Half country Drive with a loaded coupe question

CharlieBear · 05-22-2014, 05:28 PM

I'm moving from Dallas to Los Angeles.

It should take me 20 hours straight, but will stop and rest 1,2, or3 times before reaching my destination.

Questions:

How long should I drive a car for? Will I need the car to "rest" after a certain number of constant driving? 10 hours straight with sleep night? or 7 hours x 3 breaks?

Also this will be a packed car, cloths, golf clubs, etc. I'm hoping I can fit it all without a roofrack/roofbox. What is the recommended max lbs. to stuff in a car like this for a road trip?

Also any suggested route? I'm just following googlemaps from Dallas to Phoneix to LA.

TIA

e92_enthusiast_1 · 05-22-2014, 05:31 PM

That's a helluva drive. Just make sure you're rested. That's more important than the car

10 hours straight is a long time. I can do like 5 (Go between Phx and El Paso a lot and Phx to LA too) no problem maybe 6 or 7 but after that i get restless.

335NJ · 05-22-2014, 05:32 PM

It's likely highway the entire way, so pack the car full, you won't scrape on anything unless it's fully packed and you hit speed bumps in a rest stop parking lot too quick or something. You shouldn't weigh it down enough to cause any issue with mostly clothes, and small things.

IMO you shouldn't have to let the car cool down, or rest for a period of time, any longer than it takes to get gas, rest stop, etc.

Make sure you have nice fresh oil, and regular "road trip" things done prior to taking off that's all

kfriceman · 05-22-2014, 05:46 PM

Good grief, your car does not need to rest......seriously?

The cargo capacity is listed in the manual.

-Kevin

HazChem · 05-22-2014, 06:07 PM

Engines were designed to operate at steady state so you should be fine. Make sure you get enough rest!

El Cheapo Loco · 05-22-2014, 06:31 PM

Bring spare water pump and t-stat.

ahmza15 · 05-22-2014, 06:36 PM

Rest most importantly, bring some snacks and something to keep you hydrated along the way. Just be careful though I've done 8 hrs straight driving a few times but I wouldn't go over that and even that was pushing it for me but my biggest issue was havin to take a piss after only a couple of hours. Damn coffee lol sip moderately, trust me..

drilla2212 · 05-22-2014, 06:38 PM

Bring a blanket for your car in case it gets cold at night.

AviatorBimmer · 05-22-2014, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieBear

Will I need the car to "rest" after a certain number of constant driving?

Yup. There is a REST button on your climate control knobs. Just hit that after you park.

NGEE · 05-22-2014, 07:51 PM

Here's my e90 pre-trip packing procedure:

Water pump? check.
Thermostat? check.
Coils? check.
Injectors? check.
7 quarts of oil? check.
Every conceivable gasket? check.
MAF sensor? check.
O2 sensor? check.
HPFP? check.
Spare charge pipe? check.
Spare valve cover? check.
Wheel speed sensors? check.
Steering angle sensor? check.
Wheel bearings? check.
12 lbs. walnut shells? check.
Mechatronic sleeve? check.
Window regulator? check.
Full set of metric tools? check.
Tow hook? check.
U.S. map of BMW dealerships? check.

Then once I'm at the office, I do it all over again for the evening commute back home.

Gizm0 · 05-22-2014, 07:57 PM

I don't think you need to worry about the car... You'll run out of juice way before your car does...

Just in case, check your muffler bearings and blinker fluid before you hit the road...

ErzenE92 · 05-22-2014, 07:59 PM

you shouldn't have any issues with that trip. I have done the drive from California to Colorado 3 times. the only thing you will need is to rest.

Gizm0 · 05-22-2014, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErzenE92

you shouldn't have any issues with that trip. I have done the drive from California to Colorado 3 times. the only thing you will need is to rest.

And fill up the gas tank every 400 miles...

