Cyclists: Please fill out poll to tell BMW you want an interior bike rack for the F25

The E83 X3 had a great interior bike rack accessory (see http://www.autointell.com/News-2003/...r-26-03-p4.htm and here for photos http://www.dropbox.com/gallery/3488192/1/X3?h=c51bc3).

Some reasons to consider an interior bike rack:

1) You can park your car with bikes inside in public places without having to worry that your bikes will be stolen.

2) There is less drag and noise than with the roof cycle rack.

3) Better overhead clearance than with a roof cycle rack (eg for entering underground parking lots or ferries).

The E83 interior bike rack will not fit in the F25 X3 cargo area because the sliders that secure the rack to the luggage compartment rails are fixed and the F25 rails are about 2 inches narrower than those in the E83.

Currently, BMW does not have any plans to update the E83 interior bike rack to fit the new 2011 F25 X3 due to limited demand for the E83 cycle rack.

Joe W., Product Manager X3 and 3 Series for BMW North America, has agreed to push for development of this rack if there is sufficient demand. BMW needs to sell approximately 200 X3s with this rack to break even on the development costs for a new rack. Please fill out this poll http://doodle.com/6i5n9yssi78ebspk#cmt8600860 to tell Joe you are interested in an interior cycle rack for the F25 X3. Joe will receive an email with each poll response.

Please feel free to forward the poll link to anyone else you think might be interested.

The poll seems to be closed.

I need an interior bike rack for my yet-to-be-purchased X3.

Well if you look at the overview of the poll and read some comments and the "names" of the people participating in the poll you'll understand why the poll was closed. What a bunch of idiots. Or maybe it was just one jerk? Don't know. I was with you on this Kurneval. But the internet got in the way

Yep, that is how I interpreted it, as well, except the description, idiot or jerk, was kinder that what I had in mind. I am also would be interested in an alternative to my current standard rear hatch mounted "universal" rack. A roof rack is too high, and I am told putting a hitch on my X3 will cost $1300, ouch.

How does the interior vertical clearance on the F25 compare with the E83?

I have the interior rack for my E83, but it looks like the F25 roof slopes down more, leaving less clearance for a bike.

And now I find out its narrower too, despite the exterior dimensions being wider?

That's a huge oversight if there won't be an interior rack available. I assumed when I saw the slots in the interior that my old one would fit, or they'd come out with a new one.

Being able to carry my very expensive bikes safely in the car is a huge plus.

Originally Posted by spokelizard

How does the interior vertical clearance on the F25 compare with the E83?

I have the interior rack for my E83, but it looks like the F25 roof slopes down more, leaving less clearance for a bike.

And now I find out its narrower too, despite the exterior dimensions being wider?

I think this will be the problem. I am fairly short and ride a 54cm bike and don't have a huge seat to bar drop but my bike will not standup in my X3 I have to lean it. I would love to have an interior rack but I can't be adjusting seat height every time I take the bike.

Originally Posted by fl_cyclist

I think this will be the problem. I am fairly short and ride a 54cm bike and don't have a huge seat to bar drop but my bike will not standup in my X3 I have to lean it. I would love to have an interior rack but I can't be adjusting seat height every time I take the bike.

I have a 54cm too. In my E83 it's necessary to remove the seat post + saddle to use the interior rack. I can lay the bike flat or tilt it without removing them, but that uses up cargo capacity.