B8 S4 Roof Rack base bars?

[voodooboy22]

I'm trying to haul 2 bikes on trips with me and have been trying to figure out the best way to do so with my S4. Based on what I've read here and on other forums, the 'mount over the hood with straps' style ones are out of the question, and a hitch-type style is something I don't want to use, if I can avoid it.

I've heard of people talk about Yakima and Thule roof-systems for the S4. Is there any reason why this (8K5071126) + this (8T0071128) shouldn't work?

Does anyone have any experience with these? Thanks!

[Black3.2]

I had the full THULE system on my B8 A4, i know it would be the exact same fitment on the S4. THULE has always worked for me and it is always easy to get replacement parts if you do something very stupid like pull into your garage with your road bike still attached (luckily just need new bars and a new seat post, allowed me to upgrade to a carbon fiber one)

[phillips2024]

Ive always liked yakima over thule (i use to sell/rep both) however after trying a yakima system on my q7 i will not buy a yak for an audi again. was an awful fitment. i recommend thule, or oem for the base bars; depending on price you want to spend. I would go thule for the bike rail..not what you linked; doesnt look at all supportive

[phillips2024]

(iphone pic) i photoshopped this b7 with a box and bike. just an idea im working on.

[t0mt0m]

thule makes oem for audi

www.rackattack.com for your needs
the front fearing is a MUST if your going to leave your rack on the car

on a side note, the fearing will flap around if you dont install it properly and even which is a pia
enjoy your mpg killer

[audibmi]

i would get the thule aeroblade crossbar to eliminate noise and need for a fairing and the 480r rapid traverse footpack and corresponding fit kit.


for bike mounts, i recommend the rocky mount euro pitch fork for the super clean mounting on the crossbars (no fussy straps or brackets, just slides into the rail c-channels). they come in many powdercoated colors too, but silver is best to match the thule bars.

[Taint Fair]

I have a complete Yakima rack system on my B8 S4. It fits great, is easy to install, and the fairing is at a good location when installed where suggested. I've always heard that Yak products were a little better, but I go Yak because it is a US company.

[phillips2024]

I have a complete Yakima rack system on my B8 S4. It fits great, is easy to install, and the fairing is at a good location when installed where suggested. I've always heard that Yak products were a little better, but I go Yak because it is a US company.

i think the yakima is a better product as well; its also cheaper and easier to use. The fairing (and system) IMO looks 1000x better. Yakima just failed HARD on the q7 application. Do you have pictures of it up on your car?

[voodooboy22]

i think the yakima is a better product as well; its also cheaper and easier to use. The fairing (and system) IMO looks 1000x better. Yakima just failed HARD on the q7 application. Do you have pictures of it up on your car?

Although I'm (currently) only looking at the Thule/Yakima site itself, neither seem particularly cheaper than the Audi OEM base rack + bike holders. They all end up in the high-300's to low-400's for the base system, with ~$150 for the bike bars.

[voodooboy22]

Also, why are the rear/hatch mounted bike racks considered a no-no?

[NeedQuattro]

+1 on the Thule rack system. Had it on my past two vehicles for carrying snowboards/skis and they're def. good. Regardless of what you get though expect lots of wind noise 60+ MPH, even with the fairing.

[wcoyne]

Also, why are the rear/hatch mounted bike racks considered a no-no?

I have the thule for the trunk and it works great. The only thought i have is getting rear ended by some jackass with my bike hanging off the back. I won't be hauling a bike much so i didn't want the roof rack

[Taint Fair]

i think the yakima is a better product as well; its also cheaper and easier to use. The fairing (and system) IMO looks 1000x better. Yakima just failed HARD on the q7 application. Do you have pictures of it up on your car?

Crappy pic from my iPhone. I actually don't think the wind noise is that bad at high speeds with the fairing if it's installed where yak says to install it. I keep the sunroof open at 80 mph regularly, but everyone has different experiences.

[Taint Fair]

A pic from the back.

