lazybeans

is the roof rack offered by audi for the A4 sedan any good? who manufactures it? seems to cost less than a yakima system. i need it for carrying mountain bikes.. thanks

motorwaffen

I'd like to find one that fits well with a minimum of damage to the roof...has anyone found the best setup? thanks!

A4=ThenewCAcivic

I thought about getting the factory rack, but decided on a Thule instead. The salesman that I spoke with said that Thule works closely with Volkswagen AG and that he wouldn't be surprised if the Audi factory rack was made/designed by them. They have a fit kit out for the 2002 A4 and it can be transferred to any other vehicle by purchasing the specific fit kit. I am getting the towers and bars with the fit kit for $206 (Audi's is $221). Plus, the AoA website shows that the base carrier bars are out of stock so who knows how long it will be until they are available again.

shahineo

I have the lifestyle rack system. It is actually made by Thule, however it is custom made to fit the A4 perfectly including the OEM mounts so that it locks into place.

However, the attachments for the rack are also only going to fit on this rail. I was lucky and it turns out you can make the Thule Ski attachment fit by removing some bits. However, the Thule Bike rack will not fit and you will need to get those from Audi.

All in all I think the Lifestyle rack systems fits and looks better than anything you can get from Thule or Yakima. The fit is made specifically for the car and the color is nice. For 200 dollars it costs about the same as a Thule or Yakima anyway.

audichrisl

it's also easier to get parts for the thule system. I can't remember who makes the Audi rack but I do recall that it was a company I'd never heard of before.
chris

shahineo

Actually Thule makes the Audi Rack.

motorwaffen

thanks everyone for the info...good to know!