Why such noisy bike and surfboard racks???

I just got my roof rails and racks (bike and surfboard) professionally installed by a BMW dealer on my new X6, but the wind noise (irritating whistle) is too much to bear. Literally can hear it above 50mph and can't believe BMW didn't think about this. I'm guessing there might be a solution (i.e. a wind deflector) or something. Any advise before I just remove them completely? Thanks.

Originally Posted by cartozia

I just got my roof rails and racks (bike and surfboard) professionally installed by a BMW dealer on my new X6, but the wind noise (irritating whistle) is too much to bear. Literally can hear it above 50mph and can't believe BMW didn't think about this. I'm guessing there might be a solution (i.e. a wind deflector) or something. Any advise before I just remove them completely? Thanks.

Wind deflectors make a huge difference, but I didn't use one on my 5 or 3 series and the wind noise isn't that bad, especially if you close the moonroof liner. Not sure what's causing the whistle in your case...that would be annoying. I prefer hitch racks for less noise, more accessible, easier to remove/install, and better gas mileage.

anyone know where to get good wind deflectors?