[RLNY]

Ok so me and the family are making the move to dallas tx. We both have to bring our cars so we decided to just drive it. I only had my car since december and have not had any issues with it other then a 29E2 code after i installed jb4 and did a 3rd gear map 5 pull. i restarted and that code became a shadow code and never popped up again. Other then that my front tires are a little worn but still somewhat manageable. I currently have 79k on the dash. Do you guys think i might have any issues? Are these cars usually good for long distance road trips?

[BD_F22]

You should be fine especially if you are just cruising speed and not beating on it the whole way there

Edit: Definitely get your tires checked/changed

[Fortyb]

Why would you drive any where that far on worn tires? your asking for trouble if it rains are if you have a blow out from a small screw on the road. Hit up Ebay are check online for some tires. Better safe then sorry.

[RLNY]

i was thinking of buying a steelie tire just in case. how much does one of those go for?

[A-BAMF]

I have driven from VA to Dallas and at the end of the month I'm driving from VA to San Diego, CA. Get as much maintenance done before starting the trip, it's a lot easier getting those things done in an area you are familiar with.

Just as with any other car:
-maintenance up to date
-check fluid levels
-top of washer fluid
-check/replace wipers
-check/replace serpentine belt
-check/replace pulleys
-inspect tires and pressure
-check brake pads

Unknown:
-water pump
-starter
-hpfp


Misc:
-quart of oil
-no spare tire, I keep a plug kit in the trunk and a small 12v air compressor.
-have some safety equipment; flares, reflective triangle, flashlight,
-charged cell phone
-radar detector
-first aid kit

Good luck and safe driving.

[Fortyb]

Originally Posted by A-BAMF

I have driven from VA to Dallas and at the end of the month I'm driving from VA to San Diego, CA. Get as much maintenance done before starting the trip, it's a lot easier getting those things done in an area you are familiar with.

Just as with any other car:
-maintenance up to date
-check fluid levels
-top of washer fluid
-check/replace wipers
-check/replace serpentine belt
-check/replace pulleys
-inspect tires and pressure
-check brake pads

Unknown:
-water pump
-starter
-hpfp


Misc:
-quart of oil
-no spare tire, I keep a plug kit in the trunk and a small 12v air compressor.
-have some safety equipment; flares, reflective triangle, flashlight,
-charged cell phone
-radar detector
-first aid kit

Good luck and safe driving.

^^what he said.

[A-BAMF]

Everyone has different levels of risk that they are willing to take. Sound judgement and preparation go along way.

[RLNY]

ok im getting some new tires thursday. should i turn jb4 off for the trip or it doesnt matter?

[AnthonyT]

Just me, but I'd get a trailer and tow it. But I'm a mileage nazi, so this probably doesn't help. But anyways safe drivings!

[SSW]

Wow! Is your 335i really SO unreliable that you're worried about driving it just 1500 miles from NYC to Dallas?

That's nothing. I've driven U-haul trucks (which are are usually pieces of sh*t) multiple times across country without ever having a problem. I've ridden motorcycles thousands of miles to the Rockies and back, up to Canada and back and down to Mexico and back without any mechanical difficulties whatsoever. I've also driven my old Jeep TJ and my FJ Cruiser thousands of miles through the desert and through the mountains OFF ROAD without any mechanical troubles either.

And, you're worrying about driving a mere 1500 miles on paved roads from NYC to Dallas? If that's the case, sell the car and just take a bus or plane and buy another 335i when you get to Texas. Otherwise, just make sure the car is mechanically sound before you start the trip and GO!

No need to change the oil or do any other "normal" maintenance, if it's not due to be done w/in the anticipated mileage for the trip. Just check the fluids and check the air in tires and look for any punctures or sidewall damage. If there's no damage to the tires and low tread markers aren't visible on your tires yet, there's no reason why they shouldn't be able to make it another 1500 miles. But, if you don't have a spare, it would probably be wise to buy and carry a spare tire/jack kit AND sign up for AAA (or any other emergency car service you like) just in case you do have problems along the road.

If your flashers work, triangles, flares and other road hazard warning devices really aren't necessary. However, a 1st aid kit is always good to have in the car. No need to buy a pre-made kit; you can put one together yourself w/what you have in the house. If you're traveling alone at night, a handgun also would be nice to have BUT there are legal issues about carrying a concealed weapon in a car. An RV would be different. So, if you are transporting a weapon in the car, read up on the legal issues and do so at your own risk. However, since you're from NYC, I assume the you do not own one given the gun control laws there.

I assume you have a cell phone but there's always a chance there will be no cell coverage if and when you break down. Only a SAT phone can help in that case. I've got one for off-road use but most people don't have or want to spend the $ for one. You can rent one but, as long as you stay on major roadways, if a cop doesn't show up first, someone will usually stop and help you.

