Anything common on a 320 to check before a long journey?

[lugy]

I'm planning on "nipping" down to the NEC for the Autosport Show next month and I intend on taking the BMW. Apart from the obvious things, is there anything else I should be checking or replacing? Relays? Electrical thingys?

I'd like the 800mile trip to be pretty pain free like it has been the last times!

[magpie]

the petrol gauge every 10 mins



check all fluids,oil,screen wash,coolant,tyre wear/pressure. spare wheel tyre tread/pressure.

take a jack, wheel brace, spare oil, large bottle of water and a FUEL CAN !


best of luck

[billgatese30]

The car should take it in its stride unless there are any outstanding problems that you are aware of.

If you really need some piece of mind, some warm clothes & blanket/extra coat, drinking water, some food and an RAC card are all you should need in addition to the usual checks (oil level, water level, washer bottle level, tire pressures/condition etc)

[Grrrmachine]

My car's making a round trip to England before the end of the year; 900miles each way. She's a 320 too, a touring, and I'm not worried in the least.

Of course, those are a fool's last words...

[johnt0709]

Spare fuel pump - heard of a few packing in (not just on the b20s) if that goes it puts the ball on the roof - might be worth taking a spare.

Apologies as now Ive posted this and if you dont take one youll probably feel your tempted fate....

[lugy]

It was the fuel pump relay that used to have a mind of it's own on my 190 16v, that still didn't stop it going on some long drives though!

I'll get a new one and stick it in the boot methinks.

Apart from a rough idle the wee car runs perfectly so I don't see why it won't make it, best to be sure though!

[sarkie83]

I would agree with johnt - always take a spare fuel pump anywhere you go!!

[bpowell555]

You shouldn't need the full assembly, just the pump insert so is not too expensive but yea that's the only showstopper I've heard of on an E30. Equally take a toolkit that will enable you to fit one

[eta]

Were off to Scotland next week in an 80's BMW! We planned this trip in September it was not snowy then. Not worried though.

[lugy]

Well folks may be pleased (or not surprised in the least) that the wee car never missed a beat, averaged a shade over 26mpg on the way down with the strong headwinds and loads of surafce water and 30 odd on the way back at speeds that "weren't" between 80-90mph, because that would be bad and breaking the law. It's amazing the difference weather can make to economy!
Anyway though for my £450 I seem to have bought quite a good little car!

I passed a goldish "A" plate 320i somewhere on the M6 in Lancashire in the morning, wasn't anyone on here was it? Looked a nice one, got a flash and a nod of him too.

[sarkie83]

we went from here to Aberdeen over new year (1100 mile round trip) in our 318is, fully laden, and it performed fantastically.

[bpowell555]

To the fuel pump I would also add to check the condition of your throttle cable as a snap is a real pain. That at least is a cheap spare to carry

[asmith88]

To the fuel pump I would also add to check the condition of your throttle cable as a snap is a real pain. That at least is a cheap spare to carry

bit late