AgentAvalos · 05-22-2014, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NGEE

Here's my e90 pre-trip packing procedure:

Water pump? check.
Thermostat? check.
Coils? check.
Injectors? check.
7 quarts of oil? check.
Every conceivable gasket? check.
MAF sensor? check.
O2 sensor? check.
HPFP? check.
Spare charge pipe? check.
Spare valve cover? check.
Wheel speed sensors? check.
Steering angle sensor? check.
Wheel bearings? check.
12 lbs. walnut shells? check.
Mechatronic sleeve? check.
Window regulator? check.
Full set of metric tools? check.
Tow hook? check.
U.S. map of BMW dealerships? check.

Then once I'm at the office, I do it all over again for the evening commute back home.

Zach1328 · 05-22-2014, 08:23 PM

The car will be fine. Actually, I would argue it will be better than fine and will probably help its longevity to be driven for such a long period.
As a kid the most reliable car we had in the family was my Mom's 2001 Suburban which we drove all over the country. Its been on at least 15 different 1,500 mile long (each way) road trips and that thing is the most reliable car ever!
My parents actually still own that Suburban because its at 180,000 miles and literally hasn't had a single issue. Original suspension, original engine, original water pump - I'll stop there because it is 100% original and still runs like a beauty.
Only things done to it have been regular maintenance including tires, oil changes, brakes, spark plugs, etc.

I agree with most comments, you'll get tired driving wayyyy before the car gets tired!

LeeCatD8209 · 05-23-2014, 05:26 PM

I just drove my 335 from Northern PA to Georgia and back only stopping for gas. It loved every second of it.

brewnami · 05-23-2014, 05:31 PM

I drove my wife's BMW X5 31 hours straight from Round Rock, TX to Hollis, NH in one shot. Only shut the car off to gas up. No problems with the car. I started to hallucinate, but that's because I worked 8 hours and then drove 31 without sleep haha.

Mardio · 05-23-2014, 05:33 PM

Safe to stop every 20 min. and check the flux valve. I would not take any chances.

NGEE · 05-23-2014, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brewnami

I drove my wife's BMW X5 31 hours straight from Round Rock, TX to Hollis, NH in one shot.

JEEZUS!

brewnami · 05-23-2014, 06:01 PM

Live and learn I guess haha.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NGEE

JEEZUS!

misterbrister · 05-23-2014, 06:05 PM

I've driven round-trip from TN to CA a total of three times; twice with my wife to take turns, once on my own. I wouldn't worry about the car too much, although if it's loaded down, at high speed, with high temps you might worry about tire temps. Do a proper check-up on your car before you hit the road, things like fluids, belts, etc. Definitely don't want to be stranded on I10 or I20.

DF · 05-23-2014, 11:36 PM

Welcome to LA! What part are you going to live in?

