[340Speed]

I have a 2017 340i xDrive w/ msport package and need a bike carrier. Not interested in cutting up the heat shield to get a hitch.

Have people had luck with Seasucker? I've heard it can scratch the paint.

I personally don't really like the look of the rack on the 3 series but feel like it might be the easiest/most convenient option.

Otherwise, it is down to a traditional bike carrier like the Saris bones--which seems the least convenient.

Any thoughts?

[Phoenix704]

I have the BMW roof rack and factory bike rack. The rack is a little noisy, but it was by far the cheapest option. Works well and holds the bike nice and right.

[zamboni]

My set up was BMW base with Thule racks.

[M Smurf]

It somewhat depends on how many days/wk you need to transport your bike. I have the OEM rack but hate the noise. But easiest to install. For 1-2 days/wk I just put down the seats and throw in the trunk. The Saris bones, while good, scratched my trunk

[SquareWheels]

Stealth Hitch

[Phoenix704]

Originally Posted by M Smurf

It somewhat depends on how many days/wk you need to transport your bike. I have the OEM rack but hate the noise. But easiest to install. For 1-2 days/wk I just put down the seats and throw in the trunk. The Saris bones, while good, scratched my trunk

OEM rack noise is terrible IMO. I also think it makes the car look cooler, so I take it off for long trips but generally leave on. Under 50 around town it's not that noticeable...

[328iX]

Originally Posted by Phoenix704

OEM rack noise is terrible IMO. I also think it makes the car look cooler, so I take it off for long trips but generally leave on. Under 50 around town it's not that noticeable...

I don't hear my BMW rack at all unless my sunshade is open. I also have a Wagon tho not a sedan.

[AlmondJayRoM3]

Originally Posted by 340Speed

I have a 2017 340i xDrive w/ msport package and need a bike carrier. Not interested in cutting up the heat shield to get a hitch.

Have people had luck with Seasucker? I've heard it can scratch the paint.

I personally don't really like the look of the rack on the 3 series but feel like it might be the easiest/most convenient option.

Otherwise, it is down to a traditional bike carrier like the Saris bones--which seems the least convenient.

Any thoughts?

Doesn’t scratch if the roof and suction cups are clean. Drove from Seattle to LA with it on my M3 and had no issues. I would have used a roof rack but it’s not an option unless I modify the carbon fiber roof. I the sea sucker rack every couple of weeks with no issues.

[sspade]

The WindShield from Yakima does wonders for the noise of the roof rack. Worth the investment if you drive with the rack on regularly.

[M Smurf]

Originally Posted by Phoenix704

OEM rack noise is terrible IMO. I also think it makes the car look cooler, so I take it off for long trips but generally leave on. Under 50 around town it's not that noticeable...

I have yet to drive around with just the bare rack without the bike tray to determine if it's just the bike rack making all the noise which I suspect it is

[JG330xi]

I have the BMW manufacturer mounts with a rocky mounts tie rod (link attached). Wind noise really only a problem at highway speed. No problems driving around town. I do take it off if I'm driving long distances without the bike. https://rockymounts.com/products/tierod.html

[clemsonf31]

I have Thule Aeroblade with Kuat Trio trays on my wagon that gets used multiple times per week. OEM bars stand too high off of roof. As with any roof rack, there is noise that is more pronounced with windows/sunroof open. However, I looked at the Seasucker but had the concern for scratches with pulling off and putting back on

Max

[340Speed]

Originally Posted by SquareWheels

Stealth Hitch

I don't want to modify the heat shield, which I believe would be necessary.

[340Speed]

Originally Posted by M Smurf

It somewhat depends on how many days/wk you need to transport your bike. I have the OEM rack but hate the noise. But easiest to install. For 1-2 days/wk I just put down the seats and throw in the trunk. The Saris bones, while good, scratched my trunk

Probably max 1-2 days a week. I can't really get my bike in w/o rear wheel off and also would like an option to be able to transport both my bike and my dog .

OEM rack noise is my biggest concern and I'd go w/ Thule but its at least 3x price, which seems absurd. Might have to just settle on the seasucker.

[340Speed]

Originally Posted by AlmondJayRoM3

Doesn’t scratch if the roof and suction cups are clean. Drove from Seattle to LA with it on my M3 and had no issues. I would have used a roof rack but it’s not an option unless I modify the carbon fiber roof. I the sea sucker rack every couple of weeks with no issues.

Even with your success with seasucker, you'd still go roof rack?

[340Speed]

Originally Posted by zamboni

My set up was BMW base with Thule racks.

honestly dont mind this look at all. how did/do you find wind noise?

[jnj2455]

There are a few different threads about this floating around. I installed Thule aerobars/feet direct to the factory roof rails. Sits a bit lower than OEM which was my tastes and it whistles slightly at 70+ mph but nothing horrible (sunroof closed). It will be deafening no matter what with the moonroof open. Idk how loud the OEM bars are.

[M Smurf]

Originally Posted by 340Speed

Probably max 1-2 days a week. I can't really get my bike in w/o rear wheel off and also would like an option to be able to transport both my bike and my dog .

Just the front wheel needs to come off. Much easier that way, FWIW

[zamboni]

Originally Posted by 340Speed

honestly dont mind this look at all. how did/do you find wind noise?

The wind noise is not that bad but I strongly recommended Thule AeroBlade Edge Flush Mount or Yakima JetStream bars which is quiter compared to BMW version.

[leejak]

I use the sea sucker....really like it....allows me to completely remove when not using for bike transport.....

[AlmondJayRoM3]

Originally Posted by 340Speed

Even with your success with seasucker, you'd still go roof rack?

In my case the decision was made for me. If I replace my car, I would just continue using the sea sucker if only to prevent me having to buy something else to carry my bike.

The other thing to consider is if there is a chance you might need to carry something else. Maybe a rooftop box, snowboards, etc. In that case a roof rack definitely makes more sense than the seasucker.