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Bike rack for Z4

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46K views 34 replies 22 participants last post by  Brifteye  
R
#1 ·
Any suggestions for a bike rack for the Z4? The only brand I've found that has one that they say will fit is Allen. (which is a shame because I really like the Saris Bones, but they've told me their product won't work) I haven't found the Allen model I want (102D) locally so I'll probably have to order it online, and I was hoping someone might share their experience with it or give me some alternatives.

In case anyone is interested in bike racks and neat custom problems, I did chance upon a VERY cool rack for the Mini... Google for MiniFini. If only they'd make one of those for the Z4...
 
M
#2 ·
I am also looking for a bike rack for my Z4. I do not want to use a trunk mount version for fear of scratching the paint. I have met with a couple of local (Houston, TX) hitch shops and I believe I have the solution and will probably have it installed in the next couple of weeks. I am going with a vertical receiver tube that will be mounted underneath the car behind (towards the inside) of the bumper. It is a custom installation that will provide no visibility of the hitch when the rack is not installed. The rack will need to be modified to fit on a vertical receiver instead of a horizontal tube. The company that will perform the installation is Masterhitch (www.masterhitch.com) and they have done this type of installs on other BMWs, Audis, and Porsches. Since you are in PA, I am not sure the company can help but maybe you can give them a call to get some info you can transfer to a local shop near you.

Brian
 
#5 ·
I would do a hitch before I resorted to a bike rack. They are far more convenient and secure.

However, I can tell you I used to use a bike rack on my Civic and the wife's company car and if it and the bikes are mounted properly there should be little to no scratching.

Never had scratches on the Honda but had a few on the wifes car when I was learning how to properly mount the rack and bikes.

The key is to secure everything as tight as possible and keep movement of the bikes and rack to an absolute minium.
 
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M
#7 ·
Pictures of custom hitch/bike rack for Z4

I finally had the hitch/rack installed today! It turned out great!

The installation company certified the veritcal capacity of 200lbs and when the rack is remove, you can barely tell a hitch is installed!

They did a GREAT JOB! (See attached pics)
 

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B
#22 ·
Request brand and model of rack

moonridur said:
Here are a couple more pics of the rack.
Click to expand...
Brian,
What is the brand and model of your bike rack?
I understand from reading the thread that the hitch is custom mounted and that the rack needs to be modified.
But I don't think you mentioned what brand and model rack you used.
Someone else mentioned Sportworks, but when I went to their website they only have bike racks for buses. Is that the same company?
My M is a Coupe but I suppose this technique should work the same.
Thanks for your help, and your car w/ bike in tow looks great!
 
M
#11 ·
ronmichael said:
Wow, that is impressive! How much did it cost? And can you give me the name and phone number of someone there that I could call for more information?
Click to expand...
The complete cost was $628 including sales tax. The company info is:

Master Hitch
713-974-4440
www.masterhitch.com
Talk to Scott

I dropped the car off at 8:00am yesterday morning and they finished around 2:00pm. I was a little nervous at first but they did a top rate job!
 
S
#15 ·
I'm also looking for solutions and am thinking the hitch mount will probably be the best route since it keeps it off the paint. After seeing the price though, that's more than I paid for my bike! There's gotta be a cheaper solution...
 
M
#16 ·
New car same bike!

Yes.. this is a dead thread but I have a new car and had this done a second time. Plus.. I am sure many folks here would not have the same values for this mod but for me, it is awesome! I used the same hitch which saved a bit of money the second time around. I could have saved even more by using the same bike rack but there were a few issues with the first one so got a new rack and made adjustments.

Hmmm. 3 years later and have new car but riding the same bike..
 

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J
#20 ·
moonridur said:
Yes.. this is a dead thread but I have a new car and had this done a second time. Plus.. I am sure many folks here would not have the same values for this mod but for me, it is awesome! I used the same hitch which saved a bit of money the second time around. I could have saved even more by using the same bike rack but there were a few issues with the first one so got a new rack and made adjustments.

Hmmm. 3 years later and have new car but riding the same bike..
Click to expand...
OK, once I posted my last message I realized you already have posted pictures of the rack. Are you pleased with it?
 
#17 ·
Nice set-up. Very clean with the Sportworks rack.
You're right now you need a new carbon rig.
 
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J
#33 ·
Update appreciation

Thanks so much for keeping the thread updated. I'm looking to add a hitch to my 1991 318ic, and it's good to know it's still working for you, and that you were willing to do it again.

I'm just beginning my research, and my bikes will be a good deal heavier. I'm wanting to do four cruiser/dutch/hybrids, because my daughters and I prefer to take my car on camping/vacations instead of my husband's Camry. The hitch seems like the best choice to keep the car safe, and the trunk accessible.

Cheers!
 
B
#34 ·
U-Haul makes a receiver hitch for $200. There is an instructional vid on YouTube " BMW Z4 Uhaul Trailer Hitch Installation". If I can install it any one can. Installation took me about an hour and a half. I had a local welding shop fab up a 4 inch long receiver that bolts where a ball would normally go in the supplied (removable) hitch riser / receiver. From there the choices of racks are endless.
 
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