05-22-2014, 05:28 PM	#1
CharlieBear Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 236 Posts Drives: 08 e92 white red sold bc uknow Join Date: May 2012 Location: Cali iTrader: (2)	Half country Drive with a loaded coupe question I'm moving from Dallas to Los Angeles. It should take me 20 hours straight, but will stop and rest 1,2, or3 times before reaching my destination. Questions: How long should I drive a car for? Will I need the car to "rest" after a certain number of constant driving? 10 hours straight with sleep night? or 7 hours x 3 breaks? Also this will be a packed car, cloths, golf clubs, etc. I'm hoping I can fit it all without a roofrack/roofbox. What is the recommended max lbs. to stuff in a car like this for a road trip? Also any suggested route? I'm just following googlemaps from Dallas to Phoneix to LA. TIA
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05-22-2014, 05:31 PM	#2
e92_enthusiast_1 Lieutenant Colonel 35 Rep 1,652 Posts Drives: '10 AW/CR e92 6mt 335i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Chandler, AZ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 BMW 335i [0.00]	That's a helluva drive. Just make sure you're rested. That's more important than the car 10 hours straight is a long time. I can do like 5 (Go between Phx and El Paso a lot and Phx to LA too) no problem maybe 6 or 7 but after that i get restless. __________________ COBB AP Stg 2+ FMIC Aggressive \| VRSF 3" Catless DP \| COBB FMIC \| BMS DCI \| CP-e Metal Charge Pipe \| 370+ whp/435+ lb.ft torque
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05-22-2014, 05:32 PM	#3
335NJ Colonel 533 Rep 2,872 Posts Drives: 2008 335i 6MT E90 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: NJ/Philadelphia Suburbs iTrader: (1)	It's likely highway the entire way, so pack the car full, you won't scrape on anything unless it's fully packed and you hit speed bumps in a rest stop parking lot too quick or something. You shouldn't weigh it down enough to cause any issue with mostly clothes, and small things. IMO you shouldn't have to let the car cool down, or rest for a period of time, any longer than it takes to get gas, rest stop, etc. Make sure you have nice fresh oil, and regular "road trip" things done prior to taking off that's all __________________ *BSM E90 6MT*-JB4 G5 ISO-BMS DCI-Golf-Tee Mod-Hankook S1N2 Non-RFT-ER Chargepipe/TiAL BOV-E40 blend-VRSF V2's-M3 CDV-MHD/JB4 FLASH-VRSF 5" STEPPED FMIC
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05-22-2014, 05:46 PM	#4
kfriceman Lieutenant 52 Rep 471 Posts Drives: 2009 335 xDrive E90 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Ferndale, WA iTrader: (1)	Good grief, your car does not need to rest......seriously? The cargo capacity is listed in the manual. -Kevin
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05-22-2014, 06:07 PM	#5
HazChem First Lieutenant 262 Rep 392 Posts Drives: 2019 BSM M2C Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NW Ohio iTrader: (8) Garage List 2019 M2 Competition [9.75] 2008 335i Coupe [8.00]	Engines were designed to operate at steady state so you should be fine. Make sure you get enough rest!
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05-22-2014, 06:31 PM	#6
El Cheapo Loco douchebaggo 186 Rep 972 Posts Drives: stick Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: CA iTrader: (1)	Bring spare water pump and t-stat.
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05-22-2014, 06:36 PM	#7
ahmza15 Private First Class 1 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2011 335i vert Join Date: May 2014 Location: ontario iTrader: (0)	Rest most importantly, bring some snacks and something to keep you hydrated along the way. Just be careful though I've done 8 hrs straight driving a few times but I wouldn't go over that and even that was pushing it for me but my biggest issue was havin to take a piss after only a couple of hours. Damn coffee lol sip moderately, trust me..
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05-22-2014, 06:38 PM	#8
drilla2212 Private 0 Rep 90 Posts Drives: e92 328i, z4, e46 m3 Join Date: May 2014 Location: dfw iTrader: (0)	Bring a blanket for your car in case it gets cold at night.
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05-22-2014, 07:51 PM	#10
NGEE Fuck it dude, let's go bowling. 888 Rep 2,480 Posts Drives: 1M Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Not Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	Here's my e90 pre-trip packing procedure: Water pump? check. Thermostat? check. Coils? check. Injectors? check. 7 quarts of oil? check. Every conceivable gasket? check. MAF sensor? check. O2 sensor? check. HPFP? check. Spare charge pipe? check. Spare valve cover? check. Wheel speed sensors? check. Steering angle sensor? check. Wheel bearings? check. 12 lbs. walnut shells? check. Mechatronic sleeve? check. Window regulator? check. Full set of metric tools? check. Tow hook? check. U.S. map of BMW dealerships? check. Then once I'm at the office, I do it all over again for the evening commute back home. __________________ 1M. Previously: '13 135is; '07 E90 335i; '02 325i; '99 Z3; '98 328is; '87 L6; '77 320i
