Recommended Trunk Bike Rack For My 2018 BMW X3

Question:

2018 BMW X3 trunk style bike racks. We have a Saris bones EX but their site says its not compatible with our vehicle. But you have other trunk racks recommended. Any idea why the Saris Bones EX is not recommended?

asked by: Damon

Expert Reply:

I do have a trunk rack recommendation for you. It is the Yakima FullBack 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms, part # Y02634. This trunk rack can be locked to your vehicle and you can lock your bikes to the rack. You will have to remove the upper and lower hooks during the installation of this rack and re-install them in anchor mode. Anchor mode is used when the trunk or rear hatch is too wide for the traditional hooks to attach to your vehicle.

You are correct. The Saris Bones EX 2 Bike Rack - Adjustable Arms - Trunk Mount, part # SAR83FR, will not fit your 2018 BMW X3. Saris does have "their" version of Yakima's anchor mode, so I am not sure why they do not have a fit for your vehicle. I did check the Saris website just to confirm. Usually anchor mode for the upper hooks on a trunk/hatch has more to do with not putting any weight on a vehicle's spoiler. I think the Yakima offering is a better fit for your vehicle because that is taken into consideration on your vehicle. It is also why I think it is a better fit for your BMW X3 than the Thule OutWay, part # TH45JV.

I have included product description links and a video review link below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith