Roof Rack
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From: Northern NJ
2009 C63
Roof Rack
Any of u guys added a roof rack for bikes? Im looking to add one and am looking for the best, safest, sturdiest option. Im thinking Thule but was wondering if anyone had done anything else? TIA
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2017 Mini Cooper S Clubman ALL4 - British Racing Green
And they are ridiculously priced 
I currently toss my mountain bike in the trunk after putting the seats down.. the material covering the inside of the trunk is no different then any other car.. just need to be careful putting it in and pulling it out to not clip the body... (that and I have issues putting a $6k+ bike on the roof of a car, other then theft, stones, dirt, poorly labeled low parking garage's or bridges)
Even if you lock the bike rack, it is rather easy to rip off roof racks and dmg the car, at least with tow hitch mounts, its a little harder... but no real tow hitch options in the US for the C63....
I take my wifes car if I need to move more then 1 bike (I have 5.. heh...)
I currently toss my mountain bike in the trunk after putting the seats down.. the material covering the inside of the trunk is no different then any other car.. just need to be careful putting it in and pulling it out to not clip the body... (that and I have issues putting a $6k+ bike on the roof of a car, other then theft, stones, dirt, poorly labeled low parking garage's or bridges)
Even if you lock the bike rack, it is rather easy to rip off roof racks and dmg the car, at least with tow hitch mounts, its a little harder... but no real tow hitch options in the US for the C63....
I take my wifes car if I need to move more then 1 bike (I have 5.. heh...)
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Northern NJ
2009 C63
And they are ridiculously priced
I currently toss my mountain bike in the trunk after putting the seats down.. the material covering the inside of the trunk is no different then any other car.. just need to be careful putting it in and pulling it out to not clip the body... (that and I have issues putting a $6k+ bike on the roof of a car, other then theft, stones, dirt, poorly labeled low parking garage's or bridges)
Even if you lock the bike rack, it is rather easy to rip off roof racks and dmg the car, at least with tow hitch mounts, its a little harder... but no real tow hitch options in the US for the C63....
I take my wifes car if I need to move more then 1 bike (I have 5.. heh...)
I currently toss my mountain bike in the trunk after putting the seats down.. the material covering the inside of the trunk is no different then any other car.. just need to be careful putting it in and pulling it out to not clip the body... (that and I have issues putting a $6k+ bike on the roof of a car, other then theft, stones, dirt, poorly labeled low parking garage's or bridges)
Even if you lock the bike rack, it is rather easy to rip off roof racks and dmg the car, at least with tow hitch mounts, its a little harder... but no real tow hitch options in the US for the C63....
I take my wifes car if I need to move more then 1 bike (I have 5.. heh...)
Thread Starter
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From: Northern NJ
2009 C63
u minf if i ask what you paid? I looked it up - all in for me with wind deflector and 2 bike mounts looked like $650ish. This is direct from my bike shop who works with my dealer Benzel Busch installing bike racks.
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2017 Mini Cooper S Clubman ALL4 - British Racing Green
That sounds about right, almost the same price when you price it directly from Thule. You can also try the Yakima web site, similarly priced, just depends on which style and the look you want to go along with the beastly car 
Ideally, you want a set that can go on and off easily, preferably tool less, so you dont have to leave it on when the bikes are not in use, but I do not know how well those little plastic cover flaps will handle constant use....
Ideally, you want a set that can go on and off easily, preferably tool less, so you dont have to leave it on when the bikes are not in use, but I do not know how well those little plastic cover flaps will handle constant use....
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Northern NJ
2009 C63
That sounds about right, almost the same price when you price it directly from Thule. You can also try the Yakima web site, similarly priced, just depends on which style and the look you want to go along with the beastly car
Ideally, you want a set that can go on and off easily, preferably tool less, so you dont have to leave it on when the bikes are not in use, but I do not know how well those little plastic cover flaps will handle constant use....
Ideally, you want a set that can go on and off easily, preferably tool less, so you dont have to leave it on when the bikes are not in use, but I do not know how well those little plastic cover flaps will handle constant use....
