Roof Rack Thread for W203/S203/CL203 & bike/ski mounts
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: North Berkeley
C230 C-Coupe
I want to get a bike rack but paying $540 to carry two bikes is expensive.
According to the mb site
$268 Basic Carrier-Roof Mounted
$136 Bicycle Carrier for each bike holder
I would have to justify the expense to the significant other and I just do not cycle that much. Has anyone found a more reasonable price to do this?
Nathan
According to the mb site
$268 Basic Carrier-Roof Mounted
$136 Bicycle Carrier for each bike holder
I would have to justify the expense to the significant other and I just do not cycle that much. Has anyone found a more reasonable price to do this?
Nathan
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
I bought a Yakima Mighty Joe rack yesterday...
but I'm seeing now the advantage of the
Sarris rack.
The yaki has a bar going across the bottom, with foam that contacts the bottom of the deck lid, but ends up on the license plate.
The Sarris rack has feet, which would sit better....
Likely I'll return the Yaki.
Meanwhile, whenever I want to haul bikes I use my other car that has a rack that fits it.
but I'm seeing now the advantage of the
Sarris rack.
The yaki has a bar going across the bottom, with foam that contacts the bottom of the deck lid, but ends up on the license plate.
The Sarris rack has feet, which would sit better....
Likely I'll return the Yaki.
Meanwhile, whenever I want to haul bikes I use my other car that has a rack that fits it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 1
From: Central NJ
C230K Coupe/Orion/C4/C5/CD/AMG Spoiler/V60/TeleAid, 2 MGB's
hell...I just fold down the rear seats, lay down my winter mats, release the front wheel and pile it all in the hatch....works great for my Iron Horse.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo, MI
Hehe, shameless plug here, but if you want to get a Saris Bones bike rack, support a fellow board member and c230 driver, and get a great price on the item, then I know just where to turn!
I run the site http://www.aebike.com, its the site of my family's bike shop. The Saris Bones is one of our most popular items because its made of a dense recycled resin material and is easy on the car paint, as long as you keep the feet clear of any dirt and such. It's also very aesthetically pleasing, for a bike rack. There is a link to both the two- and three-bike version of the rack on the front page of our site in the featured items area.
According to Saris' fit guide at
http://www2.sarisproducts.com/fit/fi....asp?make=NONE
It will fit the c-class Sedans, but they don't have data on the coupe. You might want to try calling 1-800-783-RAKS to check with them.
I run the site http://www.aebike.com, its the site of my family's bike shop. The Saris Bones is one of our most popular items because its made of a dense recycled resin material and is easy on the car paint, as long as you keep the feet clear of any dirt and such. It's also very aesthetically pleasing, for a bike rack. There is a link to both the two- and three-bike version of the rack on the front page of our site in the featured items area.
According to Saris' fit guide at
http://www2.sarisproducts.com/fit/fi....asp?make=NONE
It will fit the c-class Sedans, but they don't have data on the coupe. You might want to try calling 1-800-783-RAKS to check with them.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Miami
C230 K
Bones Rack Info
Yes I am using the Bones rack for 2 bikes, (I carry only one U$80.00 bike) with my C230K.
I also asked Saris, and they replied it would not fit - but I tried it out and it fits. I drove for 70 miles from 45 - 55 miles/hour (not at a Highway tough). I even left the bike overnight on the rack because I am lazy.
If you have a fancy bike, do more research because I remember reading somewhere that this rack might leave scratches on your bike - (none on mine until now).
Warning -> The side hooks left scratches in the inside of the C230K trunk lid. I can leave with that.
Whenever I use it again I will try to take pictures... again I am lazy and I ride my bike once a month.
Regarding the cassette adapter - I just sticked it inside the tape and closed the lid over the cable. The cable has to be in the upper left of the cassette lid so that annoying beep won't buzz.
I also asked Saris, and they replied it would not fit - but I tried it out and it fits. I drove for 70 miles from 45 - 55 miles/hour (not at a Highway tough). I even left the bike overnight on the rack because I am lazy.
If you have a fancy bike, do more research because I remember reading somewhere that this rack might leave scratches on your bike - (none on mine until now).
Warning -> The side hooks left scratches in the inside of the C230K trunk lid. I can leave with that.
Whenever I use it again I will try to take pictures... again I am lazy and I ride my bike once a month.
