Hi all, looking for bike rack recommendations. I do not have a tow hitch, so I’m restricted to a rack that straps to the top and bottom of the trunk door.
Not looking to spend a ton of money, but I’d prefer not to buy a cheap rig that isn’t reliable. Value is good, but quality is preferred.
Thank you for your help.
Jason
Any reason against a hitch? That’s the best way to secure a rack and still have tailgate access and most stable rack. It won’t hurt the value any since IMO, the X5 is perceived as more utilitarian than a X3 or X1.
I’m using a Thule Raceway Platform on my '06 325i. Work great, very flexibile and easy to use, super secure and minimal bike movement… it’s a little heavy and a bit expensive for the quality level.
According to the website, the Archway 2 or 3 bike is compatible and it’s lockable to the car and the bike. My Raceway is not shown as compatible.
Honest question - How much did you spend on your bike and how much is it worth it to you to protect the investment in your bike AND your car?
I would suggest getting a tow hitch for your X5 (you don’t need the BMW one you can find other sources that are just as good for 1/3 the cost) and getting a hitch rack for your bike. Get a 2.0" hitch, the cost is minimally more and it will be a lot more secure/versatile than a 1.25" hitch. I highly recommend the Kuat NV 2.0. This solution will protect your car and your bike the most and will be the easiest to load and effect your gas mileage the least.
Etrailer.com - http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2016_BMW_X5.htm
2" hitch, easy to install then get a Thule Classic T2. My hitch was about $150 and Excel Sports just had them on sale. Solid and easy to use.
I recommend the hitch, but I’ve seen a Saris Bones fit on an SUV.
http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=594143
.
You can add a hitch to most cars. Do not get a strap mount bike rack unless you want to ruin your car.
If you go to uhaul, you can buy and have a tow hitch for minimal cost.
The Thule T2 has some very strong reviews: http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Bike-Rack-Reviews
I agree with the above about having a secure rack for your bike. Also, a hitch rack will not scratch and dent your car like the ones that you strap to the hatch.
jake
If you can afford a 2015 X5, you can afford to put a hitch on it and use a decent rack. The strap on racks are garbage and will damage your car and your bike.
Get a hitch receiver installed, then get a 1UP USA hitch rack. Best rack in the business and well worth the money. I put one on our BMW 330ci convertible, works awesome.
SeaSucker bike rack. I’ve seen Farrari’s and Lambos with these installed:
Roof rails, Thule 591 (Or 561 if you have fancy tube profiles) and a step stool ?
WD 
If you can afford a 2015 X5, you can afford to put a hitch on it and use a decent rack. The strap on racks are garbage and will damage your car and your bike.
Get a hitch receiver installed, then get a 1UP USA hitch rack. Best rack in the business and well worth the money. I put one on our BMW 330ci convertible, works awesome.
Just end the thread with this; especially the first part. It is exactly what I was thinking. And pay more for the black 1UpUSA, fits in with the bimmer better.
Saris GranFondo. Aerodynamic, doesn’t need a hitch, leaves bikes unharmed.
I made the mistake of going with a Saris Bones (or any other strap-on rack) and both the feet and the straps have since rubbed and scratched the clear coat to pieces.
Note: I bought the Bones when I had a 2-door sports car because it fit easily and I wasn’t going to put a hitch on it or spend the dollars on a roof-rack knowing I wasn’t keeping the car long. However when I switched to a 4runner I was CHEAP and didn’t invest in a hitch rack at that time and kept with the Saris. I definitely regret that decision now as it’ll cost me more to get my paint fixed than a good hitch rack.
Moral: DON’T BE CHEAP, BUY A HITCH and HITCH RACK TO PROTECT YOUR CAR FROM DAMAGE.
Agreed with others, bite the bullet and install a hitch. I installed a hitch and have a pretty inexpensive, perfectly functional hitch-mounted rack. I was very tempted by the 1up, but couldn’t justify the price. What I have is much less pretty, but works well.