melvinh

My dealer was willing to give me discount here in the Bay Area for the R-Class roof rack. I ended up getting it at $275 plus tax, total about $300. IMO, it's much better choice than the Thule set up since the installation is easier and the keys are included on the factory rack (4 keys total).

The rack seems very solid built, installation takes about less than 5 minutes.

BallJack

Thanks for the info. I'm in the market for a roof rack myself but haven't decided whether to get the Thule or the factory one. In all likelihood I'll most likely end up going the factory route.

rosswell

Here is a pic from our local dealer with bike racks mounted. I too occasionally feel the need for more cargo space - esp. with 4 or 5 passengers.

bzliteyear

melvinh - which dealer did you get it from, and can i just buy any box from any mountain or REI to put on? i have a trip next week and need to be prepared asap. Thx all.
Patrick

nanoera

My garage has 7' of clearance and only Thule rack can take the Thule Atlantis 1800 box into the garage. Downside is that it's more tedious to install, therefore I have it always on along with Thule wind deflector. By leaving it on I am probably sacrificing 2 mpg or so on the highway.
I have a set of OEM rack for sale. Willing to ship within US. Just PM me.

melvinh

I got it from Smythe European. Just ask them for discount to $300 OTD including tax. I have studies extensively on other alternative such as Thule, but decided on OEM since it's so simple to take off and put it on. 5-10 minutes max.

I am not sure if other box fits or not since the adaptor can be different. You can probably try to ask for discount on OEM box also.

bzliteyear

i ended up calling local MB dealer parts dept and they offered me a demo large box/rack for a special price. they helped me install it and i'm ready to go. the outside's a bit scraped up, but i figured it'd be that way after one trip from me anyways...so why pay full retail.
two questions:
1) does the inside have any straps/padding/holders? other than the optional ski divided insider, i'm wondering if that's normal.
2) the outside "lock" covers for the 4 pieces that fit on the roof - it seems like it would scratch the roof. are you guys using extra padding/rubber mount?
Thx.
Patrick

mercdriver

FYI:
the factory rack is made by Thule. So there are many Thule accessories that fit it. Interestingly enough, I believe thatt he factory rac. Often prices out to be cheaper than the Thule that mounts onto the cars's mounts.

Zachmac

PMd you twice? I will buy your OEM racks if price is right.

R KLASSE

How many bikes will the OEM rack hold? I need to hold at least three so hopefully it can accommodate this.

nanoera

Sorry Zach. Sale pending. Good luck with other online options.

RW C55

Hi people, I have one question regarding the OEM racks.

Will any Thule cargo boxes fit onto the OEM racks, or do they require some adapters to combine the two?

Thanks.

termite

all of the thule boxes fit the OEM rack. just did a 500 mile trip w/ a thule atlantis 2100 on the OEM rack. minor increase in wind noise. good size hit on MPG if you are driving over around 60-65...

RW C55

thanks for the info, I'm actually thinking about the atlantis 2100 as well. Do you have any pictures of it mounted?

termite

sorry but i just took it off; if you were closer, i would demo it for you in person. i also have a packasport and both fit great.

davidbho

this is how my OEM stuff looks on our kid hauler.

https://mbworld.org/forums/r-class-w...er-option.html