I don't think I can put a bike on that too... but that is a nice hack.
Yakima vs. Thule on the W203?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 197
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From: Alexandria, VA
2005 320 4Matic
Yakima vs. Thule on the W203?
I'm looking to get a ski rack this winter and I'm wondering what the general feeling is for Yakima vs. Thule and fitment on the W203.
Does anyone have experience with their products?
Will one have a higher chance of scratching up the car over the other?
Last year, I just wrapped my skis in towels and put them in the car.
This year, I'd like a more... elegant solution.
Does anyone have experience with their products?
Will one have a higher chance of scratching up the car over the other?
Last year, I just wrapped my skis in towels and put them in the car.
This year, I'd like a more... elegant solution.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
2005 320 4Matic
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 876
Likes: 81
From: Phoenix AZ & Cayucos CA
’27 AMG SL55(ordered), ‘23 EQS 580 SUV, ‘19 AMG E53 Cpe, ‘48 Willys Jeepster
I have the Thule on my w203 and have had no problems, other than the hassle of buying the parts in Ireland and the UK as you can't get the Thule load bars in the states. This is the fourth Thule rack system that I've owned and no problems with the others either. I highly suggest getting the fairing to keep wind noise down.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
2005 320 4Matic
I have the Thule on my w203 and have had no problems, other than the hassle of buying the parts in Ireland and the UK as you can't get the Thule load bars in the states. This is the fourth Thule rack system that I've owned and no problems with the others either. I highly suggest getting the fairing to keep wind noise down.
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 904
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From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, eh!
2003 C230 Sports Coupe, Paprika Metallic Red, Auto, Pano, Leather
Why not go OEM on Mercedes-Benz Basic Carrier Bar System for your W203? ,... that's the best fitment. 
Once you have the OEM Mercedes-Benz Basic Carrier Bars,.... then you can go with the OEM Mercedes Ski/Snowboard rack attachments,... or bike rack attachments, etc....
You might also want to look into Yakima and Thule ski/snowboard and bike rack attachments being able to attach to the OEM Mercedes-Benz basic carrier bars. I think I ran across that on a bike/ski rack thread here before.
Once you have the OEM Mercedes-Benz Basic Carrier Bars,.... then you can go with the OEM Mercedes Ski/Snowboard rack attachments,... or bike rack attachments, etc....
You might also want to look into Yakima and Thule ski/snowboard and bike rack attachments being able to attach to the OEM Mercedes-Benz basic carrier bars. I think I ran across that on a bike/ski rack thread here before.
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Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 904
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From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, eh!
2003 C230 Sports Coupe, Paprika Metallic Red, Auto, Pano, Leather
Ah,... finally, found that old thread. Basically everything you need to know about OEM Mercedes-Benz roof rack systems on W203/CL203,... lots of pics too!:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ki-mounts.html
BTW, the search function works well here, eh!
OEM Mercedes-Benz basic carrier bars and other roof rack attachments are made by ORIS. The OEM Mercedes-Benz basic carrier bars are by far the best fitment for your Mercedes! Usually around $300 from stealership. Less at some online mercedes parts stores (about $250). Shipping is usually expensive,... buying used on local ebay, craiglist and kijiji might be best bet,... especially since most folks don't use them that often anyways.
If you have panarama glass sunroof,... only use OEM Mercedes-Benz basic carrier bars. The panarama glass sunroof will still be operational with the OEM Mercedes-Benz basic carrier bars.
Post 216, 218, 219, etc,... by HeirKranz might be of interest,... a DIY for attaching non-OEM (Thule and Yakima) ski/snowboard rack, bike rack, canoe rack attachments to the OEM Mercedes-Benz basic carrier bars.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-mounts-9.html
BTW, I have OEM Mercedes-Benz basic carrier bar for CL203 (coupe and sedan use different basic carrier bar) along with an OEM MB ski rack attachment and 2 OEM MB bike rack attachments that I'm willing to sell,... but only local (Toronto) since shipping would be a pain.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ki-mounts.html
BTW, the search function works well here, eh!
OEM Mercedes-Benz basic carrier bars and other roof rack attachments are made by ORIS. The OEM Mercedes-Benz basic carrier bars are by far the best fitment for your Mercedes! Usually around $300 from stealership. Less at some online mercedes parts stores (about $250). Shipping is usually expensive,... buying used on local ebay, craiglist and kijiji might be best bet,... especially since most folks don't use them that often anyways.
If you have panarama glass sunroof,... only use OEM Mercedes-Benz basic carrier bars. The panarama glass sunroof will still be operational with the OEM Mercedes-Benz basic carrier bars.
Post 216, 218, 219, etc,... by HeirKranz might be of interest,... a DIY for attaching non-OEM (Thule and Yakima) ski/snowboard rack, bike rack, canoe rack attachments to the OEM Mercedes-Benz basic carrier bars.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-mounts-9.html
BTW, I have OEM Mercedes-Benz basic carrier bar for CL203 (coupe and sedan use different basic carrier bar) along with an OEM MB ski rack attachment and 2 OEM MB bike rack attachments that I'm willing to sell,... but only local (Toronto) since shipping would be a pain.
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 818
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From: Atlanta, GA
'02 C230 Coupe (Me) '03 SLK320 6MT (Wife)
+1 on the OEM Rack, and +1 on that thread!
The OEM rack is the best fitment you will find. There is an adapter that you need for the OEM to the others for their carriers, and I can't remember how to look it up now. It is not listed in their books as being for the OEM MB racks, but I want to say it is the adapter for the Volvo's that are made by the same manufacture and will work. I'm pretty sure I read it in the thread. Worst case just have an adapter machined.
The OEM rack is the best fitment you will find. There is an adapter that you need for the OEM to the others for their carriers, and I can't remember how to look it up now. It is not listed in their books as being for the OEM MB racks, but I want to say it is the adapter for the Volvo's that are made by the same manufacture and will work. I'm pretty sure I read it in the thread. Worst case just have an adapter machined.
