Editorial, Information

Planning a Cross-Country BMW Road Trip? Here Are a Few Things to Keep in Mind

You love your bimmer, and you’d rather be behind the wheel than just about anywhere. Why not combine your driving fun with vacation? Planning a cross-country BMW road trip is only slightly less fun than living out the dream. 

The ultimate escape deserves a mindful approach. Here’s what to keep in mind as you plan.

Gear Up 

The right supplies make smooth sailing even more enjoyable and transform major headaches into minor inconveniences. Ensure you cross the following items off your BMW road trip checklist before departure: 

  • Copies your license, registration and insurance, including enrolling in your state’s digital id program, if available where you live. Electronic copies make everything easier. 
  • A spare tire and repair kit, including flares, triangles and a jack. Many BMWs come with run-flat tires, which let you travel up to 50 miles at low speeds to reach a repair shop — no dangerous changes by the side of the road. 
  • A roadside emergency kit with reflective vest, rain poncho, tire pressure gauge, window breaker, some pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers and spare gas. 
  • A paper map, just in case, although many newer bimmers have built-in navigation systems. 
  • Auxilary and charging cables 
  • An ice scraper, de-icer and gloves 
  • Comfort supplies not otherwise in your luggage, such as a blanket if you must wait for roadside assistance in the cold, spare cash, snacks, toys for the kiddos and, most importantly, plenty of bottled water — especially if traveling through desert regions. 

Plan the Perfect Itinerary 

The journey is as important as the destination on a BMW road trip. On the east coast, Florida’s Overseas Highway connects the Florida Keys and features the Seven Miles Bridge, where you can pretend you’re Bond, James Bond. Finish in Key West and hobnob with the celebrity set. 

Out west, the Pacific Coast Highway or Route 101 provides breathtaking views of the world’s largest ocean. It’s also one of the safer routes in the Golden State, as the I-405, SR 60, I-10 and I-105 saw over 3,500 fatalities in 2018. Although you could theoretically make this 10-hour drive in a single day, why rush? Stop by the sleepy mountain town of Felton to visit the Bigfoot Museum or go hiking in the rugged mountains surrounding Big Sur to stretch your legs. 

What about America’s heartland? You can still get your kicks on Route 66 and see 2,448 miles of the nation’s countryside. If traveling as winter approaches with your kids, a stop in Williams, AZ is a must for the genuine Polar Express experience. If traveling earlier in the fall, get your tickets for the nation’s biggest rodeo. Of course, you must stop a bit further east and take your picture standing on the corner in Winslow, AZ. 

Although you’ll need to make a few detours on your way to Chicago, thanks to time taking its toll on the road, the side trips are all part of the fun. Remember, the fastest route isn’t necessarily the best, and your GPS system makes plugging in new directions a snap. The Meremec Caverns in Stanton, Missouri once stood as the underground hideout for Jesse James, and the Shea Gas Station Museum and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum await you in Illinois. 

White BMW driving down the road

Finding Lodging and Supplies 

If nothing else, you’ll need to refuel or charge your bimmer if you’re driving one of the newer all-electric models like the i4XDrive40 or i4M50. Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of charging stations nearly anywhere you go. Making your reservations in advance and calling your hotel before you depart is always wise to ensure your accommodations meet your discriminating tastes. 

What if you just want to catch some quick shuteye without leaving your ride? Download an app such as Trucker’s Path or iOverlander before you depart to find the safest rest stops along your route. 

Timing Is Everything 

Another consideration for your BMW road trip is when to go. Of course, spontaneous types might throw a dart at a map, anytime, anywhere and go where the highway takes them. However, if, like most mere mortals, you have limited vacation time, combining your excursion to coincide with festivals and special events can make the journey extra memorable. Some up-and-coming fun to consider for the fall include: 

  • Elk Fest in Estes Park, Colorado, lets you see the massive beasts live and in the flesh while experiencing Native American performances. Stop for lunch at the Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining.” 
  • Salem, MA, is the ultimate Halloween destination for lovers of all things spooky. Can you communicate with the ghost of Giles Corey and others from beyond the grave? 
  • Oktoberfest Zinzinatti brings America’s heartland alive with German music, dance and, of course, fantastic beers and microbrews. 