Regarding the cassette adapter - I just sticked it inside the tape and closed the lid over the cable. The cable has to be in the upper left of the cassette lid so that annoying beep won't buzz.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 8,189
Likes: 1
From: SF
2007 VW GTI
Originally posted by DrMike
Maybe a 16 foot canoe would be a bit ludicrous, however a nice 10-12 foot kayak would be nice. Carry out the sporting image.
Maybe a 16 foot canoe would be a bit ludicrous, however a nice 10-12 foot kayak would be nice. Carry out the sporting image.
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
'02 C230K
When the canoe is longer than the car, I've had bad luck. My favorite was returning from Algonquin Provincial and having the T-Bird tail pipe melt the rear tie down on the 401. Another time I had it on a Seville with Thule bars, when I undid the rear tie down the bow crashed into the hood, balance is good. In spite of having the MB rack I will never attempt to put a canoe on the roof.
Has anyone tried to get a hitch? I've been trading with my brother (Impala SS) to go sailing. The cat and trailer only weigh about 650lb.
Anyone notice how easy it is to gat a van, truck etc. for a day? Offers to trade keys are always taken.
Has anyone tried to get a hitch? I've been trading with my brother (Impala SS) to go sailing. The cat and trailer only weigh about 650lb.
Anyone notice how easy it is to gat a van, truck etc. for a day? Offers to trade keys are always taken.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 206
Likes: 1
From: Burbank
C230K
Rear Mount
I've used this Team Rider model for a few years. It is great because the CG is low. There is no contact with the body of the car, plugs into a hitch.
Folds up in a second. Also stabalizes the bikes, the only contact they make with the rack is with the tires and a clamp to the seat tube.
You can take turns and go through low underpases at the same speed as you would without it.
It also removes with a pull of the hitch pin, which can also be padlocked.
http://www.hollywoodracks.com/2&3.htm#teamrider2
Folds up in a second. Also stabalizes the bikes, the only contact they make with the rack is with the tires and a clamp to the seat tube.
You can take turns and go through low underpases at the same speed as you would without it.
It also removes with a pull of the hitch pin, which can also be padlocked.
http://www.hollywoodracks.com/2&3.htm#teamrider2
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 206
Likes: 1
From: Burbank
C230K
Hitch Install
I've always used a local welding shop around here.
They do a very clean install.
This particular one does alot of work for the movie studios and also custom horse trailers.
Though it won't help you where you are out, you may try something similar.
http://yp.yahoo.com/py/ypMap.py?Pyt=...:regT:20:fbT:0
I also use a 1/4" (I think) size hitch. Whatever size it is, it is about half that of a normal boat trailer hitch size.
The Hollywood racks come with adapters available for either size hitch.
They do a very clean install.
This particular one does alot of work for the movie studios and also custom horse trailers.
Though it won't help you where you are out, you may try something similar.
http://yp.yahoo.com/py/ypMap.py?Pyt=...:regT:20:fbT:0
I also use a 1/4" (I think) size hitch. Whatever size it is, it is about half that of a normal boat trailer hitch size.
The Hollywood racks come with adapters available for either size hitch.
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
C230
My girlfrind wanted to get me the rack and carrier for snowboards for my birthday. She called the dealer and they said they had the Coupe rack in stock. But the Ski/snowboard carrier would have to be ordered and it would be in at the end of the week. We got home from our out of town trip and had a message on the answering machine that the combo ski/snowboard rack is no longer available so we would need the surfboard/snowboard attachment instead. (YIKES!)
The surfboard/snowboard attachment holds on to the board by way of a nylon strap. No thanks.
So we go down to the dealer to check things out. First they gave us the basic rack for the wagon and not the coupe. So they had to order that. Then they show us the non-existant ski/snowboard carrier. Uhm... I'll take it.
I don't know what's going on at the parts department but they better stop smoking it.
The surfboard/snowboard attachment holds on to the board by way of a nylon strap. No thanks.
So we go down to the dealer to check things out. First they gave us the basic rack for the wagon and not the coupe. So they had to order that. Then they show us the non-existant ski/snowboard carrier. Uhm... I'll take it.
