Help for mountain biker...

[edesilva]

I've got an '05 330Ci coming at the end of the month...

I'm a mtn biker, and there may be times I have to transport my bike and drive the car while I'm muddy. I typically use Yakima racks, but this is the first time I've gotta deal with a car that doesn't have any factory rails--i.e., the rack towers have to clip around the door frame. Anyone used a Yakima/Thule on their Ci? Any tips or recommendations to share?

I also want to get some kind of seat cover that I can store in the trunk in the event I do have to drive with while slimey or really sweaty or something. Something EZ on, EZ off would be great, but its gotta be waterproof, or nearly waterproof. Everything I find on the web seems like sheepskin, which ain't gonna do the trick.

Any other random tips I should think about right now while the car is brand spankin' new?

[Mach 5]

On the roof of your Ci there should be 4 flaps in the "Rain Gutter" (two on each side) if you flip these up you will see a place to attach the rack to the car via 2 bolts per foot. BMW sells a rack system that utilizes these attachment points. I believe Thule also sells a foot to fit this car. As for the seat cover I have seen some in pet stores to protect your interior from the evils of dog hair and pee, they are also designed to be installed for a short time so it should be easy on easy off. Good luck.
Ben

[VaderDave]

Another thing you might try is a set of Wet Okole seat covers; they are mostly made for Jeeps and other off-roaders. They are made of neoprene and I believe they are 100 percent waterproof. I don't know if they make them for BMWs.

Anyway, there are lots of options to keep your car pristine. Of course, the best option is probably to get a different car to carry you on your bike adventures, and keep the beemer pristine. I have a big bike rack on the back of my wife's Tahoe that I use to transport my bikes. That way her car gets all the grunge, and my 330CiC stays nice and shiny.