The long drive should be fine...it's a BMW- meant to be driven (hard even!). I had a 3M Bra on my E36 and was happy. Re V1, I've had one for 5+ years now. At $399, I consider it a bargain. Last year I drove from Denver to Monterrey (for Historical Races) in a Boxter averaging speeds that would make most blush, and my V1 saved me several times. (IMHO)