Roof Rack on California Roof 318ti?

[neatspeed]

Hey everyone,

I don't recall ever seeing a roof/bike rack on a 318ti that had the California top option. I know the rack mounts on the sides of the roof but does anyone know if it will interfere with the operation of the Cali top? I don't own a Cali top car but I'm considering one with CA top and one with regular sunroof so this will sway my decision a little bit.

Thanks!
Neat

[96cali]

To give y'all an illustration here's what the roof looks like folded back. I wonder where the rear mounts fit and how low the rear crossbar sits?

[neatspeed]

Maybe I'd just put them on a hitch mounted rack...I have an email query in process with THULE so hopefully they'll have a definite answer about the roof rack. Just habit, putting them on the roof, ya' know? :)

[aceyx]

the rack pads sit 1.5" into the painted surface of the roof. they should clear the sides easily.

the rear bar sits 4.5" off the roofline at the sides, and about 4" at the center. they're not exact measurements (i didn't have a ruler with me at the time) but i can get something more accurate later if you want.

[96cali]

aceyx- some measurements with a ruler would be GREATLY appreciated... though now I'm getting nostalgic about selling my baby. :ashamed:

How far back does the rear crossbar sit?

BTW called my dealers parts dept and they said there is no mention of interference so they would assume OK.

[aceyx]

i'll be back home saturday so i'll get something then.

if you look at the gutter in your roof, above the rear windows there is a removeable strip of rubber. that is where the rear feet sit.

[96cali]

cool, i always wondered wat that was for.

[aceyx]

my measurements were about an inch off. at center, 3,1/8" at sides 3,7/8"

unfortunately i have no idea how tall the cali top is when retracted. can any owners give a hand?

[96cali]

I have a cali top but the weather has been below 40, so I don't dare open my top. It's supposed to warm up this weekend so I can measure the folded top then. Thanks for the help aceyx!:2gun:

[aceyx]

96cali; anytime, it's what the forum is for.

[96cali]

It's official- the cali roof should clear a roof rack. :caffine:

I measured mine at 3.0" tall at the forward most fold. This fold is also about 4" rearward of the back edge of that rubber strip/plug above the rear windows.

All in all I would still use a hitch mounted rack.

[neatspeed]

Thanks for figuring that out, guys! Although now I think I'd go with the hitch mount anyway...still good to know!