Would drive coast to coast?

[socalm3lover]

When we moved from LA to SC, my wife and a niece did a cross country road trip with the M3. Lots of fun, lots of people including cops interested in the M3.

The M3 is not going to die at 50K miles, enjoy it. I am still trying to figure out how to go one way, not necessarily interested in a round trip, too long.

John

[Eau Rouge]

In a heartbeat, OP.

Each summer I take a long drive vacation (min. 3k miles) somewhere. In all of the years have only seen 2 M3s on the road when many miles away from a metro area. Neither were broken down. In three weeks, I'm going NW, and expect to enjoy driving the M3 on the open roads, free of the street lights, intersections, city traffic et al. If you opt to make the drive, enjoy, but don't expect to see a lot of M cars along the way. They just don't seem to stray to far from home for whatever reason(s).

[JustMpwrd]

I've thought about doing this, or at least some other very long trip, since I got the car. I say go for it. As all the others have said, it's sure to give you some special memories.

It's a car meant to be driven and enjoyed.

[BLACK OPS]

Drive it out there then ship it back before you leave. Best of both worlds and you'll get your fix.

[Endless619]

I am doing the same drive but from Oregon to California to Maine. I am going to tow my M3 with my X5 and am going through Penske to rent a car trailer. Uhaul has them to for like $625 one way.

I have done the trip twice already and lots of bugs, dirty car, and lots of gas. lol

[L4ces]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

What does it matter if the warranty expires on your way out or after it gets there?

I guess it really doesn't make difference.
If I could keep it under 50K until August, which i believe is when 4 years warranty expires, I will be covered by anything that is on the verge of breaking. For example, the car will under go many cold starts between now and August and if the starter fails (just making up something), it will be covered.

Honestly, I think this is not worth worrying about. If anything I should be decide whether I should get the extended warranty before the move.

[L4ces]

Originally Posted by BLACK OPS

Drive it out there then ship it back before you leave. Best of both worlds and you'll get your fix.

Just to clarify, it is a one way trip

[karussell]

if you haven't done it before then you should absolutely drive across the country. hope you have a companion though. its always more fun sharing the experience...and the driving!

[BLACK OPS]

Originally Posted by L4ces

Just to clarify, it is a one way trip

There's your answer. Take your time, make a few stops and have fun. Completely worth it when with company.

[ching]

It's a car isn't it? Drive it!

When my father graduated from grad school he had trouble finding work, and instead of waiting for responses, he bought a car and loaded our entire family's possessions in a uHaul and we spent an entire year seeing the US. We started in Michigan and hit almost all of the states (46). I was too young to remember everything, but certain memories are still very vivid. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I highly recommend seeing the country by car.

[kwike92]

The experience would be fun.. But gas vs time vs the possible damage to your paint,wheels, etc. isn't worth it. Instead tow it. Then take it to a track and enjoy it there... Not to mention at 19-20mpg the cost of fuel isnt worth it.

Just my $.02

[ejheverest]

Drove from Maine-White Salmon, Washington.(I-90)
I drove I-80 back from Washington-Virginia, would not recommend it unless you have plenty of time to stop and take photos and back roads.
Carry a spare tire and make sure you take time out to sleep.

[Denk]

cRaZiNeSs! Your M3 is acclimated to the PNW, it won't survive that hot muggy crap east coast weather. You have to stay...or leave me your M3.

[I M STIG]

I say go ahead and do it. Have fun. I plan on driving my M3 somewhere within the next year. I've driven her to Maryland from North Carolina a couple times, and that's about it. But I'll definitely make a drive out on Route 66 with her before the rest of the highway becomes worthless.

You bought an M3 to enjoy it, so why not have great experiences with it? If it gets a ding, scratch, dent, busted bumper, tire, wheel, etc. it's all replaceable. You should probably put a 3M bra on it before you go, wash it a few times on the way, but enjoy it all the same. An M3's made to be driven all day every day. I'd also agree to bring a spare tire and some extra oil, too. If anything happens, there are a shit load of BMW dealers along the way!

[blonde79]

I'd do it! I've driven DC to AK (May) and AK to CO (Jan - via west coast) in a VW. My M comes in next week and I'd do it for sure. I love a roadtrip and I buy cars to drive them

[superg]

Lots of country to see out there. I've done a few trips the past decade with various vehicles:

1) Houston to Seattle (rt)
2) Austin to SF (rt)
3) Houston to LA (rt) (twice)
4) Houston to SF (rt)
5) Houston to Yosemite (rt)
6) Houston to NYC (rt)
7) NYC to Dallas
8) NYC to SF
9) SF to Denver
10) LV to Houston

Planned:
11) Keywest to Seattle
12) Houston to Calgary/Yukon/Prudhoe Bay, AK

[L4ces]

Thanks for all of the responses and perspectives. I appreciate them all. What a great community.

[L4ces]

Originally Posted by ejheverest

Drove from Maine-White Salmon, Washington.(I-90)
I drove I-80 back from Washington-Virginia, would not recommend it unless you have plenty of time to stop and take photos and back roads.
Carry a spare tire and make sure you take time out to sleep.

Wouldn't it be nice, it would be my luck that I'd have the wrong spare (staggered 50% chance I'd have the right size). there would be room anyway.

[runnerguy1979]

agree with the spare tire suggestion (or pack along a spare winter alloy/tire if you have one, so you can keep on going if you get a flat).

I've done numerous cross country trips like the one you're talking about and they are brilliant fun....especially in a car like the M3.

enjoy!

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by L4ces

So I will be heading to NJ from Oregon.

Anyone do this drive or similar in their M?

Any caveats, concerns or advice?

FYI, my I will exceed my 50K limit in the process if I drive it. I am considering towing it also.

I wouldn't do it if you are just going to drive it out there. If, on the other hand, you were going to make it into a nice vacation to see the country and explore some incredible roads then by all means go for it. Just get some painters tape and protective vinyl for key areas of the car. Carry some extra water, food, oil and gas and be on your way to the adventure of a lifetime!!

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by L4ces

So I will be heading to NJ from Oregon.

Anyone do this drive or similar in their M?

Any caveats, concerns or advice?

FYI, my I will exceed my 50K limit in the process if I drive it. I am considering towing it also.

I made so far 3 coast to coast trips. First one was in a 1987 535is in 1989. The second one was in the 90s with a 1987 Benz AMG 300 series. My last one was in a BMW Z4 3.5i in 2010 along Route 66. Loved it it's a great experience.

I would not tow a car unless I would move there etc. Our cars are meant to be driven not towed

Plan to do it one more time in the near future with my M3.

[NHman]

Originally Posted by Alter Peter

I would not tow a car unless I would move there etc. Our cars are meant to be driven not towed

+1

If future cost of repairs are a concern, consider buying an extended warranty before the trip. Also you may want to have an Indy shop go through the car prior to the trip but otherwise it could make for a great experience.