Roof Rack Recommendation for Raised Rails on a 2011 BMW 3 Series

Question:

2011 bmw 3 series wagon with flush rails. I need a rack that I can put 65” or so bars on. I haul a canoe and a couple kayaks. Can I do that with the Thule Evo square bars on the rapid podium? Or do I have any options at all?

asked by: Ryan J

Expert Reply:

I have a way for you to use longer crossbars for a roof rack on your 2011 BMW 3 Series but since the Thule crossbars have a limiting slot on the underside we need to use a different brand roof rack system and for that I recommend Yakima as they're the only ones with a slot all the way through so you can literally fit any crossbar length.

I'm only seeing from all of our manufacturers that a 2011 BMW 3 Series has raised rails so for that Yakima recommends the following parts (if you have flush rails shoot me some photos so I can see if we have anything that will work):

50" JetStream Crossbars - # Y00425
TimberLine Towers - # Y33TR
Lock Core Kit - # Y07204 (optional)

If you'd like to use larger crossbars we have the 60" JetStream # Y00426 as well as the 70" JetStream # Y00427.

This system has a 165 lb weight capacity but I do recommend making sure the crossbars won't be sticking out past the side mirrors of your BMW as that would make it illegal.