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The roof will not slide open will the OEM bars; it will pop up at the rear a small amount (~3/4" gap). The issue is the inside portion of the clamping mechanism of the front bar comes very close to the operable roof panel.
Same with aftermarket ones. On my aftermarket roof rack it can slide only 3-4" itches before it makes contact with the attachment.
My aftermarket cross bars do not allow for raising/ opening the pano roof fully. Just a crack before it contacts cross bar.
Its a compromise between lower profile and windage noises… vs roof glass panel use with loads on top.
Im ok with it as is…only use cross bars when roof loading required. Aftermarket cross bar quality and secure use very acceptable.
Just bought Inno (Japanese brand) carrier / cross bars and there's enough clearance for the panoramic sunroof to fully open, no matter the position of the crossbars along the rails. They are extremely easy to put on/off, less than 5min total. Downsides: they start to quietly whistle above 30MPH but I think this will go away with a load; they are rated for 165lbs which is decently less than OEM.
Here are the model #s that work:
XS100 aero base
XB108 42" aero bar
XB115 45" aero bar
I plan to keep them off and only use them when needed. I really appreciate the simplicity and ease of taking them on and off. I forgot to snap a pic of both on but here are some pics with just the front.
I've used the Inno surfboard rack for a decade so I know the longevity of the product is good.
Here's a video demo of the overhang model, the rail clamping is the same and gives you an idea of how fast it is to install and remove.
Just bought Inno (Japanese brand) carrier / cross bars and there's enough clearance for the panoramic sunroof to fully open, no matter the position of the crossbars along the rails. They are extremely easy to put on/off, less than 5min total. Downsides: they start to quietly whistle above 30MPH but I think this will go away with a load; they are rated for 165lbs which is decently less than OEM.
Here are the model #s that work:
XS100 aero base
XB108 42" aero bar
XB115 45" aero bar
I plan to keep them off and only use them when needed. I really appreciate the simplicity and ease of taking them on and off. I forgot to snap a pic of both on but here are some pics with just the front.
I've used the Inno surfboard rack for a decade so I know the longevity of the product is good.
Here's a video demo of the overhang model, the rail clamping is the same and gives you an idea of how fast it is to install and remove.
I would inspect that strapping once in a while if you will leave that rack up on your roof. That rubber will deteriorate overtime and might snap with load/pressure while the vehicle is moving. I would prefer the old fashioned rubberized "clamp" instead.
I would inspect that strapping once in a while if you will leave that rack up on your roof. That rubber will deteriorate overtime and might snap with load/pressure while the vehicle is moving. I would prefer the old fashioned rubberized "clamp" instead.
I only intend to mount the bars when needed otherwise they'll be sitting in a garage so they won't weather over time. The straps are stainless steel with a rubberized coating so I think it should be fine even if left on for years. It would be prudent to check on them though from time to time if leaving them on. With my Inno surfboard rack, it spent a decade on my previous vehicle on or nearby the salty air and plenty of UV without any rust to the metal parts or degradation to the rubber/plastic bits -- made in Japan probably helped the longevity of it.
Seems suitable for urban use. I'm a kayaker, and a much stronger Yakima was damaged by a strong northeasterly gust while I was going 65 MPH on the turnpike. Yakima replaced it but it was scary and dangerous getting off the highway.
Seems suitable for urban use. I'm a kayaker, and a much stronger Yakima was damaged by a strong northeasterly gust while I was going 65 MPH on the turnpike. Yakima replaced it but it was scary and dangerous getting off the highway.
Yes I wouldn't trust this with a kayak, rooftop cargo box would be fine though. I already have a Kuat hitch rack so no bikes on the roof for me.
Finally pulled the trigger on the Thule Evo Raised Rail and the Wingbar Evo 50" in black, will report once installed. The OEM one sits a bit too high and it's silver, I prefer black being it an AMG Night Package, you know. Will have either a roof basket or ski rack on them. Getting ready for Thanksgiving trip so gotta have these bars ready!
Were you able to confirm if the Thule evo wingbars allow the panoramic sunroof to open fully?
Ahhhh, thanks for the feedback. How far back is the roof able to slide?
About 6 inches. Positioning of the rear Thule supports are what dictates how far back the roof opens. I aligned the Thule supports to the approximate factory mount / recommended positions.
Looks good. Curious to hear what winter tires you are wearing and your opinion?
Thanks! I have PIRELLI Scorpion Winter 275/50R20 109V MO (friction). Drive mostly in areas without snow, otherwise i would have chosen with spikes. But very happy so far. Got a good price.
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