Road trip preparation tips (NYC to LA)

thorHAM · 04-06-2021, 08:57 AM

Hey everyone, so have around 6.8k miles on my competition M4, and around 12 months left on my lease. So plenty of miles left, and thus planned a trip from NYC to LA with the wife (and dog I kinda feel bad for in the back seat but not much else I can do).

Getting the car serviced at the dealer this Saturday, but was wondering if anyone has any tips or ideas specific to the car to maybe prepare it for this long trip. Driving over 6 days (2800 miles), I think the longest day of driving will be 9 hours which I hope is okay, the rest are around 6-7. Then after a month driving it back.

Thanks! General tips are also welcome!

2011ninja · 04-06-2021, 09:29 AM

Sounds like fun!

6,800 miles

You don't even need an oil change

Enjoy...

What kind of dog?

Mojoman · 04-06-2021, 09:32 AM

My tip would be to have some plan in place to deal with a potential flat tire. There are some forum threads you can search for which range from having the AAA service, carrying a plug kit/inflator, getting a smaller collapsible spare, or just hauling a full size tire. I'm guessing trunk space may be a premium for you on a trip the long. None of the tire shops in my area (Midwest) stock the 20" PS4S I run so getting a good match for a replacement on the go could be challenging.

That is one heck of a drive in an amazing car. Enjoy, and I hope all goes well for you!

Slowphiveo · 04-06-2021, 11:37 AM

Keep in mind that in some areas of the country that finding high test gas is a problem. Maybe check ahead and see which gas stations carry it and plan accordingly.

Whatcoloristhat · 04-06-2021, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011ninja

Sounds like fun!

6,800 miles

You don't even need an oil change

Enjoy...

What kind of dog?

I do my oil change every 3-3.5k...i didn’t think there are those that wait 7k with these cars. Spare tire, laser detector, and those tubs that go on the roof to pack extra stuff. Otherwise have a blast!

Slowphiveo · 04-06-2021, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whatcoloristhat

I do my oil change every 3-3.5k...i didn’t think there are those that wait 7k with these cars. Spare tire and those tubs that go on the roof to pack extra stuff. Otherwise have a blast!

On a fresh oil change, 7k is no issue. I wouldn't do it if the oil was 6 months old or more.

2011ninja · 04-06-2021, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whatcoloristhat

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011ninja

Sounds like fun!

6,800 miles

You don't even need an oil change

Enjoy...

What kind of dog?

I do my oil change every 3-3.5k...i didn't think there are those that wait 7k with these cars. Spare tire, laser detector, and those tubs that go on the roof to pack extra stuff. Otherwise have a blast!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whatcoloristhat

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011ninja

Sounds like fun!

6,800 miles

You don't even need an oil change

Enjoy...

What kind of dog?

I do my oil change every 3-3.5k...i didn't think there are those that wait 7k with these cars. Spare tire, laser detector, and those tubs that go on the roof to pack extra stuff. Otherwise have a blast!

Cool... nice having fresh oil and filter!

No sooner than 6,000 miles for me.

6 months or 7,000 miles which ever happens first.

JamesGames · 04-06-2021, 07:10 PM

Personally if I were to do a cross country road trip I wouldn't go without a spare. I bought a room saving spare / scissor jack for my wife's X1 since we do road trips in that car. Being stuck in the middle of no where waiting for a tow truck (and available tire) is all it takes to ruin part of a trip.

If that doesn't work I hope you have at least the plug/kit inflator like mentioned above at the minimum. Also, carry a spare liter of oil in case you need to top off, check your tire pressures (slightly over inflated is my personal choice for a road trip to deal with temp fluctuations and high speed long freeway runs) and check tires for any damage before departure.

Have a safe trip, sounds like a blast, especially in the M!

Suds · 04-06-2021, 07:22 PM

It’s nice to be prepared, but I never do any of this. I do have a AAA card though.

swagon · 04-06-2021, 07:49 PM

Disable ASD! Much quieter in sport mode when cruising on the highway AND much better sounding at WOT.

Fat Goose · 04-06-2021, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swagon

Disable ASD! Much quieter in sport mode when cruising on the highway AND much better sounding at WOT.

THIS!

Jbrown7403 · 04-06-2021, 08:43 PM

I agree that throwing a good plug kit and portable tire inflator in the trunk is a must. Takes up very little room and can be a lifesaver. Saved me once when I had a puncture in West Texas on a Christmas drive to Tucson.

9M71 · 04-06-2021, 08:57 PM

Bring some micro fibers and quick detailer / glass cleaner for the windshield. Hate road tripping with the windshield parts they aren't covered by the wipers coated in bugs.

NickyC · 04-06-2021, 09:01 PM

- Portable tire inflator that will plug into power outlet in trunk.

