Y00425, BaseLine Towers # Y28TR, and two different Fit Kits # Y06179 and # Y06161. This is also a great system with 165 lbs of weight capacity and the towers can be pitched back and forward during installation if you want to get your bars perfectly leveled.

When choosing between the two, I personally prefer the Thule system. It has slightly longer crossbars and the ease of the endcaps is a cincher for me. I've broken a nail removing Yakima's endcaps so I'm slightly biased. However, if you do own Yakima roof rack accessories, then absolutely go with the Yakima roof rack because of how well all their equipment work with each other. If you're starting with just a roof rack or you already have Thule accessories, then Thule is the way to go.