Anyone driven across the U.S. in a 135i?

[baduncadonk]

My 135i arrives at the dealer on 4/29. I am breaking it in by 5/25, then tossing a suitcase in the trunk and driving solo from San Francisco to New York City, on to Philly, Baltimore, Charlottesville (VA), and Burlington (NC), and then driving back to San Francisco in middle June. Hoping to do the SF-NYC leg in 3 days; same coming back.

To keep sane and entertained on long trips, I bought the 135i with every package and factory option minus Active Steering and HD Radio. Hoping that HP+handling+Sirius+iPod+iPhone will be enough distraction to make the time pass with a smile.

And, so that I don't subsidize more doughnuts for the Mid-West's finest than absolutely necessary, having a Valentine and a laser-jammer conceal-installed.

Has anyone else done driven across the U.S. in their 135i? Any feedback on the experience?

Thanks!

______________
135i Monaco Blue, Savannah Beige, Walnut

[corneredbeast]

That is one hell of a road trip, sounds like fun! BTW, please post pics of your car when it arrives; there are several here who'd like to see some real-life shots of that interior.

[mchaskell]

If you want to make it in 3 days those are long days (12+ hours/day). When I went from CA to Oshkosh, WI I did 8 to nine 9 hour days and it took about 5 days. If you stop for lunch and do a 9-5 day your looking at about 5 days.

[Tom K.]

Personally, I think 3 days each way is a bit ambitious - but it's your trip. With that timetable, you won't be able to enoy the Blue Ridge Parkway south out of Charlottesville - one of the best roads in the east. Also, don't forget that if you are stopped in VA., your Valentine will be confiscated (plus there's a hefty fine).
Tom

[baduncadonk]

Originally Posted by Tom K.

Personally, I think 3 days each way is a bit ambitious - but it's your trip. With that timetable, you won't be able to enoy the Blue Ridge Parkway south out of Charlottesville - one of the best roads in the east.

Great feedback, Tom! I am actually staying in Charlottesville for about 8 days, so should have some time to head up to the BRP. I grew up there, so know that area well and definitely looking forward to driving up to Humpback Rock and beyond in the 135.

Originally Posted by Tom K.

Also, don't forget that if you are stopped in VA., your Valentine will be confiscated (plus there's a hefty fine).
Tom

For what it is worth, I am having the Valentine concealed as much as possible, and the signals integrated into dash or mirror. I will also keep it off while I am in Virginia.

Your warning is well-taken: In the mid-'90s, while I was in law school and thinking I was a lot smarter than I actually was, I argued my constitutional right to a detector with a state trooper outside of Richmond, VA. He gave me the choice of fine+speeding ticket or putting the unit under my '70 Mustang's rear tire and driving away.

[bimmer98]

When I picked up my 135, they said not to use Cruise Control for 4000 miles. I think constant RPM is what they are trying to avoid.

[baduncadonk]

Originally Posted by bimmer98

When I picked up my 135, they said not to use Cruise Control for 4000 miles. I think constant RPM is what they are trying to avoid.

I am definitely committed to finishing the 1K break-in properly before I leave for the East Coast, but I have been assuming I could use the car normally on highway after that. If the real break-in distance is closer to 4K, I am in trouble.

[bavarianbutcher]

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4099

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by baduncadonk

Great feedback, Tom! I am actually staying in Charlottesville for about 8 days, so should have some time to head up to the BRP. I grew up there, so know that area well and definitely looking forward to driving up to Humpback Rock and beyond in the 135.

Your warning is well-taken: In the mid-'90s, while I was in law school and thinking I was a lot smarter than I actually was, I argued my constitutional right to a detector with a state trooper outside of Richmond, VA. He gave me the choice of fine+speeding ticket or putting the unit under my '70 Mustang's rear tire and driving away.

Glad you'll have some time to explore the Blue Ridge area. - I plan on taking my 128i down to Deals Gap to do the Dragon on my trip in August from MD to the west coast.

You may have been lucky re the detector. I was hearing stories at that time that there was no choice offered. The detector was placed under the tire, and a fine of at least $200 + the speeding ticket was leveled - talk about adding insult to injury!

Also, re break-in. BMW says that RPM should be limited to 4,500 only for the first 1200 miles so it won't be an issue for your trip. I think what folks mean by a 4~5k break-in is that BMW motors really seem to smooth out and gain power by that point. Actually, I've also noticed more power/smoothness at around the 20k mark as well.

Enjoy your trip!
Tom

[AlexM105]

Originally Posted by baduncadonk

Has anyone else done driven across the U.S. in their 135i? Any feedback on the experience?

I've driven cross-country from Florida to California in my 330Ci.

Texas sucks to drive through. Every time you enter a new state you feel a sense of accomplishment, but Texas takes forever, and it's hot as hell.

[Shocker]

I've done the drive from Ft. Carson, CO to Baltimore, MD and from Ft. Carson, CO to Daytona Beach, FL a few times...perks of being in the military. I made it from CO to MD in a little over 38 hours straight thru. Kansas is worse than Texas, but both of them suck to drive thru. They just take forever! Be sure to hit up some White Castle when you hit Kansas City, MO...awesome middle of the night snack food!

[spudw]

Originally Posted by baduncadonk

To keep sane and entertained on long trips, I bought the 135i with every package and factory option minus Active Steering and HD Radio. Hoping that HP+handling+Sirius+iPod+iPhone will be enough distraction to make the time pass with a smile.

And, so that I don't subsidize more doughnuts for the Mid-West's finest than absolutely necessary, having a Valentine and a laser-jammer conceal-installed.

So, the minimalist movement hasn't made much of an impression on you. I keed, I keed... :biggrin:

[baduncadonk]

Originally Posted by spudw

So, the minimalist movement hasn't made much of an impression on you. I keed, I keed... :biggrin:

Maximalism all the way, kid.

[Dan203]

I drove from here to Seattle WA once, which is only about 900 miles and I split it into a two day trip. I couldn't imagine trying to drive 2500+ miles in 3 days.

Dan

[whiplash]

I drove from Spartanburg to Houston, TX and I know Cracka drove from Spartanburg to DFW (we did PCD). It's not actually 'cross-country' but my trip was 1300 miles (and I never touched an interstate). We did it in two and a half very relaxed days but could have easily done it in two.

The car is phenomenal on the road. Even after 8 straight hours, I felt like I could go another 8. It's definitely one of the most comfortable long distance cruisers I've ever owned so from that perspective you'll love it.

I have to agree with Tom K though, it's a pretty ambitious schedule to do it in 3 days but if you're going to do it, I can't think of a better car to do it in!

[Jewpac]

Ive done SF-Rochester and back 2 times, 3 days is way ambitious, you would be looking at 14+ hours or more per day.

[baduncadonk]

Originally Posted by Jewpac

Ive done SF-Rochester and back 2 times, 3 days is way ambitious, you would be looking at 14+ hours or more per day.

After the feedback, I realize 3 days is overdoing it. Am going to do 4 days on SF to NYC leg, and now thinking about stretching to 5 days for the North Carolina-to-SF leg back. Thanks to all who set me straight!

[Stew]

Originally Posted by bavarianbutcher

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4099

bryan@mwerks also has 3 videos I think up on youtube documenting his trip from Monterey to Chicago. Check it out. They even stoped for gas in the Bloomington/Normal area near my Grandparent's farm in Lexington =P

[WhiteOne]

Try to enjoy the ride, not just "get her done".