Rear bike rack or full on roof rack for E36 coupe?

[beanbag]

Bit of a dilema here.......

I want to buy a rack to carry my bike about on my car. Putting it inside the car all the time is making a mess of my boot and my leather so I've decided to buy a rear bike rack or roof rack however I've got a BMW 3 series E36 coupe and don't know what will fit.

I've heard the rear racks cause a lot of damage to the paint and i've also got a spoiler which might get in the way so i'm a bit hesitant to get one of these.

As with a roof rack, I don't know if my car will take one as I've got a coupe and can't see any mounting points (or anywhere to mount it!!!)

What are my choices? I don't mind paying about £100 so long as what I get is good quality. I know BMW do some but I'm not so sure if they're for the E36.

Anyhow....lots of questions here so lot of answers needed!

Thanks all!

[trevorw]

I would personally go with the roof rack if you can get one. Lots of issues with the rear bike rack, if not tied on properly they wobble around can scratch paint work if bike hits it. Plus they can obscure the lights and your rear view vision. You have none of those problems with a roof mounted rack.

[moleamol]

Can you not take the wheels off and whack them in the boot? Works on an Integrale, even a Pug 106. Failing that, a spoiler won't stop you. I've had a rack on an MR2. You just need to take care with regards to the paint.

[beanbag]

moleamol said:

Can you not take the wheels off and whack them in the boot? Works on an Integrale, even a Pug 106. Failing that, a spoiler won't stop you. I've had a rack on an MR2. You just need to take care with regards to the paint.

The wheels come off ok but when your trail biking, your bike usually comes back caked in mud. Not ideal when you want to stick it in a car with cream colour leather seats.....

[beanbag]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Ta for that. I'll have a peep. I think a roof rack is probably the ideal solution. I just don't want to risk a wobbly metal thing on the back on my car putting scratches and dents all over the place......

Ta BR!