a brief introduction and Q

[turkishpress]

Hello M42club,

I bought a 1991 318is just a couple weeks ago, and I've loved driving it, the engine is an awesome soundtrack and she hugs the road real nice (Gertrud, a nice powerful German name). The idle leaves something to be desired, it will die shortly after start occasionally, I'm thinking I'll replace the vacuum hoses and clean the ICV (based on what I've read on the site). Additionally, Ill be replacing all the filters and fluids but In a few weeks I'll be taking Gertrud from toronto, on to edmonton, Al, a drive which can be perilous this time of the year, what would you folks recommend in terms of a good parts to have on the road with me, and any suggestions for my 'tune up'

Thanks alot, and a pleasure to meet you all. I restored a 1971 2002 but decided to graduate to 16v and frankly, it feels great.

-Patrick (in Torontoish)

[ak96ss]

Welcome to the club!

I would definitely have some radiator hose repair tape, a gallon of premixed coolant/distilled water, basic tools, a KNOWN GOOD spare tire, spare belts, some spare bulbs (headlight/taillight), wiper fluid, and either a CB or, if there is cellular coverage, a cellphone. Not sure what the coverage is up there, I know in my last pass through the Great White North, cellular coverage was not so hot, but it's been a few years.

The biggest consideration is what you can do on the side of the road - no point in bringing a ton of stuff with you if you won't have any means of using it unless you are in a garage.

Got AAA or the equivalent?

As far as the tune-up: spark plugs, check the wires, all the fluids (oil, differential, transmission, brake, coolant), thermostat, check all the coolant hoses. Make sure your cooling system is in tip-top shape and well-bled. Rear defroster work?

[turkishpress]

Which would answer my tuneup Q, that'd also be splendid.

[hoevesruperd]

you should bring spare fuses too
let us know how that went, i was thinking going back to british columbia next summer with my e30
simply because the roads there are worth the 4000kms in between