F80 - Options for carrying a bike

[Warnox]

Hello,

I'm considering purchasing an F80, my first M car, but I also need it to be practical. I've got an F31 (330d) currently; it's got plenty of room and (more importantly) I can put my bikes on the roof. This has led me down the path of bike-carrying options for the F80, but I can't decide which is the best option.

1. Drill holes and put in the bolts - Lots of people seem to have done this but I'm a bit skeptical about drilling into the carbon roof.
2. Use a roof rack from Sea Sucker (https://www.seasucker.com/collections/bike) - I can't find one that can mount a bike without taking the front wheel off.
3. Install a removable towbar/hitch - Lots of people did this too, but these are made for the F30 and fitting to the F80 requires some modifications.
4. Get an F80 with sunroof - Very hard to find.
5. Get a G81 in a few years - I still can't get used to that front grill, don't particularly like the digital dash and the car is huge.

I appreciate the "don't carry bikes on the F80" opinion, but each to their own.

Thanks for any input.

[The_Werm]

I know a bike fits inside with the seats folded once the front wheel is removed.

[NSX2M4]

Sea suckers probably the best option.

[jaylazy2020]

That’s the tree frog which is the Europe version of sea sucker.

Easily holds three bikes and is very easy and quick to mount

It’s almost worth seeing the look on the dads faces when you arrive to the park and they can’t figure out how it’s mounted on carbon roof!

[Warnox]

Thanks all, appreciate it.

[alex2364]

SeaSucker.

[wishbone]

I have a stealth hitch installed from the previous owner.

[jaylazy2020]

Originally Posted by wishbone

I have a stealth hitch installed from the previous owner.

Cool. Can you share some photos?

[wishbone]

Originally Posted by jaylazy2020

Cool. Can you share some photos?

Yes, will share when I get home later today.

Whomever did cut the heat shield so you’ll see that as a spoiler

[MethodRR]

I also have a stealth hitch (and love it). Unfortunately discontinued for the F80

[wishbone]

Originally Posted by jaylazy2020

Cool. Can you share some photos?

Here is a photo of it installed:



I didn't put the mounting bracket on as I have the m-performance OEM rear CF spoiler and you can see the fin might interfere. If i had the stock rear alpine white painted diffuser would be no issue.

You can also see where the heat shield is cut (same on both sides)

I've been debating removing the hitch as I am not using it. Now that it's discontinued though... makes me think twice. Want/ don't have inner debate occuring.

If you look real close you can see 2 professional zip ties mounting the OEM rear diffuser to the car as two of the mounting points were removed when the previous owner cut the heat shield. Not noticeable to me so am indifferent without the trim mounts.

[jaylazy2020]

Originally Posted by wishbone

Here is a photo of it installed:



I didn't put the mounting bracket on as I have the m-performance OEM rear CF spoiler and you can see the fin might interfere. If i had the stock rear alpine white painted diffuser would be no issue.

You can also see where the heat shield is cut (same on both sides)

I've been debating removing the hitch as I am not using it. Now that it's discontinued though... makes me think twice. Want/ don't have inner debate occuring.

If you look real close you can see 2 professional zip ties mounting the OEM rear diffuser to the car as two of the mounting points were removed when the previous owner cut the heat shield. Not noticeable to me so am indifferent without the trim mounts.

Looks neat. Would you have a picture of the tow bar installed?