Which Malone Aero Roof Rack Should I Install Onto My 2007 BMW X3 With Factory Side Rails?

Updated 04/14/2021 | Published 04/12/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 58" Long - Silver

(1702)

$233.95

Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 50" Long - Silver

(1702)

$224.95

Question:

I have a 2007 BMW X3 E83 body with factory side rails and am interested in the Malone Aero Bars. Im having trouble finding dimensions of my car online. Will both the 50inch vs. 58inch bars fit the factory rails, and will the excess length of the 58inch bars possibly go beyond the width of the roof itself and potentially be hazardous? I think Id like some overhang outside the towers to work with to potentially mount an awning of some sort in the future. Do the bars have to be centered in the towers?

asked by: David S

Expert Reply:

Both the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars 50" # MPG215 and 58" # MPG216 will fit your 2007 BMW X3 with factory side rails. The 58" bars could extend slightly beyond the width of the roof itself, but it will be minimal and will not be enough for it to be hazardous. My research shows that the total width of your vehicle is 73", but you will want to measure the width of your roof if you would like to know exactly how much crossbar overhang there will be.

Since you are thinking about mounting an awning in the future, I recommend going with the longer 58" crossbars so that you have the excess room. The towers come pre-attached to the bars so all you have to do is install the complete setup onto the side rails. As seen in the video I attached for you, the crossbar spread must be the same on each side; in other words, you will want to measure and make sure you have the same distance between the crossbars on both sides of your roof.

expert reply by: Andrew N