|
| ||||||||||||||||
Post Reply |
|
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
| ||||||||||||||||
Post Reply |
|
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
| 12-17-2010, 03:15 AM | #1 |
|
Captain
 
119
Rep 771
Posts
Drives: LBB M2C, VO 1M, GSA 1200
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Frozen Tundra
iTrader: (0)
Garage List 2021 BMW X3M Compet ... [0.00]
2019 BMW S1000R [0.00] 2019 M2 Competition [0.00] 2018 BMW 1200 GSA [0.00] 2011 1M Coupe [9.75] |
1M European Delivery - Planning the Ultimate European Driving Tour
Based on Bimmerfile's report, it looks like ED will be available for those of us purchasing a 1M.
To take full advantage of this incredible opportunity and maximize the experience, I ask those of you with extensive European driving experience to suggest the best places for driving the 1M in Europe. My plan would be to spend about 10-12 days driving around the continent. Some places are self evident (i.e. the Nürburgring). But for those of us with limited European experience, it would great to hear about lesser known areas with great driving roads. Perhaps we can make this a sticky with a list of the top 10-20 roads to experience in Europe. References using links to Google maps would be appreciated. |
| 12-17-2010, 03:35 AM | #2 |
|
Captain
68
Rep 756
Posts |
After you had fun at the ring, drive down to the Mosel. It's a nice drive on back winding roads.
__________________
Ring school thread : http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=532926
Istanbul M3/M4 Launch:http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=996360 M3 & M4 European Delivery:http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1135354 M Track Days Barcelona: http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1247927 |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-17-2010, 04:02 AM | #3 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel
 
132
Rep 1,898
Posts |
You definately should go to the Alps. From Munich to Austria, Italy and Switzerland.
Stelvatio is an amazing experience, but IMO the best roads are: Grimselpass Sustenpass Nufenen Oberalp See the map, you can make a nice tour combining them all. I drove them more then ones myself  Furka is the one you see a James Bond. But is is quite narrow and for this reason a bit less fun to drive with a car. Lumanier is really long and has some nice views, I prefer it above the Gotthard. Some coming from Biasca you could take, Lukmanier, Oberalp, Suten, Grimsel, Nufenen and back again Nufenen, Furka. You will feel more then satisfied after that run, I can tell you  Takes half a day though. Be carefull with speeding in Switzerland by the way! The fines are out of this world. 66km/h in a 50 zone cost you about 1500USD! And on the mountain roads the use laserguns, especially in vilages. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-17-2010, 04:08 AM | #4 |
|
Not a BMW Insider
13
Rep 302
Posts |
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-17-2010, 04:11 AM | #5 |
|
Lieutenant
26
Rep 401
Posts
Drives: 2011 Saphire Black 1M Coupé
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: 300km to the Nordschleife
|
It all depends on what exactly you want to do. Drive, see sights, relax, all of the above?
Imho the best place to start is a website that describes the best Motorbike tours. For Germany, that may be: cometogermany.com (The link leads to the motorbike tour page there.) If you want to have fun driving: - The Alps. A must. Including South Tirolia. Alpine passes are the ultimate kick for experienced drivers. However... forget the "big" mountain passes in the summer and during european school vacation periods. But even in peak periods, there are plenty of roads in the alps! - The black forrest. Arround "Schauinsland" (a former hill climb racetrack) there are masses of small, winding roads cut into the mountains. - As mentioned, the "Mosel" scenic route with lots and lots of history to be visited. - The Ring. I would not recommend it to anyone that has zero track experience! At any time of day during tourist traffic, you will always meet VERY fast cars and bikes there. Someone that does not know how to handle race traffic on a track is dangerous to himself and others. The best faq to the Ring is "20832.com". The link to the faq there (a MUST-read before driving the Ring). - Hamburg is worth visiting for its harbor and for things like this and this. If you want to see other parts of Europe, then that should be pretty much what there will be time for. Germany has X beautiful, medival towns and villages (Rotenburg ob der Tauber is probably the most famous... at least for tourists), probably thousands of castles and many other attractions as well. Enjoy it here! Peter
__________________
The best piece of road - worldwide.
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-17-2010, 04:26 AM | #6 |
|
Captain
119
Rep 771
Posts
Drives: LBB M2C, VO 1M, GSA 1200
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Frozen Tundra
iTrader: (0)
Garage List 2021 BMW X3M Compet ... [0.00]
2019 BMW S1000R [0.00] 2019 M2 Competition [0.00] 2018 BMW 1200 GSA [0.00] 2011 1M Coupe [9.75] |
Great input so far. A preliminary plan might be to head northwest out of Munich to the ring, then south along the Mosul and then hit the Alps and some of the passes mentioned by Marcel.
