Cycle rack for an SLK.

ARoosterinaRoadster

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Hi to you all out there. A few years ago I searched for and discovered an absolutely amazing cycle rack that was intended for my - now sold - 2002 BMW 325Ci Convertible Auto.

It was/is a SARIS Bones 2 with a 2 bike capacity;the Saris 1 & Saris 3 were both unsuitable.
Not wanting to end-up searching for and buying another I got it out and blow me down after a very minor adjustments of the two straps that fit onto the forward edge of the boot lid it will do the job admirably.
There are six straps arranged in a harness that secure the rack by hooking onto the forward edge of the boot/trunk lid,the sides and the lower edge and large soft pads for protecting the paintwork.

A suitable registration plate will be displayed for legal purposes.

As with the BMW 325Ci where the hood goes into the boot space/dedicated 'Hood Box' the SLK will require the rack to be removed before the Vario roof can be operated for either situation.

The rack is an American made product and is constructed in both recyclable plastic (Grey) and machined Aluminium.
The system is really quite unique and with a wide range of potential positions that will adjust to suit a wide range of cars it is a must and will very very easily fold down and go back into the box that it came in.

I have attached images of the rack fitted onto the rear of the BMW 325Ci Convertible and will take some of the SLK shortly.

DSCF4220.JPG DSCF4219.JPG DSCF4221.JPG
 
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ARoosterinaRoadster

ARoosterinaRoadster

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That wouldn’t be going anywhere near our 172, but each to their own :shock:

Hi vt. Why would it not "go near your SLK 172 ?

It still has a boot lid that is flat'ish and actually they have a more acceptable rear bumper surface than the little cousin (SLK 230/SLK 320) have and the retainer straps will still hook under the edges.
 

vtaylor78

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Sorry buddy, you misunderstood me.
I wouldn’t want it anywhere near our 172.:)
 
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ARoosterinaRoadster

ARoosterinaRoadster

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Sorry buddy, you misunderstood me.
I wouldn’t want it anywhere near our 172.:)

Hi vt. I did not misunderstand anything. You did not make it clear that you have an aversion to hanging anything on the body/chassis of your SLK R170.

Is that coupled with not actually riding or owning a bike !!

In my case I am 73yrs young and can and still do enjoy riding in/on both forms of transport.
 

vtaylor78

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A couple of overnight bags will suffice for us, yes I do own a bicycle.
 

Blobcat

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You could do with a full light board to maintain legality.

I wouldn’t hang a carrier off my R171 but then I’m fortunate in having a 110 Landy which I can chuck them inside, on the roof rack or if I need a lot in the trailer.

Your option is a good one for 1 car although security can be an issue if you have to leave it anywhere :(
 
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ARoosterinaRoadster

ARoosterinaRoadster

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You could do with a full light board to maintain legality.

I wouldn’t hang a carrier off my R171 but then I’m fortunate in having a 110 Landy which I can chuck them inside, on the roof rack or if I need a lot in the trailer.

Your option is a good one for 1 car although security can be an issue if you have to leave it anywhere :(

Hi Bc. Yes-I am aware of the lighting board requirement and if security was a potential risk then I could use my BMW 330i Touring Automatic leaving the bike covered over with a large blanket/duvet.
The touring has privacy windows and the bike will lie flat on the load deck. HTC One M8 12-11-18 2246.jpg
 

vtaylor78

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Hi Bc. Yes-I am aware of the lighting board requirement and if security was a potential risk then I could use my BMW 330i Touring Automatic leaving the bike covered over with a large blanket/duvet.
The touring has privacy windows and the bike will lie flat on the load deck. View attachment 50253

That’s a more appropriate vehicle to transport your bicycle.
 

LostKiwi

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The problem with a bike rack on an SLK (or SL for that matter) is that the hinge mechanisms and boot lid were never intended to take the strains of a bike rack mounted to it. There is a very considerable aerodynamic drag from the bike (our E240 dropped 8mpg just from a bike carrier being mounted on it).
 

vtaylor78

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The problem with a bike rack on an SLK (or SL for that matter) is that the hinge mechanisms and boot lid were never intended to take the strains of a bike rack mounted to it. There is a very considerable aerodynamic drag from the bike (our E240 dropped 8mpg just from a bike carrier being mounted on it).

Maybe you could counteract the Drag by also fitting a roof rack :D:D:D
Never knew the SLK could be turned into an SUV. :eek:
 

Blobcat

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Maybe you could counteract the Drag by also fitting a roof rack :D:D:D
Never knew the SLK could be turned into an SUV. :eek:
You've seen the GLC and GLE Coupe's, only a matter of time before they make a SUV convertibubble... :rolleyes:
 


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