[wtwo3]

Had a work trip in Minnesota and decided instead of flying that'd I'd make the drive from Chicago. I've never been this far in my 3 series. The long trips were always reserved for the X5 (Since they always involved family). Since I was travelling alone, I decided it would be a great time to take the 3 on a long distance trip.

On the way there it was a hustle, just taking the fastest route. But on the way back I decided to take the scenic route and drive down the great river road on the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota.

A few notes about the trip:
- Lot of the small towns along the great river road have gas stations but only regular (no premium). So if you do decide to go on this trip, make sure you gas up any time you see a station that does sell premium.
- The views for it being the midwest are spectacular. And the road itself is fun to drive
- The car performed beautifully. I pushed it hard and it didn't skip a beat.
- The seats get uncomfortable for me after a while. After having taken road trips in the cushy X5 seats, the 3 series seats are like sitting on a wooden bench for 5+ hours.

[RigaTony1982]

That’s looks awesome. I’ve wanted to visit Minneapolis and do the drive from Chicago, but my wife wants none of the driving part. I on the other hand prefer long road trips

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by RigaTony1982

That’s looks awesome. I’ve wanted to visit Minneapolis and do the drive from Chicago, but my wife wants none of the driving part. I on the other hand prefer long road trips

I'm in the same boat lol. My wife absolutely hates road trips, whereas I love the idea of long distance trips. If it wasn't for this being a work trip where I was alone, I'd probably be flying, and the few road trips that we have taken in the X5 took a lot of convincing from my part. I try to explain to her that the journey is part of the fun. But to her it's all about the destination.

[R12ax7]

Nice pics! Just picked up a Mineral Grey myself. Curios what % are your tints?

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by R12ax7

Nice pics! Just picked up a Mineral Grey myself. Curios what % are your tints?

Congrats!

Mine is actually dravit grey, but since it was an overcast day I think it looks similar to mineral grey due to the lighting. The tints are 35% all around minus the windshield. I'm actually debating getting my windshield tinted on my next car, since the light entering the windshield ends up making the front windows look a little lighter than they actually are.

[R12ax7]

Ah yeah I can see that it is Dravit now - very jealous, I wish I had been able to order that but the dealer had no German allocations. I thought it looked around 35%, I'm going to go with 35% or 40% also.

Have you had any issues with the auto-dimming of the gauges acting up due to the tint? Sounds like as long as I keep above 30% and stay away from ceramic or metallic I should be fine.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by R12ax7

Ah yeah I can see that it is Dravit now - very jealous, I wish I had been able to order that but the dealer had no German allocations. I thought it looked around 35%, I'm going to go with 35% or 40% also.

Have you had any issues with the auto-dimming of the gauges acting up due to the tint? Sounds like as long as I keep above 30% and stay away from ceramic or metallic I should be fine.

Hopefully once supply issues clear up some of the colors start making a comeback across BMW's lineup. I haven't had any issues at all with auto-dimming.