So I'm stationed in North Carolina and my 7 is sitting in Utah. I have to go to Utah next week to take care of a few family things. On my way back here to North Carolina I was thinking about driving the 7 back. The car hasnt been driven in about 16 months so I dont know if its a good idea or not. Anybody got any info or opinions for me?

You might have some trouble with it starting, unless it has been cared for by another party during your prolonged absence. These cars do not take kindly to being ignored.

If it starts, let it run for a while and watch it. The gas may be stale unless someone put StaBil in it. Watch the instruments, especially the coolant temp gauge. Periodically check the ground under the car for leaks. If it doesn't leak or overheat...take it out for a short run around the block, or for a couple of miles at moderate speeds. Keep watching the gauges. Bring it back and shut it down. It might not be a bad idea to change the oil and antifreeze.

If you have time, you might repeat this for a couple of days, increasing the distance you drive each day, and vary the speeds. If everything checks out well, then think about driving cross country. Be sure to carry some oil and antifreeze pre-mix with you (not to mention large quantities of cash).

In any case, good luck to you.

jake

JUST DRIVE THATBIATCH LIKE YOU STOLE IT. BECAUSE THATS WHAT IS WANTS.
Just a helpfull hint to get rid of the carbon..

If it starts and runs smooth, head out. Then watch the gages, and check for leaks. Might also want to lift the hood and look for / smell for gas leaks.

Ya i would check all the fluids, let it run for awhile and see how it feels
The longest my car has ever sat was about 2weeks, my baby gets her miles

JUST DRIVE THATBIATCH LIKE YOU STOLE IT. BECAUSE THATS WHAT IS WANTS.
Just a helpfull hint to get rid of the carbon..

I would change the oil and filter at least, look for leaks, drive locally for a few days - if all is well I would do it for sure.

+1 on the oil and filter change.
+1 on leaving her sit and look for drips.

Check fluid levels.

I'd also open the hood and make sure every thing sounds right and look for any leaks from hoses and so forth, I had a small fuel leak in my old car after it'd been sedentry near the fuel pump.

2000 miles (Google maps) would be a nice long drive. At least it'd be in comfort! I drove my 740 from Sydney to Hobart (about 1200kms) with some mates and we had an enormous amount of fun - if you have some time, do a road trip? It's awesome.

Good luck with it.

:(

i thought you were gonna go to wally world

wallyworld sounded fun but work calls. Thanks everybody on your advice

Tip that has proven INVALUABLE from my dad, who has driven lots of "special" things cross country (Vintage Motorhomes mostly!) It's a bit anal, but it's saved my ass before...

Grab a couple of white painting dropcloths from Home Depot before you head out (the paper ones, not the plastic) and put them on the ground the first night before you park. Park with your engine over it.

You'll be able to tell almost immediately in the morning if there are any serious problems with leaks, and it will give you a warning if there are any fluids you forgot to check.