Can you install the roof racks yourself?

Hi, are the roof racks something easy enough to just order and install yourself? Or I have to have it done by the dealers.

Thanks.

I've heard it's a pain in the arse because the roof liner has to be removed to do the install.

It's incredibly easy. It took me 15 minutes.

Originally Posted by Jafeinst

It's incredibly easy. It took me 15 minutes.

Really?

I think the OP is referring to the rails. As lbjgh said, retrofitting the factory roof rails requires removing the interior headliner in order to bolt the rails to the roof. That is not a 15 minute process. It takes hours.

Originally Posted by gfeiner

Really?

I think the OP is referring to the rails. As lbjgh said, retrofitting the factory roof rails requires removing the interior headliner in order to bolt the rails to the roof. That is not a 15 minute process. It takes hours.

I was thinking the same thing! No way rails could be added in 15 minutes! Maybe crossbars.....but not rails.

You guys are correct- assumed roof rails.....that was easy! My mistake.

Technically the "roof rack" attaches to the "roof rails" and the rack can be attached easily in 15 minutes so Jafeinst's response to what the OP was asking in his asking of the question so he does not deserve a hard time.

oh dang I guess the dealer will have to charge me a lot more on the labor than just the $250 USD option price.

Originally Posted by mikereyno

Technically the "roof rack" attaches to the "roof rails" and the rack can be attached easily in 15 minutes so Jafeinst's response to what the OP was asking in his asking of the question so he does not deserve a hard time.

I ordered an X3 for my wife. We have a Yakima Sidewinder (Tandems) and will be getting the BMW Base Support System. Although you say this is an easy install (15 minutes) can you describe this a bit more for me? One question is how does it attach to the top rail? Says bolts. Will the bolts mark the finish of the rail if I later remove the crossbar base system? I am not really sure I understand how they attach.

Best,