Planning long road trip

Ceddy626 · 03-02-2024, 07:51 PM

Thinking about taking my 44k mile 2018 x3 m40i on a road trip from Portland, OR to Southern California to see family and explore the cali coastline.

I haven't had any major issues with the car and I absolutely love it. Hands down the best car I've owned, cant think of anything new that I'd replace it with other than the LCI model. I want to make sure I am considerate of its age and mileage when planning such a long trip. Outside typical regular maintenance like oil changes n such, any tips on things I should check on/ be aware of? Car is garage kept and daily'd, short distance commute. All regular maint is up to date/ done on time.

This is my second BMW, prior to I only owned Hondas and Toyotas. I would take those cars on road trips but never really worried about them. I know that most of the new BMW models and the B58 engine are generally considered to be reliable. That said, just want to make sure I'm covering my bases. Don't wanna get stuck anywhere.

Rottweiler · 03-02-2024, 07:56 PM

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2081730

You’re welcome

BMWbiker · 03-02-2024, 11:36 PM

My first thought is tires. If they’re the ones that came with the car, how is the tread?

What weather and temperature conditions are you likely to encounter during the trip? Are the tires all-season, summer, or winter? Summer tires should not be driven on in temperatures below about 40-45 degrees, or in any winter weather conditions. They are hazardous in the snow. Winter tires, however, are best in snow and cold. They are superfluous if you’re in balmy SoCal, but may be needed to get there depending on the weather on your route.

keithguido · 03-03-2024, 10:04 AM

Put gas in and enjoy the drive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

330DW · 03-03-2024, 03:17 PM

I wouldn't be concerned about much on the car for that distance.

Top up the screen wash and check the oil level before setting off. If your engine consumes a bit of oil (over several thousand miles) take a quart of oil to be on the safe side.
Check the tyre pressures and give the treads a check.
Roadside assistance is good to have for backup.

Other than that, enjoy the drive and plan in some nice places to stop on the journey!

brettl · 03-03-2024, 04:21 PM

If it’s maintained and in good shape, hit the road and enjoy, just don’t go with your snow tires if you have them.
If stopping by the Bay Area, enjoy 505, long, straight, little traffic…..
If time is one your side id suggest going down or up hwy 1 thru Big Sur. Takes a while longer but beautiful drive along the coast.
Then 101 in the other direction (i5 sucks between Bay Area and LA). Some neat towns along the way- Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Solvang, Paso Robles. If you like hiking, pinnacles national park is about 20 mins off 101.
Sounds like a nice ride!!

03-02-2024, 07:51 PM	#1
Ceddy626 503_GO1_B58 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW X3 M40i Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	Planning long road trip - preflight tips? Thinking about taking my 44k mile 2018 x3 m40i on a road trip from Portland, OR to Southern California to see family and explore the cali coastline. I haven't had any major issues with the car and I absolutely love it. Hands down the best car I've owned, cant think of anything new that I'd replace it with other than the LCI model. I want to make sure I am considerate of its age and mileage when planning such a long trip. Outside typical regular maintenance like oil changes n such, any tips on things I should check on/ be aware of? Car is garage kept and daily'd, short distance commute. All regular maint is up to date/ done on time. This is my second BMW, prior to I only owned Hondas and Toyotas. I would take those cars on road trips but never really worried about them. I know that most of the new BMW models and the B58 engine are generally considered to be reliable. That said, just want to make sure I'm covering my bases. Don't wanna get stuck anywhere.
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03-02-2024, 07:56 PM	#2
Rottweiler Captain (Retired) 3983 Rep 1,728 Posts Drives: X4 M40i Join Date: May 2022 Location: Honolulu iTrader: (1) Garage List 2023 BMW X4 M40I [10.00]	https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2081730 You’re welcome
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03-02-2024, 11:36 PM	#3
BMWbiker Second Lieutenant 387 Rep 229 Posts Drives: 2015 328i xdrive wagon Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	My first thought is tires. If they’re the ones that came with the car, how is the tread? What weather and temperature conditions are you likely to encounter during the trip? Are the tires all-season, summer, or winter? Summer tires should not be driven on in temperatures below about 40-45 degrees, or in any winter weather conditions. They are hazardous in the snow. Winter tires, however, are best in snow and cold. They are superfluous if you’re in balmy SoCal, but may be needed to get there depending on the weather on your route. __________________ A BMW car and several BMW motorcycles
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03-03-2024, 10:04 AM	#4
keithguido First Lieutenant 260 Rep 381 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW X3M40 1984 911 TARGA Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Prescott Valley AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW X3 M40 [10.00]	Put gas in and enjoy the drive!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ 2023 X3 M40I 2018 X3 30i M Sport 2011 550i 2005 325i 1985 535I 2017 F150 2016 GS 2004 545i 1994 525I 1984 911 TARGA 2014 HD ULTRA
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03-03-2024, 03:17 PM	#5
330DW Enlisted Member 33 Rep 48 Posts Drives: X3 G01 30D Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: North West iTrader: (0)	I wouldn't be concerned about much on the car for that distance. Top up the screen wash and check the oil level before setting off. If your engine consumes a bit of oil (over several thousand miles) take a quart of oil to be on the safe side. Check the tyre pressures and give the treads a check. Roadside assistance is good to have for backup. Other than that, enjoy the drive and plan in some nice places to stop on the journey!
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03-03-2024, 04:21 PM	#6
brettl Captain 390 Rep 658 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 30i Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	If it’s maintained and in good shape, hit the road and enjoy, just don’t go with your snow tires if you have them. If stopping by the Bay Area, enjoy 505, long, straight, little traffic….. If time is one your side id suggest going down or up hwy 1 thru Big Sur. Takes a while longer but beautiful drive along the coast. Then 101 in the other direction (i5 sucks between Bay Area and LA). Some neat towns along the way- Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Solvang, Paso Robles. If you like hiking, pinnacles national park is about 20 mins off 101. Sounds like a nice ride!!
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