Loaded road trip

[RobE30]

So, my wife and I are heading to the 1000 Islands later this summer for vacation and she wants to take my 87 325is. Besides catching up with a bunch of maintenance items I've neglected (it's a fun/weekend car), can it handle a 350 mile trip? Specifically I'm concerned about trying to take our 2 kayaks and 2 mtbs on the roof rack.

I'm not worried about the mileage, it's the extra load of the fun accessories that worries me. Does anyone use their e30 for "hardcore" weekend excursions? Normally we load up our Outback XT with our weekend fun gear....

[stonea]

So are you worried about the extra weight or the limited space? Either way I wouldn't worry about it. My dads ix touring weighs a lot more than what your gonna be putting in your is and the touring pulls strong. As for space still, shouldn't be a problem. Me and my dad have done plenty of weekend camping trips packing the thing full. Never had a bike an it, but thats because he didn't have a bike rack.

[ak-]

Gas mileage is going to suck considering you have a sail on your roof, but I wouldn't be worried.
I take mine on trips all the time and I should technically have more to worry about (modified), but ain't careeeeeeeeee. It's been good to me.

[RobE30]

Gas mileage on our Outback (2.5 turbo) blows when I have everything on the roof, 16-18mpg so I'm not concerned about that.

I'm just worried about overloading the suspension. Currently bilstein sports and ground control coilovers 450/650.

Would it be better to hang the bikes off the trunk? Thanks for the info guys

[NeedaBimmer]

Should be fine I've put ~3k miles on my '87 325is in two weeks once. Just did 300 miles yesterday most of it driving the car pretty hard. E30's are great for road trips

[Zacm829]

I'd say catch up on maintence, check the fuel pump or replace, throw some tools in the trunk and go for it. Will be a much more memorable experience in the e30! Not to mention your wife is already on board with the idea!

[Bmwdayz]

I carried 2 different motors half way across the country (2200 miles) along with being packed so tight there wasn't and inch to spare. I to have a 1987 325is and the only issue I had was a bad fuel pump relay. I swapped it with the O2 relay to get me to the next town so I could get a new one. After that all was good. You should be fine, 350 miles is nothing.

[RobE30]

Awesome. Thanks for the info. I need to install my skid plate before I head out. I'll pack an extra fuel pump relay and possibly a pump. This will be fun!

[e30luvchild]

You have an outback and an e30 and you're choosing to take the e30?


Good luck!

[M-technik-3]

rent the canoe's or kayaks. REI has a great rental program as do many other outdoor facilities. Suggest leaving them at home and using fork mount bike trays.

[AndrewBird]

Fitting two bikes and 2 kayaks on the roof is gonna be tight. I would think 2 things would be about the limit, not because of weight, but because of space. The roof is not that big.

[markd248]

I don't know that you'll have room to fit two bikes up there. I frequently mount two kayaks to my rack and I love it. The E30 handles it no problem. You'll definitely feel the wind take it every now and again, but its not bad.

Looking at a pic of mine the last time I mounted it, I think you could put each bike on the outside of the towers on the bars, but it'd definitely be close.

[RobE30]

I have 58" cross bars I can use so that won't be an issue. The Outback makes more sense to take but the E30 is an adventure! The route we are taking has the option of using the old highway (2 lane 45mph road) vs 4 lane 65mph interstate. I'll look into borrowing or renting kayaks from people where we are going. I don't believe there is a rental place up there. Also, we both have touring boats and were planning on doing a multi-day paddle excursion while in the 1000 islands hence my desire to bring my own boats.

Worst case I install the rack setup, load up the kayaks and bikes then realize it's stupid and go from there. I'll keep this updated as I figure things out.