Thule Accessories with BMW Roof Carriers

Ravenseal · 04-14-2022, 07:58 PM

I'm trying to install a Thule TopRide Bike Carrier on the BMW OEM roof rack and it looks like the T-track adapters don't quite fit into the BMW crossbars T-Track. Even when tightened all the way down, there's some level of play on the bike carrier which makes me uncomfortable. Has anyone run into similar issues? Google didn't turn up a whole lot of information.

Edit: Seems as though I've found a solution. Thule has a racketeering scheme with OEMs to not sell cross compatible accessories in the United States - so people can go "just buy the BMW one" or "just spend $800 on a Thule setup". I dug around and with some measurements, found that in the UK/EU, Thule sells (probably by law) kits that make their bike carriers work with OEM roof carriers. In my case, the part number is THULE 889101. You can find hundreds of reviews for this part on Amazon stating that it's the only way to make Thule carriers compatible with OEM crossbars in the US. Having to pay $50 to import 2 bolts from Europe is a fucking joke. Screw BMW and screw Thule for perpetuating this scam.

DanG · 04-14-2022, 08:07 PM

Why didn’t you just get the BMW bike mounts?

Ravenseal · 04-14-2022, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanG

Why didn't you just get the BMW bike mounts?

Because they're not as good as the Thule ones? This one can fit 5 different thru axle measurements. Which means literally any bike made.

DanG · 04-14-2022, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravenseal

Because they're not as good as the Thule ones? This one can fit 5 different thru axle measurements. Which means literally any bike made.

I have been using the BMW bike racks for over 20 years. Note that we have road bikes.

Ravenseal · 04-14-2022, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanG

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravenseal

Because they're not as good as the Thule ones? This one can fit 5 different thru axle measurements. Which means literally any bike made.

I have been using the BMW bike racks for over 20 years. Note that we have road bikes.

Unfortunately, I need to be able to carry mountain bikes.

Ravenseal · 04-15-2022, 01:13 AM

Seems as though I've found a solution. Thule has a racketeering scheme with OEMs to not sell cross compatible accessories in the United States - so people can go "just buy the BMW one" or "just spend $800 on a Thule setup". I dug around and with some measurements, found that in the UK/EU, Thule sells (probably by law) kits that make their bike carriers work with OEM roof carriers. In my case, the part number is THULE 889101. You can find hundreds of reviews for this part on Amazon stating that it's the only way to make Thule carriers compatible with OEM crossbars in the US. Having to pay $50 to import 2 bolts from Europe is a fucking joke. Screw BMW and screw Thule for perpetuating this scam.

DanG · 04-15-2022, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravenseal

Unfortunately, I need to be able to carry mountain bikes.

BMW does have mountain bike carriers.

540iSUP · 04-15-2022, 04:08 AM

I have a Thule Basket and it has both the T track and clamps for a universal fit. I'm surprised that the bike carrier doesn't have this option as well. Either way, the T Track fit my OEM BMW rack perfectly. Your T track bolts look like they have a lot of play, I wouldn't feel comfortable with those either.

Ravenseal · 04-15-2022, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanG

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravenseal

Unfortunately, I need to be able to carry mountain bikes.

BMW does have mountain bike carriers.

Again. I have very specific needs which the bmw carriers do not meet. Thanks for your input though.

Ravenseal · 04-15-2022, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 540iSUP

I have a Thule Basket and it has both the T track and clamps for a universal fit. I'm surprised that the bike carrier doesn't have this option as well. Either way, the T Track fit my OEM BMW rack perfectly. Your T track bolts look like they have a lot of play, I wouldn't feel comfortable with those either.

Yeah. In no way do I trust $10,000 worth of bikes to that kind of fitment. I'll post an update once the new T-Tracks arrive from Italy. Paid for DHL Worldwide Express and all. I really hope they fit - measured thrice for good luck.

chassis · 04-17-2022, 04:17 PM

So for a $10k bike you are not willing to buy an $800 setup from Thule? Am I missing something?

Ravenseal · 04-17-2022, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chassis

So for a $10k bike you are not willing to buy an $800 setup from Thule? Am I missing something?

Yeah. You're missing the fact that Thule makes the BMW setup. It's identical except for the t track dimensions.

chassis · 04-17-2022, 05:48 PM

Right and you are complaining about a conspiracy between Thule and BMW.

Pay the money.

Ravenseal · 04-17-2022, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chassis

Right and you are complaining about a conspiracy between Thule and BMW.