I have been in Swirzerland before, and look forward to visiting again (and carefully avoid speeding fines!). It would be nice to keep going south into Northern Italy. It will be challenging to balance "driving fun" with seeing the sites. I have a lot of investigating and planning to do, but appreciate the helpful input from everybody. Keep the suggestions coming. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-17-2010, 04:30 AM | #7 | |
|
Private First Class
 
1
Rep 188
Posts
Drives: 1M / M3 E36 3.2 6MT
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: In the twisty roads of the Alps
|
Quote:
Just be aware of the fact that the majority of those passes are closed during winter time (Oct/Nov to April).And with the 1M you can enjoy the fact that FI engines don't lose power that fast at higher altitudes (some passes are on an altitude of 8000+ ft) compared to NA engines. |
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-17-2010, 04:59 AM | #8 |
|
Captain
119
Rep 771
Posts
Drives: LBB M2C, VO 1M, GSA 1200
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Frozen Tundra
iTrader: (0)
Garage List 2021 BMW X3M Compet ... [0.00]
2019 BMW S1000R [0.00] 2019 M2 Competition [0.00] 2018 BMW 1200 GSA [0.00] 2011 1M Coupe [9.75] |
Those Swiss passes look tempting on Google maps. It appears one could enjoy a few of those passes while heading south towards Milan. Would it be worthwhile to try and do some driving further east towards Austria?
Love the link to the Miniatur Wunderland. I've seen that website before and if I bring my son I'm sure he would love it. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-17-2010, 07:02 AM | #9 |
|
European Editor
10589
Rep 22,992
Posts |
Dackel's things to do in DE... Here are some of my photo essays over the last year. Maybe they will insprie you!
Miniatur Wunderland - Model H.O. Trains in Hamburg... http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=389656 Miniatur Wunderland - Model H.O. Trains... http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=389656 Prototyp PKW Automobilmuseum http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=385075 Stuttgart... Sinsheim Technik Museum http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=387433 Porsche Museum – Zuffenhausen, Germany... http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=449415 BMW Leipzig factory tour… http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=393421 August Horch Museum – Zwickau, Germany... http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=441796 Munich... BMW Welt and Museum tour... http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=400639 Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=402730 just South of Munich... EFA - Museum Für Deutsche Automobilgeschichte http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=406067 in Austria... Gross Glockner Pass – Hoch Strasse http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=406468 Nuerburgring... Grüne Hölle Musuem und Ring.... http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=412648 Just South of Frankfurt... Bernd Rosemeyer Denkmal Restplatz on the A5 Autobahn… http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=411715 misc... Fahrzeugmuseum Suhl - DDR motorcycle & car Museum... http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=434203 former BMW Eisenach factory museum... http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=431041 AMF Automobil Museum Fichtelberg http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=432001 HockenheimRing Museum... (near Frankfurt/Heidelberg area) http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=411540 Dackel |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-17-2010, 08:20 AM | #10 |
|
Lieutenant
21
Rep 436
Posts |
Herr, great thread.
I too am dreaming of driving the 1M through the Alps, Ring, Switzerland. I was very excited to read recently that BMW will do ED. It would be my first. Im sure you're aware, but the ED forum on bimmerfest is a really excellent resource. Now, Ive been reading for a while and two particular places/roads keep coming up as 'must see/drive'. Of course there are TONS depending on your desire. Sprited driving, drinking beer, mountain passes, drinking beer, hiking. Did I mention drinking beer? One good bit of advice (I think) is to stay out of cities for the most part. You've got what 10days? Why be stuck in city streets, crowds, etc. Get out and flex the 1M on the open road - thats what Im doing anyway!!!! 1) Grossglockner (vs. Stelvio) 2) Mosel valley/Rhine - for beautiful landscapes, winerys, etc. www.rhine-mosel.com/river-rhinetrackback Also check Top Gear for best roads to drive in the world |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-17-2010, 08:55 AM | #11 |
|
Second Lieutenant
7
Rep 294
Posts |
I can't wait!!!!! This will make my third time (my 335i and dad's 335d) and it doesn't get old. Gotta do the ring again. Last time Stelvio was closed but maybe we'll get lucky. But hey if I can do Octoberfest AND Frankfurt auto show I'll be a happy camper. î
__________________
 Z4M Coupe 6MT Monaco Blue #13/36 ...Keeper... Z4 3.0 6MT ...Keeper... 2OO2 5MT ...Keeper... 335i 6MT Montego Blue M-Sport (Retired),X535d Vermillion Red/Saddle (Retired) |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-17-2010, 08:57 AM | #12 | |
|
Lieutenant
21
Rep 436
Posts |
Quote:
Dack, you are an inspiration. I wonder if I even need to go to Europe now!! |
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-17-2010, 09:01 AM | #13 | |
|
Lieutenant
63
Rep 580
Posts
Drives: G20 M340i
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Orlando
|
Quote:
Enjoy your trip and check the bimmerfest wiki, so much good info for ED.
