Best Bike Rack for a BMW 3 Series?

Published 08/02/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Saris Bones Hitch Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(312)

$263.50

Hitch Tite Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock for Saris Bike Racks with 1-1/4" and 2" Shanks

(77)

$39.99

Saris Bike Beam Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(64)

$51.22

Saris Bones Hitch Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(312)

$259.99

Saris Cable Lock - 8' Long

(28)

$44.99

Question:

Would a Saris Bones Hitch 3 Bike Rack work to hold 2 bikes on a BMW 3 series with a Curt hitch? What else would be recommended?

asked by: Sam

Expert Reply:

The Saris Bones Hitch 3 Bike Rack, Part # SA883, is an good choice for the BMW 3-Series. It is capable of holding less than 3 bikes. Given that the BMW 3-Series only has Class I hitches, if you go this route, I would recommend keeping the bikes in the closest two positions to the rack to decrease the amount of stress put on the shank of the rack. A third bike will cause leverage to be applied to the shank and make it bend, damaging the rack.

If you'd rather not take the risk, I'd recommend the Saris Bones Hitch 2-Bike Rack, Part # SA882. It is in the same style and shaping as the 3-Bike version.

In addition to your rack, I strongly recommend adding the Saris Anti-Rattle Hitch, part # SA3022 and 8' Cable Lock, part # SA981 to your purchase. This will improve the rack's ride by reducing its rattle and sway, protect the rack itself from being stolen, and allow for increased security for your bikes by chaining them together.

If you have a women's, child or "aggressive" (BMX or mountain bike) framed bike, you'll also want to look at purchasing a Saris Bike Beam Adapter Bar, part # SA3040, to help keep your bikes level and prevent accidental ground contact.

I've included a review that shows the 2-bike version in action so you can get an appreciation for how this rack stands out.