[voodooboy22]

I have the thule for the trunk and it works great. The only thought i have is getting rear ended by some jackass with my bike hanging off the back. I won't be hauling a bike much so i didn't want the roof rack

Any paint/boot damage?

[MailmanOdd]

Sorry to revive an old thread. I just bought a Thule system and the fitguide recommended 53" Aerobars. Well, I got them and it seems like 53" is waaaay too wide. I mean, the bars stick out a good 6 inches on both sides of the car. What width do you guys have on your cars?

[Taint Fair]

Sorry to revive an old thread. I just bought a Thule system and the fitguide recommended 53" Aerobars. Well, I got them and it seems like 53" is waaaay too wide. I mean, the bars stick out a good 6 inches on both sides of the car. What width do you guys have on your cars?

I think those are the wrong size bars. I have the Yakima rack, but they call for 48" bars. I just snapped a couple pics with the phone so you could see how far they stick out. Hope this helps.

[MailmanOdd]

I think those are the wrong size bars. I have the Yakima rack, but they call for 48" bars. I just snapped a couple pics with the phone so you could see how far they stick out. Hope this helps.

Cool, that looks much better. I will put up a picture later when I get out of work but that definitely looks more reasonable. I wonder why both the Thule and Rackattack websites recommend the 53" Aerobar.

[MailmanOdd]

so I heard back from Rackattack and they said that the 53" in the one that is required for the B8 S4. They offer a 47" Aerobar but the guy from Rackattack seems to think it will be too short. Interesting...

[SASKCHAUCH]

I think the 53" would stick out way too far, maybe they can be cut down or something.

[ProJect_*A4*]

If anyone is looking to sell their rack PM me.

[NeedQuattro]

Looking to use my 47" Aero load bars from my last car and get the 480R foot packs. Both Thule and Rackattack claim the 47" bars are too narrow for our cars. Can anyone confirm this?

[MailmanOdd]

I have the 53" and they are really way too long. I think they would probably be perfect. I want to cut my 53" down because they look RETARDED.

[well_armed]

Use a pipe cutter to cut then down to custom length. Super easy.

[staticuxo]

i always went OEM. i had it on my B7 S4 and B8 S5.. until i saw yakima whispbars... virtually NO noise and VERY low to the roof with flush ends. it looks and performs MUCH better than OEM, IMHO.

my S4:








my previous S5:











my B7 S4:

[Tweakophyte]

How are you liking your whispbars? I am in the market for a rack. Whispbars are supposed to be quieter than the Thule aerobars.

Has anyone purchased the HD bar version? I like the thought of the additional utility, but wonder if it is louder than the flush and through versions.

[fidelcashflo]

Can anyone confirm that the 47 inch Thule Aeroblades definitely dont fit on a B8 A4?

[breyton490]

How does everyone protect the paint on the roof where the roof rack pads mount? I would expect salt, sand, dirt to work its way under the pads and slowly scratch up the paint.

[Creatre]

How does everyone protect the paint on the roof where the roof rack pads mount? I would expect salt, sand, dirt to work its way under the pads and slowly scratch up the paint.

I've never had any issues with dirt getting under the pads. They are super tight. Nice wash afterwards and you can't tell they were even there. Worst case, it'll be nothing a little polish can't take care of. You'll probably get more issues from just routinely driving and washing your car on other body panels.

[fonseca_q5]

How does everyone protect the paint on the roof where the roof rack pads mount? I would expect salt, sand, dirt to work its way under the pads and slowly scratch up the paint.

I use clear bra patches under my feet. When I remove the rack at the end of the season I peel off the clear bra.

[fonseca_q5]

Can anyone confirm that the 47 inch Thule Aeroblades definitely dont fit on a B8 A4?

I purchased the recommended 53" bars but they were too big so I cut 2" off each side making them 49". I could still cut another inch off each side if I wanted to so I would think the 47" bars would work. I'll try to post a picture of my setup later.