Bueno suerte y buen viaje!

[Gizm0]

My brother drove from VA to Mexico City... Twice... One time was with a 1998 Kia Sphia with 175k miles and second time was with a 2000 Mercury Sable with 150k miles with no issues. Don't worry, your car won't self destruct.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Yea, definitely get those tires- for your family- and for others around you!
Good luck, and hopefully your HPFP doesn't eat it along the way

[AughtOcho335]

Originally Posted by RLNY

Ok so me and the family are making the move to dallas tx. We both have to bring our cars so we decided to just drive it. I only had my car since december and have not had any issues with it other then a 29E2 code after i installed jb4 and did a 3rd gear map 5 pull. i restarted and that code became a shadow code and never popped up again. Other then that my front tires are a little worn but still somewhat manageable. I currently have 79k on the dash. Do you guys think i might have any issues? Are these cars usually good for long distance road trips?

Your lack of confidence in your car makes me wonder why you got BMW in the first place? There more to a BMW's cost than just it's name.... You really just hurt your car's feelings....

[e90Mark]

Originally Posted by A-BAMF

I have driven from VA to Dallas and at the end of the month I'm driving from VA to San Diego, CA. Get as much maintenance done before starting the trip, it's a lot easier getting those things done in an area you are familiar with.

Just as with any other car:
-maintenance up to date
-check fluid levels
-top of washer fluid
-check/replace wipers
-check/replace serpentine belt
-check/replace pulleys
-inspect tires and pressure
-check brake pads

Unknown:
-water pump
-starter
-hpfp


Misc:
-quart of oil
-no spare tire, I keep a plug kit in the trunk and a small 12v air compressor.
-have some safety equipment; flares, reflective triangle, flashlight,
-charged cell phone
-radar detector
-first aid kit

Good luck and safe driving.

This is a great check list. It's all basic and should be done to any car planned for a long trip.

The unknown part is just living with the N54. Dunno when those are gonna go out, but if you have no symptoms now you should be fine. Starter is NBD, if you got a 6MT.

[Wallace330]

I guess I am in the same boat. What kind of symptoms should I look for on a failing water pump and hpfp?

I am going to TX next month and would like to take the BMW but I don't want to run the risk of a huge repair bill miles away from home.

[e90Mark]

Originally Posted by Wallace330

I guess I am in the same boat. What kind of symptoms should I look for on a failing water pump and hpfp?

I am going to TX next month and would like to take the BMW but I don't want to run the risk of a huge repair bill miles away from home.

Water pump, you could listen for the rad fans to be louder than usual.
HPFP, long cranks to start.. Not a lot to go on, but I'm sure others will chime in.

[RLNY]

I get a slight shake at idle. rpms do not change and it is only like every 5-10sec i feel it. once i accelerate it goes away. i assumed this was just how the n54 is or maybe i need a walnut blast.

[Trespassers W]

Originally Posted by A-BAMF

I have driven from VA to Dallas and at the end of the month I'm driving from VA to San Diego, CA. Get as much maintenance done before starting the trip, it's a lot easier getting those things done in an area you are familiar with.

Just as with any other car:
-maintenance up to date
-check fluid levels
-top of washer fluid
-check/replace wipers
-check/replace serpentine belt
-check/replace pulleys
-inspect tires and pressure
-check brake pads

Unknown:
-water pump
-starter
-hpfp


Misc:
-quart of oil
-no spare tire, I keep a plug kit in the trunk and a small 12v air compressor.
-have some safety equipment; flares, reflective triangle, flashlight,
-charged cell phone
-radar detector
-first aid kit

Good luck and safe driving.

+1.

Also, have a good rest, don't drive overnight or if you feel sleepy - this can become very dangerous.

I drove my 8 yr old Nissan Maxima from Albany NY to Dallas few years ago - no problem, in fact it was a good opportunity to see places. This year we took 328 from Dallas to DC and back - great drive, very pleasant, no problems whatsoever.

Welcome to Texas! :-)

[Fortyb]

From what i have been reading on the Forums if you are over 45000 miles and have not done a walnut blast yet then you need to. That might solve your hesitation problems but it will not have any impact on you taking it on a long road trip.

[brewnami]

Made the drive from Boston, MA to Austin, TX in a stage 2+ Audi S4 with 105K miles AND with a 95 Chevy Tahoe LT with 220K miles pulling a trailer. I think you will be fine.

[evoix]

you should be fine as long as your car is well maintained. Get the steelie. Idk why they didnt put a damn spare tire in these cars.


Have fun driving and watch out for changing speed limits in different counties!!!

[parabola]

Check your fluids and drive, and maybe 2 new tires.
I've driven across country in a beat-up Ford Tempo with 140k miles at the time.
It's an ultimate driving machine, treat it like one