Seasucker vaccum mounted roof rack

[Bonovox]

Some people have commented on difficulty fitting roof rack with carbon fiber. I bought one of these Seasucker vacuum mounted roof racks last year and it works really well!

The website even has a clip of Richard Petty with a bike on his stock car doing 130mph. Check it out:

http://www.seasucker.com

[consolidated]

I've been using a Seasucker for a while, no issues even with chunky 29'ers. Definitely a leap of faith trusting your beloved car and bike to a suction cup and spit.

[signes]

Originally Posted by consolidated

I've been using a Seasucker for a while, no issues even with chunky 29'ers. Definitely a leap of faith trusting your beloved car and bike to a suction cup and spit.

:

[mkoesel]

This sounds innovative but I wonder if there is anything to be concerned about at far as using it with CF?

I also wonder if - along the lines of consolidated's comments - that from a comfort-level perspective, this type of solution might be a distraction. I'm planning to purchase a Felt IA later this spring and am not eager to experiment with a non-traditional mounting solution even though, like I say, I respect the innovation.

Thanks for posting this either way. I'll do some more research.

[consolidated]

With a 15 pounds roadbike it wasn't too distracting but with a large mountain bike it would sway a little and the rear wheel weight would pop the metal roof on my M3 so it had to be mounted close to the side rails. The front cups were very very solid mounted to the windshield. I wouldn't use it as a daily solution however, the cups have a fine lip that must be protected when not on the car. If that lip gets pinched or creased it will leak air very slowly until the rubber takes it's shape again.

[minus9]

I've been debating what I am going to do, but I may just end up using a Saris Bones rack off the trunk. I've used roof racks before and still have some that would mount to square bars, but I think that with the M3 I'll refrain from installing one.

I have about 20 bikes that range in size and type. Has anyone seen what the OEM roof mounts are like? Are they the standard ones the F30 would use?

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by minus9

Has anyone seen what the OEM roof mounts are like? Are they the standard ones the F30 would use?

See other threads - there are no mounts on the CF roof, unlike with the E92. That is the dilemma.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Bonovox

Some people have commented on difficulty fitting roof rack with carbon fiber. I bought one of these Seasucker vacuum mounted roof racks last year and it works really well!

The website even has a clip of Richard Petty with a bike on his stock car doing 130mph. Check it out:

I would be concerned about the cups leaving abrasion marks in the clearcoat.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by minus9

I have about 20 bikes that range in size and type. Has anyone seen what the OEM roof mounts are like? Are they the standard ones the F30 would use?

If you are talking about an F80/F82 with the sunroof option, then yes, the OEM bars would be the same part as for the respective F30/F32.

[Bonovox]

You definitely have to go through a process of building trust in it. Doing independent research helps. The first couple times I put my Look 595 on my M5 using the Seasucker Talon were stressful to say the least, not to mention having to keep the speed under ~80mph

But it works great. After you use it a few times and after you learn how to position it optimally and lock it down, its worry free. I used it all last year, especially during cyclocross season (didn't want to put muddy bike in trunk). I even drove from Boston to Chicago no problem.

The first thing you'll notice when you get one is how well made and well designed it is (like a BMW!). Nice thing about the Sea Sucker is that you can use it on any car in the stable...and you won't need a new rack when you trade your car in. It weighs just a few pounds so you can take it with you when travelling to use on a rental car and, when you're not using it, you can just put it in a shoe bag and store it in the trunk!

BTW these things were developed for marine applications for use on fiberglass and carbon fiber. It left no marks on the finish of my M5 that you couldn't just wipe off. No guarantees about the clear coat on CF, but I sincerely doubt it would damage it.

[cougs99163]

Forgive my ignorance, but isn't there a layer of clear coat over the paint/cf, if so is this thing just clinging to that? So theoretically it could come off if the paint/clear coat gives?

[stressdoc]

This looks like the ticket for me, the model with double feet/suckers up front seems sufficient for a couple windsurfers.

It would be super helpful for BMW to give this system a test for CF roofs.

[JustChris]

I'd be worried about this for bikes but I guess we're talking skiis and boards though.

[stressdoc]

Hopefully this is all moot -- Southlight reports that Dealers will be able to install the mounting bolts in the empty slots.

[Bonovox]

This works well! The matching colors are just a coincidence

3rd day with this car. Just amazing!!

[Sir Loin]

Nice bike and rack! Bonovox, congrats on your new car!

Would you please click the link below to go to the options and packages survey thread and submit a survey entry to the survey? Thanks.

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=999667

[mkoesel]

Nice. Looks like you are the pioneer for others with CF roof.

Have you considered investigating the roof mount bolt retro-fit that southlight spoke of?

[rubber_ducky]

Nicely done OP.

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Nice. Looks like you are the pioneer for others with CF roof.

Have you considered investigating the roof mount bolt retro-fit that southlight spoke of?

I'm not sure that any factory option is available yet

[Bonovox]

Nah, I had the Seasucker from my previous car. Which is the beauty of it; can put it on any car. It goes on in 60 seconds. The whole thing only weighs 5 lbs, so you can even throw it in a carry on bag and put it in a rental.

There is a recommended top speed of 70 mph though.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by rubber_ducky

I'm not sure that any factory option is available yet

Neither am I, that's why I asked him if he looked into it.

Originally Posted by Bonovox

Nah, I had the Seasucker from my previous car. Which is the beauty of it; can put it on any car...

That is nice indeed. Enjoy it with the new M. Nice bike too, btw.

There is a recommended top speed of 70 mph though.

Yeah, that's a bit of a bummer. The recommended speed for the OEM rack on our JSW is a bit under 80mph, but I take it to 85mph often with no issues. I'd probably be a bit less likely to chance it with a suction mounted system. Of course, speed isn't the point here, but it's nice to be able to push it if you are running late to an event or something.

[consolidated]

Originally Posted by Bonovox

This works well! The matching colors are just a coincidence

3rd day with this car. Just amazing!!

Nice Colnago, looks damn good on your car! I like how minimal the rack is. I took mine over 100mph with a roadbike on top, only because I forgot it was up there. No issues.

[s4play]

Maybe I'm just not that adventurous of a risk-taker but why the heck would you risk this?

Call me old school or just thinking with a lawyer's mind but what would happen if that thing flew off on the highway? Forget damage to your car own/bike but I can imagine the lawsuit flying if you caused a major accident.

Don't you guys that have this kind of money to spend on a car, be able to afford a second car for bikes?