eatit

I searched the archives and unfortunately, I couldn't find whether OEM B5 Passat sedan roof racks are compatible with B5 A4 sedans...

The "platform" is the same... those darn rear view mirrors are the same... but is the roof style the same?

And are the VW Roof Racks also rumored to be OEM'd by Thule as well?

I'm looking for a roof rack for a snowboard as I just bought a season pass... Anyone have any that they want to sell, otherwise?

The link below is a link to an example VW roof rack... Part number is #3B007112 according to that auction. Searching for 8D507112 yields nothing....<ul><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&amp;item=220047922328">VW Passat Roof rack for sale on ebay</a></li></ul>

WJM

not oem...but THULE

JAFO

the accessories are. iirc these will not fit because they are fixed length. i think the passat is wider than the A4.

eatit

I was interested, but your link was dead! Searching the classifieds for thule (all classifieds) yields nothing either.

Not sure if there's a way for you to PM me on this interface, but feel free to engage me privately, as I'm interested in a solution....

qfrog Ti20

they are likely not congruent or even compatible. The same applies for all parts, I prefer to assume incompatability unless I have found reputable information stating otherwise.

btw... I highly doubt the mirrors are the same. Simmilar does not equal same... don't be fooled by appearances, details can be very different.

qfrog Ti20

Suspension and driveline were Audi sourced... the body and interior are VW.

JA4T

The OEM B5 racks are made by Vortex.

77'911

<center><img src="http://i15.tinypic.com/35a7o8z.jpg"></center><p>I believe the part # for the base carrier bars is 8E0-071-126. The passat is on another chassis then the B5 A4. The story I got on the manufacturers of the rack were as follows. There are two different entities of Thule, one US, and one European. The European unit makes the factory Audi rack but from an open retail side, they have not come yet to the US(only sold through dealers for whom they make products for). When researching racks for hauling kayaks, the factory units are way above the rest as for as fit and weight capacity.

eatit

Ended up hitting craigslist and found a Thule set (four-snowboard attachments, LR50 bars, and a weird fit kit) for a 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Price? $75. (I paid him $70 because of a missing plastic piece that I bought later..)

Saw that the only thing I needed to change was a fit kit, get two Thule keys and a plastic nub, and I'm good. I got that at my local Rack Attack shop (www.rackattack.com) and was happy. FYI, the Fit Kit for a B5 Sedan is # 249.

I saw another Thule rack system for a MkIV Jetta for $30, but that didn't include the snowboard attachments...

So, for a total of about $125, I'm ready to slap the skis and boards up on top and head for the snow. Last season, we CRAMMED two boards and two sets of skis in the cute Audi Ski-Hole, but this will be a lot better. More space for snacks and wet clothes in the trunk.

I recommend to anyone wanting to pick a rack up cheap to cross reference with the manufacturer and see whether they can get away with just doing a fit-kit....

It was a good deal, definitely hit the List'o'Craig and then buy whatever extra to complete.<ul><li><a href="http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/spo/233319880.html">The Thule Rack on Craigslist (may be taken down by the time you read this)</a></li></ul>

khmiller

I know it's an ancient thread, but I've realized, after not using my racks-box-basket for over 10 yrs (after buying an suv), I want to sell my rack stuff for my audi. did anyone ever figure out if the oem audi '98 A4 sedan racks fit any vw's? it is impossible to find any cross-application chart for vortex, or any roof width specs for vw's. probably a hopeless request, but would like to post my stuff for sale to the widest audience. thnx, kyle