[sukho]

Hello all,

Excited to share that I'll be taking delivery of my 2025 G87 ~April. I'll be driving it home from the dealer down the CA I-5 ~300-400 miles, and would appreciate some advice from you all here. This will be my first personal manual car, so both thrilled and nervous about that journey.


My main concern is damage (whether that be minor cosmetic chips or something big to the oil cooler).

I've put in an order for the MAD oil cooler guard, but since it is on backorder, I'm planning to order the Mishimoto as well in case it doesn't arrive by April.

As for paint protection, I've been recommended to put painters tape on the front bumper, but thinking about using this xpel tracwrap instead (https://www.xpel.com/shop/tracwrap-t...?variant=57000). Would be putting it on the front bumper and lower sides.

Once I arrive home, I'll be getting a PPF, tint, and dash cam install. This protection would just be for that initial 300-400mi drive home.

What do you guys all think? Is this enough? Is this overkill? Am I being too careful for something that is meant to be driven? Is there something I am missing?



Sidenote: I am looking at the Viofo A229 Pro (if there is a better dashcam for this car, please recommend). Also, I am located in San Diego so if you guys know trustworthy shops that would be a one stop all for PPF, tint, and dashcam install, please recommend my way as well.

Appreciate you all for reading this far!

[Mech Spec]

I would ask the dealer to deliver the car to you or arrange for private transport if you are that concerned with the potential damage of the drive home.

[M_Power Rob]

Originally Posted by IanH

I would ask the dealer to deliver the car to you or arrange for private transport if you are that concerned with the potential damage of the drive home.

Was going to recommend the same. Have it delivered to you via private enclosed transport.

[ednir98]

My main concern would be quality of break-in. Not sure what that 300-400mi drive looks like for you but if it's all highway I would try to find a route with varying road types or having it trailered home. Straight highway driving isn't considered the best for break-in.

Also, doing that kind of mileage in your first manual car would kinda be like going to the gym for the first time ever and exercising for 3 hours straight... you might make it out in one piece but it will be unpleasant.

[RockCrusher]

Originally Posted by sukho

Hello all,

Excited to share that I'll be taking delivery of my 2025 G87 ~April. I'll be driving it home from the dealer down the CA I-5 ~300-400 miles, and would appreciate some advice from you all here. This will be my first personal manual car, so both thrilled and nervous about that journey.


My main concern is damage (whether that be minor cosmetic chips or something big to the oil cooler).

I've put in an order for the MAD oil cooler guard, but since it is on backorder, I'm planning to order the Mishimoto as well in case it doesn't arrive by April.

As for paint protection, I've been recommended to put painters tape on the front bumper, but thinking about using this xpel tracwrap instead (https://www.xpel.com/shop/tracwrap-t...?variant=57000). Would be putting it on the front bumper and lower sides.

Once I arrive home, I'll be getting a PPF, tint, and dash cam install. This protection would just be for that initial 300-400mi drive home.

What do you guys all think? Is this enough? Is this overkill? Am I being too careful for something that is meant to be driven? Is there something I am missing?



Sidenote: I am looking at the Viofo A229 Pro (if there is a better dashcam for this car, please recommend). Also, I am located in San Diego so if you guys know trustworthy shops that would be a one stop all for PPF, tint, and dashcam install, please recommend my way as well.

Appreciate you all for reading this far!

In March 2023 a month before I bought a new M2 I bought a new MINI JCW in Loveland CO and drove the JCW home 873 miles using freeways.

(Back in July 2009 in my less than 2 week old (used) new 996 Turbo and encountering a mule deer on a state highway (back in 2009 on 50 highway just west of Ely NV) I frankly don't have the stomach to take backroads any more.)

What I did was to use different gears at times -- the JCW was fitted with a 6-speed. I used 6th and 5th (and maybe even 4th) -- to vary engine RPMs.

When traffic permitted I let off the gas pedal and let the car slow down then at some point gently accelerated the car back up to speed.

And of course I followed the other break in cautions. Might mention that the 2nd day of the drive home the engine began run better.

The M2: A month later in April I bought my 2023 M2 at a dealer 200+ miles distant. Drove the M2 home on freeways. Used the same style of driving the M2 as I did the JCW to adhere to the break in guidelines. The M2 also had a 6-speed manual transmission. Before I left the dealer the shift assist was enabled.

