E39 roof bars

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   Apologies if it's been done before but a quick search yielded nowt.
I'm looking for some roof bars for my E39, 97' 528i SE. Google showed that Thule do some that attach to the roof fixing points - are these any good? Do BMW still do their own roof bars and fixings for the E39? What about roof bars that don't use the fixing points - are they better or worse?
Any tales of woe, advice or suggestions on types and shops gratefully received. In particular if someone has a set of good bars and fixings the technical specs would be appreciated so I can order the right bits.
Stone

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Stone Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 14-February-2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 18	Topic: E39 roof bars Posted: 09-August-2004 at 11:08
	Apologies if it's been done before but a quick search yielded nowt. I'm looking for some roof bars for my E39, 97' 528i SE. Google showed that Thule do some that attach to the roof fixing points - are these any good? Do BMW still do their own roof bars and fixings for the E39? What about roof bars that don't use the fixing points - are they better or worse? Any tales of woe, advice or suggestions on types and shops gratefully received. In particular if someone has a set of good bars and fixings the technical specs would be appreciated so I can order the right bits. Stone

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kbannon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Admin Group E39 525i Sport Individual Joined: 09-October-2002 Location: 64 Zoo Lane Status: Offline Points: 15508	Posted: 09-August-2004 at 11:22
	I went looking for some recently and most of the aftermarket ones seemed to 'grab' the paintwork in some way so I didn't touch them. In the end I bought BMWs for approx �180 (�120 guesstimate). The price was much the same as aftermarket jobbies also. These sit in the special channels on a piece of supplied plastic. There should also be an allan key to unlock them - this is coded (like alloy locking nuts) so make sure you get that also. Easy to fit. I saw some on ebay recently (see these 2 links):- http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10374&item=2486241557&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10374&item=2486625866&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
	Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual

Jimbo540i Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 05-May-2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 80	Posted: 09-August-2004 at 12:52
	I use a Thule combination. I brought them from my local Halfords. They come in a variety of fittings - you get the bars (chice of square or aero profile) + the relevent 'foot' pack. My foot pack fits into the opening on my roof trim and screws in with the allan key - then I have a Thule Velovise bike bit that simply attaches to the roof bars, there are a variety of designs, I got the one that you attach the forks to after romoving the front wheel which sits in its own little holder. The part numbers I know of are: Thule VeloVise 511 (bike bit) - the footpack and rails I'm not sure on but because I was spending so much the guy came out and helped me fit them.
	Jimbo 540i Auto

Stone Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 14-February-2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 18	Posted: 12-August-2004 at 23:49
	Thanks for the links & info lads. Halfords in Edinburgh: Thule foot pack for BMW E39 5 series roof fittings �49.99 Thule aluminium aero bars �59.99 Anyone know if Thule bars can be had cheaper from elswhere and also if the BMW bars are available new anywhere (I'm a bit of a luddite when it comes to e-bay). T