Driving from Florida to California

[LakeSurfer]

Damn im jealous,

I live in Tampa (Westchase) as well and almost did that drive a few months ago but LA to Tampa. I was in negotiations to purchase an E93 in Los Angeles and drive it back to Tampa.

It looks like your car is good to go.

for my own mental security and sanity I printed a list of Uhaul and Penske truck rental places along the entire drive in the case of the car breaking down, i would simply have it towed to the nearest location and truck and trailer it back to Florida.

I ended up finding my car in North Carolina and driving it back.

good luck, this would be a trip of a lifetime

- Mark

[cjm41]

Originally Posted by LakeSurfer

Damn im jealous,

I live in Tampa (Westchase) as well and almost did that drive a few months ago but LA to Tampa. I was in negotiations to purchase an E93 in Los Angeles and drive it back to Tampa.

It looks like your car is good to go.

for my own mental security and sanity I printed a list of Uhaul and Penske truck rental places along the entire drive in the case of the car breaking down, i would simply have it towed to the nearest location and truck and trailer it back to Florida.

I ended up finding my car in North Carolina and driving it back.

good luck, this would be a trip of a lifetime

- Mark

That's a good idea, I'm going to do the platinum AAA membership which includes a 200 mile tow- I'm making a Google Sheet of all BMW dealerships and any forum/enthusiast vetted shop along the way, so I have options of where to tow. I'll definitely add U-Haul and Penske locations to the list!

[RedScytheM3]

Don't over think it. Have fun! I'm super jealous. Just keep a jack, some gloves, a good flashlight, and an empty jerrycan and go!

[RedScytheM3]

Originally Posted by SkiFly01

If you plan on keeping the no cats, i'd say get the FL tags renewed, get the 2 yr sticker to avoid the SMOG testing for as long as possible. It's what I did when I had to renew after leaving St Pete going to Nashville. Other than that, just make sure fluids are topped up/fresh and sure do your plugs and valve covers. Maybe carry a tire plug kit just in case you get a nail while in TX. Otherwise just hit cruise control and enjoy the views.

Hey we don't have any more nails laying around in TX than any where else!

[SkiFly01]

Originally Posted by cjm41

I've modified my route slightly:

THU: Tampa > Nashville
FRI: Nashville > Denver

Hey, Lemme know if you want to meet up with a fellow member in Nashville, wouldnt mind going for a beer. Also, if you need help after day 1 with the undertray, lemme know and we can make some repairs if need be.

Originally Posted by RedScytheM3

Hey we don't have any more nails laying around in TX than any where else!

This is true, the Panhandle along I-10 is probably worse right now, but just saying being out in the VERY open and lonely without a plug kit, well you might be waiting several hours for AAA when it can take you 10-30 min to plug and fill a tire.

[cjm41]

Originally Posted by SkiFly01

Hey, Lemme know if you want to meet up with a fellow member in Nashville, wouldnt mind going for a beer. Also, if you need help after day 1 with the undertray, lemme know and we can make some repairs if need be.

Thanks man- much appreciated! If I can swing it on time I'd be down for linking up. Really depends on what time we get out of Tampa.

I jacked the car up tonight and looked at the front felt under tray- it looks mostly intact. I could use a replacing but I think I'll just going to rip the piece that's hanging and fabricate something to patch that spot. Ideally I'd do one of the aluminum ones eventually. Right now I don't want to wait on parts or shell out more than I need to.

[Eflynn46]

I would take a look at the ground strap from oil pan to frame,mine went suddenly on the way to work,drove 20 miles,parked,went to start dead.a great forum member had me check the strap there it was 2 pieces,i would hate to have something so easy mess up your trip,kinda jealous of so many miles at once i’ve been throttling my miles and have done 6k in 4 months!!

[Tiffany@ActiveAutowerke]

I love this post, so wholesome!

[91foxbody]

I drove my E90 from Orlando to Portland 2 years ago in a little over 3.5 days.

Sunday afternoon: Orlando - NC (base of the ToTD)
Monday: Tail of the dragon/Skyway - Kansas City
Tuesday: KC - Denver
Wednesday: Denver - Boise
Thursday: Boise - PDX

It was a phenomenal drive and I can't recommend the experience enough. You'll probably get the best gas mileage of your life, but make sure your alignment is perfect before you go.

[XKxRome0ox]

have the throttle body actuators been addressed?

also, i'd not start this road trip with your current tires
safety first
swap them out
and figure out the alignment issue
because if your alignment's off, it's going to eat up the tires real quick on a long road trip
(i had this happen in my e46 325i ... threw on new rear tires without alignment and i needed to replace both tires in about 3 months after a road trip from VA to NH and back to VA)

[cjm41]

Originally Posted by XKxRome0ox

have the throttle body actuators been addressed?

also, i'd not start this road trip with your current tires
safety first
swap them out
and figure out the alignment issue
because if your alignment's off, it's going to eat up the tires real quick on a long road trip
(i had this happen in my e46 325i ... threw on new rear tires without alignment and i needed to replace both tires in about 3 months after a road trip from VA to NH and back to VA)

Original TAs. I'm torn about replacing those because that's not a preventative fix. I'm wondering if maybe I should buy them and just bring them along and then shelve them until needed.

