Road Trip!

[Wolfgarde83]

So I'm planning on taking the 1er out to the east coast in a couple weeks. Round trip: ~5000km/3000 miles. Is there anything I should be bringing or doing ahead of time?

I currently have the following emergency stuff in the car...
-quart of oil
-flares
-first aid kit
-some rags

Now, I recently got new tires (and had a 4 wheel alignment the other week as well). The new tires are NOT run flats, so I'm a tad worried about getting a flat. I have CAA (AAA), and I've mapped out various BMW dealers on route just in case. I was thinking of packing one of my winter wheels in the trunk, but not sure if that's worth the space or not.

Anything else? Other advice? Let me know!

[MPFit]

Some of that green slime for tire holes with a battery powered air compressor?
Should take care of flat worries!

[moveswiftly]

Just drive and don't worry.

[JimD]

I like my Viair compressor, about $50. It is much quieter and more powerful than other 12V compressors I've used. I got battery clips with it. It pulls 15A and it is easier to clip it to the battery. You might also consider one the "plug it yourself" kits. I would not use slime, it did not work for me and you can't plug if you use it. Continental sells a neat kit with a latex based plugging material (i.e. can be cleaned out of the tire) and a pump that injects the sealant and airs the tire up. Google "continental tire kit".

Not a bad idea to carry a gallon of water. You or your car could get thirsty. A roll of toilet paper might make you a lot more comfortable. Fuses are always a good idea (make sure they fit). Car charger for your cell phone is a good idea.

Jim

[Kcc]

Bug and tar remover?

Get your sunglass!

Kcc

[Cuz5150]

3M blue painters tape........cover the front end during the trip. Get to east coast and remove=Bug free front end.

[ken1137]

Maybe the BMW tire mobility kit (?) honestly, I don't know if it works well but i have it in my trunk since I don't have run-craps (summer or winter). Consists of compressor and tire sealant. I'm sure someone will chime in

[L8*Apex]

What to bring? A pack of smokes and a hot chick for the passenger seat. Change of clothes maybe? What else is there? It's a brand new car not a 69 nova. Just go.

[Jayda]

Originally Posted by L8*Apex

What to bring? A pack of smokes and a hot chick for the passenger seat. Change of clothes maybe? What else is there? It's a brand new car not a 69 nova. Just go.

I wouldn't leave without a 6 pack of Coke Zero in a cooler, my favorite thermal coffee mug for a coffee fix at a local shop or two along the way and a couple good audio books on my iPod.........(-:

[QC135Vert]

Originally Posted by Jayda

I wouldn't leave without a 6 pack of Coke Zero in a cooler, my favorite thermal coffee mug for a coffee fix at a local shop or two along the way and a couple good audio books on my iPod.........(-:

how can you have liquids in a 1 series with the crappy cupholders? I avoid having liquids in my car like the plague because of it!

[Jayda]

Originally Posted by QC135Vert

how can you have liquids in a 1 series with the crappy cupholders? I avoid having liquids in my car like the plague because of it!

Perhaps we have different driving styles......I also sip down a Coke or coffee before putting it in the cup holder! A girl's gotta have her caffeine (and a good looking man in the passenger seat).

[gordongekko]

I don't think you prepared very well.

[slim_e90]

Flashlight is a good idea. And a thermal type jacket. Some easy emergency food maybe?

I agree with the continental kit for your tire concern. You are good with CAA plus you probably still have BMW roadside assistance.

Ps - Are you going from Ontario to NS? Whale watching? I miss Canada!

[Soccs]

When ibought my 1st Mini i did something like that! 3days after the car came from the local dealer I set sail to Monaco. Portugal all the way to Monaco. It was al around trip of 6000kms. It was one of the greatest experiences I ever had with a car! Met a lot of friends around Spain and France. All I took with me wad a full cartridge of smokes, a nice gps, lots of condoms and as many boxers and socks I could find!
For the car I brought , 1,5 liters of oil, a tire pressure gauge, and made sure my insurance was convered on the countries I was going to. Something that really helped was an app for iPhone called Trapster. International data based for speed cameras, works with google maps.

Enjoy and never look back!

[mrleisure]

Just drove from North Dakota to New Hampshire. Only thing I can recommend is water. For you, not the car. I drove most of the trip with the windows and sunroof open so I needed to stay extra hydrated with the sun on me.

[ken1137]

Originally Posted by slim_e90

Flashlight is a good idea. And a thermal type jacket. Some easy emergency food maybe?

I agree with the continental kit for your tire concern. You are good with CAA plus you probably still have BMW roadside assistance.

Ps - Are you going from Ontario to NS? Whale watching? I miss Canada!

Well, he may as well include a para cord, water resistant matches, thermal blanket, candles, leatherman utility knife, and a CCW....ooops, they dont allow that in Canada.

[Focusedintntions]

I'd just include a credit card, a cell phone with a car charger, and some sunscreen and go. The rest you can pick up as you need on the road and just enjoy the trip

[AntonV]

I just bring one thing on road trips. My Valentine 1.

[DriveHard]

Look the car over before you go.

Make sure the oil is topped off and carry that extra quart.

have a tire plug / slime kit and compressor... forget about spare ( then you need a jack and tools also)

Top off the washer fluid...carry some more or be prepared to buy some. You will kill alot of bugs...

emergency cash, debit card, snacks, water or gatorade, RADAR detector, cell phone car charger, and i think you r set.. drive away !!!!

[Tom K.]

[quote=DriveHard;9955714emergency cash, debit card, snacks, water or gatorade, RADAR detector, cell phone car charger, and i think you r set.. drive away !!!![/quote]

Forget the radar detector as they are illegal in most if not all Canadian provinces. If you are touring the US, then no problem except for VA & DC.

Incidentally, if you will be heading to the Maritimes, I strongly recommend the Cabot Trail - it was great in my 128i 'vert.

Tom

[BrokenVert]

I bring sunscreen, a hairbrush, a big bottle of water, an eclipse bigge pack of gum, and a can of pringles (no grease and easy to grab while driving)

[Wolfgarde83]

Thanks for all the responses guys!

My car isn't brand, brand new. It's an '08 with 62,000km on it now (so yes, it's still rather new). I had the HPFP done last month, so I think I'm good in that department.

Definitely will remember to pick up a tire seal kit and top off the washer fluid beforehand as someone mentioned. Since I will be hiking at a few spots (hoping to hit Mount Washington on the way out) I will have things like my leatherman, emergency blanket, water, etc. At this point I think I will leave the spare winter tire behind. But the hot chick will be coming.

Ps - Are you going from Ontario to NS? Whale watching? I miss Canada!

Yup. Destination Nova Scotia!

Incidentally, if you will be heading to the Maritimes, I strongly recommend the Cabot Trail - it was great in my 128i 'vert.

Yes! That is at the top of my list!