E86 Euro Trip - What Else Do I Need?

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PedroSouth

Member
Taking the E86 on a road trip this summer, ferry down to Bilbao, across Pyrenees and back up through France. Total 12 days, 1200 miles.

No stranger to European road trip but this will be the first for the E86 as I usually take my other much newer car, so will be the oldest car I have done one in.

I've made a list below of what I should take but thought I'd ask if I've missed anything I should take for the Z (or prep before I go?) - Or is this complete overkill? :rofl:

Car has 142k on it, but it passed MOT last month with no advisories and serviced within last 6 months (2k ago). Water pump done in last year too. Getting the air con serviced before I go too.

List
Small selection of tools, zip ties, hose clips etc
Spare oil and coolant
Tow rope
Tyre foam - 2 x new cans (Ive got non-run flats)
Tyre inflator
USB power bank to charge phones
Road map
Spare bulbs
All documents/bits needed to travel, V5C, European insurance and breadown cover, hi vis etc
Adjust headlights for driving on right.

Thanks
 
If not already done, I'd do the Micky mouse flange before you leave.
While you're there, ensure no oil has been dripping (or is) onto your auxilary belt from either the valve cover or oil cooler gaskets, if they have then swap it out. :thumbsup:
 
Meds said:
If not already done, I'd do the Micky mouse flange before you leave.
While you're there, ensure no oil has been dripping (or is) onto your auxilary belt from either the valve cover or oil cooler gaskets, if they have then swap it out. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Thanks Meds, I'll look into the flange. No oil leaks, oil filter housing done but will double check others.
 
After hitting a pheasant on the M40 in my 3 Series years ago I'd add a roll of gaffer tape. It would have saved my wheelarch liner. :(

Maybe add a code reader and perhaps a jumper pack, depending on the age of your battery.
 
Mr Tidy said:
After hitting a pheasant on the M40 in my 3 Series years ago I'd add a roll of gaffer tape. It would have saved my wheelarch liner. :(

Maybe add a code reader and perhaps a jumper pack, depending on the age of your battery.
Click to expand...

Good shout on the gaffer tape. Ive got a code reader, not sure we'll have enough space for a jumper pack but will consider. Cheers
 
I'm planning on doing a road trip in my e86 later this year as well, down to Austria. Last time I did this I was in a Westfield, so the e86 will be the height of luxury! Don't forget you'll need a warning triangle if you haven't got one.
 
Personally, I'd bin off coolant for something to jump start a flat battery, or at least some jump leads.

If you need coolant, water will do the job just fine in a pinch, not like it'll freeze. But a flat battery would be a right pain if you have no jump pack and no leads.
 
My travel bag includes:

Jump start pack
Scissor jack
Telescopic wheel brace
1/4 drive multitool with various screwdriver, hex and torx bits
1/2 drive ratchet with sockets from 10-19mm
Spanners 8-19mm
Scissors
Pliers
Gaffer tape
Cable ties
Tyre repair kit with plugs and strips (doesn't destroy the tyre like foam does)
Tyre inflator
Hazard triangle (if not already fitted in car)
Hi-viz vest
Engine oil (S54 uses quite a bit when revved, and 10w60 hard to find on the road)
OBD cable (I have INPA on my laptop)

All fits into a small holdall.

Bear in mind it is illegal in Spain to tow or be towed.
 
PedroSouth said:
Awesome thanks both, i've looked into battery jump starts, I'll get one of those.
Click to expand...

Jumper packs are quite compact nowadays - I doubt you'd need to rule one out due to its size.

I've owned one of the Lidl/ultimate speed versions for almost 4 years now and, although it doesn't get much use lately, it has never failed when needed (used on both my coupe, and on my diesel 5 series)

When it's packed away in its case, which holds the pack and the leads/adapters, it is approximately 25cm x 10cm x 10cm.

Enjoy the trip - we expect pictures!
 
Gorrila Tape
Brake fluid DOT 4
electrical wire just in case some thing needs binding up.
tyre emergency foam
all allen keys socket set
cheap battery charger or jumper pack
oil
bottle of water
 
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