Upgrade Xeon Lights and Bike Rack

[subsilver]

Well guys and gals, I ended up buying a NEW 325i. Love it so far!!! Pics soon, i promise.
Question: does anyone know if it's possible to put xeon light bulbs in the standard light package for this car? if so where can i get the bulbs? how to install?

One more thing, any of you have a bike rack for the trunk? I'm looking for one that can hold two bikes and uses straps.

 

[Tom]

Congrats subsilver and welcome aboard.

You can definately get aftermarket HIDs.
http://www.supremepowerparts.com

 

[subsilver]

Any particular type? I heard that you have to be careful with some of these because they get too hot for the casing?

 

[Tom]

I think thats normally the case when you use higher wattage bulbs. HID lights burn much cooler than regular bulbs so you shouldn't have that problem.

 

[MrElussive]

No, sir! Only Halogen Xenon Imitation bulbs get very hot....sometimes they melt the wiring harness of the headlights. But true High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) lights run much cooler and use much less energy, so you won't have that problem.

 

[subsilver]

Bad @$$... anyone suggest a brand/type???? Can I install them?

 

[SFCA-325i]

Better hurry

if you are hoping to buy an aftermarket HID kit. There is a rumor flying around that the NHTSA will step up enforcement of non-DOT certified aftermarket HID kits.

You might be interested in reading this link

 

[abzotech]

bike rack

This recommendation may be too much. But if you own high-end bicycles I recommend a roof rack instead of a trunk rack. It will not render your trunk inaccessible, block your taillights, hold your bikes securely, and not put too much pressure on your precious paint.

I have a Thule bike roof rack on my new 325i. It's specially made for our new 3 series, and it mounts directly onto a fixed point on the roof.

I'm not certain if you are aware of this. But your roof has a small anchorage door on your roof. This is where this rack mounts directly on... Check page 114 of your owner’s manual. No need to latch the rack on your door opening like most traditional roof rack systems.

The part number for the rack is 100753. It has a key lock included to deter theft. I also got a fairing spoiler (part# 100871) for it to minimize wind noise, plus to me it looks very kool. Paid $223 for the rack and spoiler. You will also need a bike tray, $99 each. Thule has nice bike trays with optional locks. The locking mechanism binds your bike fork on the tray securely. The entire system can be easily installed & uninstalled, and rack can accommodate skis, snowboards, surfboards, etc.

Attached is my picture of my car with the roof rack. Not a good picture, and I hope it will give you a good idea what it looks like.

 

[BMWCA]

abzotech...anyway of posting a closeup pic of the rack system? I have the BMW base rack for my E46 and I hate the whistling sound when I have the sunroof open. I would like to see how the faring looks. I'm just wondering if I can put a Thule faring on the BMW rack.

Subsilver...if you get a trunk mounted rack, it is difficult to carry dual suspension bikes. It can be done but you need to buy an attachment. Roof is the way to go (abit more $$$ tho), but hen you can carry skis, boards, cargo box if needed.

 

[subsilver]

Well, I thought about that, but i'm not that big of a biker. I only have single suspension too. about the roof rack... i'm concerned that the little use i would get from it would take away from that bad@$$ look. Does the roof rack come on and off?

Also guys... type/brand suggestions for the lights?


Thanks,
sub

 

[BMWCA]

Takes about 5 minutes to put the rack on, same to take off.

I love the way it looks when it is on. Shows people that these lux sports cars are versatile and you can take them almost everywhere.

 

[abzotech]

Bike Rack

I'll post better pics of my bike rack this weekend. I need to barrow a digi camera to do so.

I second BMWCA's comments regarding how quickly it is to install and uninstall the roof rack. Once you get familiar with it, it is very simple.

You still get wind noise with the fairing, but it does minimize the noise level. The BMW rack looks almost if not identical to the Thule rack. Thule offers a square bar, and a new aero style bar for the rack. I have the square bar only because it's black and it looks better on my black car...pardon my vanity. The aero bar is identical looking to what BMW offers. So I'm almost certain Thule has a fairing for your BMW rack. Here in Seattle we have a few sports rack distributors like "Sports Rack", and "A Rack Attack". You might want to consult with your local Thule distributor.

As an avid cyclist and downhill skier. I personally think the roof rack looks very sporty.

 

[mallards]

welcome and congrats

Ben

 

[LIMSS]

Dilemma: Which bike rack to get - BMW vs Thule vs Yakima

I own a new 525i and struggling to decide which bike rack to get.

Vote for BMW Brand
==============
Some of my friends tell me to buy the BMW branded because it will not scratch the pain and the easiest to install because it fits directly into the socket on the roof.

Vote for Thule Brand
===============
Thule seemed to be versatile and even has a special BMW roof kit. The BMW branded version for the new 2004 525i looks similar to the Thule in that it not only plug into the socket but also include an extension to the side of the window.

Vote for Yakima Brand
================
Most people I see around Orange County here in California seem to favor Yakima and there are more Yakima dealer here. Also it seems that Yakima and THule also have interchangeable part.

All of this is very confusing to me.... it is too similar and I do not want to damage my 525i. What do you think I should do?

 

[Tom]

I have the Thule rack and it fits on my M3 just fine.