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05-22-2014, 07:57 PM	#11
Gizm0 Colonel 426 Rep 2,136 Posts Drives: 08 e92 335i 6mt Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1)	I don't think you need to worry about the car... You'll run out of juice way before your car does... Just in case, check your muffler bearings and blinker fluid before you hit the road... __________________ JB4 G5 w/ Backend flash - Walbro 450lpfp - VRSF DPs - VRSF 5" stepped IC - DCI - ER CP w/ Tial BOV - 335is clutch
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05-22-2014, 07:59 PM	#12
ErzenE92 First Lieutenant 12 Rep 348 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 335i Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Brentwood CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2009 BMW 335i coupe [0.00]	you shouldn't have any issues with that trip. I have done the drive from California to Colorado 3 times. the only thing you will need is to rest.
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05-22-2014, 08:23 PM	#15
Zach1328 First Lieutenant 39 Rep 315 Posts Drives: 2008 535i / 2007 335i Join Date: May 2014 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	The car will be fine. Actually, I would argue it will be better than fine and will probably help its longevity to be driven for such a long period. As a kid the most reliable car we had in the family was my Mom's 2001 Suburban which we drove all over the country. Its been on at least 15 different 1,500 mile long (each way) road trips and that thing is the most reliable car ever! My parents actually still own that Suburban because its at 180,000 miles and literally hasn't had a single issue. Original suspension, original engine, original water pump - I'll stop there because it is 100% original and still runs like a beauty. Only things done to it have been regular maintenance including tires, oil changes, brakes, spark plugs, etc. I agree with most comments, you'll get tired driving wayyyy before the car gets tired! __________________ 07 335i Mods: JB4 + MHD BEF, RB Twos Plus, Phoenix PI Manifold, Dual Walbro 450 LPFP's, DCI, VRSF DP's, VRSF 7.5" FMIC, VRSF CP + TiAL BOV, VRSF inlets & aluminum outlets, TC Kline SA, M3 F/R control arms, M3 subframe bushings
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05-23-2014, 05:26 PM	#16
LeeCatD8209 Private 1 Rep 72 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Xdrive Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: NCPA iTrader: (0)	I just drove my 335 from Northern PA to Georgia and back only stopping for gas. It loved every second of it.
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05-23-2014, 05:31 PM	#17
brewnami Major 100 Rep 1,040 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 335i M Sport Coupe Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (5)	I drove my wife's BMW X5 31 hours straight from Round Rock, TX to Hollis, NH in one shot. Only shut the car off to gas up. No problems with the car. I started to hallucinate, but that's because I worked 8 hours and then drove 31 without sleep haha. __________________ 2009 335i M Sport coupe, BSM with black/aluminum interior, 6MT, JB4 G5, MDH Backend Flash, Walbro 255 inline LPFP, VRSF Inlets, BMS 3" catless DP's, Borla Aggressive catback, ER FMIC, ER charge pipe, Tial BOV, BMS 2.3 gal Meth Kit, BMS Sport Oil Cooler Valve, Ported CDV, RB PCV, Cyba ram air scoops, Status Gruppe SRS coilovers, ECS trailing arms, Forgestar F14 SDC.
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05-23-2014, 05:33 PM	#18
Mardio Brigadier General 197 Rep 3,211 Posts Drives: 2017 X5 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Nashville iTrader: (0)	Safe to stop every 20 min. and check the flux valve. I would not take any chances.
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05-23-2014, 06:05 PM	#21
misterbrister New Member 2 Rep 6 Posts Drives: Notabimmeryet Join Date: May 2014 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	I've driven round-trip from TN to CA a total of three times; twice with my wife to take turns, once on my own. I wouldn't worry about the car too much, although if it's loaded down, at high speed, with high temps you might worry about tire temps. Do a proper check-up on your car before you hit the road, things like fluids, belts, etc. Definitely don't want to be stranded on I10 or I20. Last edited by misterbrister; 05-23-2014 at 06:05 PM.. Reason: spelling
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05-23-2014, 11:36 PM	#22
DF Major 239 Rep 1,255 Posts Drives: F23 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Sherman Oaks iTrader: (0)	Welcome to LA! What part are you going to live in?
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