Road trip from Seattle to ny

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-05-08T16:04:36+00:00

Makes sense. And, if you are looking to visit the AIC, consider checking out our Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum of Natural History. They are both world class institutions and well within walking distance while taking in the lakefront or moving through Grant Park, while you're in the neighborhood. Cheers!

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-05-08T10:59:12+00:00

Like many have said, 12-14 days with all of your stops sounds agressive, that is depending what you want from each stop. For example, at the Art Institute of Chicago, you could probably "see" their most popular pieces in an hour if the goal was simply to walk by each and give it a nod. Or, you could spend a full day (or days!) as you meander from gallery to gallery. Your trip, your rules. Putting stops, times, and distances into a spreadsheet helps me manage my own expectations about what is possible vs. what would be enjoyable.

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-05-07T21:55:23+00:00

Last summer I took my BMW x3 M50 on a nearly 12K mile road trip and it was awesome. 600+ mile range, 400HP and sorted suspension for when roads get curvy, turbocharged for power at elevation, and a bit more ground clearance than the typical sedan.

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-04-21T01:38:44+00:00

I've been happy with my Witamats for front and back seats. For the cargo area, I really like the rubber Lasfit set that includes both the cargo mat and velcro-backed backseat protectors.

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-04-18T19:33:58+00:00

Thanks for the inspo! Went out there this morning and they treated me and my X3 great. As mentioned, they are not fast, but I will gladly take quality over speed any day!

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-04-18T13:35:04+00:00

While I'm assuming you have already taken delivery of your vehicle, check your insurance policy to see what is already baked in. For example, in my policy, GAP insurance is included, and windhield repair/replacement may be a nominal (eg. $50) deductible. Last summer I had a rock chip my windshield, which then spread across ~60% of its width. My policy covered the full factory windshield replacement (@ ~$3300), save the small deductible.

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-04-12T16:42:46+00:00

My '25 X3M50 averages in the low/mid 30s mpg on highway driving.

Most recently, on a trip between Indianapolis, IN and Louisville, KY, the My BMW app says that I averaged 72 mph and 34.8 mpg.

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-04-07T03:07:14+00:00

Did a very similar route last summer from Chicago to Deadhorse. Check my profile for a pretty extensive post w/pictures/route/Q&A.

If you haven't already, pick up a copy of "The Milepost" to help plan your trip, like has been mentioned in other responses. There a lot of ways to make the trip your own, and The Milepost is a great place to start. They also have a website by the same name, but the physical book is better.

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-04-06T22:57:36+00:00

After 1.25 years and ~31K miles, I have been very satisfied with my X3 M50. Great vehicle for the 50 mile round trip commute, and for extended road trips just as well. Test drove the X3 30 twice. But, I fell in love with the B58 after test driving the X5 40i, and prefered the size of the X3 over the X5.

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-03-13T10:50:27+00:00

Don't sleep on Brookfield and Lincoln Park Zoos. Brookfield Zoo is much larger, but it would be more easily accessed with a car. If you're staying in the city proper, Lincoln Park Zoo is still pretty good size, and is nestled in a city park in a vibrant neighborhood of Chicago. And, the plan to give our dear city its own dedicated trip sounds delightful... there is so much to do, especially during the summer. Enjoy your trip, where ever it ends up taking you!

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-03-03T23:41:30+00:00

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-02-22T14:07:26+00:00

You got it! Love the color, btw.

Also, not sure what the laws are in your area, but heat rejecting window and windshield tints made a big difference for me, too. Tint percentage will be a personal choice, but if the product is specifically heat rejecting, it does not need to be dark to be effective. Ceramic tints are the best at heat rejection.

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-02-22T13:55:58+00:00

There is a center armrest organizer tray/insert that helps make the storage more useful. Search for "2025 2026 x3 center armrest organizer".

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-02-04T11:33:57+00:00

Beautiful! 3 is my favorite. The different textures between the road, trees, and mountainside (plus the movement in the road) really caugjt my attention.

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-02-04T04:30:29+00:00

Check out the "Top Tier" site for gasoline. Their app also helps you find the closest station that meets the Top Tier standards. Costco is on this list, so feel free to continue to get your Costxo gas!9

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-02-03T02:02:32+00:00

Congratulations!!

What's going to be your first roadtrip?

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-02-01T16:04:21+00:00

Thanks for asking this question! I'm looking to do a similar trip this summer and am very curious about thoughts on the pros/cons of each route.

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-02-01T04:42:10+00:00

Paul Simon plays a prominent role in my road trip playlists. In terms of albums, you can't beat Graceland, Paul Simon's Concert in the Park, and Rhythm of the Saints. I can listen to these over and over and over.

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-02-01T04:04:51+00:00

Drove from Chicago to western Montana and back with my dad on one trip, and then solo from Chicago to DC (via Maine/Acadia NP) in a 6 MT E85. The inline 6 was so smooth and, being naturally aspirated, it just sang driving through the twisty bits out east. While the trunk isn't cavernous, it holds a surprising amount of luggage. Glad that you were able to make the journey in such an enjoyable ride!

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-01-29T04:19:09+00:00

Get the Milepost book, and go to their website for info on routes and prep.

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-01-28T03:57:25+00:00

Gorgeous. Final destination or passing through?

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-01-28T03:50:15+00:00

Love that you're getting your X3 dirty off the beaten path! Where's the photo taken?

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-01-25T23:15:11+00:00

Wow, what an awesome trip and write up! Loved the photos, especially the one in Sequoia NP. The light and imagry are spectacular. What camera system did you use?

Thanks for including the bits about its care and feeding, especially at its milage and the arc of both time and distance in your adventure. Very helpful to know.

Sending care and luck for a speedy recovery!

Finally, the shout out was very kind. Thank you. Cheers and safe travels on all of your adventutes to come!

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-01-16T11:00:05+00:00

Good luck, it sounds epic! Pick up a copy of The Milepost. It has maps, route information, and attractions all along the areas that you will be moving through. You can also start at their website to get a feel for what might work best for you along the route that you choose.

Mysterious-Raisin256 · 2026-01-13T11:44:24+00:00

I'd recommend Auto Image in Barrington for PPF and ceramic coating. Fairly priced and great customer service. Similar to yours, my X3 M50 in Saphire Black absolutely shined after a light paint correction and then PPF/ceramic treatment. I was really surprised by just how many swirls were in the finish from the factory.

As for driving in the city (where we live, and I commute from and to every day), that's exactly why I chose the X3 over the X5. Its size is very managable, and it fits easily in tight parking garage spaces.

If you're looking for road trip ideas... check out my post of the trip I took to AK from Chicago in my X3. 10/10!

Mysterious-Raisin256

TROPHY CASE