BenzE

I want to cart my mountain bike on my Benz. I had a factory roofrack on during the winter to carry my skis, but it scratched the paint a bit on a roof (50k miles and the car really needs to be detailed!), and I can't even imagine the aerodynamics of my driving from Jersey to Colorado with a mountain bike on the roof. Any recs for toting a bike on the rear of a 2000 E430 sedan? I don't want one of those racks that mounts on the trunk, so I was thinking: what about a tow hitch? If it's a class 3 hitch, I could just use the Thule I have on my Land Rover, right?

Any suggestions?

mallard

I have the MB roof and bike rack and do not notice significant handling problems when the bike is on the car. Overall, it is a very sturdy set-up. One of the main things I like is the fact that the front wheel does not have to be removed to mount the bike. Small straps hold the wheels on the mounting shoes and a solid brace attaches to the frame with a velcro strap and a locking mechanism. I would not hesitate to travel a long distance with my bike on the roof.

Attached are some pictures.

mallard

Close-up of the frame brace.

mallard

Close-up of the wheel mount.

E55 KEV

Don't use the trunk mounted type. I used one for a 4 hour road trip. It left foam pad impressions in the trunk paint (E430). While traveling about 80mph I watched in horror thru the rear view mirror as the wind took my $1800 Stumpjumper M2 off the rack and the bike bounced along the highway. If it had been at night I would not have known the bike went airborne. It was a brand new Yakima rack - the rubber straps were stretched beyond usefullness. No one was behind me so no one had to swerve, brake or get killed. The bike was destroyed save the frame. It bounced around on the saddle, bars, pedals and suspension fork was cracked. I placed a claim with Yakima - they paid to have the bike rebuilt.

There is a hitch made for the E-Class. U-Haul sells and installs them. Good Luck.

techbike

Thule's pretty good. As long as you use the recommended brackets spec'd for the 210 and install the pads correctly against the rubber moulding on the roof, they don't scratch or anything. The spoiler option is a must, though, to get rid of the excessive wind noise and get back 2 of the 5 MPG you lose.
I have used both the roof mount and the trailer hitch (called the docking station) type. The hitch type is great.

BenzE

Techbike: was your docking station type installed at MB dealer or elsewhere? Do you know, is it a Class 3 hitch type; in which case, I could just use the Thule stem off of my Land Rover, right?

My roofrack is the MB model, like mallard's, and I had the dealer install it. After the winter, when they took it off, it had left scuffs on the roof rails. MB dealer buffed it out no charge.

Mallard's pics look great, plus, my black TREK would look very cool atop my E, but I just really can't imagine there isn't wind noise. I mean, I am talking about a 5,000 mile drive, at least, and I do not drive the speed limit...

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to talk more to my service advisor; I'm not making the trip until September anyway.

mallard

BenzE - wind noise is the only problem with the roof mount system, as you mention. However, it's not any worse when the bike is on the car vs. when it isn't. I had a hitch mount system on my Expedition and it was great. Still have the bike rack, but never considered putting a hitch on the Mercedes. Just liked the idea of a roof system better. Although I didn't really consider the wind noise it would generate. It does get bothersome at times. But then again, that's what the radio is for. If you get the hitch insalled, post some pictures if you can. I'd like to see what it looks like, and how hidden it is under the bumper.

techbike

Oops, sorry, I guess I should clarify...the docking station I used on the ML430 and Suburban. I believe it's for a 2" hitch. Both had the hitches from the factory. The E gets the roof rack...and I only use it when only I go (to those long charity rides, etc). With the family, I have to bring 2 road bikes, 2 kid's bikes, and a road tandem. I made a rack for the inside of the Suburban or the ML, a 2 X 4 the width of the trunk area, with 2 fork mounts and 2 wheel mounts bolted to it to add to the hitch mount and/or the roof rack. The Suburban usually got the vote inspite of my objections, because of luggage space and the TV. I've used a trunk rack on the CLK and didn't mess up the trunk by using old cotton t-shirts as padding for the foam stand-offs.

Andyl

wanted w210 roof racks oem basic carrier? If anyone selling please reply

Thanks