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      03-19-2018, 06:30 PM   #1
Duke I
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Black roof rails

Still speccing my car -- appreciate your advice.

For those with black roof rails, how do they hold up? Scratch/chip easily? Is the surface painted or other. I will be using the roof rails for cargo, skis, bikes, etc.

Thanks. Duke
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      03-19-2018, 07:27 PM   #2
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I have the black rails and the definitely look much nicer. But that being said, one of them was hit by a rock and it left a pretty good scratch exposing the metal. I don't know if its painted or anodized but it definitely can be scratched up and is something to think about. Especially, in you case where you will be using the rails for carrying cargo.
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      03-19-2018, 07:41 PM   #3
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I don't have black roof rails. Ended up warping them black and since they are high on the vehicle, I think yours will be fine!
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      03-20-2018, 03:30 AM   #4
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Had roof rails and ski box on my black rails when we drove down to the Alps in February.
Must say I was slightly concerned with marking them after tightening the clips to the rails, but when taken off no marks at all - happy days!
So as long as you have good after market rails such as Thule there is no need to worry.
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      03-20-2018, 07:51 AM   #5
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I think it depends on the color of your vehicle as to what color rails you get. I have a white X5 with the matt aluminum finish rails and you hardly notice them. I think if they were black they would stand out more. Unless you are going for the Storm Trooper look but then again that's not the area of the car to achieve that look. I would strongly advise on getting the OEM cross bars and they fit perfect with no overhang like a 3rd party would. I found them to be in the same price point as a Thule or Yakima cross bar, maybe even cheaper. Then go with your 3rd party product for the attachment (ski, board, kayak, etc.)
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      03-20-2018, 02:42 PM   #6
Duke I
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Thanks all. I think I'll stick with the brushed aluminum rails on space gray. D
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      04-25-2018, 08:52 AM   #7
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F15 OEM Crossbars

I just received my OEM crossbars for my 2014 X5. The installation manual states the exact position of the crossbars. Those positions won't accommodate my Yakima cargo box. Are the crossbar positions truly not variable?
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      04-25-2018, 09:20 AM   #8
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I have black roof rails on space grey, there really is no better look in my opinion. My wife has black rails on her carbon black X3 and again, the look is amazing.

I think aluminum rails look off on cars that have the M package in which the window trim is black. Might as well keep it consistent. If you don't have M package, i think the satin rails fit pretty well.

That being said, I have had no issues with durability on either car.
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      04-25-2018, 02:09 PM   #9
Duke I
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Quote:
Originally Posted by injustice View Post
I have black roof rails on space grey, there really is no better look in my opinion. My wife has black rails on her carbon black X3 and again, the look is amazing.

I think aluminum rails look off on cars that have the M package in which the window trim is black. Might as well keep it consistent. If you don't have M package, i think the satin rails fit pretty well.

That being said, I have had no issues with durability on either car.
Thanks for your response. I ended up going with the black rails also!
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      04-25-2018, 05:12 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chief X5 View Post
I just received my OEM crossbars for my 2014 X5. The installation manual states the exact position of the crossbars. Those positions won't accommodate my Yakima cargo box. Are the crossbar positions truly not variable?
IMHO ... I think BMW bases those installation locations on roof strength integrity using construction and sun roof as their guides. While others have strayed from those locations, I wouldn't if it were up to me. I use the cross bars for my Yakima Kayak Racks they are a little closer than I would prefer but it works.
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