Thule Roof box - e90 - help choosing please. - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

BanziBarn · 01-07-2013, 09:42 AM

Hi!

I'm aware there are plenty of threads on this but I'm still confused.

I know that I'm going to get BMW bars and a Thule box, but I'm confused as to what box from the range would best suite an e90.

I don't want to end up with one that's far too big, but conversely, I want to be able to be able to fit a decent amount of gubbins in it.

Can anyone tell me what box would be best please? There seems to be loads!

http://www.thule.com/en/GB/Products/...Carriers/Boxes

Thanks very much!

twpenick · 01-07-2013, 09:57 AM

I am also very interested in this. I plan to do the same thing this spring.

verysideways · 01-07-2013, 10:58 AM

Personally i prefer long boxes for the aerodynamics and therefore noise, the short wide boxes seem to be a good bit louder (and affect economy more).

By the same token, consider what you will put in there.
I always found a long thin box, way over towards my side of the car, was very easy to load and unload without a step ladder because i didn't have to reach to the middle of the car. It also meant i could put 2 bike carriers on the other side of the roof at the same time.
But if you want to stick a suitcase up there then measure the suitcase first, choose the roofbox later

doughboy · 01-07-2013, 11:36 AM

Banzi, try here - much better choice and good advice, all brands too.

www.roofbox.co.uk

We have a Kamei 300litre long slim, brilliant, top quality, lightweight, double sided opening, gas struts the lot.

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/roof-boxes/...roof-boxes.php

BanziBarn · 01-07-2013, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doughboy

Banzi, try here - much better choice and good advice, all brands too.

www.roofbox.co.uk

We have a Kamei 300litre long slim, brilliant, top quality, lightweight, double sided opening, gas struts the lot.

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/roof-boxes/...roof-boxes.php

Cheers. Have you got long and slim to allow for a bike rack? I don't need bikes. I had a look for a 300 litre one on that link but couldn't find it - what's the model number please?

I reckon this one looks quite good (link below) - I'm not after a huge amount of space - we managed fine without a box with one kid so this is really just for the extra bits and bobs for a second, which isn't an awful much. Plus, I have to think about where to store the thing when I'm not using it.

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbv...7B~cC4ure5HX2B

Frobius · 01-07-2013, 01:02 PM

Z3man · 01-07-2013, 01:20 PM

I use the Thule Ranger 90 foldable roofbox on my E90, i mainly have that one because i have nowhere to store a proper box and they fold up quite small and then i can just stick it in the wardrobe, but i actually think they are quite good because with the top cover being made of like a rubber coated material it is very flexible which is handy if you load is uneven or if you have any odd shaped items.

I have two of these, one is fully boxed brand new and unused which is for sale if anyone is interested.

BanziBarn · 01-07-2013, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frobius

Yeah, that looks great but I reckon you need the long roof of a tourer to pull it off. The over hangs on an e90 might be too big.... But this is the kind of thing I'm unsure about.

The foldable one sounds interesting. I'll check that out.

shortie · 01-07-2013, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanziBarn

Yeah, that looks great but I reckon you need the long roof of a tourer to pull it off. The over hangs on an e90 might be too big.... But this is the kind of thing I'm unsure about.

The foldable one sounds interesting. I'll check that out.

Nope. i dont think the long ones look too bad on the saloon.

Shortie by name, shortie by nature, hence the comedy steps lol

More info here

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=732679

verysideways · 01-07-2013, 03:33 PM

Shortie, not sure your car is clean enough, could you try harder please?

BanziBarn · 01-07-2013, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortie

Nope. i dont think the long ones look too bad on the saloon.

Shortie by name, shortie by nature, hence the comedy steps lol

More info here

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=732679

Sweet - looks great! whispbars with a Thule Motion 800 yeah?

RE: stepladders..... do you need to take them with you?!

shortie · 01-07-2013, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verysideways

Shortie, not sure your car is clean enough, could you try harder please?

PMSL, that was after driving Birmingham to Newquay. Its a right state at the moment but only because its being bought back by the dealer as it has been a nightmare with coilpack / injector problems.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanziBarn

Sweet - looks great! whispbars with a Thule Motion 800 yeah?

RE: stepladders..... do you need to take them with you?!

Yes mate, that is what i have got.

I use the steps as im short, i can reach in without them but im then leaning against the paintwork and i dont want belts, buckles, buttons etc scratching the paint. So i use them so i can keep well clear lol

BanziBarn · 01-07-2013, 04:48 PM

Right, think that's what I'll get... Thanks for your help!

