Long Road Trip/New Car

[ugarte]

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[Si-M240i]

I would be very worried if a car that had only done 3500 miles would not be capable of the trip.

When you say it has nerver been up to temperature, are you saying you haven't every driven it for more than 15 minutes ? and what problem do you think that would cause. Itr a new car, good build qualify and reliable.....drive it... no, drive it hard....very hard!!!! and enjoy it.

[ruffstik]

I agree....just have fun on the road trip! You shouldnt worry about any problems with the car..(cough...HPFP...cough)

[JHZR2]

The biggest key, IMO, is to avoid constant speed and/or constant RPM driving. Fluctuate very often, but never go too fast. Never pass 4500-5000RPM. Coast under high vacuum often (high speed/rpm, foot off the throttle).

Keeping a fluctuating speed will be your biggest hassle, as it effects your ability to make good time and fuel economy. However, it will be best for full-break-in. It gets less important as you go higher in mileage.

[ptack]

If the car has over 2000 miles already on it, the break-in is over so proceed at will.

[Tom K.]

First of all, even cruising I-95 at 80 mph (watch for police, especially in VA), you'll rarely be exceeding 3,000 rpm - less than 1/2 of redline. So heat should not be a problem. And if you have the time to get off the interstate and follow the "blue" roads, you'll probably have more fun.

After breaking in my 128i 'vert and changing the oil at 2,800 miles, I took a wonderful round trip from MD to the west coast totalling 8,000 miles with no smells or noises whatsoever, averaging nearly 29 mpg.

The 1er is a great road car - enjoy your trip.

Tom

[Coach]

The car is as broke in as it gets.

Your biggest concern should your a$$ in the sport seat for that much time. I have found (8 hour trip to Key West) that more than 2-3 hours is very uncomfortable. My wife an I both agreed we should have taken our family truckster(Honda Van).

[EDUC8ED]

I drove from rochester ny to chicago a month after I got my car which is about 10hrs each way. Best time in a car I have ever had, really gave me the chance to get to know my ride. Have fun with it!

[ugarte]

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[singular]

Originally Posted by ugarte

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I feel more at ease about taking the car now, mechanically speaking. We shall see whether my a$$ regrets it upon crossing the Virginia state line.

Hide your radar when you cross the line!

[Maine1]

Go for it. The 1 is a great touring car. While I haven't gone as far as Florida, the 5 to 6 hour trips were fun every minute of the way. You shouldn't have any problems (other than dealing with traffic). It sounds like you are ready to pull it out of hibernation. I'm anxious for the last of the snow to go so I can put the summer tires back on - that shouldn't be a concern as you are heading south.

[1013mm]

blue painters tape or clear bra.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by singular

Hide your radar when you cross the line!

Good advice. Word was that if stopped in VA with the detector visible, you would be required to hand it to the officer, who would then place it under a wheel for you to drive over - and this is in addition to a hefty fine.

Tom

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by ugarte

Just got a new one for this trip. I haven't felt that I had a use for one in years, but this car makes it a prudent investment. (Whistler XTR 695--great reviews, reasonable price, Amazon had it in my hand via UPS regular shipping in 21 hours!) Good enough, I think, for the occasional foray into the nineties.

I guess you know that they are now legal in CT - but definitely not in VA (or Washington, DC). Also, IIRC, the state limit in Delaware is still only 55.

Have a great trip!

Tom