__________________
 |
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-17-2010, 10:58 AM | #14 |
|
Brigadier General
 
275
Rep 3,164
Posts
Drives: Many
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: North of 7K RPM
iTrader: (1)
Garage List 2020 BMW M2 CS [0.00]
1994 Audi RS2 Avant [0.00] 2021 Audi RS6 Avant [0.00] 1988 BMW E30 M3 [0.00] 2011 BMW 1///M [0.00] 2017 BMW F80 M3 30 ... [0.00] 2018 Porsche 991.2 GT3 [0.00] 2015 Porsche Macan ... [0.00] 1998 Porsche 993 C4S [0.00] 1994 Lancia Delta I ... [0.00] 2008 Audi RS4 [0.00] |
I posted in the other ED thread, but if timing works out, best would be to pick up right around the Nurburgring Formula 1 (July 22-24, and attend of course), then a wwek later in early August do this with the car: http://www.bmwccaringschool.com/
I did the German F1 GP this year (Hockenheim as they alternate with the Ring each year now that Germany does not host the "European" Grand Prix) and hit a lot of the spots Dackel recommended. The Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen, Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart, and the Audi Forum in Neckarsulm are indeed worthy spots to visit (you can practically do all these in a single day).
__________________
2011 BMW E82 1///M: AW, all options; Renntech, Akrapovic, Forge, P3, RevoZ CF bits, many mods
1988 BMW E30 M3: Hennarot, S14, stock 2018 Porsche 991.2 GT3: PtS, CXX, LWBS, PCCB 1998 Porsche 993 C4S: Zenith Blue, last aircooled widebody, Bilstein PSS10, Fister II + Fabspeed exhaust 2008 Audi B7 RS 4: Sprint Blue, Audi Exclusive Euro Bucket Interior, Premium+Titanium, many mods |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-17-2010, 05:54 PM | #15 |
|
European Editor
10589
Rep 22,992
Posts |
OP I would suggest you head South out of Munich. I would drive all the back roads down to Italy or Austria - to break in your engine. Maybe Salzburg (where the "Sound of Music" was filmed)or Berchtesgarten (Hitler's Eagle Nest is there). Also in Northern Italy is the GardaSee (a huge lake in the mountains)a very nice area to visit. From there you can go drive the Stevio Pass or Gross Glockner. I would do Nuerburgring towards the middle or end of your ED. As you drive around Germany.
 Also near the 'Ring is the Mosel river. A very pretty area. Cochem is a very nice town on the Mosel. I would say drive from the 'Ring to Mayen. Then down to Cochem. Then follow the Mossel down towards Trier or Luxembourg/Belgium. IF you want to you can head South from there to Stuttgart or the Black Forrest area famous for their Kuckoo Clocks & german cakes. In the black forrest is also the famous German Alpine road... a place I really want to go drive one day! And of course no visit to Germany is complete without going to see Neuschwanstein castle. I would also suggest to go to Garmisch while in that area. Southern Germany is so pretty. Espcially in the Springtime. IF you need any other ideas or Q's just ask! Dackel |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-17-2010, 07:23 PM | #16 | |
|
Banned
7906
Rep 11,785
Posts |
Quote:
AWESOME TOPIC. After making my first ever trip to Germany for the pre-drive, I want to go back..... And I have always wanted to do Euro Delivery as well.. and I have a few new European friends now as well that I can stop and visit.,  |
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-18-2010, 04:26 AM | #17 |
|
Captain
119
Rep 771
Posts
Drives: LBB M2C, VO 1M, GSA 1200
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Frozen Tundra
iTrader: (0)
Garage List 2021 BMW X3M Compet ... [0.00]
2019 BMW S1000R [0.00] 2019 M2 Competition [0.00] 2018 BMW 1200 GSA [0.00] 2011 1M Coupe [9.75] |
Thanks for all the responses. After spending some time studying the area it becomes quite overwhelming - too many options!
