1995 318ti bike rack options?

[mcdonaldc1]

Hello,
I have recently acquired a 1995 318ti. Has anyone put a Bike rack on and if so what are the options. I have a hitch mounted rack for my other car and was trying to avoid a strap on rack for the hatch back. Has anyone put a hitch on a 318? I am cheap and trying to avoid the 500 for the rack that BMW recommends.

[jggonzalez]

I'm in the same boat. I've got a hitch-mounted bike rack that I'd like to put on my 'ti. I can't weld or anything like that, so I need something off the shelf. Anyone know of a receiver hitch that will work?

[petemc53555]

Curt MFG used to make an inexpensive hitch (<$200 IIRC)for the ti. I checked their web site and it is no longer listed. Unfortunately the receiver points down when installed so you'd have to modify or get a custom piece to get your existing hitch mount bike rack to work. I think they did make a bike carrying attachment for it but obviously its more $$.

[mcdonaldc1]

Thanks. I am going to check out some roof rack options. I will post if I have any success.

[mreroc]

I pieced mine together from a couple different stores using Thule parts. Parts you need are:

Thule 480 Traverse
Thule LB 50
1014 Traverse Fit Kit

The 1014 is the toughest piece to find...not a single local store in the Phoenix area had it. From the little I read the fit kit for our car was always in low supply. Good thing is ORS Direct has no problems with it. Link below takes you to everything you need. Might be able to find some pieces cheaper on ebay/craigs.

This setup fits tight and true. Use it often with no qualms.

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-...roof-rack.html

[mreroc]

Also, no need to waste time with a fairing (if you're not a fairing sticker guy) to cancel out the wind noise. I spiral a black bungie around the front rack. Channels the noise away; great little trick.

[mcdonaldc1]

Thanks . I will check it out.

[Shellback]

In the same boat. I was lucky to get the 225 kit from the PO. Now I'm looking for the towers and crossbars.

[M-technik-3]

Originally Posted by mreroc

I pieced mine together from a couple different stores using Thule parts. Parts you need are:

Thule 480 Traverse
Thule LB 50
1014 Traverse Fit Kit

The 1014 is the toughest piece to find...not a single local store in the Phoenix area had it. From the little I read the fit kit for our car was always in low supply. Good thing is ORS Direct has no problems with it. Link below takes you to everything you need. Might be able to find some pieces cheaper on ebay/craigs.

This setup fits tight and true. Use it often with no qualms.

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-...roof-rack.html

If you have the time I suggest perusing www.allofcraigs.com or maybe some of your local bike shops. Sometimes they have NOS for the feet. I acquired a setup for my 95 M3 that works on my Ti from craigslist. I will not hesitate to kit bash a few for the right setup.