A3IceSilver

After some research, I settled on the Thule Aero setup they sell in Europe for the A3, over the US Aero or the Audi base carrier bars. I was looking for the T-track design as I have an old VW Fork Mount carrier from my Touareg (7M0071128C) that fits the t-track design.

The Audi base carrier bars look a bit flimsy to me. I've read here and elsewhere that the end-caps break, etc.

The US Thule Aero set up is nice, but it uses pretty much the same feet as the old style square bars, for compatibility with the same fit kits, I assume. Gettysburg & others have had issues with open sky clearance due to the fitments (deal breaker for me)

The Euro Aero setup is a bit different, the fitments land a bit closer to the side of the roof, so no open sky issues. Also, they torque down off the end-caps of the bars, so the feet are a bit sleeker then the US style. I ordered the entire setup from Roof Rack Shop UK (http://www.roofrackshop.com/):

Thule 750 Rapid System Gutterless Foot Pack
Thule 869 Rapid System Alloy Aero Roof Bars (Pair - 127cm)
Thule Rapid Fitting Kit 1417
Thule 596 Keyed Alike Lock Barrels (Set of 6)

Note: they spec 127cm/50" bars for the Euro version, longer than the 47" in the US. I think the 50" length is fine, I'd imagine the 47" is to short given the bars are tightened to the cars using the end-caps of the bars.

The prices on roofrackshop include 17.5% VAT, which they'll remove from your order if shipped to the US. 3-day air delivery was about $90. Total for all parts including delivery and the exchange rate - $288. Amazingly, that's about $60 less than the US Aero version (including locks & the 10% discount) on Rack Attack.

I also added a 872xt fairing. Noise is not bad at all, with the fairing and the rubber strips in the tracks. MPG is about 2-3 less. I tried it w/o the fairing, way nosier, lots of whistling at lower speeds.

Some pics:

The 750 feet & one of the Aero bars. You can see the torquing mechanism, fitting into the slot on the track (same slot as the US style, I think).
<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31129.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

The assembled bar. The measurements in the fit kit are about right, but you have to adjust it bit once you have it on.
<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31132.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

The Key in the euro version is a bit nicer than the stamped US keys, with some overmold around the the head of the key.
<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31133.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

I put down some 3M protection film (clearbra) where the fitments will contact the roof. Ordered this direct from 3M (http://www.shop3m.com/70071373891.html). I used about two boxes worth, considering some screwups along the way, given I've never used that sort of stuff before. You have to keep the sheets, and the contact point, pretty damp to get it lined up right.
<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31134.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

The assembled rack up on the car.
<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31135.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

The front fitment and the clamp. The clamps just click into the feet. Really pleased with how simple the fitments and the clamps are.
<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31138.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

The rack torques down using the end cap:
<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31143.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

The rack &amp; the bike up on the car:
<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31147.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31148.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

Just clears the hatch. I have 29" wheels on the bike, so that doesn't help.
<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31149.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

Open sky clears in the back, no issue. It's tight though.
<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31150.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31152.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

This has got to be where the US version has clearance issues. The front edge of the glass just clears the front fitments. It's got to be either a no-go or rubs on the US version.
<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31153.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

With the 872xt fairing, which I ordered separately from Amazon.
<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31154.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

Getting the ruber gasket down in the tracks helps keep down the noise..
<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31155.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

My wife's Cooper in the background there
<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31158.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

The A3 &amp; the bike at the top of the Wissahickon in Chestnut Hill, PA
<img src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/A3IceSilver/SNV31162.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

JimR

I've got a Thule ski carrier I've used on both the other Audis at various times (and a friend has used on his Audis on several occasions), and was thinking I might want to get a set of bars for the A3. This looks like a good answer.

PDXA4

I'm guessing that this setup would also work on a mkV GTi, if so this is the way I may also go...

EuroCK

What's the part number for the ski carrier to fit the aero kit?

JimR

<center><img src="http://images102.fotki.com/v406/photos/7/77755/439338/A8_w_Carrier022-vi.jpg"></center><p>I assume it would attach just fine. Might interfere with the sunroof, though.

psardain

Hi

I just saw your great thread on the cross bars for the A3.
I just got a 2009 with the sky roof and ordered the cross bars from my dealer (no factory side bars).
When you say that "This has got to be where the US version has clearance issues. The front edge of the glass just clears the front fitments. It's got to be either a no-go or rubs on the US version." do you mean that with the Audi base carrier bars, the skyroof hits the bar when opening??

Thanks!
Pierre

milknchees

Great layout/pics, much appreciated. Trying to figure out that exact deal myself. Am I right in thinking if you have the factory roof rails it would be a non-issue? I'm trying to decide between getting factory roof rails installed or going with a setup like yours.

Thanks again,

Milk&Cheese

06 A3 3.2 Lava/Black etc.

psardain

I just read this on Audi forums (see message #7):
http://audiforums.com/forum/showthre...highlight=roof

It looks like the Sky roof should clear.
I will know tomorrow when I pick these up, they were delivered today.

BTW, does anyone know if the fairing is necessary with the se bars?? I have the Thule but this same guy mentions that he had to modify it as to not interfere with the opening of the sun roof (sky rook?)

a3_in_va

This looks great! Thinking of doing something similar. Mind providing some more info on the 3M clear bra product? The link seems to be broken, and my research only turns up enough to cover an entire car...Just need enough for the 4 contact points...

Thanks -

Bezor

http://www.lamin-x.com/Roof-Rack-Pai...ion-p/rr-8.htm