[jaynemc]

Sometimes need to carry ladders around so it would be really useful to have a pair of roof bars to fit to my 130i (E87).

Don't want something that's going to create a lot of wind noise.

There are lots on ebay but obviously some much better than others - can anybody recommend some that are good at not creating excess wind noise.

Many thanks.

 

[DC11]

I've always found Thule Aero bars to be good.

The key is to ensure you have the rubber channel inserts fitted. Otherwise it's like listening to a bad Sounds of the Pan Pipes album.

 

[jaynemc]

Many thanks DC11. I've always bought pretty cheap roof bars in the past to go on my diesel vans - it really didn't matter what wind noise they created as you certainly weren't able to hear anything much above the clatter of a very basic diesel van engine,

This time with the car I thought I'd do the job right. i guess any bars with the word 'aero' in the name are a good start. The Thule aero roof bars I seel to be finding are a bit pricey. There's a few used sets of BMW bars on ebay at reasonable prices - I wonder what they are like for wind noise.

 

[itsonlymebob]

We have used Atera roof bars for the past few years when we go skiing, very good for price, quite quiet until you get to 50-55 mph, handle the weight with no problem

 

[trixie]

Thule Wingbars are brilliant - have them on our 1er and 3er and very rarely notice a sound from them.

 

[jaynemc]

Thanks for the suggestions. I only need roof bars on occasionally but I can see that they will probably stay on most of the time as I'll think its just too much faf taking them off and then putting them on again! So they do need to be quiet as I travel weekly on the M1. Like the write up on the Thule Wing Bar on Halfords site ......
Thule Wing Bar 962

The Thule Wing Bar 962 is Thule's next generation of load bar. A textured surface reduces wind noise during travel and with the new trail edge, aerodynamic drag is cut and so your fuel will go further.

Thule WingBar generates 90% less sound energy compared to Thule AeroBar
Design registration of profile trailing edge using sharp corner to promote clean air release. This design helps to reduce wind drag and improve fuel economy
Easy fixation of accessories through top T-track and innovative end plug
Excellent Aerodynamic properties, drag force is reduced with 55% vs. Thule AeroBar
Smoothly curved Aerodynamic profile for best appearance

 

[Tooks]

My wife has a set of Atera aero bars and they're pretty quiet as long as you have the rubber pieces in the t track groove.

I'm looking at a set of these for mine, supposed to be class leading for quietness, and they also have a self closing t track groove which means you don't have to faff about pressing the rubber bits back in to the grooves if you've carried a bike or something but are leaving the bars on.

Bit cheaper than the Thule wing bars too, and I think they do a non through bar version with no overhang over the foot, if you wanted something neater if you're leaving it on the car. Should still be wide enough for ladders too.

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rb...5zqBAFX3tLv8zm0xrFqdnGCZPo40_T,`m,CGKI8cKlZcF

 

[jaynemc]

Many thanks for the link Tooks. Just had a look - must admit they do look good as far as roof bars go and wouldn't prove much of an eye sore if I just left them on the car.

Am directing finances to a new full set of standard tyres + wheel refurbs all 4 corners at the mo which is adding up so can't decide how much I want to spend on roof bars for very occasional use.

There's plenty of 2nd hand BMW sets on ebay for cheap money. They would do the job and then if they prove noisey I'd just have to take them off + throw them in the shed until the next time I needed them.

Ahhh decisions decisions ......

Might post in the Wanted section + see what it throws up. Just bagged an unused space saver + cover + jack from a local chap after a post in there.