Would drive coast to coast?

[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.

[THE TECH]

50k limit on what? Warranty?

[tibra1]

Your paint..your wheels..

[Karnidge]

Bugs, all over the windshield and car, then... more bugs. And gas, lots and lots of gas. How many mile do you have now? Have you taken it in to the dealer to have everything looked at/fixed before you drive across the country?

[M3PO]

I've driven from Philly to LA and Philly to Boise (and back) in a 350Z. It was an awesome experience. I didn't have any issues with wear and tear on the paint or wheels. 90% of the time it's open road without a car for at least a few hundred yards so rock chips are minimal.

I say do it. Your M is not a collectors item, it's a car meant to be driven. I guarantee that doing this trip in it will make you love it more than you probably do already.

Also, on one cross country trip, I did tow my 350Z and that actually did more damage to the paint because the truck pulling it kicked rocks right up onto the front of it.

edit: Your biggest risk for rock chips is behind the wheels. Buy some vinyl off eBay and use it as a temporary stick-on bra against rock chips behind the wheels if you're really concerned.

[Nine]

Yolo.

[m3an]

bought my e46 m3 sight unseen and drove 2,000 miles home

[L4ces]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

50k limit on what? Warranty?

Yeah, the warranty. When you get to the 48K it becomes a big deal. I'm at 49K.

[EauNatural]

Unless you have some amazing itineraries planned in the duration of your trip, I would just ship it.

Approx 3000 miles and 20 highway mpg @ these gas prices + other expenses and your time vs ~$1000 to ship it.

If you must drive, I would cover the nose w/ 3m painters tape.

[Radiation Joe]

Done it 4 times.
Twice in RS6 and twice in an e46 M3.

Gotta pick the obscure routes.
70 west to Kansas then down to 40 to socal then up to SF
90 west to WA then south on 97 to SF
SF to CO on 50/70, then north to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone and then 94 to MN
One time I took the boring I-80 route to NE and then back roads to MN

Be ready to accept a paint job of bugs.

[IFX]

I'd love to do this some day..

[Prince_of_Persia]

I have done long drive (Calgary to Vancouver)
Make sure you have a bottle of oil with you, most probably you need to add it to your car on the way!

[Merlosso]

I'm thinking about doing a DC-to-California-and-back trip next year. I have friends and family all along the way to visit and I'd like to time it so I can do a BMWCCA HPDE at Leguna Seca. Like others have said, the car is meant to be driven. Get out there and enjoy it!

[L4ces]

Originally Posted by Karnidge

Bugs, all over the windshield and car, then... more bugs. And gas, lots and lots of gas. How many mile do you have now? Have you taken it in to the dealer to have everything looked at/fixed before you drive across the country?

I have 49K. I've taken it to the dealer and all is fine. The rear pads were replaced due to brake squeal when coming to a stop.

[L4ces]

Originally Posted by Prince_of_Persia

I have done long drive (Calgary to Vancouver)
Make sure you have a bottle of oil with you, most probably you need to add it to your car on the way!

For sure!

[L4ces]

Originally Posted by M3PO

I've driven from Philly to LA and Philly to Boise (and back) in a 350Z. It was an awesome experience. I didn't have any issues with wear and tear on the paint or wheels. 90% of the time it's open road without a car for at least a few hundred yards so rock chips are minimal.

I say do it. Your M is not a collectors item, it's a car meant to be driven. I guarantee that doing this trip in it will make you love it more than you probably do already.

Also, on one cross country trip, I did tow my 350Z and that actually did more damage to the paint because the truck pulling it kicked rocks right up onto the front of it.

edit: Your biggest risk for rock chips is behind the wheels. Buy some vinyl off eBay and use it as a temporary stick-on bra against rock chips behind the wheels if you're really concerned.

Thanks for the tips.

[L4ces]

My wife drove her 2003 530i there in April. It has 128K miles and not a hint of a problem.

If I decide to tow it, I can imagine the pain seeing cars hauling tail while cruising at 60 with the truck and M on the transport.

As far as gas goes, I'd probably get better mileage in the uhual or Penske because I know I'd be having some safe fun with the accelerator. She always updated me saying, she wish she was driving the M. But after the 3rd day of driving the fun was over.

If I do tow it, I know the fun times will be there in NJ as I haul tail exiting the tolls. I was there last week and all I wanted was my car! Folks are driving 80-90 on route 280 and some spots on the parkway. In Oregon and Washington, I seldom hit 75.

[BMWM5NYC]

Did NYC to LA and back in my E46 M3 back in 2003. Started with 5000 and came back with 13000. Had a great time. I researched hand carwash/detail places along my route. Every city I stayed in overnight I had my car washed and waxed at every stop. Other than that , I just treated my car for what it was, A CAR. Take the trip. This country is a beautiful country. Too often we just "fly over" it and miss all the beautiful sights.

[PutterMcGavin]

One of the most fun trips I ever took was with my dad when he bought a S2000 in AZ. We drove all the way from Phoenix, AZ to Raleigh, NC in 2 days and had a blast! Top down the whole way, took a couple obscure roads, ran out of gas in the desert, met up with a guy in a 2JZ single turbo SC300, etc. Would definitely do it again!

[THE TECH]

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

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

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

I guess his question is whether to go into the dealer before his warranty is up AND a long distance road trip (which is a no brainer)..but its all about CBS anyways.. so if nothing is due then warranty is a non-issue

[OC3]

I would.