Your car looks great - it's reminded me of what a black e90 looks like when it's clean..... I so badly need to wash mine!

Oh, and do you need help fitting it? How heavy is it?

shortie · 01-07-2013, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanziBarn

Right, think that's what I'll get... Thanks for your help!

Your car looks great - it's reminded me of what a black e90 looks like when it's clean..... I so badly need to wash mine!

Oh, and do you need help fitting it? How heavy is it?

I put mine on by myself, a little cumbersome as opposed to heavy. 2 people would make it easier.

shortie · 01-07-2013, 04:55 PM

I got mine from here:

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/roof-boxes/...FYXLtAodCAMAVg

Great service, everything came next day and they offer an exchange scheme if your not happy with your purchase.

They also supplied free lift straps when i got mine

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbv...7B~cC4ure5JbzB

It means you can store it in the garage roof etc. I cant drive into my garage because of the motorbikes and tools but it means its possible to drive under your roof box and lower it down making fitting easy.

rich1068 · 01-07-2013, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanziBarn

RE: stepladders..... do you need to take them with you?!

He has to use a roof box because his boot is full of stepladders.

BanziBarn · 01-08-2013, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich1068

He has to use a roof box because his boot is full of stepladders.

BanziBarn · 01-08-2013, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortie

I got mine from here:

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/roof-boxes/...FYXLtAodCAMAVg

Great service, everything came next day and they offer an exchange scheme if your not happy with your purchase.

They also supplied free lift straps when i got mine

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbv...7B~cC4ure5JbzB

It means you can store it in the garage roof etc. I cant drive into my garage because of the motorbikes and tools but it means its possible to drive under your roof box and lower it down making fitting easy.

Do you take it off when you get to your holiday destination or does it stay on for the duration? I guess storage can be a problem.

Also, how is it at speed - say 80-90? (Not that I ever go above 70, but a criminal mate of mine is interested).

ian_m · 01-08-2013, 04:22 AM

you can hire just as easy unless its going to be a regular thing

whatever decided, get one that opens both sides

BanziBarn · 01-08-2013, 04:55 AM

I'll probably use it a couple of times per year for the next few years - but I presume it will fit on the next car anyway.

I think the one in the pic above does indeed open on both sides

shortie · 01-08-2013, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanziBarn

I'll probably use it a couple of times per year for the next few years - but I presume it will fit on the next car anyway.

I think the one in the pic above does indeed open on both sides

Yes it does, opens both sides which make loading / unloading easier.

I just leave it on when im at my destination. As for if you change cars, all you need is the appropriate fitting kit for your roof bars, with the whispbars and the box they are universal.

shortie · 01-08-2013, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanziBarn

Do you take it off when you get to your holiday destination or does it stay on for the duration? I guess storage can be a problem.

Also, how is it at speed - say 80-90? (Not that I ever go above 70, but a criminal mate of mine is interested).

Yes mate it is fine at that speed, i tested on a private test track to make sure it was safe. lol

Just expect your usual mpg to drop by about 10% when you have it on the roof. No intrusive wind noise either

01-07-2013, 09:42 AM	#1
BanziBarn Lieutenant Colonel Drives: BMW 330D E90 LCI Msport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: London Posts: 1,695 iTrader: (0)	Thule Roof box - e90 - help choosing please. Hi! I'm aware there are plenty of threads on this but I'm still confused. I know that I'm going to get BMW bars and a Thule box, but I'm confused as to what box from the range would best suite an e90. I don't want to end up with one that's far too big, but conversely, I want to be able to be able to fit a decent amount of gubbins in it. Can anyone tell me what box would be best please? There seems to be loads! http://www.thule.com/en/GB/Products/...Carriers/Boxes Thanks very much! __________________ Black 330d E90 LCI M Sport Saloon Auto. Privacy Glass, Cream Leather, 6FL, I-Drive/Nav/Bluetooth, Alpine hifi upgrade.
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01-07-2013, 10:58 AM	#3
verysideways Grip estimator Drives: E91 330i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Gloucestershire Posts: 194 iTrader: (0)	Personally i prefer long boxes for the aerodynamics and therefore noise, the short wide boxes seem to be a good bit louder (and affect economy more). By the same token, consider what you will put in there. I always found a long thin box, way over towards my side of the car, was very easy to load and unload without a step ladder because i didn't have to reach to the middle of the car. It also meant i could put 2 bike carriers on the other side of the roof at the same time. But if you want to stick a suitcase up there then measure the suitcase first, choose the roofbox later __________________ '07 BMW E91 330i M Sport '04 Yamaha Waverunner FX HO '04 Porsche 996 turbo cab http://petrolheadnirvana.com

