OEM cross bars... the final position

[redline9001]

Hi Guys

I just picked up my X5 35i M Sport about a month ago. Picked up OEM cross bars and Thule Hyper XL.

I have read all the threads on the forum and I have a question on the position for the bars.... We are going on our first long trip on Friday. Trying to figure out the best position for the bars... is it the stock recommended location at 460mm or by the b pillars ? Or some other position?

Just did a test fit to make sure I could get everything set up and that went alright.

Thanks for the advise.

[alphaod]

I never found it to be much of difference, only what you're trying to put up there and adjust accordingly.

[artem123]

Originally Posted by alphaod

I never found it to be much of difference, only what you're trying to put up there and adjust accordingly.

Second that^^

[redline9001]

I have tried two different position now

1 front bars @ 560mm some wind noise with the sun shade open, could not hear with it closed.

2 front bars @ 685mm very little noise with shade open, could not hear a noise with it closed.

In both cases the noise would start at 80km/hr and stayed fairly consistent till 140km/hr... fast as I want to go with a roof box on....

So farther back made a improvement

All with a Thule Hyper xl box.

I need to find someone or a shop that will let me try Thule or whisper bars out to see if that makes a difference.

[zinengineer]

Installed over the weekend, very easy install, good fit and well engineered (duh!!). I've placed these according to the instructions so we'll see how they work on the highway. My results are likely to be skewed a bit as I'll have an additional Yakima bag in the rack (Yakima Load Warrior) with various suitcases, coats, and Xmas presents.

I plan to remove the cross bars from the car, leaving the rack installed to the cross bars. Hoping that's easier overall.