Are MB Roof Racks Model-Specific?
11-16-2016, 01:17 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Are MB Roof Racks Model-Specific?
Hi all,
Recent owner and I'm in need of a roof rack for winter season. There are a lot of classified ads for OEM Mercedes roof racks but for other models (C-Class, GLK, ML, etc.)
Has anyone retrofit another model rack to fit the W212 (2010 E550), or does Mercedes have a set of roof racks that fit in different models?
It'll help a lot on the used market hunt.
Thanks!
Recent owner and I'm in need of a roof rack for winter season. There are a lot of classified ads for OEM Mercedes roof racks but for other models (C-Class, GLK, ML, etc.)
Has anyone retrofit another model rack to fit the W212 (2010 E550), or does Mercedes have a set of roof racks that fit in different models?
It'll help a lot on the used market hunt.
Thanks!
11-16-2016, 05:31 PM
#4
i bought mine from here, there were 2 for sale at the time, they probably come and go. also look on amazon, there's a decent discount on them there, but not as cheap as finding one on the forums.
they're made by thule, so unless you want a rack where the rails go beyond the attachment points so you can hang stuff on the outside MB may be better.
the MB rails sit pretty high up, so high that i'm actually not able to use my old fairing and wrote a thread about what fairing to use.
the nice thing about the MB ones (i'm not sure if Thule work the same), is that they actually don't sit on your roof, the metal latches clip into the roof but the plastic "legs" don't actually touch the roof, there's a gap in there, this is nice so you don't have to worry about rubbing.
they're made by thule, so unless you want a rack where the rails go beyond the attachment points so you can hang stuff on the outside MB may be better.
the MB rails sit pretty high up, so high that i'm actually not able to use my old fairing and wrote a thread about what fairing to use.
the nice thing about the MB ones (i'm not sure if Thule work the same), is that they actually don't sit on your roof, the metal latches clip into the roof but the plastic "legs" don't actually touch the roof, there's a gap in there, this is nice so you don't have to worry about rubbing.
The following users liked this post:
flipstah (11-16-2016)
11-27-2016, 03:07 PM
#7
Super Member
Go to REI today, or order online!!!! The factory rack is super tall and ugly (my opinion). REI is having a sale through the weekend for 20% off on all Thule and Yakima Products. If you are an REI member you will get a 10% member dividend at the end of the year which essentially makes it 30% off and lifetime return policy/warranty) Total price before discount is 499.99
I opted for the Thule Aeroblades ARB47b (black) arb47 is silver), 460r podium feet, and kit3083. (I pieced the kit together on craigslist for a bit cheaper).
Alternatively, the Thule Aeroblade Edge 7603 or 7603B (black) with 3083 fit kit is about 539.00 (same discount applies). This was the route I wanted to go initially.
These look the best and are the most aerodynamic option.
I opted for the Thule Aeroblades ARB47b (black) arb47 is silver), 460r podium feet, and kit3083. (I pieced the kit together on craigslist for a bit cheaper).
Alternatively, the Thule Aeroblade Edge 7603 or 7603B (black) with 3083 fit kit is about 539.00 (same discount applies). This was the route I wanted to go initially.
These look the best and are the most aerodynamic option.
Trending Topics
11-28-2016, 09:36 AM
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Northwest Illinois
Posts: 6,363
Received 678 Likes
on
643 Posts
2014 E350 also restored: 1969 Camaro convertible SS 1957 Chevy Belair 2dr hardtop
I bought an OEM rack and it fits several models because it is adjustable. I stored it in case I ever need it. I will probably never use it but I have it in case.
11-28-2016, 03:30 PM
#10
Member
Thread Starter
Go to REI today, or order online!!!! The factory rack is super tall and ugly (my opinion). REI is having a sale through the weekend for 20% off on all Thule and Yakima Products. If you are an REI member you will get a 10% member dividend at the end of the year which essentially makes it 30% off and lifetime return policy/warranty) Total price before discount is 499.99
I opted for the Thule Aeroblades ARB47b (black) arb47 is silver), 460r podium feet, and kit3083. (I pieced the kit together on craigslist for a bit cheaper).
Alternatively, the Thule Aeroblade Edge 7603 or 7603B (black) with 3083 fit kit is about 539.00 (same discount applies). This was the route I wanted to go initially.
These look the best and are the most aerodynamic option.
I opted for the Thule Aeroblades ARB47b (black) arb47 is silver), 460r podium feet, and kit3083. (I pieced the kit together on craigslist for a bit cheaper).
Alternatively, the Thule Aeroblade Edge 7603 or 7603B (black) with 3083 fit kit is about 539.00 (same discount applies). This was the route I wanted to go initially.
These look the best and are the most aerodynamic option.
Link? Can you post a pic when you've mounted them?
11-30-2016, 07:26 PM
#12
Super Member
I have the Thule ARB53 (Cut down to 47), 460r foot pack and fit kit 3083. The fit kit allows you to just flip them up and it sits over them. You would break the tabs if you tried to remove them I believe.
12-10-2016, 05:10 PM
#13
Member
Thread Starter
BUMP!
So I have S6 Whispbars flush mount that was from my 2013 Golf R and length-wise, it was compatible. Whispbar site said I needed an S26 bar.
I called Rack Attack and the differences are that the S6 is similar length, while the S26 is staggered. No changes to the mounting areas, so theoretically the fit kit SHOULD work on the S6.
So I rolled the dice, bought a K437 fit kit, adjusted the Whispbar and it fit!
So I have S6 Whispbars flush mount that was from my 2013 Golf R and length-wise, it was compatible. Whispbar site said I needed an S26 bar.
I called Rack Attack and the differences are that the S6 is similar length, while the S26 is staggered. No changes to the mounting areas, so theoretically the fit kit SHOULD work on the S6.
So I rolled the dice, bought a K437 fit kit, adjusted the Whispbar and it fit!
