Best & Quietest Roof Rack For 2018 BMW X2 With Naked Roof

Question:

Could you kindly provide some advice on the best roof rack system or systems for a 2018 BMW X2 with a naked roof and a panoramic sunroof. I am also keen on the one that will most likely produce the least wind noise when driving.

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

There is a fit for a roof rack for your 2018 BMW X2 with a naked roof that is a notch above the others, will fit with your panoramic sunroof, and is quieter than the rest, which is from Thule. The exact parts that make up the rack that fit your '18 X2 are the following:

- Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Silver # TH711400 or Black # TH711420

- Evo Clamp Feet for Thule Crossbars # TH710501

- Fit Kit for Thule Evo Clamp Roof Rack Feet # TH145165

Let's start with the crossbars, and these are so quiet for a couple of reasons. One is their aerodynamic shape which is tapered to cut through the wind, but another important factor are the WindDiffusers they have on top of the bars. Those are rubber strips with small ridges built in, and what they do is help direct air flow over the crossbars, which in turn greatly minimize wind noise that you would hear with lesser bars.

A rack that is really quiet wouldn't be much if it wasn't also useful and easy to use, and that's another reason why I like the Thule rack so much for your BMW. The crossbars are 3-1/8" wide x 1" tall, which is the correct size to allow nearly any accessory to clamp around them, but they also have a unique T-slot system. The T-slots on the WingBars have rubber strips on top that you just need to push in to mount an accessory in them; this is different than other crossbars where you have to cut off the top rubber strip at the exact spot you want mount your accessory.

The only other thing I recommend is adding locks to the feet to secure the rack to your BMW, which you can do with the Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders # TH450400.