From my M2 owners manual:

Break in

Engine, transmission, and axle drive

Up to 600 miles/1,000 km

Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do not exceed 5000 rpm and 106 mph/170 km/h.

Avoid full throttle or kickdown under all circumstances.

Having lived in SF Bay Area for years, 1971 to 2020, and most recently from 2003 to 2020 in Livermore CA and having driven I-5 from Tracy CA south to the LA area or north to (eventually) Seattle Washington area a number of times over the years you'll be unable to set the cruise control and drive at a steady speed for any length of time on I5. Even if you take 99 you'll encounter the same sort of traffic.

Before you set out check the oil level. I failed to do this with my M2 and when I got home and checked the oil level it was down some. I don't know if the level was a bit low before I left or it went down over the 200 mile drive. At any rate I topped the level up and it never went down again.

Oh, you'll need to buy a bottle of the proper engine oil to have with you. Every time you stop for fuel check the oil level and if it is low carefully top the level up.

On the road my advice is be in no hurry. Keep as much distance between the vehicle ahead of you as you can safely keep. By staying back you reduce the chance of a rock chip in the paint or the windshield.

I really enjoyed the drive home in my new JCW and a month later in my new M2.

Added: Oh I forgot to mention this... In my years on I5 and with a V1 radar detector I5 is pretty heavily monitored for speeders. There was -- might still be -- a judge in area through which I5 passed was noted for handing out harsh sentences for speeding. Bottom line if you see clear road ahead be aware there can be a CHP (or even a sheriff's car or a local police car) ahead with radar on ready for you if you are going too fast.

[Ronin76]

Originally Posted by IanH

I would ask the dealer to deliver the car to you or arrange for private transport if you are that concerned with the potential damage of the drive home.

This is what I would do as well. An enclosed container so nothing happens to it.

[EMZWEI]

I think that you are overthinking it. I flew from Maine to DC and took delivery in MD then the next day I drove the car 600+ miles home in one single day. I drove it home the day after the big snow storm in the area in January in below freezing temps on Z rated tires. The car made it home with zero issues, I got it PPF’d a few days later and installed the guards for the radiator and oil cooler afterwards. Car is fine and I am enjoying it with almost 2000 miles in 1.5 months.

I get the nervousness you have, I was freaking out due to the abnormally strange weather and having to drive 600 miles back home in it with my BRAND NEW CAR that I was not familiar with.

Enjoy the experience and don’t overthink it is my best suggestion to you. Get the car, sit in it for a few hours, read the manual, get comfortable with the controls, the power it has and the braking and handling capabilities and enjoy the ride home. You’ll love it.

Here’s a pic to share just because I love the thing.

[Ronin76]

Originally Posted by EMZWEI

I think that you are overthinking it. I flew from Maine to DC and took delivery in MD then the next day I drove the car 600+ miles home in one single day. I drove it home the day after the big snow storm in the area in January in below freezing temps on Z rated tires. The car made it home with zero issues, I got it PPF’d a few days later and installed the guards for the radiator and oil cooler afterwards. Car is fine and I am enjoying it with almost 2000 miles in 1.5 months.

I get the nervousness you have, I was freaking out due to the abnormally strange weather and having to drive 600 miles back home in it with my BRAND NEW CAR that I was not familiar with.

Enjoy the experience and don’t overthink it is my best suggestion to you. Get the car, sit in it for a few hours, read the manual, get comfortable with the controls, the power it has and the braking and handling capabilities and enjoy the ride home. You’ll love it.

Here’s a pic to share just because I love the thing.

How would you have felt if you had the same
luck the one guy had who picked up his car from one state (Jersey I think) and drove it back to his home state (Illinois) only to find out that the “low oil” lit up the dash 20 minutes from his house?

Turns out a rock hit his oil cooler without him knowing and while he was driving while his car was leaking oil. His engine was gone.

Sorry but I am playing it safe. Nice it worked out for you but I would pay a little extra to get it to me safe and sound.

[EMZWEI]

Originally Posted by Ronin76

How would you have felt if you had the same
luck the one guy had who picked up his car from one state (Jersey I think) and drove it back to his home state (Illinois) only to find out that the “low oil” lit up the dash 20 minutes from his house?

