Road Trip!

[Casey3561]

Howdy folks, I've a question.

I'm taking the Bimmer (93 318is, 139K) roadtripping in the first week of July. Considering it'll be a thousand-mile week, what should I check? Here's what's been done, with mileage.

Brakes and rear calipers, system flush and fill, 138K
Oil and filter, 137.5K
Rad flush and fill, 139K
Spark plugs, 135K
Fuel filter, fuel pump, 138K
Thermostat and fan clutch, 139K
Fault code readout, 139K
Trans inspection, 139K
Wiper blades, hinge oil and cleaning, warning lights, all the minor stuff, last week.

Basically, I've done a full Inspection II in the last 4K, except greasing the throttle linkages. What else am I missing?

Thanks, folks.

[94BMW325i]

seems like u did a lot.

You have covered just about everything, lights bulbs perhaps. I would change the oil again but thats only because I change mine every 3000 miles.

[polaris448]

The only thing I see missing is checking the tire pressure and don't forget the spare (what good is it if it is flat!). And inspect the air filter. Just a side note, I don't think (impo) that a thousand miles is any different from 30 because if you have a reliable car then your set. I drive a 100 miles a day on average and most of it being stop and go. I am heading out on a 800 mile trip later today and I am not thinking twice about maintenance. I know the status of my car and that it is all up to date. No worries!

[Casey3561]

Cool. I checked the tire pressure and all that, and the air filter is new as of a few thousand miles ago. Cleaned/shook it out, and it's good.

Thanks, folks.

[fredo328]

It does look like you covered everything, now if it were me and I just got done doing all that stuff roughly 1000 miles ago, I would go back and check for leaks. Leaks around the oil plug, check your brake lines, fuel lines leading to and from the filter, check your plugs to make sure there is no oil in there (slow valve cover gasket leak), you know, kinda following up on your work. It would suck to find out 600 miles into your trip that you forgot to tighten down a clamp or forgot the crush washer on the oil plug. BTW, have a good trip, these cars were made for them.

[fredo328]

Oh, and take some tools with you, doesnt hurt to be prepared if you want to adjust something once you get there and before you head back.

[jshearer]

I just drove from Kansas City to Phoenix in a day and a half last week. 900 miles the first day 500 the second. You have done alot and should know the condition of your car so check the basics. Right before you go and are all loaded up recheck tire pressure(and spare) make sure you have some emergency tools(jack and such). Check your coolant level, oil level, and make sure your AC works fine, it would suck to be out in the middle of nowhere in a hot car with no AC(I have leather and it sucks for me at least, 118 degrees here yesterday).

[///M Power]

Js gave good advice.

Also i would recomnd you bring a decently sized bottle of premixed coolant just in case. Keep it in your trunk. BMW's fail at cooling and they just randomnly fuck up. That bottle could save you.

Don't forget the Doritos. Hussein would highly recomend them.