First long journey in a e36 any pre-trip advice?

[Smell my finger]

Hey gents. I'm planning a 1500km trip due to relocation in my project e36 (recently finished). 1997 318is M44b19 mods: stainless steel exhaust, 17 inch motorsport wheels everything else stock. Rings and bearings, headgasket, valvecover, exhaust, timing cover gasket done and a lekke service. Car runs fine only problem is 2nd gear syncro is non existent. I can still find 2nd at low rpm and when engaged it pulls well.

The trip is 100% necessary and not for fun. I have to go and make it there safely. Any advice on what to take with me except the obvious like oil and coolant. Some advice on some important pre trip checks or even what to look out for will be appreciated. I would also like to know how long I should be able to drive on a full tank. I havent filled up the car yet but I feel like from half a tank to in the red comes a bit too quickly.

 

[husaindindar]

The highest risk on the older BMWs are generally the cooling system components.
Make sure the plastic pipes, radiator, water pump, thermostat etc are all fine.

On the open road, at constant rpm, you should be fine. There's more stress on the engine in stop start traffic compared to open road....

 

[Smell my finger]

The highest risk on the older BMWs are generally the cooling system components.
Make sure the plastic pipes, radiator, water pump, thermostat etc are all fine.

On the open road, at constant rpm, you should be fine. There's more stress on the engine in stop start traffic compared to open road....

Will do. I will double check the rest, already replaced the bottle and 2 main hoses as they looked a bit tired. Thanks for the advice

 

[NBN]

When was the last time you changed the fuel filter and Cabin/pollen filter and maybe an aircon refill. A suspension checkup/alignment if it's within your budget will help identify any bushing or suspension related issued .

Last but not least, lots of playlists and have a safe journey ahead

 

[Smell my finger]

When was the last time you changed the fuel filter and Cabin/pollen filter and maybe an aircon refill. A suspension checkup/alignment if it's within your budget will help identify any bushing or suspension related issued .

Last but not least, lots of playlists and have a safe journey ahead

Fuel filter changed a week ago actually. Aircon still has some gas, cabin filter still looks very clean but I discovered the heater valves are stuck open giving me hot feet on drives more than 100km. I opted to just take out the heater fuse until I can buy a new heater core. Alignment is on the cards.

True! Music is the key to a great drive 😁 Thanks man

 

[Sibonelo]

Soounds like you have addressed all the needed things. if you will be loaded the car just check clearance on back wheel ( depending on what profile you running)... enjoy the trip

 

[Smell my finger]

Soounds like you have addressed all the needed things. if you will be loaded the car just check clearance on back wheel ( depending on what profile you running)... enjoy the trip

I did end up rolling the fenders just before I left. Worked really well

 

[Smell my finger]

Update: I MADE IT! Not without faults though. I ended up doing 400-500km stints a day with the last stint being 750km. After the first stint it started leaking oil and the oil level was on the minimum mark(no smoke at all). I then filled up the oil and did the 2nd stint. 100km from my 2nd stop I checked the oil and found the dipstick bone dry. There was still oil in the car as after I ran the car the dipstick would be wet. I then checked where the leak was coming from and it looks like the rear main seal. I then tried to start the car and it did not wanna start. Filled up the oil again and jump started the car and finished the journey.

The next morning I filled the oil again and went on the last stint. on my last 150km 2 trucks overturned and i knew I was in for some sh*t. traffic was backed up for 10km. I stopped and the car and it immediately died. It took me about 7 tries to get the car started. It swings better/faster with every swing. I suspect whats happening is the alternator isnt charging the battery as I drive so when I try to start after a long drive it swings weak. The alternator thus tries to charge the battery as I swing thus it only starts after many tries. Anyway, it eventually starts but is struggling to idle. I checked if I hear a misfire or if the headgasket has blown with some quickstart. I then asked moved to the shoulder where an officer told me to drive up to the incline so I can roll down and jump start. I took the opportunity to throw in the last bit of oil I have. The trucks were moved, I jumpstarted the car and drove the last 90km with oil on low. I know I shouldnt have but I was honestly just so done it was 40 degrees and stopping felt like more work than just finishing.

I learned a lot I can tell u that. Thanks for ur advice guys

broken:
supected rear main seal
suspected alternator
1 wiper flew off
boot latch is stuck. You have to press hard on the bootlid while unlocking to open. I will try adjust the position of the mechanism or grab pin

 

[TBP88]

I never thought I'd follow with interest as "smellmyfinger" reported on his journey in a 30yr old BMW. The internet truly is a wonderful place.

Glad you got to your destination OP! Hope the fixes come easily and quickly.

 

[Smell my finger]

I never thought I'd follow with interest as "smellmyfinger" reported on his journey in a 30yr old BMW. The internet truly is a wonderful place.

Glad you got to your destination OP! Hope the fixes come easily and quickly.

Haha it was great fun. Thanks man