Planning a Cross-Country BMW Road Trip 

When it comes to your next getaway, make the journey as much fun as the destination. Planning a cross-country BMW road trip marries your love of your ride and the open road with whatever destination you choose. Enjoy the best drives America has to offer in your bimmer.

Car Care, Editorial

6 Proactive Ways to Prolong Your BMW’s Life Span

Some cars last five years, whereas others can give you two decades of reliable performance. What makes a significant difference in your BMW’s life span? It depends on how well you treat it. Caring for your bimmer goes a long way to ensure you get the most from it. 

Here are six proactive ways to prolong your BMW’s longevity. 

Regularly Service the Vehicle

Getting regular service is an excellent way to extend your BMW’s life. Take your car to a mechanic with extensive BMW experience to ensure you get solid upkeep. Follow your owner’s manual to see how frequently you should service the car. Modern vehicles need an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, but the guide provides the best information. 

Regular maintenance is advantageous because it shows problems you didn’t know before. If unattended, they could worsen and damage your BMW. For instance, the average driver might overlook brake pad thinning. A keen mechanic would recommend changing them and warn you about a damaged rotor or other problems. 

Maintain the Battery

Batteries have become more critical than ever because of electric vehicles (EVs). Gas-powered and electric cars need close battery inspections, or else your bimmer could see extensive under-the-hood damage. For instance, a poorly maintained battery could see corrosion and a hindered electricity flow. The last thing you want is a bill for battery replacement. 

Experts say your battery should last about five years, but proper maintenance extends its life. Start by cleaning the built-up corrosion, as it’s one of the most obvious signs of wear. Dirt and oxidation can ruin the battery, so regularly inspect it for this mess. Another way to protect your battery is to tighten all the fasteners and secure it to the mounting bracket. 

Watch Your Tires

Tires are significant to your BMW’s long-term health because they affect your engine and suspension. Watch your tires and regularly check their status for best upkeep. You should visually inspect tire pressure and refill the air according to the manual’s recommendations. Another proactive strategy is to check tread depth and replace the tires when necessary. 

Rotating your tires might not seem like a big deal, but it’s crucial for even wear. Regular rotations improve traction and optimize BMW performance on the road. Bimmer owners should also balance their tires to ensure the wheel assembly has the correct wheel distribution. Tires don’t get as much attention as engines, but they can make or break your BMW’s life span. 

Obtain Optional Auto Insurance

Most states require drivers to have auto insurance, but coverage may only protect them in some situations. BMW owners should check their service contracts to see what the automaker will cover during disastrous events. These programs last seven years or 100,000 miles and have different protection levels. Depending on your risk, you may need optional insurance coverage.

An estimated 14% of drivers were uninsured in 2022, emphasizing the need for enhanced protection. For instance, underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage pays for expenses if the at-fault driver hits you and doesn’t have adequate insurance. Extraordinary medical benefits cover medical bills exceeding $100,000 and may cover what your ordinary insurance doesn’t. 

Adjust to the Weather

You have less control over the weather, so you must adjust to it for your car’s sake. Extreme heat and cold tax your vehicle and make the engine work harder. Foster a safe environment for your bimmer by storing it in a garage, shed or another enclosed space during dangerous weather. If you don’t have a garage, cover the vehicle to shield it from the elements. 

If you don’t store your car during extreme temperatures, your BMW may suffer cosmetic and mechanical damage. For example, snow or intense ultraviolet (UV) rays harm your paint job by causing it to fade. Leaving your car outside is a bad idea, even when temperatures are normal in spring. You don’t want precipitation to seep into your BMW and risk rusting. 

Wash and Wax Your Vehicle

Watching where you drive is critical to limiting the amount of mud and dust entering your vehicle. Take your BMW to a professional car wash and detailer to eliminate the surface-level grime and contaminants in the undercarriage. Regular washes protect your paint job and make it less vulnerable to outside factors. You also need it to protect from rust. 

Corrosion is a silent killer of motor vehicles. Even if your car looks dry, moisture could still be present in its internal components. The metals react with water and oxygen to create a fatal orange and brown stain. If you see rust on your bimmer, act quickly to save your vehicle. For example, spray WD-40 and wait 15 minutes before cleaning with a microfiber towel. 