- Microfiber towels and glass cleaner.

- Satellite radio subscription if you don't already have. Lots of fun stuff on there to pass time when you get bored.

I've made several nonstop trips back and forth from St. Louis/Miami. Generally takes between 16 1/2 to 18 hours depending on traffic. Every trip has been perfect, the M4 is built perfectly for long road trips so you'll have blast. The seats never let you down they're so comfortable.

doug_999 · 04-06-2021, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whatcoloristhat

I do my oil change every 3-3.5k...i didn't think there are those that wait 7k with these cars. Spare tire, laser detector, and those tubs that go on the roof to pack extra stuff. Otherwise have a blast!

OT and wow. I'm just about positive you are wasting some serious money and not doing the environment a favor.

Consider sending the oil in for an analysis to find out for sure.

FrznM · 04-06-2021, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug_999

OT and wow. I'm just about positive you are wasting some serious money and not doing the environment a favor.

Consider sending the oil in for an analysis to find out for sure.

Yeah…. That is way too often… just a waste at that point. I do mine at the intervals that BMW specifies.

IB M · 04-06-2021, 11:30 PM

M4 will handle those miles with ease.

Maybe fold down the rear seats flat to give your
Dog more space and a flat platform / bed.

Run Waze and perhaps radar detector.

PhatLyfe · 04-07-2021, 12:36 AM

defnitly carry a spare, Triple A can take hours on some remote places, a Tre inflator with plug kit, wipes, a liter of oil, a scissor jack ( Harbor freight has a 2 ton unit for under $40.

Have a safe nd fun trip..

Whatcoloristhat · 04-07-2021, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug_999

OT and wow. I'm just about positive you are wasting some serious money and not doing the environment a favor.

Consider sending the oil in for an analysis to find out for sure.

Reasonable input but I don’t mind my intervals for sake of mind. I guess it just stuck with me from the days of owning AMGs.

RugbyBro · 04-07-2021, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whatcoloristhat

Reasonable input but I don’t mind my intervals for sake of mind. I guess it just stuck with me from the days of owning AMGs.

I do 5k/6mo's - oil and filters are cheap so nothing wrong with a little cheap insurance + 30 min of time

00SH4WN · 04-07-2021, 01:23 PM

I think that being close to end of lease you can have the dealer perform a full vehicle inspection?

+1 on micro fiber towels/glass cleaner. Keep it looking good; and take many pics as you make your way across.

Perhaps a blanket or seat cushion for the wife; the comp seats are great for spirited driving; but I'm not sure about long touring type trips.

2011ninja · 04-07-2021, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whatcoloristhat

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug_999

OT and wow. I'm just about positive you are wasting some serious money and not doing the environment a favor.

Consider sending the oil in for an analysis to find out for sure.

Reasonable input but I don't mind my intervals for sake of mind. I guess it just stuck with me from the days of owning AMGs.

3500 is what you've decided on...

