Will a Trunk Mount Bike Rack Fit a 2008 BMW X5 Sport

Question:

i have a 2008 bmw x5 sport, someone told me i cant put a bike rack. which one would you recomend?

asked by: Regina

Expert Reply:

The person you were talking to probably was talking about that spoiler at the top of the hatch of your 2008 BMW X5. I do not recommend using a trunk mount bike rack unless the spoiler either has a gap between it and the car body large enough to run the straps through or if the spoiler is made of metal, that will work out too.

Thule does list the Passage 3, # TH911XT, and other 3 bike racks (see link to the right) as a fit for the 2008 X5. If the spoiler has no gap and/or is plastic and not metal then I do not recommend a trunk mount bike rack because the straps will put too much stress on that spoiler.

The ideal way to carry bikes would be to install a trailer hitch and use a hitch mount bike rack. In addition to being able to use a hitch mount bike rack, you can use other accessories, like a cargo carrier, and of course use the hitch to tow should the need arise. Trailer hitch mount bike racks are the safest way to carry bikes on a vehicle and the rack and bikes will not make contact with the vehicle.

The most popular trailer hitch for your X5 is # 75600. This is a Class III trailer hitch that will allow you to carry up to 5 bikes on an appropriate carrier. If you just need to carry 3 bikes then I recommend the SportRack Pathway Deluxe, # SR2703. The single arm and rotating cradles make this rack compatible with many bike styles and sizes.

If an adapter bar is needed for something like a step-through frame then you can use # 64005. I have included links to videos on the hitch installation, bike rack, and adapter bar for you to view.