Extending Your BMW’s Longevity

Being proud of your BMW means giving it the care and attention it deserves. How can you get the most out of your vehicle? Proactive maintenance and regular service trips give your bimmer a clean health bill. 

Editorial, Information

Ensure a Smooth First-Time Towing Experience With Your BMW, Follow These 6 Tips

While the BMW brand is famous for luxury, its vehicles pack power through their towing capacity. Who says you need a truck to get the job done? A Bimmer easily takes your haul from one destination to the next if you strategically prepare before departure. 

Here’s a guide to a smooth towing experience if it’s your first time with a BMW.

Check the Towing Capacity

First, you must know your Bimmer’s towing capacity. The owner’s manual will be your best friend because it outlines the maximum weight you can haul on your trip. The last thing you want to do is exceed the limit.

The BMW X5 is one of the automaker’s best towing machines. The 2025 edition of this mid-size crossover will feature a 7,200-pound towing capacity with its trailer hitch. The X7 — BMW’s largest SUV — is another powerful machine capable of towing heavy loads. Even the smaller X3 can tow between 4,000 and 4,850 pounds, depending on the trim.

Find a Fitting Hitch

Next, ensure the hitch fits your Bimmer and its towing capacity. The most significant part of choosing your hitch is the ball size. Measure the diameter of the ball to see which one you need.

The size difference between hitches isn’t significant, so it’s essential to be precise when selecting your Bimmer’s ball. An incorrectly sized hitch means your car and trailer don’t have a proper connection. If you drive anyway, expect the trailer to sway and increase your risk of an accident.

Strategically Load Your Trailer

Once you have the correct hitch, it’s time to load and get ready to leave. If you hastily stack your belongings, your trailer could become a liability for your BMW. Instead, strategically load your trailer to make it conducive to driving. Prioritize even weight distribution, net letting one side become heavier than the other. If unavoidable, put the heavier items near the tongue.

Loading your trailer depends on the type you use. An enclosed trailer protects your belongings and doesn’t necessarily need tie-downs, whereas uncovered attachments require straps to protect lightweight items. Ropes and tie-downs are typical approaches for hauling, but you may need something sturdier. For example, chains safeguard heavier machinery on your trailer.

Inspect Before You Leave

Before departure, it’s time to conduct a final inspection to ensure everything is in order. Leave no stone unturned by consulting all your manuals and fixing any arising problem. First, you should check the trailer’s weight to ensure it doesn’t exceed the recommendation. Then, examine the hitch pin, trailer ball and ball mount to verify that everything is fastened.

Don’t forget the minor details because they could be meaningful later. Functioning lights and brakes are essential for your trailer, considering how dangerous nighttime trips could be without them. Register and get a license plate for your trailer to avoid fines. For instance, California law requires permanent trailer identification in most instances.

Get a Tune Up

When was the last time you took your Bimmer for a checkup? Like people, BMWs need tune ups to ensure they have a clean bill of health. Ask a mechanic with BMW experience to inspect your car and prepare it for a smooth towing experience. This tune up could also be beneficial for detecting other issues before they worsen.

This pre-towing checkup should focus on the engine and suspension. You may need new spark plugs or an air filter because the previous ones have excessive wear. The inspection should check your braking system and tires because you need a safe stopping distance. A good suspension ensures your Bimmer can support your haul’s weight.

Manage Your Fuel Economy

Hauling heavy loads forces your engine to work harder, thus decreasing your fuel economy. While preserving gas mileage is challenging, there are some aspects you can control. The first step you should take is to drive slower on the highway. Maintain a consistent speed, avoiding excessive acceleration and braking to reduce the strain on your Bimmer’s motor.  

Besides driving, there are other minor adjustments you can make to improve your fuel efficiency. For example, the Department of Energy says premium gasoline could help your vehicle when towing. Consult the owner’s manual to see if this fuel is acceptable. Tire pressure is another vital element, so fill the tires on your BMW and the trailer.

Trouble-Free Towing With Your Bimmer

While some associate towing with trucks, you can haul heavy loads with BMWs. The BMW X3, X5 and X7 are some of the automaker’s best for towing. Before you rev the engine, inspect your car and trailer to ensure they’re in tip-top shape.

The Ultimate BMW Forum