Pay the money.

I'm sorry reading is hard for you. I feel bad for the less capable.

chassis · 04-17-2022, 09:14 PM

It's always been that way.

04-14-2022, 07:58 PM	#1
Ravenseal Lieutenant Colonel 2745 Rep 1,749 Posts Drives: 2023 M2 6MT Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	I'm trying to install a Thule TopRide Bike Carrier on the BMW OEM roof rack and it looks like the T-track adapters don't quite fit into the BMW crossbars T-Track. Even when tightened all the way down, there's some level of play on the bike carrier which makes me uncomfortable. Has anyone run into similar issues? Google didn't turn up a whole lot of information. Edit: Seems as though I've found a solution. Thule has a racketeering scheme with OEMs to not sell cross compatible accessories in the United States - so people can go "just buy the BMW one" or "just spend $800 on a Thule setup". I dug around and with some measurements, found that in the UK/EU, Thule sells (probably by law) kits that make their bike carriers work with OEM roof carriers. In my case, the part number is THULE 889101. You can find hundreds of reviews for this part on Amazon stating that it's the only way to make Thule carriers compatible with OEM crossbars in the US. Having to pay $50 to import 2 bolts from Europe is a fucking joke. Screw BMW and screw Thule for perpetuating this scam. Attached Images __________________ 2023 G87 M2 - Toronto Red \| 6MT \| M HAS \| CF Roof \| BMW 826M Forged Wheels \| Mishimoto Skid Plate \| Active Autowerks Single Midpipe Retired: 2022 M240i xDrive \| 2021 Audi RS5 \| 2019 Camaro 2SS 1LE 6MT \| 2016 428i GC \| 2011 BMW 335is Last edited by Ravenseal; 04-15-2022 at 04:47 PM..
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04-14-2022, 08:07 PM	#2
DanG Major General 10661 Rep 6,937 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 AW DCT Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW M2 [7.68]	Why didn’t you just get the BMW bike mounts?
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04-15-2022, 01:13 AM	#6
Ravenseal Lieutenant Colonel 2745 Rep 1,749 Posts Drives: 2023 M2 6MT Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	Seems as though I've found a solution. Thule has a racketeering scheme with OEMs to not sell cross compatible accessories in the United States - so people can go "just buy the BMW one" or "just spend $800 on a Thule setup". I dug around and with some measurements, found that in the UK/EU, Thule sells (probably by law) kits that make their bike carriers work with OEM roof carriers. In my case, the part number is THULE 889101. You can find hundreds of reviews for this part on Amazon stating that it's the only way to make Thule carriers compatible with OEM crossbars in the US. Having to pay $50 to import 2 bolts from Europe is a fucking joke. Screw BMW and screw Thule for perpetuating this scam. __________________ 2023 G87 M2 - Toronto Red \| 6MT \| M HAS \| CF Roof \| BMW 826M Forged Wheels \| Mishimoto Skid Plate \| Active Autowerks Single Midpipe Retired: 2022 M240i xDrive \| 2021 Audi RS5 \| 2019 Camaro 2SS 1LE 6MT \| 2016 428i GC \| 2011 BMW 335is
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04-15-2022, 04:08 AM	#8
540iSUP Captain 704 Rep 803 Posts Drives: G30, E36 Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: California iTrader: (1)	I have a Thule Basket and it has both the T track and clamps for a universal fit. I'm surprised that the bike carrier doesn't have this option as well. Either way, the T Track fit my OEM BMW rack perfectly. Your T track bolts look like they have a lot of play, I wouldn't feel comfortable with those either.
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04-17-2022, 04:17 PM	#11
chassis Colonel 6553 Rep 2,311 Posts Drives: 9Y0 Cayenne S Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Einbahnstraße iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Porsche Cayenne S [7.69]	So for a $10k bike you are not willing to buy an $800 setup from Thule? Am I missing something?
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04-17-2022, 05:48 PM	#13
chassis Colonel 6553 Rep 2,311 Posts Drives: 9Y0 Cayenne S Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Einbahnstraße iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Porsche Cayenne S [7.69]	Right and you are complaining about a conspiracy between Thule and BMW. Pay the money.
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04-17-2022, 09:14 PM	#15
chassis Colonel 6553 Rep 2,311 Posts Drives: 9Y0 Cayenne S Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Einbahnstraße iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Porsche Cayenne S [7.69]	It's always been that way.
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