Road trip: AZ-NV-ID-MT-UT-AZ

KNS · 07-16-2016, 08:24 AM

I had a couple of weeks off between starting a new job and took a road trip to see my Dad up in Montana. It's a trip I've been wanting to make for a long time (by roads and not air). I considered taking the 911 but was equally happy taking my 128i.

The car is set up very nicely - I ditched the runflats and installed the BMW Performance Suspension and stiffer front control arms. This transformed the car, I can't believe the car didn't come this way from the factory. It was absolutely a blast on the mountain roads I sought out.

I tried to stay off the interstates as much as I could and used Hwy 93 almost the whole way up from Phoenix to Hamilton, Montana. I didn't take any pics going through Nevada (but should have) and I have to say that NV roads are wonderfully smooth. I was able to hit unprintable speeds in some sections of NV (I can see why these roads are used for the Silver State Classic).

Not the best pictures (I should have taken a better camera but just used my cell phone - what's happened to me..?).

KNS · 07-16-2016, 08:25 AM

Hwy 93 outside of Mackay, ID.

KNS · 07-16-2016, 08:26 AM

First pic at Challis, ID and the second North of Salmon, ID following the North Fork of the Salmon river.

KNS · 08:30 AM

So many of those Historical Markers go whizzing by that I wanted to stop by at least one or two. Lots of history in this area! I put on a little blue painters tape after taking a rock to the headlight.

KNS · 07-16-2016, 08:42 AM

The road between Challis and Salmon was an unbelievable drive. The road closely follows the Salmon river and is simply a joy to drive in a small, sporty car. The handling and steering feel of the 128i is so sweet and is made for roads like this one. I remember a comment by Jeremy Clarkson on driving a Lamborghini (I think). He said something like experiencing a pleasurable feeling running from the steering wheel up your arms. I kept thinking of this statement while on this trip.

Seahawk · 09:21 AM

I love it!

My son just finished a four day trip in an 2015 F-150 we bought for our Commercial UAS Office in Yakima. I was planning on going with him but business got in the way.

He picked the truck up in Fort Wayne, headed North over the Mackinac (sp?) Bridge then West through ND, MT, ID and WA. He flies home tomorrow.

KNS · 07-16-2016, 10:09 AM

Montana at last! Gorgeous scenery climbing up Hwy 93 to the ID-MT state line. You eventually follow the East Fork of the Bitterroot river and down into Bitterroot Valley.

KNS · 07-16-2016, 05:00 PM

Early morning in Hamilton, MT.

KNS · 07-16-2016, 05:12 PM

Watch out coming around blind corners...

tabs · 07-16-2016, 05:50 PM

U can thank Harry Reid for those wonderful roads..fed hwy funds.

MMiller · 07-16-2016, 06:38 PM

Timely post for me... The 1 series is high on my list for the next fun car. Thanks for posting the pics. A road trip out west really is the best!

Enjoy the ride..

KNS · 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Panerai

Timely post for me... The 1 series is high on my list for the next fun car. Thanks for posting the pics. A road trip out west really is the best!

Enjoy the ride..

I debated between the 135 and 128 but chose the 128i for simplicity (non turbo). Peak torque comes in at 2750 RPM so the car pulls strong from low revs. I narrowed it down to the 1 series because small, rear wheel drive cars with a manual trans are few and far between and I've had pretty good luck with my '04 325i.

KNS · 09:42 AM

Last shot of the Bitterroot mountains...

It was time to leave MT and head back to Arizona. I wanted to stay off I-15 as much as possible so I stayed on back roads until I hit Blackfoot, Idaho. I was on I-15 all the way through to Salt Lake City and then I picked up Hwy 89 south of SLC.

KNS · 07-17-2016, 09:41 AM

One the guys here (Gunter) mentioned a road from Torrey, UT to Bryce Canyon. It was a bit out of the way but I wanted to check it out. Holy Smokes... I'm glad I did! This is a great driving road with stunning scenery. I was lucky and started early in the morning and encountered very little traffic. The pic above is on this road at around 8000 or 9000 ft elevation. This is one of those "Must drive before you die" roads - well worth it.

KNS · 07-17-2016, 09:44 AM

Heading down towards the Bryce Canyon area. In the top picture you can just make out the road snaking down into the canyon. After leaving UT it was Hwy 89 to Page and then Flagstaff and then home.

Otter74 · 07-17-2016, 05:26 PM

Kurt,

thanks for these glorious photos. The west is the part of the country that calls my heart, and eventually I will be able to make time for another road trip out there, but this time in my 911.

MMiller · 07-21-2016, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KNS

I debated between the 135 and 128 but chose the 128i for simplicity (non turbo). Peak torque comes in at 2750 RPM so the car pulls strong from low revs. I narrowed it down to the 1 series because small, rear wheel drive cars with a manual trans are few and far between and I've had pretty good luck with my '04 325i.

I assume you made it home safe and sound..

the pics looked like a great road trip.

I wish I had the sense to stay away from the 135.. Going to go test drive one this weekend. We will see. I think I would be happy with either as long as it had a manual tranny.

KNS · 07-22-2016, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Panerai

I assume you made it home safe and sound..

the pics looked like a great road trip.

I wish I had the sense to stay away from the 135.. Going to go test drive one this weekend. We will see. I think I would be happy with either as long as it had a manual tranny.

Made it home safe, the car was flawless the whole trip. The 135s seem to have the occasional turbo or fuel pump issues, both could have water pump issues at some point (like nearly all BMWs). The 128i has more room in the engine compartment which I like.

I think you'll be happy with either one.