Driving from Atlanta to Seattle in 2006 X5 3.0i

[Seattle87]

Hello to Everyone !!


I just recently purchased a 2006 X5 3.0i (75k Miles) and I will be driving to Seattle from Atlanta this Sunday with a friend.

I have some questions:

What are some of the maintenance suggestions I should consider before driving 2600 miles ? (Note: I have brand new tires )

Would it be safe on the engine to drive straight there with minimal stops ( bathroom & food breaks )

Any help would be greatly appreciated !

[FSETH]

When did you purchase it and how well do you know it by now?

[Seattle87]

I just got it 7 days ago. I have driven it to work every single day I have had it. I would say my knowledge is still at the "beginner stage" but can learn very quickly.

[gnucar]

Have you had it checked out mechanically, or gone over it thoroughly yourself? When we got out 2006 X5 4.8is we had a 1,500 mile (just one way) trip coming up 2 weeks later. It ran great and appeared to be in great condition....checking the coolant it was down a little once but didn't really get my attention. I was still neurotic enough to pay the dealer to do Inspection I, and they found that the tank failed the pressure test. ...I was glad I was neurotic. We did the trip, 500 miles per day, and it was perfect. ...and for many thousands of miles of trips since.

I would probably get it looked over, but not everyone is as neurotic as I am. Have a great trip!

[Giznaz]

Late September, we drove our 04 4.4 from Seattle to Wisconsin, and back.

I checked it before we went to avoid any surprises, but all I did on the trip was add one qt oil.

Check it out good, and enjoy the drive.

[Qsilver7]

Are you going to cross the country on the southern, central, or northern route? If the central or northern route...make sure that you have a snow brush/broom & ice scraper by the time you get to the Mississippi River...you'll probably encounter snow/ice/sleet etc somewhere in the upper elevations of the Great Plains...or at least as you cross over the continental divide this time of year.

Have a safe journey.

[Quicksilver]

What you need to be looking at is the weather on the west coast

[FSETH]

Do you have prior service records? I would start by looking at the obvious items yourself such as tire pressure, brakes, lighting, etc. I would probably go ahead and at minimum get an oil change as well as flush the coolant and brake fluid. Maybe also at least check the air filter and micro-filter. If it is in good working order, your engine can handle the trip without breaking a sweat.

Oh, and it couldn't hurt to get a couple extra quarts of oil in case you need it along the way.

PS Check the spare tire condition and air pressure too.

PSS Check the wiper blades and washer fluid.

[nebilex]

About year ago I drove the X5 (01 3.0) with 130k on it from New York to boston to Indiana. I noticed I was loosing a little bit of coolant which was caused by a small crack in the expansion tank (car wasn't heating up or anything, temp gauge was showing normal) it wasn't bad enough for me to get it fixed right there and then. I just kept an eye on it and filled it up every day or so until I got to Indiana and fixed it. Considering you just purchased the car, as folks suggested above, get the coolant flushed, oil changed, brakes checked and you should be good to go. And when you get to areas with snow, slow down and drive it as if you are in a sedan.. don't be one of those ppl with SUV/Truck that drive in the snow as if it's a dry and sunny day (just a friendly reminder and not saying you are one of those people :-) )

[Seattle87]

Thank You Everyone for your suggestions ! I'm getting the oil checked and coolant flushed
today.