Question on OEM vs Aftermarket Roof Racks

[NortheastA4]

Are there significant differences between the Audi OEM roof rack and Thule's aftermarket rack in how they actually mount to the car? (car is a sedan - no existing rails)

What I'm really wondering is if the OEM rack is better integrated / attached to the car? If not, i'd prefer to save some bucks and flexibility and buy the Thule branded rack.

Is there a compelling reason to buy the Audi rack??

TIA

[4RingRook]

Are there significant differences between the Audi OEM roof rack and Thule's aftermarket rack in how they actually mount to the car? (car is a sedan - no existing rails)

What I'm really wondering is if the OEM rack is better integrated / attached to the car? If not, i'd prefer to same some bucks and flexibility and buy the Thule branded rack.

Is there a compelling reason to buy the Audi rack??

TIA

I had a Thule rack system... on a black car. I would suggest opting for the Audi OEM rails as they attach to the door jams and WILL NOT mark the roof like the Thule does. It doesnt scratch it, but after 2 details, you can faintly see the outline of the footrests.

I would go OEM with Thule attachments.

[NortheastA4]

Thanks 4Ring

So the oem attaches to the door jam, but the Thule sits on the roof?

Does the OEM unit attach to any pre-tapped holes, or does it "clamp" to the car, like old rain gutter based racks used to?

[4RingRook]

If you open your doors, you'll see 2 arrows and a hole punch on the top. Thats where the OEM rack mounts. The Thule system uses a fitkit where the rack base rests on the roof and uses a latch that connects to the inside top of the door jam.

Thule's clamp down, but the OEMs click in place.

[Quattro]

Off topic: I have a Thule's roof rack for the b7, bought it off someone and cant take my car to the snow, if you interested, Ill work you out a good deal!

back to topic: my friend has the same roof rack as I do and it works!

[Adub-Drew]

well today i just got a free oem audi roof rack system from my friend. They used to have a b5 but sold it and just had the cross bars in storage, i asked if i could buy it off of them but they were like just have it. So im not sure if it will fit on my car on not but whatever the case its a great day for me i just got a oem roof rack system for free cant beat that. Does anyone know if it will fit on my b7 coming from a b5.

and @NortheastA4: well personally i would take the oem one, first becasue it looks better, and second because it was designed for the car. Funny thing is the oem one is also built by thule but its and audi division. Anyways the Thule one is just as good but will leave marks and it just latches in place, compared to the oem which clicks into place. Depends what u want now a days all of them are great and work perfect.