Will a Roof Tent Fit on BMW?
BMW is a popular choice for roof tent enthusiasts, especially larger models like X5, X3 and 5 Series. Roof capacity varies between 75-100 kg depending on model, providing good options for roof tents. In this guide, we cover what applies to your specific BMW.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Roof capacity varies between 75 kg and 100 kg
- ✓X5 is best suited for roof tents with 100 kg capacity
- ✓X3 and 5 Series have 75-100 kg roof capacity – excellent for most tents
- ✓Most BMW models have 75 kg roof capacity – good for most tents
- ✓Always verify your specific car's roof capacity on car.info
Important About BMW and Roof Tents
BMW models have varying roof capacity, and many models lack built-in roof rails. This means you need to mount roof bars on fixed mounting points or use roof bars that clamp to door frames. Check which mounting solution your specific model has.
Roof Capacity by BMW Model
Here are the general roof capacities for different BMW models. Note that this is dynamic load (while driving) – the static load (stationary) is significantly higher.
| Model | Dynamic roof capacity | Suitable for roof tent? |
|---|---|---|
| 1-serie | 75 kg | |
| 2-serie | 75 kg | |
| 3-serie | 75 kg | |
| 4-serie | 75 kg | |
| 5-serie | 75-100 kg | |
| X1 | 75 kg | |
| X3 | 75-100 kg | |
| X5 | 100 kg | |
| i4 | 75 kg | |
| i5 | 75 kg |
⚠️ Important: These values are general guidelines. Always verify your specific car's roof capacity in the owner's manual or on car.info by searching your license plate.
Check on car.infoRecommendations by Model
1 Series/2 Series/3 Series/4 Series/X1/i4/i5 (75 kg)
Most models up to 66 kg fit. Voyager Pro 230 is borderline.
5 Series (75-100 kg)
Excellent choice for roof tents. With 100 kg capacity, almost all our models fit.
X3 (75-100 kg)
Excellent choice for roof tents. With 100 kg capacity, almost all our models fit.
X5 (100 kg)
Best BMW for roof tents. With 100 kg capacity, almost all our models fit, including the heaviest.
Measure Your 'Clear Roof Bar'
In addition to roof capacity, you need to check that your roof bars have enough 'clear roof bar' space – that is, the space between the roof bar feet where the tent's rails can attach. See the illustration below to understand what this means.
Which Wild Land Tents Fit on BMW?
Our roof tents weigh between 34-79 kg. Here's an overview of all models sorted by weight:
⚠️ Important: Remember that the roof bars' weight (typically 3-7 kg) also counts towards the total roof capacity. A 75 kg tent will not fit on a car with 75 kg roof capacity – you need margin for the roof bars.
Lite Cruiser
Normandy Auto 120
Normandy Auto 140
Air Cruiser
Wild Cruiser 160
Voyager Pro 140
Desert Cruiser 120
Voyager Pro 160
SE-125
Desert Cruiser 140
Voyager Pro 230
Bush Cruiser V2 Pro 120
SE-180
Rock Cruiser
Wild Cruiser 250
Bush Cruiser V2 Pro 140
* Values in parentheses show minimum measurement when rails are moved to the edges.
Wild Land Tents on BMW – Customer Photos
Unsure About Your BMW?
Contact us and we'll help you find the right roof tent for your specific BMW.
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