Roof Rack Options For 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Wagon

Question:

Hello, I have a 2011 Mercedes e350 wagon. It has the roof rails, but no cross members. Ive seen the thule options which I like the wingbar edge. What offerings do you have? Ultimately used for MTB and surfboard.

asked by: Mr. K

Expert Reply:

There are a couple of good options for roof racks that fit your 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 wagon, including the Thule WingBar Edge that you mentioned. First, let's talk about the Edge, and here are the correct part numbers that make up the rack for your Mercedes:

- Thule WingBar Edge Crossbar - Silver # TH33RE or Black # TH89FE

- Edge Raised Rail Feet # TH69SC

- (Optional): Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders # TH450400

This gives you a quiet, strong roof rack that also has the best look because it is flush-mounted, which means the crossbars only go the width of the rails on your Mercedes. The only trade off for that is you get less overall crossbar space for your gear because the crossbars are 37-1/2" long. You mentioned a surfboard and mountain bike, and if that is all you're going to carry then it likely won't be an issue, but I did want to mention it. The other option is from Rhino-Rack, and consists of the following parts:

- Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRVA118B-2

- Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs # RRSX100

The Rhino-Rack is different than the Thule rack in a couple of ways, namely that its crossbars are 46" long, which gives you more space for gear. Also, the rack is not flush-mounted, so the bars extend past the rails a bit, and is also a bit more economical overall than Thule. Another difference is that the Rhino-Rack does not have the option to be locked to your Mercedes like the Thule does.

So what it comes down to really is if you want the best look, and most secure rack, the Thule is the way to go. For something that is a bit more economical with more crossbar space, go with Rhino-Rack.