Rear bike carrier

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Unfortunately there aren't many options available for the i3 but a few are listed in this old post. Not sure if any more options are available now, I haven't searched in a while. I just fold my rears seats down, put a tarp in to protect the interior then put my bike in, front first, with the front tire removed. My Salsa 29'er mountain bike actually fits in well with the passenger seat moved forward a bit.

http://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=366&hilit=Bike+carrier
 
This is what I like other than having the rear backing censers not turned off, but this could be as easy as BMW updating the i3 computer and using a BMW wiring harness.

This is the steel installed tow bar not the bike rack.


https://youtu.be/XdkFKHqrvYk
 
I bought this rack:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCLAZJC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
these straps to use at the top of the tailgate instead of the standard hooks (did not want to latch at the plastic spoiler):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BT6Q6M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and this suction cup lifter to re-engineer the top support:
https://www.harborfreight.com/dual-cup-suction-lifter-46134.html

I cut the suction cup handle in half, removed the top rubber pad, and used two pivoting hinges I had laying around to attach the handle halves on both sides of the top support arm so they can pivot and adjust to the curvature of the tailgate glass. This makes the whole rack very sturdy and fits well both our i3 and our Nissan Leaf.
 
I use the trailer hitch with a 1upUSA rack for my bike on the i3. Bike rides on there tight, no issues.
 
The hassle with anything attached to the rear is how it interacts with the PDC sensors, and potentially blocks the rear-view camera. While it is not enforced much in the USA, in other markets (say the UK), fitting a bike carrier on the back that might block either the lights or license plate would require an auxiliary light/number plate hanging off the back to provide unobstructed lights and proof of registration. That would also require fitting a wiring harness for their use. That could get very expensive. I did that on my ICE, but on my i3, I carry mine in the rear. Safer, and not open for damage or theft in the process.
 
I have had no great difficulty loading an adult road bike into the rear of the car with the seats folded and the parcel shelf removed.

Tried this with 2 different bikes. Once the bike is in, the front wheel twists into the footwell and there is then enough room to close the rear door.
 
rtanov said:
I bought this rack:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCLAZJC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
these straps to use at the top of the tailgate instead of the standard hooks (did not want to latch at the plastic spoiler):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BT6Q6M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and this suction cup lifter to re-engineer the top support:
https://www.harborfreight.com/dual-cup-suction-lifter-46134.html

I cut the suction cup handle in half, removed the top rubber pad, and used two pivoting hinges I had laying around to attach the handle halves on both sides of the top support arm so they can pivot and adjust to the curvature of the tailgate glass. This makes the whole rack very sturdy and fits well both our i3 and our Nissan Leaf.

@rtanov How has your custom solution held up over time? I'm looking to follow your set up if possible. Would you be able to explain in any detail what pivoting hinges you used? I'm not a super handy person, but my brother has the tools and this doesn't seem super complicated. I've got the materials in your links. I just need to understand how to attach the suction cups to the Saris rack.

Many thanks!
 
chadrandom said:
rtanov said:
I bought this rack:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCLAZJC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
these straps to use at the top of the tailgate instead of the standard hooks (did not want to latch at the plastic spoiler):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BT6Q6M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and this suction cup lifter to re-engineer the top support:
https://www.harborfreight.com/dual-cup-suction-lifter-46134.html

I cut the suction cup handle in half, removed the top rubber pad, and used two pivoting hinges I had laying around to attach the handle halves on both sides of the top support arm so they can pivot and adjust to the curvature of the tailgate glass. This makes the whole rack very sturdy and fits well both our i3 and our Nissan Leaf.

@rtanov How has your custom solution held up over time? I'm looking to follow your set up if possible. Would you be able to explain in any detail what pivoting hinges you used? I'm not a super handy person, but my brother has the tools and this doesn't seem super complicated. I've got the materials in your links. I just need to understand how to attach the suction cups to the Saris rack.

Many thanks!
It holds pretty well - no problems.

That hinge is the tricky part - I've no idea where it came from, found it in my workshop. Only thing I can think is snap a closeup and let you figure it out. However, you would need a hinge that pivots around both axes to be able to fit the suction cups to the glass and engage them. The hinge reads "SMC" which I googled and got to a company that sells such things - maybe you can find something similar among their products.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/PQNYEFne2r6vXkSV6

I think I've posted the pictures of my rack before but here are they again:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/RLqgGBDbn1FME3JB7
 
[/quote]
It holds pretty well - no problems.

That hinge is the tricky part - I've no idea where it came from, found it in my workshop. Only thing I can think is snap a closeup and let you figure it out. However, you would need a hinge that pivots around both axes to be able to fit the suction cups to the glass and engage them. The hinge reads "SMC" which I googled and got to a company that sells such things - maybe you can find something similar among their products.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/PQNYEFne2r6vXkSV6

I think I've posted the pictures of my rack before but here are they again:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/RLqgGBDbn1FME3JB7
[/quote]

Do you think the suction cups are really necessary? I haven't seen any reports of people breaking their glass panel, so I'm tempted to try the rack as is (with the foam roll anchors of course).
 
Only thing I'd be worried about is the stress on the back tailgate from the straps, mounts, etc., which is all glass, apparently sensitive to stress-fracture, and expensive to replace - as the entire tailgate assembly is only available as one complete piece including the back window glass. I think I've seen about $3 grand posted for the repair. :shock:
 
If you only need to transport one bike, it's quite possible to carry one inside the car with the seats folded down. Handlebars first, and the front wheel drops into the footwell.
 
Double posting from the other thread on the same topic.
Any thoughts anyone can share about this setup:
https://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=73390#p73390
 
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