Curious what the difference is buying a regular Thule rack that fits the C63 or buying the one specifically made for the C63. Im assuming the C class one has been around for a few years - looks like the Thule that was suggeted to me was the "latest and greatest".
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From: NoVA
'09 C63 AMG
I know this doesn't answer your question, but I just got a Saris Bones 3 trunk rack for my C63 for like $120. You can get it in a 2 or 3 bike model. My thinking was that it is easier to put bikes on, maintains a much lower profile/lighter weight than other types of racks, easier to install (takes about 5 minutes); and w/ the rubber foot pads and strap anchors, should not damage the paint. Also, depending on how you install it, you can still open your trunk.
Now the real question is: what kind of bike is everybody running?
Now the real question is: what kind of bike is everybody running?
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2017 Mini Cooper S Clubman ALL4 - British Racing Green
Do not.. I repeat.. Do not use a trunk rack.. I looked into it a while back, it does not matter how expensive the rack is, and how cushy the rubber padding is, sand, dirt and other gritty substances will get under them, and acts like sand paper (even if you use a towel between the rack and the car). It's a VW or something else, sure.. not on your MB :P
That, and with trunk racks, while 1 bike is fine, 2 bikes, and they tend to bang togethor, also the potential to smack into the car under hard braking since only the top tube is held in place, the bike can swing.
As for bikes.. umm..
Gary Fisher Paragon (my first Cross Country bike in 96.. frankenmonster bike now)
Niner RIP9 (Cross Country)
Specialized Enduro SX Trail (Downhill/Freeride)
Jamis Nova Pro (Cyclocross bike - Wifes)
Giant TCX 1 (Cyclocross bike - mine)
That, and with trunk racks, while 1 bike is fine, 2 bikes, and they tend to bang togethor, also the potential to smack into the car under hard braking since only the top tube is held in place, the bike can swing.
As for bikes.. umm..
Gary Fisher Paragon (my first Cross Country bike in 96.. frankenmonster bike now)
Niner RIP9 (Cross Country)
Specialized Enduro SX Trail (Downhill/Freeride)
Jamis Nova Pro (Cyclocross bike - Wifes)
Giant TCX 1 (Cyclocross bike - mine)
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From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
The anchor points on the roof appear to be the same across all current MBs.
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From: NoVA
'09 C63 AMG
Points all well taken as they appear written from experience. I forgot to mention I also have a minivan where I can put my bike inside for longer trips, inclement weather. I'd use my trunk rack for short trips from home to the trail, etc. Based on what you wrote, I'd consider strategically placing some electrical tape or painter's tape on the painted areas where the anchors would be -- that should do the job.
Done w/ hijacking!
Done w/ hijacking!
Do not.. I repeat.. Do not use a trunk rack.. I looked into it a while back, it does not matter how expensive the rack is, and how cushy the rubber padding is, sand, dirt and other gritty substances will get under them, and acts like sand paper (even if you use a towel between the rack and the car). It's a VW or something else, sure.. not on your MB :P
That, and with trunk racks, while 1 bike is fine, 2 bikes, and they tend to bang togethor, also the potential to smack into the car under hard braking since only the top tube is held in place, the bike can swing.
As for bikes.. umm..
Gary Fisher Paragon (my first Cross Country bike in 96.. frankenmonster bike now)
Niner RIP9 (Cross Country)
Specialized Enduro SX Trail (Downhill/Freeride)
Jamis Nova Pro (Cyclocross bike - Wifes)
Giant TCX 1 (Cyclocross bike - mine)
That, and with trunk racks, while 1 bike is fine, 2 bikes, and they tend to bang togethor, also the potential to smack into the car under hard braking since only the top tube is held in place, the bike can swing.
As for bikes.. umm..
Gary Fisher Paragon (my first Cross Country bike in 96.. frankenmonster bike now)
Niner RIP9 (Cross Country)
Specialized Enduro SX Trail (Downhill/Freeride)
Jamis Nova Pro (Cyclocross bike - Wifes)
Giant TCX 1 (Cyclocross bike - mine)
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2017 Mini Cooper S Clubman ALL4 - British Racing Green
Thick vinyl electrical tape would work, just clean the surface area really well in advance.
