E46 Roof Rack

[Jersey_M3]

New to the roof rack game. I own a 2002 M3 and a 2004 330xi. Is there mechanism the same for both? I’d like to get one roof rack and change them from car to car. I’d like to carry kayaks, an external storage compartment, and race tires for the m3.

Also, is there a general consensus as to which one is best?

[Titaniu//M]

Your primary options are basically the OE bars (82710142220), or the Thule system. Both systems bolt into the stock mounting points on your roof. Both have also been discontinued and are difficult to find. Deals pop up on craigslist, or on eBay from time to time. I drove from Boston to DC with a loaded Thule Sidekick on my M3 and the OE bars held up just fine.

And yes, the E46 bars are the same across both the normal 3-series and M3 so the same bars should fit your M3 and 330xi.

[Derek //M]

Here is my set up. The previous owner custom made some carriers for his track wheels and included them for me. What do they go for nowadays? May sell in the future