I don't know what's going on at the parts department but they better stop smoking it.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 572
Likes: 0
From: Oro Valley, AZ
2001 C240 6spd
I had a similar problem when purchasing the basic rack for my C240 - the dealer gave me the rack that is for the C230 - which is a little shorter. If there is any question - I think you can also tell by the instruction booklet - they have the correct car pictured on the cover. I have yet to get any accessories. Reading other posts - I believe Thule makes attachments for the MB rack.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: LA
C240
roof/ski racks recommendation
Hi,
I'm thinking of getting a roof rack and ski rack for my car, but $268 is kinda steep just for the basic carrier they sell at the dealer (ski rack is another $68). Does anyone know if the ones made by Yakima or Thule will fit as well?
Also my friend's BMW 3-series couldnt make it up our local ski area, would my C-class fare any better without chains?
Thanks.
I'm thinking of getting a roof rack and ski rack for my car, but $268 is kinda steep just for the basic carrier they sell at the dealer (ski rack is another $68). Does anyone know if the ones made by Yakima or Thule will fit as well?
Also my friend's BMW 3-series couldnt make it up our local ski area, would my C-class fare any better without chains?
Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
2002 C230K, Silver, 6-speed, Evo, Roof, Leather, CD, Staggered C7 Wheels
I used the basic MB carrier, which fits extremely well.
To it, I attached the Thule 6 pair ski rack. Not exactly "cheap" but works and looks great.
I had no prob so far with ski hills.
To it, I attached the Thule 6 pair ski rack. Not exactly "cheap" but works and looks great.
I had no prob so far with ski hills.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 1
From: Central NJ
C230K Coupe/Orion/C4/C5/CD/AMG Spoiler/V60/TeleAid, 2 MGB's
Thule and Yak both make uprights for the C coupe and sedan (they ARE different). I tried the Thule at a local 'expo' and it didn't quite fit. The Yak riser wasn't tall enough to clear the panorama roof as it opened. Either way, you're still going to spend between$200 and $250 for these, once you add the bars, locks and accessory carriers.
I ended up going with the MB rack, to which I was able to adapt the Yakima Yak Stackers for my kayak. It ain't pretty...but it does the trick.
I ended up going with the MB rack, to which I was able to adapt the Yakima Yak Stackers for my kayak. It ain't pretty...but it does the trick.
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
'02 C230K
In spite of owning Thule racks and posessing a variety of attachments, I ponied up the bucks for the MB set -up. No regrets, the fit is perfect with the car's manufactered points to accept each base. I bought two MB bike carriers which exceed Thule's offerings in design and build. I was able to buy some stainless hardware at Sears Hardware to adapt my ski box.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 0
From: On a hill overlooking San Francisco Bay
c230k, black, auto, c2 (let the sunshine in), Bose, leather, and CD
Serach on bike racks. MB takes another company's rack and brands it and charges about double. So, find the old postings on this topic.
Beth
Beth
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
2002 C230K, Silver, 6-speed, Evo, Roof, Leather, CD, Staggered C7 Wheels
MB Racks are made by the same company (forgot the name) that makes racks for Porsche and some others.
Actually the basic Thule rack was more expensive that the MB one.
Actually the basic Thule rack was more expensive that the MB one.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 572
Likes: 0
From: Oro Valley, AZ
2001 C240 6spd
I recently got the MB basic rack. They had it listed higher than what the website had it listed at - I think the dealer had it listed at $280. I told them the website price and they gave it to me. No problems. I also looked into the Thule and Yakima racks - there was no real difference in pricing for the basic rack. I think you will save money if you find the accesories that fit the MB rack from other companies. The MB rack just fits better IMO. Also, you have to be careful to get the right rack - they have a different set for coupe and sedan.
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
C230
I have the MB basic rack and two sets of ski/snowboard carriers. I drove up with 4 people and a small dog to North Lake Tahoe for an extended weekend with my coupe. With the bodies and their luggage there wasn't any room for anything else but we weren't uncomfortable.
Chains were required. I used a set of Spikes-Spiders on a winter tire and wheel package (from tirerak) for the first time. I was impressed. Me in my little coupe surrounded by SUV's.
Anyway. I would go for the OEM rack (it's made by Oris).
Chains were required. I used a set of Spikes-Spiders on a winter tire and wheel package (from tirerak) for the first time. I was impressed. Me in my little coupe surrounded by SUV's.
Anyway. I would go for the OEM rack (it's made by Oris).
