[Mr.Z]

Hi guys,
(2018) BMW X3 G01 20i xDrive owner here.
I’m planning to have a long drive from Austria to Rome, Italy.
The navigation says ~11+ hours straight. But of course I am going to have a multiple rests in between.
My question is, how many hours of driving for the car is recommended to take a rest? Every 3, 4, or 5 hours?
Your expertise and advise regarding this matter would be highly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

[clivem2]

Hard to say, probably every 3 but I hope you don't plan on going for many weeks...bit tricky currently.

[satz]

For the driver we always recommend a break every 2 hours.

For the car itself - I don't think it needs a break!

[swisstony]

The car gives you warning messages to take a break or continue..
Not sure if it is just based on time or miles.... or something cleverer based on your driving style.

[TheusBimmer]

Originally Posted by Mr.Z

Hi guys,
(2018) BMW X3 G01 20i xDrive owner here.
I’m planning to have a long drive from Austria to Rome, Italy.
The navigation says ~11+ hours straight. But of course I am going to have a multiple rests in between.
My question is, how many hours of driving for the car is recommended to take a rest? Every 3, 4, or 5 hours?
Your expertise and advise regarding this matter would be highly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

Yup every two hours is good. Though stop if you are feeling drowsy and don't overdo it. I recommend to bring apples, dry nuts, beef jerky or the likes to eat as snacks, and drink a balanced amount of water to keep hydrated, all of which help you stay alert. Also for meals, keep them light as you will be less drowsy. Play a mix of songs and types of music. I also like to listen to comedy and have a good laugh as I drive. Helps with the blood flow to your brain and keeps you mentally engaged.

If you can buy a net to put between the rear and front row to stow away snacks, it would be good too for your own easy access, in case your passengers are all passed out. Something like this:

https://m.es.aliexpress.com/item/329...53f&is_c=Y

On an unrelated note, I hope you are planning your trip after mid May, as most likely Italy and Austria will keep their borders closed for non-essential travels. I'm in Italy stuck doing quarantine.

(I have driven from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain, on my X3 m40i). In the States, drove from the Great Lakes to Washington DC. My resume as an experienced traveller and my two cents of what I have learned on my trips with my X3 this past year. Longest trip I did in one day was 13 hours with breaks (again this is on X3 only). Don't recommend it ha.

Stay and be safe.

[zpkasa]

From 2005 I drive a 500km-long trip every week and I need a break halftime. Hope it helps. Z

[383vett]

For me, my bladder lets me know when it's break time.

[Barbja]

My trips are usually no longer than 2h each way. Just recently, I did a 5h (driving time) each way trip in one day to pick up my son (Austin to Fort Stockton and back). I had to stop 3x out and 2x back, so 6x in all for a 10 hr drive (that includes the destination stop).

Admittedly, I would have had to stop 2x each way just for BR breaks. However, one of those times outbound was just because my back hurt too much to keep going. Stupid seats. On the way back, I was able to get my seat into some weird position where my back didn't hurt as much, which wouldn't have been possible without ACC and LKA; I was lower that I would like so I couldn't see as well. However, because of COVID-19 running around, there wasn't much traffic except RVs and 18wheelers. I just pointed the car and let it go; I had no desire whatsoever to play the 'traffic game'.

[cadman50]

Originally Posted by 383vett

For me, my bladder lets me know when it's break time.

Haha...so true!!Plus it depends on how much coffee I've had and when I start. Since 2003 I've driven from Boston to Salt Lake once a year in the winter. That's 2400 miles. I used to drive it in 2.5 days but now it's 4 days averaging 600 miles/day. That's about 10 hours. The X3 handles it great. Very comfortable.

[chassis]

I stop for breaks every 2.5-4 hours depending on biological needs. Usually around 2.5 hours.

M-B vehicles give an indicator message when the vehicle "thinks" you need a break. The message needs to be affirmatively dismissed for it to go away.

[titomi]

Originally Posted by chassis

I stop for breaks every 2.5-4 hours depending on biological needs. Usually around 2.5 hours.

M-B vehicles give an indicator message when the vehicle "thinks" you need a break. The message needs to be affirmatively dismissed for it to go away.

X3 is doing the same.

[TheusBimmer]

Originally Posted by titomi

X3 is doing the same.

Indeed. The x3 calls it a coffee break with an image of a coffee cup if I recall correctly. About 2-3 hours in. Have to dismiss manually to see your central screen again.

[Jcbmally]

In Europe you can drive a HGV for up to 4.5hrs before a mandatory break but there is no law in restricting driving a private car, go figure. Whenever I go on a long trip I usually stop halfway.