For cycling enthusiasts who own a BMW 3 Series, transporting bikes can sometimes be a challenge. While BMW offers roof racks, many owners find them aesthetically disruptive. Trunk-mounted racks are another option, but the potential for paint damage is a significant drawback. For those seeking a robust, paint-free, and easily removable solution, a hitch receiver and hitch-mounted bike rack combination emerges as the ideal choice.
After considering various options for transporting my bikes with my BMW 3 Series, I decided to install a 1-1/4 inch receiver hitch. I frequently ride my bike, making a reliable and convenient transport system a worthwhile investment. The BMW roof rack system, while functional, altered the car’s sleek profile too much for my liking. Trunk-mounted racks, like those from Saris, were dismissed due to concerns about them rubbing against and potentially scratching the car’s paint.
This led me to the conclusion that a hitch receiver combined with a hitch-mounted rack was the superior solution. This setup provides a stable and secure platform for bike transport without any contact with the vehicle’s paintwork. The beauty of a hitch-mounted system is its ease of use; attaching or detaching the rack takes less than a minute – quicker than many trunk-mounted alternatives.
I entrusted Master Hitch with the installation, and their expertise proved invaluable. Having used them for hitch installations on five previous vehicles, including several Audi A4s, I knew I was in capable hands. While the aftermarket offers numerous car-specific hitches, the standard Curt hitch designed for the BMW 325 was engineered primarily for the 325xi, the all-wheel-drive model. It turns out that the bumper configuration on the 325i (the two-wheel-drive version) differs slightly, rendering the off-the-shelf Curt hitch incompatible without modifications.
Fortunately, Master Hitch demonstrated their skill and adaptability by modifying the Curt hitch to perfectly fit my 325i. For a reasonable labor fee of around $170 (including tax), they expertly adjusted the hitch, ensuring a seamless and secure fit on my vehicle. This customization highlights the importance of choosing experienced professionals for specialized installations like this.
For the bike rack itself, I opted for the Yakima Double-Down, a reliable and user-friendly hitch-mounted rack that retails for approximately $200. To minimize costs, I sourced the Curt hitch online via eBay, securing it for under $200, compared to its typical retail price of around $300.
In total, this complete bike transport solution, encompassing the modified Curt hitch, Master Hitch’s installation labor, and the Yakima Double-Down rack, amounted to approximately $550. This investment has proven to be well worth it, providing a secure, convenient, and paint-safe method for transporting my bikes with my BMW 3 Series, allowing me to easily pursue my cycling passion.
