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      01-06-2019, 04:29 PM   #1
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One of the downside of owning this car was after I got it, I found out wasn't roof rack on market for it no even after mark brands etc. So the main use for my i3 if for work, to put my tools and materials if need it, for been small inside I won't be able to put a ladder of 6' inside so I manage to make something to be able to carry stuff that won't fit inside without damaging the roof and the esthetic of the car, so far works, so I'm no planing to leave the "cuberacks" on it just when I need it!!! [IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG]
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      01-06-2019, 04:40 PM   #2
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I had the same reaction when I went searching for a rack - disappointment. It seems that the only option is a Seasucker rack that uses suction cups that suck to the roof panel. I think a small ladder would work but you need to be checking the cups to make sure they are still stuck. Other option is a trailer hitch and rack that goes on the back. Maybe a modified bike or ski rack into the trailer hitch.

I saw a used Seasucker on Craigslist for about $150 a while back but missed the opportunity to get it.
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      01-06-2019, 04:54 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PBNB View Post
I had the same reaction when I went searching for a rack - disappointment. It seems that the only option is a Seasucker rack that uses suction cups that suck to the roof panel. I think a small ladder would work but you need to be checking the cups to make sure they are still stuck. Other option is a trailer hitch and rack that goes on the back. Maybe a modified bike or ski rack into the trailer hitch.

I saw a used Seasucker on Craigslist for about $150 a while back but missed the opportunity to get it.
Yeah I saw that but I'm no to confident with those suck thinks I drive a lot less I want to a ladder flying on the expressway jejeje
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      01-25-2019, 08:24 PM   #4
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A guy on the FB group somewhere in europe I believe had rails contoured to the roof and glued on with some special glue.

Then there is also this car that someone spotted for sale a long time ago but no one has details on it.
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      01-26-2019, 05:50 PM   #5
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A guy on the FB group somewhere in europe I believe had rails contoured to the roof and glued on with some special glue.
Beware that glued accessories may not go down well during lease-return inspection!

As far as roof racks go - those belong on other cars in your garage. The places where I want to drive with skis/surfboards/mountain bikes are usually way outside of the i3 comfort range.

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      01-30-2019, 10:42 AM   #6
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3M 5200 would provide sufficient bond to secure a roof rack mount. Provided you are carrying bikes or ladders and not sheets of plywood that would generate substantial lift you should be OK.
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      02-16-2019, 09:33 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by afadeev View Post
Beware that glued accessories may not go down well during lease-return inspection!

As far as roof racks go - those belong on other cars in your garage. The places where I want to drive with skis/surfboards/mountain bikes are usually way outside of the i3 comfort range.

a
Lease return? What?

The i3 has been out since 2013 in some countries, why would you assume the vehicle is leased? Hint: Its not.
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      02-17-2019, 11:33 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP View Post
Lease return? What?

The i3 has been out since 2013 in some countries, why would you assume the vehicle is leased?
Because 90+% of the i3's in US customers' hands are leased.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP View Post
Hint: Its not.
If it's yours - drill baby, drill!


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      03-01-2019, 12:50 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by afadeev View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP View Post
Lease return? What?

The i3 has been out since 2013 in some countries, why would you assume the vehicle is leased?
Because 90+% of the i3's in US customers' hands are leased.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP View Post
Hint: Its not.
If it's yours - drill baby, drill!


a
Quote:
Originally Posted by afadeev View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP View Post
Lease return? What?

The i3 has been out since 2013 in some countries, why would you assume the vehicle is leased?
Because 90+% of the i3's in US customers' hands are leased.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP View Post
Hint: Its not.
If it's yours - drill baby, drill!


a
Jejejeje drilllllllll it!!!!!
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      03-02-2019, 01:18 PM   #10
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There have been some reported cases of the gloss coat pealing of the roof. If you glue to the gloss coat, you may end up creating this problem on your car.

Check out this thread and watch the video where the coating is pealed off with a plastic credit card: http://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=5378

Drilling may be the most secure way of attaching a roof rack but the sealing of the holes might cause some other issues if not done 100%. Perhaps nutserts could be used to create the mounting points for the rack feet and with a good application of DOW sealant, this could work.

It seems that each rack option has its drawbacks.
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      03-03-2019, 11:06 AM   #11
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Roof rack

Quote:
Originally Posted by PBNB View Post
There have been some reported cases of the gloss coat pealing of the roof. If you glue to the gloss coat, you may end up creating this problem on your car.

Check out this thread and watch the video where the coating is pealed off with a plastic credit card: http://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=5378

Drilling may be the most secure way of attaching a roof rack but the sealing of the holes might cause some other issues if not done 100%. Perhaps nutserts could be used to create the mounting points for the rack feet and with a good application of DOW sealant, this could work.

It seems that each rack option has its drawbacks.
Might not be the best car choice for needs. No way would I drill or glue that roof. Even my Volt is big enough for a small ladder and tools. I do plan to lease trade out of it into an I3, but I'm not needing more than a good commuter. Might also add that a fold up aluminum ladder would fit inside.
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      03-03-2019, 11:45 AM   #12
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I have a folding ladder that folds up to 4 1/2 feet. I should try to stick it in the back. I also have an aluminum box that fits inside the back when the rear seats are folded so I can carry my tools for work. I don't want any spilling of oils and other dirt inside the car.

There was a video that BMW put out at Christmas time showing an i3 with a roof rack carrying a lit up tree on the roof. I wonder how they attached that? Maybe there are some BMW accessories coming for the i3??
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      03-21-2019, 09:28 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PBNB View Post
There have been some reported cases of the gloss coat pealing of the roof. If you glue to the gloss coat, you may end up creating this problem on your car.

Check out this thread and watch the video where the coating is pealed off with a plastic credit card: http://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=5378

Drilling may be the most secure way of attaching a roof rack but the sealing of the holes might cause some other issues if not done 100%. Perhaps nutserts could be used to create the mounting points for the rack feet and with a good application of DOW sealant, this could work.

It seems that each rack option has its drawbacks.
The video in the link you provided is from an M3, not an i3.
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      03-22-2019, 09:45 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP View Post
The video in the link you provided is from an M3, not an i3.
That video showed an extreme example of a similar roof. The problem has been occurring on the i3 cars as well. There is a thread on mybmwi3.com talks about this problem appearing as small bubbles under the clear coat to start then it gets worse.

It also appears like BMW is not accepting that this is a problem and putting the fault on the car owners that they did something to the finish causing this bubbling.
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      05-20-2019, 03:54 PM   #15
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Finally a roof rack to handle any task!

http://pics.tdiclub.com/showphoto.ph...f-rack&cat=500

Actually, this is for a film crew that mount cameras all over the car.

Last edited by PBNB; 05-20-2019 at 04:04 PM..
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      05-20-2019, 03:57 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PBNB View Post
Finally a roof rack to handle any task!

http://pics.tdiclub.com/showphoto.ph...ck&cat=500

Actually, this is car for a film crew that mount cameras all over the car.
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Finally a roof rack to handle any task!

http://pics.tdiclub.com/showphoto.ph...ck&cat=500

Actually, this is car for a film crew that mount cameras all over the car.

Jajajajaja Finally someone did it
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