A rough idea for a grand tour would be the following: From Munich travel to Salzburg, then head towards the Innsbruck/Davos area. From there head due west and try out some of the mountain passes recommended by Marcel in southern Switzerland. From there move south to Lake Como and Milan. I am curious whether people would suggest heading west out of Milan towards the French Mediterranean. What is the driving like in that area? The plan would be to eventually head north again and follow the Mosel, check out the Ring, and continue north towards Hamburg. It is difficult to determine how many days such a trip might require. I appreciate all the links Dackelone posted - seems like an endless number of sites to visit throughout Germany. The Bimmerfest ED wiki is also quite useful. Maybe I should just spend the whole summer there! |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-18-2010, 04:22 PM | #18 |
|
European Editor
10589
Rep 22,992
Posts |
One other thing to mention for you guys doing ED is... the gas prices are crazy high over here. Especially in the summertime. Right now a liter of SuperPlus is going for 1.45 euros. In the summer its normally around 1.55 or so (+/- 0.10 cents).
I normally get about 7 kilometers PER liter. I have gotten much worse and also much better. But normally I use about 11.5 liters/100kph or about 19 mpg. That works out to about 7.5 kms/liter. Also... everything is close by over here in Europe. Italy, France, Austria, Germany. But... when you drive say a 400 km trip... you will be spent for the day - physically drained. Between the higher speeds and traffic and trying to read signs in a otehr language... you are toast after 400 kms. I would not try to do more than that in one day. I would say do lots of short distance trips or 200 kms or so. Find a nice place to stay and go play tourist! Just FYI. Dackel |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-18-2010, 06:37 PM | #19 |
|
Captain
119
Rep 771
Posts
Drives: LBB M2C, VO 1M, GSA 1200
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Frozen Tundra
iTrader: (0)
Garage List 2021 BMW X3M Compet ... [0.00]
2019 BMW S1000R [0.00] 2019 M2 Competition [0.00] 2018 BMW 1200 GSA [0.00] 2011 1M Coupe [9.75] |
Dackel,
Any worthwhile driving areas in southern France, or would it be better spend more time in northern Germany after touring the Alps? |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-18-2010, 07:26 PM | #20 | |
|
Lieutenant
21
Rep 436
Posts |
Quote:
You are outlining a very similar route I have planned. I had hoped to start eastward toward Gmund, Austria. Anyone have a guess why I would head there? But, it is quite a distance out of the way. And ditto to Dack's comments above about 400km/day. I've heard/read about folks who try to cram too much into an ED. My basic rule of thumb will be 3-5 hours driving per day/max. This way I can soak in the culture where ever I stop, but still get some "quality time" with the new ride. |
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-18-2010, 07:43 PM | #21 |
|
Captain
119
Rep 771
Posts
Drives: LBB M2C, VO 1M, GSA 1200
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Frozen Tundra
iTrader: (0)
Garage List 2021 BMW X3M Compet ... [0.00]
2019 BMW S1000R [0.00] 2019 M2 Competition [0.00] 2018 BMW 1200 GSA [0.00] 2011 1M Coupe [9.75] |
Gmund appears to have a notable Porsche museum.
So many places to go.... |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 12-18-2010, 07:49 PM | #22 | |
|
European Editor
10589
Rep 22,992
Posts |
Quote:
Actually Swiss and Austria is $$$ too. Especially Swizerland! I prefer good ol' Deutschland. Everytime I go drive outside Germany... I am so glad once I see the blue Autobahn signs and the "no speedlimit" sign! I would also suggest you plan some train rides in your trip. The trains are very nice over here. Especially Germany's ICE (Inter City Express). The ICE travels at 300 kph (186mph) and it rivals airplane service. Especially when you need to travel from EU city to city. Can't beat it. You might look into a "EuroRail Pass" you can only buy them in the states and it aloows you unlimited train travel on the days you specify. You can even include a rental car too. Like four days of rail service within a two week time period. IF you go to Paris I would NOT drive there. Its nuts and you will cry when you have to leave your M-baby parked on the street or garage. Take the train or fly or take a rental car there. Paris is nice but filthy and way too nuts for my liking. I would really say to stay in Southern Germany and maybe Austria and Northern Italy (Triole areas). That is my preference. I am not really that big a fan of Hamburg. It's nice... but it reminds me too much of Baltimore. lol Plus its far (4.0 hrs) from where I live, in Bayern, DE. I really do not like Western, Germany either. Like: Essen or Dortmound/Dusseldorf NRW - that area is not for me. It's like going to the states. Too much traffic and way too built up. I like the rual German country roads. Southern Germany has its charms for me. Dackel |
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
| Bookmarks |
|
|
