[ShagnWagn]

Hey guys!

I'm new to the EV world and just picked up my i3 this week. I'm looking to make some practical modifications to it, allowing me to do outdoors things I enjoy locally. I understand the roof rack issue on this car due to the bare roof. But all the threads I've read on different forums really show no suggestions for products to use. Closest thing I saw was a guy suggesting to use SeaSucker mounts and making your own roof rack. I wanted to see if anyone on here has done anything different, and if you have suggestions for parts you have used in putting one together. It will be used for interchanging a surfboard or Thule cargo box, or a bicycle.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Goldfish120]

I guess you have seen this thread https://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=16382

 

[ShagnWagn]

I guess you have seen this thread https://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=16382

I did see that one, and it seems seasucker is the only roof rack solution for the i3. What's weird is I've seen a couple i3's with Thule or that fixed style roof rack, but their owners dont seem active on these forums anymore. Going to see if my shop can custom design one that's sturdy and works with the i3 bare roof.

 

[MOONPIG]

I went with Rock Bros off Amazon. Only £90 vs £400 for Sea Sucker.

 

[Goldfish120]

I went with Rock Bros off Amazon. Only £90 vs £400 for Sea Sucker.

Any links etc you can share? or photos of the system. I would be interested I. Seeing this solution.

 

[MOONPIG]

Any links etc you can share? or photos of the system. I would be interested I. Seeing this solution.

 

[MOONPIG]

UK RockBros Bike Bicycle Car Roof Rack Carrier Suction Roof-top Quick Roof Rack | eBay

Note1 : The 20 KG weight capacity is for one-bike rack, the two and three bike rack can carry more weight. Fixed rear wheel and pedal. Protect Car Paint. Confirm the rear wheel position. Without any harm to the car.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[MOONPIG]

View attachment 132775

The price has gone up on amazon but they are getting low on stock so I’m sure the price will come down at some point.

 

[Uzi2]

Is it difficult to get the forks attached to the top mount? I could see it being quite a dangerous exercise, especially with a heavy EMTB. Or do you attach the mounts to the bike first and then secure it to the car?

 

[Uzi2]

This one looks good for an EMTB with the single 28Kg and the double 38Kg rated

 

[Uzi2]

I have a sunroof, so aluminium rear roof panel. Is this good or bad for mounting a bike rack?

 

[eNate]

I have a sunroof, so aluminium rear roof panel. Is this good or bad for mounting a bike rack?

Good! The sunroof adds a support frame around its perimeter, which stiffens the roof.

I customized my Seasucker order to include a double-cup front with the smaller 3.5" cups to fit the roof panel ahead of the sunroof, a double cup rear, with the other 6 cups all standard size.

 

[diaphon2]

Don't know if you're still looking for something, but I got the Seasucker system and I'm really happy with it. I wanted a general purpose roof rack for kayaks, lumber, sports equipment, etc, not just for bicycles. If you're thinking of carrying a surfboard and a Thule box you'll want the same. For a general purpose rack, I think Seasucker is the only one around.

I paid £350. It's absolutely worth that money - really well made, easy to use, totally strong and secure. Goes up in about 2 minutes, and folds away into the boot much faster than that. Hard to imagine a custom-made solution that would work as well for significantly less money.

(I think my Seasucker product is called the "Monkey Bars," it's got two bars that go across the car. I strap stuff to the bars directly with rope, so I haven't had to buy anything else so far).