sooo i've been using Thule WingBar Edge on my Audis for years now and honestly, they're the best looking bars out there.

- it's low profile so it looks sleek af but yeah, the sunroof is a tight fit. basically it can vent, but i wouldn't slide it open all the way just in case.
- for your budget, check out Yakima JetStream Crossbars too. sometimes you can find them on sale for like $500 which is a steal compared to OEM.
- MPG drop is pretty minor, maybe 1-2 miles max. i barely notice it tbh.

good luck with the A3!! peace

Seconding the recommendation above for the Thule gear! Honestly, I was sooo worried about safety and the rack shifting at highway speeds, but Thule WingBar Edge 9592 has been solid. If you're on a budget, definitely look for the Yakima Whispbar S25 used online—it's super quiet and often cheaper than new Thule sets. Safety-wise, just make sure you torque the bolts exactly to spec so you dont dent the roof. It works great for my bikes, tho I basically never touch the sunroof now lol.

Quick question - do you plan on keeping your bike mounts attached when you take the rack off? Honestly, I've tried a few different brands on my Audis and I was sooo disappointed with how much some "premium" systems ruined the quiet cabin feel. My current setup looks cool but unfortunately, the market is full of low-profile options that basically kill the sunroof functionality. It's such a bummer when you spend $700+ and still lose features lol.

Sooo I’ve been through this exact dilemma with my Audis over the years, and honestly, it’s a tough call because you really don’t want to mess up that 8Y roofline. In my experience, there’s always a trade-off between the "factory look" and actual usability.

Before I dive into the technical side, I gotta ask—how often are you actually planning on swapping the rack on and off? Also, what kind of bikes are we talking about here? If you’re hauling heavy mountain bikes versus a light carbon roadie, that might change how much you care about the height and stability of the bars.

Here’s the thing: I’ve tried many setups, and the OEM Audi bars are built like tanks. They’re super secure, but yeah, they sit HIGH. It literally looks like the car is wearing a top hat. If you go with the lower profile aftermarket stuff like the "Edge" style bars from the big brands, they look *chef’s kiss* but you’re almost certainly going to run into clearance issues with the sunroof. I’ve seen people scratch their glass because they forgot and hit the switch. If you’re a "safety first" kind of person like me, the extra height of the OEM bars is actually a blessing because it gives you a buffer zone for the clamps and the sunroof movement. Plus, they’re usually easier to torque down correctly without worrying about over-tightening. What’s more important to ur setup—the sleek look or being able to fully use the sunroof without stress? Lmk!

TL;DR: I found that buying used Thule WingBar Edge components saved me a ton of cash while keeping that low-profile look on my Audi, though I basically gave up on using the sunroof.

Sooo I went through this exact same headache last year with my 8Y. Honestly, I’m a total cheapskate when it comes to accessories because Audi gear is just so pricey for what it is. I was looking at spending nearly $900 for a full new setup, which felt insane. I ended up hunting around on marketplaces and managed to piece together a kit for way less.

I managed to snag a pair of Thule WingBar Edge 9592 bars and the Thule Fit Kit 186064 for under $400 total. Like, seriously, if you aren't in a rush, just keep an eye out for used kits because people sell them as soon as they trade in their cars.

One thing tho... be careful with that sunroof. Just like the other guys said, it’s TIGHT. I tried venting it once with my Thule ProRide XT bike rack attached and heard a terrifying clunk. Now I just don't touch the sunroof button at all when the rack is on. Also, regarding MPG, I noticed about a 2-3 mpg drop on the highway when I'm hauling my Specialized Rockhopper mountain bike. Without the bike, the noise isn't too bad, but you definitely hear a slight whistle over 70mph. Anyway, if you wanna save some bread, definitely look for second-hand Thule stuff instead of the OEM bars! gl!

Same setup here, love it