C63 Roof Rack
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Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 151
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2015 C63S AMG
C63 Roof Rack
So, are there any C63 owners out there sporting a roof rack? I'm debating getting one this spring as I'm an avid mountain biker and am getting tired of giving up my amg to my wife every time I go biking... The Europeans have it going on with their roof rack integration. My Saab had a similar design.
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 818
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From: Atlanta, GA
'02 C230 Coupe (Me) '03 SLK320 6MT (Wife)
I can't speak for the C63 rack itself, but I debated for a while and looked at aftermarket racks, but ended up with the MB rack and bike rails for my W203 Coupe. I could not be happier with the quality, fit, looks when it fit and with two bikes racked up. It has been rock solid even with the bikes on-board at freeway speeds in Atlanta. I could not be happier, and I am pretty picky. Whenever I move up to a W204/C63 I will get the basic rack and use this setup, I am sure. Since the bike rails are universal for MB, I can only assume the W204 would be as solid a setup.
I got the bike rails for mine new from eBay, I believe from Fletcher-Jones in Chicago. They listed them a bit cheaper than I could find them elsewhere, and had shipping included. I just had to wait a few days after the first for them to relist, so I could order the second. If you decide to go this route, PM me and I will double check who those were from.
I got the bike rails for mine new from eBay, I believe from Fletcher-Jones in Chicago. They listed them a bit cheaper than I could find them elsewhere, and had shipping included. I just had to wait a few days after the first for them to relist, so I could order the second. If you decide to go this route, PM me and I will double check who those were from.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 324
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From: Chapel Hill, NC
2015 C63S E1; 2016 C450 AMG
So, are there any C63 owners out there sporting a roof rack? I'm debating getting one this spring as I'm an avid mountain biker and am getting tired of giving up my amg to my wife every time I go biking... The Europeans have it going on with their roof rack integration. My Saab had a similar design.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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2017 Mini Cooper S Clubman ALL4 - British Racing Green
I am also an avid cyclist (Mtn and Road) I have never had an issue shoving the bike into the trunk of my car with the seats down. However, I have been looking at roof racks for a while, (with 9 month old infant draining all funds, I cannot afford the luxury at the moment).
I recommend the Yakima WHISPBAR (S6 flush or S16 through fits our cars)
It's not cheap by any means, around $500 for the feet and cross bars.. but it definitely fits the style of our cars
Here is an image I found of the flush one on a BMW
I recommend the Yakima WHISPBAR (S6 flush or S16 through fits our cars)
It's not cheap by any means, around $500 for the feet and cross bars.. but it definitely fits the style of our cars
Here is an image I found of the flush one on a BMW
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 209
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2013 C63 PP
MW_ATL, with the MB racks, can you take a 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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2015 C63S AMG
The MB racks don't touch the paint at all. The entire load is on the metal pads which is located under the lift up covers. The plastic covers on each end of the crossbars come within about 1-16" to 1/8" of the paint, but do not touch.
I had the same Thule racks for my Infiniti and because it didn't have a rack connection point, they do clamp on the painted surface and will over time scratch the paint.
I had the same Thule racks for my Infiniti and because it didn't have a rack connection point, they do clamp on the painted surface and will over time scratch the paint.
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 19
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From: Toronto
2014 E550 4matic, 2012 C63, Gone: 2000 E320 4matic and 2002 C320 Wagon
Thule set up
Consider the Thule. One advantage of the Thule is that you can interchange between vehicles by simply changing the fit kit. I use the same rack between my 12 c63 sedan and 14 e550 sedan. I prefer the square bar over the oval bar because it is slightly more practical with older Thule accessories and clamping the odd plywood sheet and 2x4" when needed. The bar is bombproof. Back in the day, I was able to mount three bikes on a longer bar (sadly now retired) and now a coffin box for skis and cottage runs
when you sell your car, you carry the bar forward to the next car. Selling the MB rack you get nothing for it. Just another point of view!
when you sell your car, you carry the bar forward to the next car. Selling the MB rack you get nothing for it. Just another point of view!
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 209
Likes: 10
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.
Thanks for your help and advice.
Thanks for your help and advice.
