I need to relocate soon. From NY to CA. I have been searching for a good shipping company. Of course, the alternative would be driving the M3 over. It sounded like a dumb idea in the beginning. Adding 3000 miles to the M3, and travel without a spare through the desert. Though the more I think of it the more I favor this idea. What do you guys think? Has anyone done this before? Any suggestions? It's a 03 Conv with 40k on it, brand new set of tires.
Thanks guys

Drive it. You won't regret it. Take your time, see the sights. When are you ever gonna have this chance again? And if your company is paying the move, expense it.

Route 66

Drive it. You won't regret it. Take your time, see the sights. When are you ever gonna have this chance again? And if your company is paying the move, expense it.

yea you'll love the scenery. Might be a stupid idea but carry a full size spare rim? :dunno

Ok brand new set of tires. The most you can worry about is a flat and well you can get anyone to patch it so why worry.

Be careful as you get between Vegas and Barstow.

It's Bat Country.

I've driven CA to NY a few times. Let me tell you my opinion. There are some really, really fun roads, but honestly, it's not worth it IMO. Once you get past Colorado/Utah, the midwest is nothing but highway straights -- yeah you are going like 90 but thats because the trucks will pass you if you're not. Its pretty boring and you're time is better spent elsewhere.

3k is a lot of miles, but who are you saving the miles for? The next guy? Nah. Drive the car and enjoy it! And +1 on what Dave Dunbar said. $0.485/mile = $1455!

I'd drive it, but be prepared for some pretty boring crap west of the Mississippi and east of the Rockies. Maybe ship it 1/2 way and go meet it.

As for the 3,000 miles, I can't understand why mileage is such a concern on M3's. This isn't an Italian car. The car is engineered to be driven long-term. It's computer is designed to keep maintenance intervals and wear-item replacement spread over a given spectrum of usage and time. Significant variance from that design is inviting unanticipated failures.

IMO, ultra-low mileage cars aren't any more cherry than ultra-high mileage cars for this very reason. I'll grant that low is better than high, but average is best.

I dont know if I would ever get bored in a e46 M3, id think of it as more of a honeymoon ;)

I put 92000 mile on my M3 in just over 3 years... loved every minute of it.

I put 92000 mile on my M3 in just over 3 years... loved every minute of it.

haha holy crap ur crazy!! where the heck do u go? :eyecrazy;)

I've driven CA to NY a few times. Let me tell you my opinion. There are some really, really fun roads, but honestly, it's not worth it IMO. Once you get past Colorado/Utah, the midwest is nothing but highway straights -- yeah you are going like 90 but thats because the trucks will pass you if you're not. Its pretty boring and you're time is better spent elsewhere.

How long did it take you? which route did you take? and how much did it cost?

Route 66

+1

What an opportunity! Get Mike Wallis' book, "Route 66: The Mother Road" and enjoy the drive! Stay off the interstates as much as you can. The weather is still nice enough, so drop that top and breath in all the sights, sounds, and smells. This will be a trip you won't forget. Plan a little, get the book, and take advantage of this. It isn't often one gets a chance to see our country from eye level.

Do it.

haha holy crap ur crazy!! where the heck do u go? :eyecrazy;)
Roadtrips, Tracktime & Daily work commuter. Wasn't abnormal to do a 3hr drive to go have lunch to come back later that evening.

I would drive it , and take my time enjoying the sites:cool

thanks guys...
If I drive it, I would probably feel more comfortable to go with a spare... I have 19. Should I get a 19 front rim+tire? Would the front fit in the back??

Yup...

Route 66

I agree with kevlar. Route 66 is a fantastic strecth of historic road. I have personally driven it and loved every second of the experiance. The sights are wonderful. Screw the interstate. Great excuse to buy navigation if you dont already have it.

I flying to LA tomorrow to pick up my M3 vert and I cant wait to drive it back up to Seattle. I'm going to try and hit hwy 101 for a portion of it. My trips only 11-1200 miles but I didnt think twice about driving vs shipping.

thanks guys...
If I drive it, I would probably feel more comfortable to go with a spare... I have 19. Should I get a 19 front rim+tire? Would the front fit in the back??


I can't find a single 19 FRONT rim anywhere... everyone is sell a set... Does anyone know where I can get a cheap one?

If it's just for a spare... buy a replica.

Do M3s come with car jack and tire iron? I can't find mine...

3000 miles is alot. About 2 days worth of driving. Hopefully you reconsider! If not, your gonna end up spending more money and time driving (gas, stops, hotels??) to get your car there.

Are you traveling with others>?

3000 miles is alot. About 2 days worth of driving. Hopefully you reconsider! If not, your gonna end up spending more money and time driving (gas, stops, hotels??) to get your car there.

Are you traveling with others>?

yeah, I'm traveling with a buddy of mine.
It's not all about the money. I want to do it for myself too. It's a rare opportunity.

Anyway, does anyone if the M3 has car jack and tire iron?