Turns out a rock hit his oil cooler without him knowing and while he was driving while his car was leaking oil. His engine was gone.

Sorry but I am playing it safe. Nice it worked out for you but I would pay a little extra to get it to me safe and sound.

Sometimes bad luck happens no matter the situation and your example is a huge outlier. I’m not sure how many M2’s are in existence but I’m sure that the majority of them do not and will not ever have an aftermarket oil cooler guard installed on them yet will never have an issue with a rock puncturing the cooler.

Sorry but my opinion is that it’s ultimately just a car and it should be able to do car things. I’d drive it home from the dealer like any other new car purchase whether it’s a brand new Kia or a brand new BMW.

[aerobod]

Originally Posted by Ronin76

How would you have felt if you had the same
luck the one guy had who picked up his car from one state (Jersey I think) and drove it back to his home state (Illinois) only to find out that the “low oil” lit up the dash 20 minutes from his house?

Turns out a rock hit his oil cooler without him knowing and while he was driving while his car was leaking oil. His engine was gone.

Sorry but I am playing it safe. Nice it worked out for you but I would pay a little extra to get it to me safe and sound.

A piece of corrugated plastic board, acrylic sheet or similar zip tied under the oil cooler could be used to alleviate that risk, as at normal break-in engine loads the oil cooler won’t be doing much. Combine that with half a dozen rolls of painters tape over the nose and other areas susceptible to paint chips, then self-transportation would work.

[Mech Spec]

Covering the oil cooler should be of no concern at all, it probably wont even really impact it effectiveness since the underside is the air outlet of the cooler.

[RockCrusher]

Originally Posted by aerobod

A piece of corrugated plastic board, acrylic sheet or similar zip tied under the oil cooler could be used to alleviate that risk, as at normal break-in engine loads the oil cooler won’t be doing much. Combine that with half a dozen rolls of painters tape over the nose and other areas susceptible to paint chips, then self-transportation would work.

Even during break in the engine will generate a fair amount of heat.

With my M2 and more recently with my M8 during break in oil temperature climbed to 210F or a bit higher even as I adhered to the break in guidelines.

A few times I gave the car a voice command/request: "Hey BMW. What is the engine oil temperature?" and got a reply that agreed with what was shown by the oil temperature gauge.

The engine is water cooled and oil cooled. It is the oil that comes into contact with the hottest engine parts and can reach pretty high temperatures. (With my Dodge Challengers I've seen oil temperature reach 240F and higher just driving 5+ miles through town on a warm day.)

I would *not* fit any thing that interferes in any way with air flow through the oil cooler.

If the OP believes this is necessary for the drive home from the dealer I would offer driving the car home is not for him. Shipping it then would be the better course of action.

[Mech Spec]

Originally Posted by RockCrusher

Even during break in the engine will generate a fair amount of heat.

With my M2 and more recently with my M8 during break in oil temperature climbed to 210F or a bit higher even as I adhered to the break in guidelines.

A few times I gave the car a voice command/request: "Hey BMW. What is the engine oil temperature?" and got a reply that agreed with what was shown by the oil temperature gauge.

The engine is water cooled and oil cooled. It is the oil that comes into contact with the hottest engine parts and can reach pretty high temperatures. (With my Dodge Challengers I've seen oil temperature reach 240F and higher just driving 5+ miles through town on a warm day.)

I would *not* fit any thing that interferes in any way with air flow through the oil cooler.

If the OP believes this is necessary for the drive home from the dealer I would offer driving the car home is not for him. Shipping it then would be the better course of action.

You're just wrong man, you can take the oil cooler off completely and it doesnt change the operating temperatures of the oil or coolant during normal driving.

[evm333]

Originally Posted by EMZWEI

I think that you are overthinking it. I flew from Maine to DC and took delivery in MD then the next day I drove the car 600+ miles home in one single day. I drove it home the day after the big snow storm in the area in January in below freezing temps on Z rated tires. The car made it home with zero issues, I got it PPF’d a few days later and installed the guards for the radiator and oil cooler afterwards. Car is fine and I am enjoying it with almost 2000 miles in 1.5 months.

