Recommended Hitch And Bike Carrier
Updated 08/25/2015 | Published 08/24/2015
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
There is an expert answer on your website that indicates that the Hollywood Racks Over-The-Top Bike Carrier part # HRF2 has been confirmed to fit a 2006 BMW X3. However, elsewhere the site indicates that this is not a confirmed fit. Is this a confirmed fit or no? Thanks.
asked by: Tony
Expert Reply:
The Expert answer you are referring to is for a 2013 BMW X3. The Hollywood Racks Over-the-Top 2 Bike Rack, part # HRF2 will fit an X3 for the years 2013 and 2014.
It is not a fit per the manufacturer for a 2005 through 2011. Unfortunately we do not have a trunk-mount bike carrier that will fit the 2006 X3 except for the SeaSucker carriers. I've linked the selection confirmed to fit for you.
I recommend installing a trailer hitch and then a hitch-mounted bike carrier for your vehicle. The trailer hitch I recommend is the Draw-Tite, part # 75371. This is a Class lll hitch and it has a 2 inch receiver opening.
The bike rack I recommend is the Thule Helium Pro, part # TH9042PRO. This bike rack has a weight capacity of 37.5 lbs each for 2 bikes and weighs 19 lbs. The rack also features a locking hitch pin to secure the rack to the vehicle and a cable lock system that secures the bikes to the carrier.
If you are planning on carrying bikes with alternative frames like kids bikes or women's bikes I recommend using an adapter bar like part # 64005. This attaches between the seat post and the handlebar stem and allows the bike to be carried more level in the carrier while providing additional ground clearance. I have attached a product review video for this adapter bar.
