Will A Roof Rack On My 2019 BMW X3 Interfere With My Sunroof Operation  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Any aftermarket roof rack you purchase for your 2019 BMW X3 with flush rails may have issues with interference between the roof rack and the sunroof. In fact, this interference is mentioned in all roof rack instruction manuals. My recommendation for customers who want to know if there will be interference is to put your front crossbar and tower/feet/legs together and place it on the roof in the correct position. Do not install it, just put it in place on the roof. Then CAREFULLY open your sunroof, only in the sliding position, and check for interference. You most likely will not be able to tilt open your sunroof with the roof rack on your vehicle.

My roof rack recommendation will be a Yakima rack and it will consist of the following items:

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Silver - 50" Long - Qty 2, part # TH711300
Evo Flush Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Flush Side Rails - Qty 4, part # TH710601
Fit Kit for Thule Evo Flush Roof Rack Feet - 186007, part # TH186007
Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 4, part # TH450400

This roof rack has a maximum capacity of 165 lbs. I included the Thule One-Key Lock Cylinders so you can secure the rack to your vehicle.

If you prefer a rack where the crossbars terminate at the tower, the Inno roof rack is a good option. It will consist of the following items:

Inno Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 42" Long - Qty 2, part # INXB108-2
Inno Flush Feet for Aero Crossbars - Flush Side Rails - Qty 4, part # INXS400
Custom Fit Kit for Inno XS300, XS350, XS400, XS450, INTR, and INXR Roof Rack Feet, part # INTR140

This rack also has a weight limit of 165 lbs and can lock your roof rack to the vehicle.

I have included product description links, a video of the Thule rack being installed on a 2020 BMW X3, and a video review of the Inno roof rack on a vehicle with flush rails.

expert reply by: Mark Smith

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