I get the nervousness you have, I was freaking out due to the abnormally strange weather and having to drive 600 miles back home in it with my BRAND NEW CAR that I was not familiar with.

Enjoy the experience and don’t overthink it is my best suggestion to you. Get the car, sit in it for a few hours, read the manual, get comfortable with the controls, the power it has and the braking and handling capabilities and enjoy the ride home. You’ll love it.

Here’s a pic to share just because I love the thing.

What guards did you install for the radiator.

[EMZWEI]

Originally Posted by evm333

What guards did you install for the radiator.

Zunsport. 5 piece. (Didn’t install the brake duct screens yet) and a MAD oil cooler protector underneath.

[Teto]

These oil radiators only operate when the oil temperature reaches x degrees. Just like water radiator fans

[aerobod]

Originally Posted by Teto

These oil radiators only operate when the oil temperature reaches x degrees. Just like water radiator fans

Yes, no oil cooler flow until oil temp hits 100C, then only fully regulated above 114C, as indicated in the S58 engine training doc (Section 7): https://www.bimmerpost.com/goodiesfo...S58-Engine.pdf

If the engine isn't being worked hard, not having flow through the oil cooler won't make too much difference to oil temperature. Many ICE cars on the road don't have or need an engine oil cooler, as the engine coolant system will also keep the oil within a normal temperature range.

[two_three_two]

its not a lambo man. just put the oil cooler shield on and drive it home at a non-prime traffic hour. 65 mph in the right lane, don't follow closer than 10 car lengths, or just back roads to vary your RPM for break in. its probably endured far worse on its journey to the dealer, and gives you some time to get used to the car.

[DarkNight707]

Be prepared to find a lot of stop and go traffic in the 5 thru DTLA.

Congrats!

[Judge8]

With the amount of trucks on highway 5 I'd definitely get tracwrap. Can't really avoid with how many trucks that just stay in left lane now as well

[LateBrake8]

I vote against transport. Not because it's a bad idea but because I think making the trip is worth the experience and good memories. But the opposing view is definitely valid. I also trust myself more than any truck driver, particularly with a personal car. Enclosed trailer is probably going to run you $800+. Flights are $40-70 if booked 10-14 days in advance, so a few bucks can be saved and put towards mods.

I'm going to be making the same trip at some point (a drive I've made 20+ times between SF and LA), hopefully by April. An M2 isn't a Lambo but it also isn't a Corolla. I'd like to tape the front-end, mirrors, skirts, and quarters for peace of mind. It won't do much if I clip a big ass rock, but it will protect against lighter debris, bugs, etc. Realistically I'll probably be too lazy to do it, but there's nothing to lose. Best advice here so far is to try to keep distance from others.

Also, I-5 through Cali is a long 2-lane straight with a 70mph speed limit. 18-wheelers cruise at 70-80 so doing 65 the whole way isn't feasible. I usually hover 85-90mph on these drives (one in particular had my e46 in triple digits most of the way), and others will often match this pace. When that happens, let them take the lead and follow a football field or 2 behind so you don't take the fall if CHP spontaneously appears. And on that note, have both Waze and Apple Maps going the whole time; users of both apps do a pretty damn good job of marking police cars and speed traps.

[RockCrusher]

Originally Posted by aerobod

Yes, no oil cooler flow until oil temp hits 100C, then only fully regulated above 114C, as indicated in the S58 engine training doc (Section 7): https://www.bimmerpost.com/goodiesfo...S58-Engine.pdf

If the engine isn't being worked hard, not having flow through the oil cooler won't make too much difference to oil temperature. Many ICE cars on the road don't have or need an engine oil cooler, as the engine coolant system will also keep the oil within a normal temperature range.

The oil flow through the cooler is dependent upon the oil temperature. But regardless my advice is to avoid fitting anything that can interfere with the oil cooler's operation.

Some car engines don't have oil coolers. But the ones that do I'd not add anything that could interfere with the cooler's operation. An engine oil cooler is rarely fitted as cosmetic feature...

I know much has been made about the couple of freak incidents (and at least in one case questionable as to what really happened) pertaining to a damaged oil cooler but if I felt a car needed that kind of jury rigged oil cooler protection on a drive home from the dealer I'd probably not buy the car.

Or arrange to ship it and fit a oil cooler guard before putting a tire on pavement.