Will Thule TH65JV 2-Bike Platform Type Trunk-Mount Bike Carrier Fit 1997 BMW 328 Convertible  

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Expert Reply:

The Thule OutWay Platform-Style 2 Bike Carrier, part # TH65JV, will fit on your 328 convertible since it mounts to the bumper and trunk in the same way as hanging type carriers. However, the weight of this very sturdy carrier (about 28 lbs) plus that of the two loaded bikes (up to 33 lbs per bike) makes for a significant load on the rear bumper cover and trunk of your 328 convertible.

I suggest instead a hanging-type trunk-mount carrier that weighs substantially less than the OutWay platform. The link provided will take you to our product page showing all 2- and 3-bike carriers suited to your BMW convertible. All of these weigh much less than the Thule platform carrier. Hanging-style carriers will be much less likely to deform your bumper cover and trunk lid. I would recommend the OutWay hanging rack # TH45JV above the rest. I attached a video of this carrier.

Please refer to the linked video on the Yakima carriers and to the article concerning trunk-mount bike carriers.

An option to consider is a hitch-mount carrier. We do offer a 1-1/4-inch Class I trailer hitch receiver for your 3-Series convertible, part # C11177 from Curt. This 200-lb-rated hitch will allow you to use a Class I hitch-mount bike carrier such as one of those shown on the link provided. Both hanging and platform type carriers are available, including the Thule Doubletrack Pro XT # TH92BJ platform carrier. Curt cautions users to also employ stabilizing straps for all non-trailer loads such as bike racks; you can use an item such as # 18050 for this purpose.

Another benefit to using a hitch-mount carrier is that you are then also able to use other Class I hitch-mount accessories such as cargo carriers. I have included a link that will show you three such fixed carriers compatible with this hitch.

expert reply by: Adam R

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