This guy is nonchalantly driving his old BMW 5 Series from Germany to Asia and then returning.

This guy is nonchalantly driving his old BMW 5 Series from Germany to Asia and then returning.

      Screenshot @e34xpeditions on Instagram

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      If you’re yearning for adventure but keep delaying until your “build is complete” or after purchasing another 200 pounds of overland gear, take a moment, step back, and find inspiration from this individual. A German adventurer is on an extraordinary road trip from Berlin to, essentially, east of Kazakhstan and back. He’s not driving a G-Wagon or even an AWD crossover—just an old BMW 5 Series with a tent on its roof.

      I came across this small YouTube channel, E34 Expeditions, earlier this week and have been thoroughly enjoying watching the remarkable journey this third-generation 5 Series has embarked on. Each video begins with a playful introduction: “This is the story about an old car, and a stupid guy,” although the host does not disclose his name. Only the car’s name, “Theodor,” is referenced on his channel and accompanying Instagram profile.

      As someone who is tired of the sensationalized approach prevalent on YouTube, I find the slow and straightforward pace of these videos quite refreshing. Additionally, as an enthusiast of grand adventures with modest gear, I take pleasure in witnessing this sedan accomplish feats that the most heavily equipped 4x4s in California could only dream of.

      This isn’t just a short trip from LA to Big Bear. Check out this incredibly ambitious route:

      I’m incredibly envious of this driving route. @e34xpeditions/YouTube

      This aged 5 Series does have a roof tent and a skid plate, of course, but other than that, it’s simply an old German sedan, facing not only extremely rough roads but also dauntingly remote areas. You truly have to trust your own resourcefulness to undertake a 25,000-kilometer journey through central Asia in any vehicle, especially one that many would deem too old for commuting.

      Theodor (the car) and its driver commenced their journey in April and, as of two weeks ago, had covered 15,000 kilometers. The most recent update, from just a few days ago, shows the car in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

      In the initial videos, the BMW sedan is accompanied by a similarly equipped BMW wagon, with passengers changing throughout the series—perhaps friends are joining for different segments of the trip. However, most updates showcase stunning landscapes, impressive drone footage, and remarkable camping spots.

      The drone footage shared by this channel is absolutely stunning, as are the camping locations. @e34xpeditions/YouTube

      I genuinely appreciate the tone and ambiance captured on film during this trip. It’s not a wild, car-destroying escapade aimed at taking a beater down unsuitable roads at any cost—rather, it’s just a decent, intriguing car on a worthy mission to explore the world.

      A mentor once advised me, “you have more fun with less stuff,” suggesting that packing light is beneficial. Indeed, some of my favorite overland adventures have been solo trips on a single-cylinder dirt bike with just a duffle bag of food and clothing.

      Safe travels, Theodor!

      Have you embarked on any epic adventures in an unconventional vehicle? I’d love to hear about it! Reach out to me at [email protected].

This guy is nonchalantly driving his old BMW 5 Series from Germany to Asia and then returning. This guy is nonchalantly driving his old BMW 5 Series from Germany to Asia and then returning. This guy is nonchalantly driving his old BMW 5 Series from Germany to Asia and then returning. This guy is nonchalantly driving his old BMW 5 Series from Germany to Asia and then returning. This guy is nonchalantly driving his old BMW 5 Series from Germany to Asia and then returning.

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This guy is nonchalantly driving his old BMW 5 Series from Germany to Asia and then returning.

This vintage BMW is embarking on an overland journey that many 4Runners and Tacomas can only fantasize about.