The alignment and balance is a definite. Made a post a few hours ago in my local M Facebook group looking for the best shop for this. I DO have new PS4s in my shopping cart on Tire Rack. I'll probably end up doing them. I def don't want to ruin a set of $1300 tires.

[cjm41]

Originally Posted by Tiffany@ActiveAutowerke

I love this post, so wholesome!

It's a nice change of pace, I've been off the forums for a few months popping in only once in a while to lurk on some drama threads for entertainment.

Threads like this are a good reminder of how great the M3 community is compared to some other groups.

Side note: my car has a new catless AA x-pipe, so I'll be doing a 3,000 mile road test of one of your products. I guess we'll see how my brain feels after 3 days of drone, or lack thereof haha.

[BeaterM3]

Originally Posted by cjm41

Original TAs. I'm torn about replacing those because that's not a preventative fix. I'm wondering if maybe I should buy them and just bring them along and then shelve them until needed.

I bought a set of working used TAs for cheap for a back up to my original TAs. I am planning on inspecting them for wear and if so, replace the gears with new ones.

[XKxRome0ox]

Originally Posted by cjm41

Original TAs. I'm torn about replacing those because that's not a preventative fix. I'm wondering if maybe I should buy them and just bring them along and then shelve them until needed.

the TA's are ticking time bombs
i had to replace mine at about 67-68k miles
it didn't completely fail yet but i was starting to get the error code and warning signs from 1 of them
didn't want to be stuck at a bad time

you can always get some money back for the used TA's as core charge if you're buying from Abdul / Mpower ... or sell them outright on the forum or elsewhere
or open them up and replace the gearing and whatnot yourself

bottom line, it can't hurt to replace the TA's with your current mileage and planned road trip

[cjm41]

Originally Posted by XKxRome0ox

the TA's are ticking time bombs
i had to replace mine at about 67-68k miles
it didn't completely fail yet but i was starting to get the error code and warning signs from 1 of them
didn't want to be stuck at a bad time

you can always get some money back for the used TA's as core charge if you're buying from Abdul / Mpower ... or sell them outright on the forum or elsewhere
or open them up and replace the gearing and whatnot yourself

bottom line, it can't hurt to replace the TA's with your current mileage and planned road trip

I've decided to drop $1241.96 on PS4s. I'm going to take my chances with throttle actuators. After mounting and balance that puts me at like $8,200 in maintenance this year, on a car that was in pretty damn good shape when I bought it, I've just been neurotic. If my TAs give out on the road trip then I'm going take that as a sign from the universe that I was not meant to have this car haha.

[SAMM3Y]

Leisurely freeway driving won't stress your TA's, they go when your hoon'ing and grinding sloppy worn gears... no jinx though.

If it were to happen, clear the codes and keep going.

Nice tires 👍

[TrueToBMW]

Seems like you've got the things covered that I would be most concerned about, spare tire, oil, coolant, etc.

I'm a fan of bringing a small toolbox with the basics, and a type of 'bug-out/emergency' bag, with some bottled water, Mountain house meals, lighter, reflective blanket, flashlight, flare, medical supplies (gauze, splint material, etc), things of that nature, if you have a small
Bag and some of these things, it won't hurt having it in the trunk.

Sounds like fun though, enjoy it, take pictures and post them up, enjoy!

[Scharbag]

Originally Posted by TrueToBMW

Seems like you've got the things covered that I would be most concerned about, spare tire, oil, coolant, etc.

Remember, this is a very reliable E9x M3, not a Harley Davidson hard tail...

Have a fantastic drive!

[Tiffany@ActiveAutowerke]

Originally Posted by cjm41

It's a nice change of pace, I've been off the forums for a few months popping in only once in a while to lurk on some drama threads for entertainment.

Threads like this are a good reminder of how great the M3 community is compared to some other groups.

Side note: my car has a new catless AA x-pipe, so I'll be doing a 3,000 mile road test of one of your products. I guess we'll see how my brain feels after 3 days of drone, or lack thereof haha.

Ah, it makes my heart really warm that you mentioned our products! Let me know how it goes, if you ever need help with any more modifications along the way don't hesitate to let me know!

Maybe one day I'll take my E93 M3 to New York.. however since I have test pipes, res delete and muffler delete.. that drone's gonna be real strong, but it's actually not that bad on the highway!

[Flying Ace]

Nice! I did a similar drive back in 2013! Take lots of pictures

Check it out. https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=894582

[Kelse92]

I already commented on your FB post, but adding to this thread too since your first post shows a route overview. since you're going the more southern route through TX you might want to lookup the Twisted Sisters as well. Probably the best roads you'll find in this state, otherwise its mostly flat and boring haha
And like I said before, looking forward to following your adventure!

[cjm41]

Originally Posted by Kelse92

I already commented on your FB post, but adding to this thread too since your first post shows a route overview. since you're going the more southern route through TX you might want to lookup the Twisted Sisters as well. Probably the best roads you'll find in this state, otherwise its mostly flat and boring haha
And like I said before, looking forward to following your adventure!

Updated route!