Best Way to Carry 2 Electra Bikes on a 2004 BMW 325Ci Convertible to Avoid Scratches

Question

Question:

We need the appropriate bike rack for our 2004 BMW 325Ci convertible, the car is in prime condition so we dont want to scratch her. Fitting 2 beach cruisers on the back of any of our cars has been a challenge. Looking for an easy solution that will work for the BMW convertible mounting two Electra Beach cruisers. And do you have a video that shows how to install one on a sedan type car, all I see are the ones mounted on smaller SUVs. I am attaching pics of our bikes cause im not sure if its the top bar or lower one that is to fit in the opening. Yeaa Im 66 and female so color me inexperienced when it comes to bike racks and bikes ! Thanks in advance !!

asked by: Sherri

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Thank you for the pictures of the bikes! It always helps to know exactly what the bikes look like that are being discussed.

Although the Saris Bones 2 Bike Carrier # SA805BL is a cost-effective option that has received great reviews from our customers, if you are trying to stay away from solutions that could potentially put scratches on your 2004 BMW 325Ci convertible then I recommend going with a hitch mounted bike rack.

Not that the Saris Bones (or any of our trunk mount bike racks) will necessarily put scratches on your vehicle themselves, but if you were to install the bike rack and there was a small rock that landed between the feet and surface area of your vehicle then it could scratch the vehicle. A hitch mounted bike rack wouldn't even be making contact with the vehicle so it is the best way to go to keep your car in its prime condition.

I recommend installing the Curt Trailer Hitch # C11178 and then using the Kuat Beta # B202-114. This gives you a solution that is easily transferred between vehicles that have a trailer hitch. This bike rack comes with a 1-1/4" shank but you can add the adapter # D101 if your sedan has a 2" trailer hitch receiver.

Since the top tube of the bike is what sits on the arms we typically recommend using an adapter like part # UB01 to help the bikes sit level. The great thing about the Beta is that the arms are only 8" apart on center which greatly reduces the need for an adapter bar. If you wanted to add some security to this bike rack then you would need part # e98891 for your bikes and part # HL1 for a 1-1/4" receiver or part # HL2 for a 2" receiver.

If you would like to go with the Kuat Beta but your sedan doesn't have a trailer hitch just let me know and I can make a recommendation. Otherwise if you would rather stick with the Saris Bones I would still need to know the year/make/model to ensure that the Saris Bones is a fit. Attached are some review videos including one of the 3-bike Saris Bones on a sedan for you to check out.