Choosing a roof rack for the first generation BMW X5 from 1999 to 2006 depends on a single detail on the bodywork. Check whether your car has raised roof rails or a bare roof, and choose the corresponding setup accordingly.
The first generation BMW X5 rolled off the production line with two roof configurations. Raised roof rails are identified by standing above the car's surface, allowing you to easily slip your hand between them and the sheet metal along their entire length. The rack foot then grips them from both the outside and the inside during installation.
A bare roof, on the other hand, has no raised elements. Crossbars for such bodywork are secured using specific feet with clamps that hook under the upper edge of the door frame. Always check the exact package contents and mounting method for your chosen set in the product detail before purchasing.
The BMW X5 is a taller vehicle, and installing a roof rack adds extra centimetres. If you add a roof box or bicycle racks to the crossbars, entering underground garages or hotel multi-storey car parks requires increased attention. Before your first trip, it is worth measuring the total height of the loaded car to avoid unpleasant surprises at low clearance levels.
When packing for a family holiday or ski trip, keep the total load limit in mind. The permitted roof load capacity must include not only the luggage itself, but also the weight of the empty box and crossbars. The maximum permitted value is stated by the manufacturer in the vehicle manual.
If you already have a roof box, ski racks or bicycle holders at home, verify their mounting method to the crossbars. Older accessories often use traditional U-shaped steel clamps, which must match the width of the chosen rack bar. Modern carriers are usually equipped with an upper T-track directly in the aluminium profile, where accessories are slid in using special adapters.
Choose the setup based on what mounting you have on your roof. You can find newer generations of this model in the BMW X5 category and the complete range of vehicles from this brand in the BMW section.
24 sets
