[Viking78]

Hi guys,

I am the happy new owner of a 2015 BMW 530d Xdrive Touring. Currently it has no Roof Rails, but I would like to install them. Somehow I thought Roof Rails were standard on a F11...

Two questions:

1. Would any of you guys know if the holes for fitting the Roof Rails are standard on a F11 (and currently just hidden under the cover)?

2. Is it possible to install to Roof Rails without removing the inside ceiling of the car? (I know it can be done pretty esay on a F31).

Hope someone can help!

Thanks

[Unspec]

1. Yes, all BMW's AFAIK come with roof rack mounting points factory. It's under those little rectangular covers.

2. It just bolts down from the top.

See:

[Viking78]

Thanks! However, it is roof rails and not roof racks I am searching for

Somehow I do not have the rectangular mounting points on the covers. Just one long cover going from front to end of the roof - and I am wondering if my car simply lacks the possibility to install roof rails (or roof racks).

[Unspec]

What's the last 7 digits of your VIN?

Not sure why you're looking for rails specifically, for looks? Because in terms of functionality, roof rails are designed to be a mounting place for roof racks. Given most BMW's already come with roof rack mounting points, pretty redundant.

And if you can, snap a picture of your roof. Is that cover you're talking about silver, like in this photo? If it is, that's the roof rail.

[Viking78]

Hi again,

Sorry for my late reply! We have got a baby boy 6 weeks ago and he has taken most attention for some time

Last VIN digits are: G275739

I have attached a couple of pictures. As you (maybe) can see the roof strips are without the 'doors' having the mounting points underneath. If I loosen the strips I find some red clips that does the mounting of the strip and also some round rubber sealings which I guess could be the mounting points? Picture number two shows the rear right of the strip and the rubber sealing is right to the red clip.

In terms of looks I would prefer having the roof rails instead of just the mounting points. However, it might be both easier and cheaper if it is possible to install roof rack without having the roof rails.

I guess the questions would be:

1: Is it at all possible to retrofit Roof Rails on the car? In that case - is it possible to do it without removing the headliner from the inside - and would anyone have a guide or video to tell how to install the roofrails and how to remove the headliner if needed?

2: Is it possible to get roof strips with the doors for mounting points for F11? And would it be possible to install everything from the outside?

Thanks

[ptrkp]

There are 3 bolts a side.
You need to lower the headliner a bit, remove the A B C D pilars, handles etc, then it is possible to get from the inside to place the nuts on the bolts.
Also it is very easy lob to remove the headliner from an F11.

[Viking78]

Thanks

So no need to completely remove the headliner? It will do just removing the A B C D pillars and handles and then lowering it in the side?

- Any electronics that needs to be disconnected (light, microphones, airbags etc.)?

Would anyone know of a guide or video on this topic?

[addy27]

You probably only need to get a hold of the parts in this link:

(All parts except #1 and the optional color you want for item #3)

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=51_8157

And this might be a good deal if you're near or they can ship :

https://www.marktplaats.nl/a/auto-on...satiniert.html

[ptrkp]

Originally Posted by Viking78

Thanks

So no need to completely remove the headliner?

Nope

It will do just removing the A B C D pillars and handles and then lowering it in the side?

Yes

- Any electronics that needs to be disconnected (light, microphones, airbags etc.)?

Just be careful at the side airbag, sun visor, maybe a light but you will see that when you working on it.

Would anyone know of a guide or video on this topic?

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...rip/1VnYKS6IGw

[Viking78]

Thanks guys! You are great!
I think I will give it a try

[Viking78]

I believe I now have all the parts needed :-)

For those interested it includes:

- 2 x Roof rails
- 6 x Hex nuts (used to mount the roof rails from below)
- 2 x Repair kit (that includes simply a rubber sealing to be mounted on the roof rail)
- 2 x Roof moulding (the strips to a long the side of the windshield, needs to be painted)

A couple of questions:

- When I remove the existing roof strip there are several plastic clips. I believe those are all to be removed?

- The spots where the bolts are to go through are currently covered with rubber plugs. Am I to remove them or drill a hole in them? I am a bit afraid if water will get in here as the only thing to prevent it is a piece of foam around the bolt.

Thanks

[Viking78]

I am still on this project. I have got all the parts now, but I have decided to get the car mechanic to do the mounting job for me.

Regarding the roof moulding (item number 1 on attached picture) it seems the original part from BMW is primed. That is a good thing I believe, but it seems both the plastic and the rubber sealing in the side has primer on it. Primer is dark grey (and my car is Jet Black).

Does that mean that the rubber supposed to have paint on it as well? Just talked to the car painter and he argues it will be hard to do the paintjob without painting the rubber... But paint on rubber is that a good idea?

Anyone?

[Disco]

Hello Viking78,

so have you (or your mechanic) successfully mounted roof rails
and are you satisfied wih result?
I am thinking of doing this job on my car.

Thanks

[Cyrulik]

Hi, and how would you install a roof rack without the rails? Somebody advised me a set 754 from Thule. Has anybody experience with that? KR