My last epic road trip was last Summer. Over 6,000 miles and 4 weeks in the 4.8is. The X5 did GREAT with ALL that I threw at it, including some off-road adventures. Here's a look at the Great Western Loop:



The family so enjoyed our trip last year that I have been ramping up for a similar trip this Summer. This one will take less time at about 21 days, but we'll cover about as many miles.



Just North of Las Vegas is a Park called the Valley of Fire. This was an INCREDIBLE experience for the wind-blown carvings into beautiful red rock. We have a company outing that plants us on the strip once a year. I am the champion of renting a car and setting out on this awesome day-long trip. If you are one to savor a natural experience over that of the bright lights and constant appeal to see a noodie show, the park offers an incredible respite.

If you are ANYWHERE close to Flagstaff, you must- and I mean you MUST- take a detour south to Sedona, AZ. Interstate 17 down if you must, but FIND AND TAKE Hwy 89A North from Sedona to Flagstaff and DO IT in a BMW. I did it with my E39 on the way to Bimmerfest in... well.. 2004, I guess. While the date may be far from memory, the experience is not. You HAVE TO. The loop off of I-40 and back to Flagstaff is maybe 2-3 hrs in traffic.

If you are spending time in ABQ, NM, find the Sandia Peak Tramway. Get tickets early. Many people don't know that ABQ has some of the best sunsets in the world. Watch one. Be viewed as deep and sensitive. Get deep and sensitive. ON the mountain.

I've prepped the X with transmission service so far. I will change the oil in July before the trip. I did the complete cooling system overhaul in Dec of 2013, so I am good until I go radical with an all aluminum unit. My fluids are also in pretty good shape.

I have to take it in for a look at the alternator as well. I noticed some fluctuation in the driving lights at idle.

And, here's an odd one: I have clear bra installed in the X, but some of those places in Montana and Wyoming were the most dense bug farms I have ever seen. I'v just reminded myself that I *may* (probably will) find and install an ugly OE front bra on the X5 this time through. If I can fit one of those bug deflectors, I may also install that.

About 1/2 way through the trip last year, I just had to remind myself that I'd chosen to drive this thing for 6,000 miles out west and I needed to OWN that it was going to come out with more wear as a result. It was a painful conversation, but I got there.

I'm going to go find that bra. And that bug deflector. Oh! And maybe a comfort windshield. My 11 yr old one is cracked. And a cargo box for my roof rails! And.. and...

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