01-07-2013, 11:36 AM	#4
doughboy Major General Drives: E91 335i LCI Manual Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK Posts: 5,768 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2009 335i Tourer E91N [5.00]	Banzi, try here - much better choice and good advice, all brands too. www.roofbox.co.uk We have a Kamei 300litre long slim, brilliant, top quality, lightweight, double sided opening, gas struts the lot. http://www.roofbox.co.uk/roof-boxes/...roof-boxes.php __________________ JB4 15ohm - QUAIFE LSD - BIRDS B3 SUSPENSION - HARTGE ARBS - ETS FMIC - ER CHARGE PIPE - FORGE DVs- M3 FRONT ARMS & REAR SUBFRAME BUSHES - M3 STRUT BRACE - AR OCC - AFE DCI - BMWP SSK - RPI SCOOPS

01-07-2013, 01:02 PM	#6
Frobius Captain Drives: E91 330d M-Sport / E87 118d SE Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Huntingdon, UK Posts: 722 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 E91 330d M-Sport [0.00] 2006 E87 118d SE [0.00]	__________________ 57 Sapphire Black E91 330d M-Sport Privacy Glass // Leather // Heated Seats // Bluetooth // Blacklines // BMWP Gloss Black Grille // Alpine HiFi // LCI Headlights

01-07-2013, 03:33 PM	#10
verysideways Grip estimator Drives: E91 330i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Gloucestershire Posts: 194 iTrader: (0)	Shortie, not sure your car is clean enough, could you try harder please? __________________ '07 BMW E91 330i M Sport '04 Yamaha Waverunner FX HO '04 Porsche 996 turbo cab http://petrolheadnirvana.com

01-07-2013, 09:57 AM	#2
twpenick New Member Drives: 2008 328i Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 17 iTrader: (0)	I am also very interested in this. I plan to do the same thing this spring.

01-07-2013, 01:20 PM	#7
Z3man New Member Drives: E90 320D 163BHP Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Teesside Posts: 14 iTrader: (0)	I use the Thule Ranger 90 foldable roofbox on my E90, i mainly have that one because i have nowhere to store a proper box and they fold up quite small and then i can just stick it in the wardrobe, but i actually think they are quite good because with the top cover being made of like a rubber coated material it is very flexible which is handy if you load is uneven or if you have any odd shaped items. I have two of these, one is fully boxed brand new and unused which is for sale if anyone is interested.

01-07-2013, 04:48 PM	#13
BanziBarn Lieutenant Colonel Drives: BMW 330D E90 LCI Msport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: London Posts: 1,695 iTrader: (0)	Right, think that's what I'll get... Thanks for your help! Your car looks great - it's reminded me of what a black e90 looks like when it's clean..... I so badly need to wash mine! Oh, and do you need help fitting it? How heavy is it? __________________ Black 330d E90 LCI M Sport Saloon Auto. Privacy Glass, Cream Leather, 6FL, I-Drive/Nav/Bluetooth, Alpine hifi upgrade.

01-07-2013, 04:55 PM	#15
shortie Lieutenant Drives: BMW 320i M sport Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: West Midlands UK Posts: 558 iTrader: (0)	I got mine from here: http://www.roofbox.co.uk/roof-boxes/...FYXLtAodCAMAVg Great service, everything came next day and they offer an exchange scheme if your not happy with your purchase. They also supplied free lift straps when i got mine http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbv...7B~cC4ure5JbzB It means you can store it in the garage roof etc. I cant drive into my garage because of the motorbikes and tools but it means its possible to drive under your roof box and lower it down making fitting easy. __________________

01-08-2013, 04:22 AM	#19
ian_m Private Drives: e90 330 d Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: manchester Posts: 83 iTrader: (0)	you can hire just as easy unless its going to be a regular thing whatever decided, get one that opens both sides

01-08-2013, 04:55 AM	#20
BanziBarn Lieutenant Colonel Drives: BMW 330D E90 LCI Msport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: London Posts: 1,695 iTrader: (0)	I'll probably use it a couple of times per year for the next few years - but I presume it will fit on the next car anyway. I think the one in the pic above does indeed open on both sides __________________ Black 330d E90 LCI M Sport Saloon Auto. Privacy Glass, Cream Leather, 6FL, I-Drive/Nav/Bluetooth, Alpine hifi upgrade.

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