3500 miles on older AMG's

Did they burn oil

04-06-2021, 08:57 AM	#1
thorHAM Enlisted Member 23 Rep 43 Posts Drives: '19 M4 ZCP BSM Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: New York City iTrader: (0)	Road trip preparation tips (NYC to LA) Hey everyone, so have around 6.8k miles on my competition M4, and around 12 months left on my lease. So plenty of miles left, and thus planned a trip from NYC to LA with the wife (and dog I kinda feel bad for in the back seat but not much else I can do). Getting the car serviced at the dealer this Saturday, but was wondering if anyone has any tips or ideas specific to the car to maybe prepare it for this long trip. Driving over 6 days (2800 miles), I think the longest day of driving will be 9 hours which I hope is okay, the rest are around 6-7. Then after a month driving it back. Thanks! General tips are also welcome!
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04-06-2021, 09:29 AM	#2
2011ninja Colonel 3396 Rep 2,629 Posts Drives: 2022 G80 6MT Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	Sounds like fun! 6,800 miles You don't even need an oil change Enjoy... What kind of dog?
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04-06-2021, 09:32 AM	#3
Mojoman Private First Class 134 Rep 186 Posts Drives: 2017 F80 ZCP Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0)	My tip would be to have some plan in place to deal with a potential flat tire. There are some forum threads you can search for which range from having the AAA service, carrying a plug kit/inflator, getting a smaller collapsible spare, or just hauling a full size tire. I'm guessing trunk space may be a premium for you on a trip the long. None of the tire shops in my area (Midwest) stock the 20" PS4S I run so getting a good match for a replacement on the go could be challenging. That is one heck of a drive in an amazing car. Enjoy, and I hope all goes well for you!
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04-06-2021, 11:37 AM	#4
Slowphiveo Captain 1525 Rep 895 Posts Drives: 2020 M4 Heritage Edition Join Date: May 2018 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	Keep in mind that in some areas of the country that finding high test gas is a problem. Maybe check ahead and see which gas stations carry it and plan accordingly.
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04-06-2021, 07:10 PM	#8
JamesGames Major 1326 Rep 1,481 Posts Drives: E60 550i\|F82 M4\|F48 X1\|VA STi Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: SOCAL iTrader: (0)	Personally if I were to do a cross country road trip I wouldn't go without a spare. I bought a room saving spare / scissor jack for my wife's X1 since we do road trips in that car. Being stuck in the middle of no where waiting for a tow truck (and available tire) is all it takes to ruin part of a trip. If that doesn't work I hope you have at least the plug/kit inflator like mentioned above at the minimum. Also, carry a spare liter of oil in case you need to top off, check your tire pressures (slightly over inflated is my personal choice for a road trip to deal with temp fluctuations and high speed long freeway runs) and check tires for any damage before departure. Have a safe trip, sounds like a blast, especially in the M!
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04-06-2021, 07:22 PM	#9
Suds /M Enthusiast 1599 Rep 1,618 Posts Drives: Responsiblish Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lone Star State iTrader: (1)	It’s nice to be prepared, but I never do any of this. I do have a AAA card though. __________________ 2019 M2 Comp, Alpine White, DCT, track car build, 1/2 cage, AP Racing Brakes & Nitron Coilovers, BM3 Stage 1 93 Oct. 2018 Porsche Cayman GTS, Night Blue Metalic, PDK, COBB tuned 93 Oct. 2004 Audi A4 Avant USP 6mt, RS4 clutch, built motor, Garrett GT3071r "Big Ass Turbo" Motoza Tune
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04-06-2021, 07:49 PM	#10
swagon Major General 13521 Rep 8,164 Posts Drives: F80 6MT Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: . iTrader: (0)	Disable ASD! Much quieter in sport mode when cruising on the highway AND much better sounding at WOT. __________________
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04-06-2021, 08:43 PM	#12
Jbrown7403 Captain 2641 Rep 640 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW M4 Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Austin Texas iTrader: (0)	I agree that throwing a good plug kit and portable tire inflator in the trunk is a must. Takes up very little room and can be a lifesaver. Saved me once when I had a puncture in West Texas on a Christmas drive to Tucson. Last edited by Jbrown7403; 04-06-2021 at 09:33 PM..
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04-06-2021, 08:57 PM	#13
9M71 Major 1234 Rep 1,164 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 M3 \| 6MT Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: NYC iTrader: (2)	Bring some micro fibers and quick detailer / glass cleaner for the windshield. Hate road tripping with the windshield parts they aren't covered by the wipers coated in bugs.
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04-06-2021, 09:01 PM	#14
NickyC Lieutenant General 17480 Rep 10,662 Posts Drives: M4 CS. Former G82, x2 F82, F80 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Jacked out of my mind iTrader: (23)	- Portable tire inflator that will plug into power outlet in trunk. - Microfiber towels and glass cleaner. - Satellite radio subscription if you don't already have. Lots of fun stuff on there to pass time when you get bored. I've made several nonstop trips back and forth from St. Louis/Miami. Generally takes between 16 1/2 to 18 hours depending on traffic. Every trip has been perfect, the M4 is built perfectly for long road trips so you'll have blast. The seats never let you down they're so comfortable.
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04-06-2021, 11:30 PM	#17
IB M Brigadier General 2782 Rep 4,249 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 MG/SO ZCP DCT Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (1) Garage List 2017 BMW M3 [8.50] 2013 BMW M3 [10.00]	M4 will handle those miles with ease. Maybe fold down the rear seats flat to give your Dog more space and a flat platform / bed. Run Waze and perhaps radar detector.
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04-07-2021, 12:36 AM	#18
PhatLyfe Major 985 Rep 1,144 Posts Drives: 2018 F83 AW/SO ZCP Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Somerset County iTrader: (0)	defnitly carry a spare, Triple A can take hours on some remote places, a Tre inflator with plug kit, wipes, a liter of oil, a scissor jack ( Harbor freight has a 2 ton unit for under $40. Have a safe nd fun trip..
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04-07-2021, 01:23 PM	#21
00SH4WN We are what we allow ourselves to be... 85 Rep 93 Posts Drives: MY20 F82 SMB ZCP Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: California iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 M4 [10.00]	I think that being close to end of lease you can have the dealer perform a full vehicle inspection? +1 on micro fiber towels/glass cleaner. Keep it looking good; and take many pics as you make your way across. Perhaps a blanket or seat cushion for the wife; the comp seats are great for spirited driving; but I'm not sure about long touring type trips. __________________ We are what we allow ourselves to be...
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