1690 mile trip, need some advice!

[latinobimmer]

Its about that time again. I got orders to move from Monterey, CA to San Antonio. I've opted to drive there, and get paid ($850), instead of having to pay to get the car shipped there ($500). This isnt really E30 related, rather E28 related. I'm going there in my '86 535i and was wondering what all I should check/replace before I go out. I'll be doing this January 3rd to the 8th, so I have plenty of time. The car's made numerous 250 mile weekend trips with zero problems, except that it burns a bit of oil every 2000 miles or so. Any advice is appreciated.

Jaime

[UNHCLL]

all belts - replace
hoses - check, replace if needed
cooling system flush
good fan clutch
operable AC

Assuming its still "hot" there that time of year

[trent]

uhh...its an E28.

Goto car
get in car
drive car 2000 miles

[parkerbink]

I drove my 90 from L.A. to Morelia Mexico (1900 miles) in May since then I have driven it from here to Laredo (1400 mile round trip) 5 times with no real drama (e30 related) lol

Have you cared for the car properly? Are there any issues? if yes & no I would just do the things you have been doing. If it's near time for any maintenaince I would do it early to be safe.

[1985bmw325e]

uhh...its an E28.

Goto car
get in car
drive car 2000 miles

[1985bmw325e]

uhh...its an E28.

Goto car
get in car
drive car 2000 miles

[Jon325i]

In addition to the engine related stuff, make sure the tires have enough tread (in case of rainy weather.....especially once in TX) and no small punctures (such as a small nail that can become a big problem later). Make sure the brakes are in good working order as well.

Jon

[e30sd]

borrow a v1 if you can. they're fun.

[Skafrog]

uhh...its an E28.

Goto car
get in car
drive car 2000 miles

That is honestly the best description. My stepdad had an e28 with 280k on the clock when set out on a 3k road trip. He checked the dipstick, then drove away. Came back perfect. e28's kick ass.

[kansas-ix]

uhh...its an E28.

Goto car
get in car
drive car 2000 miles

Wife's e28 has over 300k on it and still runs like a clock.

[Ryan Stewart]

Get one of those sportsmans bladders so YOU NEVER HAVE TO STOP. :pimp:

[trent]

Get one of those sportsmans bladders so YOU NEVER HAVE TO STOP. :pimp:

my dad used to do hauls across country...he would just carry a bottle and dump it out the window

[M3 Ryan]

Just drive it. Like someone said, check the belts/hoses and go!
I would change the oil and do a coolant flush to be safe. I would take the oppertunity to add some fuel system cleaner like Redline S1 or Seafoam (my favorite) and go. I drive my E28 on 1k mile trips home for a weekend and its always fine. Knock on wood the car has never left me stranded, although today it has started running rougher than normal. I ran a bunch of tests and it looks like the AFM is getting worn and it could use some fresher injectors.
Too bad to hear you are moving, I wanted to get to meet you eventually. Maybe if you drive down the coast before heading inland to TX you can swing by my house here in Santa Barbara. I want to see your E28 and shoot the shit for a while.
Good luck!

[latinobimmer]

Actually, Ryan, I will be going south towards LA, so I'm sure I'll pass through Santa Barbara. PM me with your number and email, and I'll definitely let you know when I go and stuff, maybe you can gimme a few pointers or something, who knows.