[Carrera RSR]

OK so it won't aid my car 'aerodynamically'

Need the roof box for a growing 3 1/2 yr and his father who need to carry little and big boy toys around at the weekend. Also need room for a two week road trip to South of France and Italy this Summer.

Question is should protect the gloss black finish with

1. AutoGlym Super Resin Polish followed by a coat of Gloss Protectant

2. Aerospace 303 Protectant

3. another more appropriate chemical

May post in Detailing World as well but thought I try out here first.

Thanks

[Mr Plum]

I have virtually the same roofbox for mine (I have the Thule branded version - but as far as I can tell they are the same box with different badges).

When I got my mine I washed it, then used some dodo Lime prime lite and then waxed the box with some dodo wax. Seems to have protected it quite well so far. It might be worth using a sealant or similar too. The biggest problem I found was the number of bugs that sacrificed themselves on it (and the bars) on our driving holiday last year..

Suspect option 1 in your post would do fine.... I have some 303 but haven't tried it on the box...

[Carrera RSR]

Originally Posted by Mr Plum

I have virtually the same roofbox for mine (I have the Thule branded version - but as far as I can tell they are the same box with different badges).

When I got my mine I washed it, then used some dodo Lime prime lite and then waxed the box with some dodo wax. Seems to have protected it quite well so far. It might be worth using a sealant or similar too. The biggest problem I found was the number of bugs that sacrificed themselves on it (and the bars) on our driving holiday last year..

Suspect option 1 in your post would do fine.... I have some 303 but haven't tried it on the box...

I looked at the Thule Atlantis and Spirit models first and nearly bought one of them several times. The new style BMW one is different to both the Thule models. It is very close in styling and size to the Atlantis 780. In my opinion the BMW version has an M3 CSL style 'lip' at the rear.

I decided to use SRP and EGS on it and it seems fine so far. Decided not to use 303 as it tends to 'streak' when it gets wet.

My worry was being black the bugs and road crap would become well a truly cooked into the surface finish during a two week trip to France and Italy. Silver would be the sensible option but in my opinion black looks so much better

[Mr Plum]

I washed my car and roof box while we were away........twice..... very sad....

They do tend to get caked on but they generally soften up if you leave a wet microfibre on them for a while, then they just wipe off.

Gotta have a black one on a black car...

[Carrera RSR]

My belief is that the latest BMW Roof box 460 is made by Thule. I believe the base is a Spirit version due to its aero contours and shape. Its the same length as the Spirit (longer than the Atlantis 780) and has the same keys and locks. The top panel is similar in design and volume of the Atlantis except for the CSL style tail. It has more volume than the Spirit. BMW's version attches to the roof rail channels where as the Thule has a 'gripper' type attachment. BMW's price is also similar to the Spirit (£500 before discount) at £460, again before discount.

[doughboy]

Looks good. I have looked at the 460 in silver and was worried that it would be a bit too cruise-missile-like, but it looks ok. (it was on a 5 series at the dealers!)

IMO a good thick crusty layer of filth, brake dust and flies only goes to show what a superb road trip you've had.

Come home with a shiny car means you've stayed at your moms round the corner for 2 weeks instead.

The bike leathers are still impregnated in 170mph death splat flies from our trip to SOF in 1999.

[Carrera RSR]

Originally Posted by doughboy

Looked at the silver one, I was worried the big one was too big but it looks ok.

IMO a good crusty layer of filth, brake dust and flies only goes to show what a good road trip you've had.

Come home with a shiny car means you've stayed at your moms round the corner for 2 weeks instead.

My bike leathers are still covered in flies from our trip to SOF in 1999.

I don't have a problem with a covering of grime and road kill. As you say it's the badge of honour to say you've had a good long trip. Just want the shit to fall off nice and easy when I show it the hose pipe

[doughboy]

Good point!

I'm too lazy and just pay the illegal immigrants £5 at the hand-job-wash up the road.

not so good for the paintwork though....

all you posh folk with driveways for washing on.

[kowalski]

Doesn't the roof box affect gps reception? it seems to completely cover the shark fin / aerial

[Carrera RSR]

Originally Posted by kowalski

Doesn't the roof box affect gps reception? it seems to completely cover the shark fin / aerial

unlike my Garmin the BMW sat nav works perfectly with the box on. It even works in multi storey and underground car parks. Also in the mersey tunnel.