You still have not answer the primary question... what bikes do you have
You still have not answer the primary question... what bikes do you have
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2017 Mini Cooper S Clubman ALL4 - British Racing Green
The OEM one is the same as the Thule one, as they make them for MB, only difference is, as the previous poster noted, the load bars will go between the posts, rather then extend slightly beyond the posts on the aftermarket ones.
When I priced it, the Thule one, with all the hardware, and lock kit, including 1 bike mount came to around $600. I believe the MB oem rack system is around $500, and then any bike rack that mounts to aero bars would be sufficient, they range from $100 to $300, depending on the style.
That said, from a cost standpoint, it looks like a wash, as both will cost around the same.
When I priced it, the Thule one, with all the hardware, and lock kit, including 1 bike mount came to around $600. I believe the MB oem rack system is around $500, and then any bike rack that mounts to aero bars would be sufficient, they range from $100 to $300, depending on the style.
That said, from a cost standpoint, it looks like a wash, as both will cost around the same.
Thread Starter
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From: Northern NJ
2009 C63
Yea so Im leaning towards the regular Thule one as opposed to the OEM MB Thule rack - definitely for the roof either way. Im also leaning towards a fork mount since it seems sturdier.
Gonna go with the newer oval bars as opposed to the square as it looks a bit nicer. With two carriers, locks and wind diffuser its looking like $700ish, which is fine by me since I should recoup half when Im done.
As for bikes, I have a Cannondale Jeckyll and my wife just got a Cannondale Carbon Synapse - its amazing how light these things have gotten.
Gonna go with the newer oval bars as opposed to the square as it looks a bit nicer. With two carriers, locks and wind diffuser its looking like $700ish, which is fine by me since I should recoup half when Im done.
As for bikes, I have a Cannondale Jeckyll and my wife just got a Cannondale Carbon Synapse - its amazing how light these things have gotten.
Thread Starter
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From: Northern NJ
2009 C63
Just an fyi - ordered the Thule set today for the C63 - all in $792 for the top of the line Thule components.
Heres what I got -
460R Rapid Podium Foot Pack (1)
RB47 Rapid Aero Load Bar Pair (1)
Kit 3049
518 Echelon Fork Mounted carrier (2)
Xadapt9
872XT Fairing 44"
6-Pack of cylinder locks for the base and bikes
Just in case anyone was interested - there are cheaper options for the Thule carriers - so $792 is probably the most you would pay.
I ordered from rackattack.com - 10% off, no tax (no retail store in NJ) and free shipping.
Will post up pics when I get it.
Hope this helps anyone looking
Heres what I got -
460R Rapid Podium Foot Pack (1)
RB47 Rapid Aero Load Bar Pair (1)
Kit 3049
518 Echelon Fork Mounted carrier (2)
Xadapt9
872XT Fairing 44"
6-Pack of cylinder locks for the base and bikes
Just in case anyone was interested - there are cheaper options for the Thule carriers - so $792 is probably the most you would pay.
I ordered from rackattack.com - 10% off, no tax (no retail store in NJ) and free shipping.
Will post up pics when I get it.
Hope this helps anyone looking
Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 209
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2013 C63 PP
CC63CC, with MB racks, can you take a close up shot of how it connects to the car please. I know it connects to the lug under the flip up plastic hatch, but does any part of the rubber base touch the car? I'm looking at some Thule racks and they connect but have a rubber base. In the past, I had racks on another car and dust got in between the rubber and the car and over time, it wore the paint slightly.
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Posts: 209
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2013 C63 PP
I bought the MB ones and thankfully got them discounted to less than what the Thule ones were selling for. For anyone trying to decide between the genuine MB or Thule aftermarket, the MB product wins hands down. I fitted and removed both racks to my car. The MB ones are so much simpler. With the Thule ones it's a 2 stage process. First you have to screw a double ended bolt into each lug in the roof channel. You then have to attach the rack to each lug. And as discussed above the MB ones sit just above the roof with nothing touching the paintwork. The Thule ones they were selling for C Class had rubber pads touching the paintwork.
