Trouble with the Yakima Whispbar S6 and Panoramic Roof Combo
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 49
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From: Fort Collins, CO
2012 C350 Sedan
Trouble with the Yakima Whispbar S6 and Panoramic Roof Combo
Anyone here successfully install Yakima Whispbar crossbars on your W204 with panoramic roof? I know that the S6 bars fit on non-panoramic roof W204's. For example:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ispbar-s6.html
I ordered the same kit for my 2012 C350 with panoramic roof per Yakima's recommendation, but the rear bar is too long for my roof. Even when correctly adjusted to the shortest setting, the bar is about 3/8"-1/2" too long. I will be talking with Yakima on Monday, but in the meantime, I'm curious if anyone has run into the same problem or has any thoughts why the fit on the panoramic roof would be any different than the non-panoramic roof.
Are the panoramic roof mount points in a different location? It's the only thing I can think of that would cause the fit problems.
If anyone is curious, the panoramic roof opens and closes with plenty of clearance with the Whispbar in place, so mechanically the panoramic roof should not matter for the fit. Now if I could just get the correct bar length...
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ispbar-s6.html
I ordered the same kit for my 2012 C350 with panoramic roof per Yakima's recommendation, but the rear bar is too long for my roof. Even when correctly adjusted to the shortest setting, the bar is about 3/8"-1/2" too long. I will be talking with Yakima on Monday, but in the meantime, I'm curious if anyone has run into the same problem or has any thoughts why the fit on the panoramic roof would be any different than the non-panoramic roof.
Are the panoramic roof mount points in a different location? It's the only thing I can think of that would cause the fit problems.
If anyone is curious, the panoramic roof opens and closes with plenty of clearance with the Whispbar in place, so mechanically the panoramic roof should not matter for the fit. Now if I could just get the correct bar length...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Fort Collins, CO
2012 C350 Sedan
The solution was to order a shorter rear bar. I think that would have worked, but I did not actually go that route. I decided to return the Whispbar and get the stock MB-branded Thule system instead. I'm glad I did. The quick connect system of the MB system is magnificent. It doesn't make contact with the roof and can be connected or disconnected without tools in minutes. It does sit higher than the Whispbar, but I think it still looks great. And the benefits far outweigh the extra height compared to the Whispbar.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 16
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From: SoCal
2011 C300
The solution was to order a shorter rear bar. I think that would have worked, but I did not actually go that route. I decided to return the Whispbar and get the stock MB-branded Thule system instead. I'm glad I did. The quick connect system of the MB system is magnificent. It doesn't make contact with the roof and can be connected or disconnected without tools in minutes. It does sit higher than the Whispbar, but I think it still looks great. And the benefits far outweigh the extra height compared to the Whispbar.
Also it looks like the feet sit flush with the roof, but you're saying they don't touch?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Fort Collins, CO
2012 C350 Sedan
It is definitely taller. If I kept the rack on my car at all times the height would bother me, but it's so easy to take on and off that I don't leave it on.
The cross bars obviously bolt into the roof mounts under the hinged covers. But the feet assembly sits about 1/16" above the body. The feet wrap around the mount covers and hover above the roof to keep everything protected from damage. It's a great system.
The cross bars obviously bolt into the roof mounts under the hinged covers. But the feet assembly sits about 1/16" above the body. The feet wrap around the mount covers and hover above the roof to keep everything protected from damage. It's a great system.
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 80
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2009 C300 Sport, 2010 GLK 4matic
I tried to install those Whispbars as well with no luck and ended up returning them. I wasn't sure how easy the OEM was to take on and off since I wouldn't want to drive everyday w them due to the height. Thanks for posting and will be on the lookout for some OEM racks!
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: SoCal
2011 C300
Did you have the same problem with the rear crossbar being the wrong size (too long)? Do you have standard roof or pano?
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Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 80
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2009 C300 Sport, 2010 GLK 4matic
I have a pano roof and ordered the S6 flush bar. I just felt the bars in general did not fit where the existing holes in my roof were no matter what I adjusted. I concluded it was my deficiencies at either reading instructions or rack mounting skills. I ended up getting standard Yakima racks for my wife's Toyota and called it a day.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
2011 C300
I have a pano roof and ordered the S6 flush bar. I just felt the bars in general did not fit where the existing holes in my roof were no matter what I adjusted. I concluded it was my deficiencies at either reading instructions or rack mounting skills. I ended up getting standard Yakima racks for my wife's Toyota and called it a day.
