[lxapilot118]

Well I finally bit the bullet on a 330i. I'm scheduled to pick up in Munich on November 7. For those of you who've done Euro Delivery before, of the places you've been...where would and wouldn't you go again? I'm planning on Munich (obviously), Zurich, Venice, Florence, and dropping off in Rome. Any opinions?

[dxk]

Originally Posted by lxapilot118

Well I finally bit the bullet on a 330i. I'm scheduled to pick up in Munich on November 7. For those of you who've done Euro Delivery before, of the places you've been...where would and wouldn't you go again? I'm planning on Munich (obviously), Zurich, Venice, Florence, and dropping off in Rome. Any opinions?

That's the trip I was goinig to take + Milan ! Couldn't do it this time though, maybe next car. Make sure you tell us how it went. It's gonne be great !

[cpcollin]

Just be aware that when you drop off in Italy, they actually drive your car back to Germany before shipping. If you're comfortable with that, you're good to go. Otherwise, drop it off somewhere other than Italy.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by lxapilot118

Well I finally bit the bullet on a 330i. I'm scheduled to pick up in Munich on November 7. For those of you who've done Euro Delivery before, of the places you've been...where would and wouldn't you go again? I'm planning on Munich (obviously), Zurich, Venice, Florence, and dropping off in Rome. Any opinions?

Keep in mind your car will be driven (by "someone") from Rome to Munich. You also need to have sufficient time left on insurance and registration for waiting time and the drive, I think they ask for 5 days. I wouldn't leave my car in Italy just for that reason (of someone else driving it).

[AskNiko]

Originally Posted by lxapilot118

Venice, Florence, and dropping off in Rome.

I just moved back to the States after living in Italy for 3.5 years. I don't recommend driving a new bimmer in Italy. Milan has the most car thefts, the concept of space is totally different (a one lane road is for two way traffic), parking is really tight (a 3 series is a big car there), and the more south you get, the crazier it is (Florence is considered south). If you must drive in Italy, just get a rental car and be stress free.

I recommend sticking with Germany, Austria, and Switzerland when driving a new bimmer. Plan a route with a mixture of autobahns (labelled A??) and secondary roads (labelled B??). Make sure to slow down to 50 kph or lower when in city limits and learn the concept of the "priority road" road sign.

German road signs

Hope this helps. Have a fun and safe trip.

[longtran]

Originally Posted by AskNiko

I just moved back to the States after living in Italy for 3.5 years. I don't recommend driving a new bimmer in Italy. Milan has the most car thefts, the concept of space is totally different (a one lane road is for two way traffic), parking is really tight (a 3 series is a big car there), and the more south you get, the crazier it is (Florence is considered south). If you must drive in Italy, just get a rental car and be stress free.

I recommend sticking with Germany, Austria, and Switzerland when driving a new bimmer. Plan a route with a mixture of autobahns (labelled A??) and secondary roads (labelled B??). Make sure to slow down to 50 kph or lower when in city limits and learn the concept of the "priority road" road sign.

German road signs

Hope this helps. Have a fun and safe trip.

i was looking at the signs on that website, sweet. only have a minimum speed limit. no maximum???

[Squawks]

There are maximum speed limits. Especially when there is:

1) Bad weather conditions
2) Construction
3) Traffic
4) Different countries have different policies

[stressdoc]

Take a look at the article on the M5 euro cruise in the latest Roundel. There were some pieces there in past issues on driving in Venice and Tuscany that are nice too. I agree with AskNiko: avoid driving in Italy unless you stay completely away from the cities. Take the train.

[ZenDriver]

Nurburgring.

[lxapilot118]

Well thanks...maybe I'll drop the car in Zurich and take the train, rather than drive in Italy

[counter_strike]

Originally Posted by lxapilot118

Well thanks...maybe I'll drop the car in Zurich and take the train, rather than drive in Italy

Oh. dont worry about driving in Italy.
repainting the bumper is cheap

[cpcollin]

Originally Posted by lxapilot118

Well thanks...maybe I'll drop the car in Zurich and take the train, rather than drive in Italy

I had no problems driving or parking in Italy. Granted, I only did Venice, Lake Como, and Milan.

In Venice, I parked in the Tronchetto garage just over the bridge (Ponte della Liberta). I think it was 19 euro per night. From there, it was an easy trip into Venice either by foot or public transit (vaporetto). I think you can pay 25 euro and get a larger, gated and locked spot.

Lack Como driving was an experience. Narrow mountain roads and many blind corners. Took some getting used to, but was fine (and fun).

Milan, I parked in a garage north of the city and took a train about 3 or 4 stops to the city center. I unfortunately don't remember exactly where it was because I just happened upon it. It was in a nice area with nice new shops all around. Best of all, it was free. Seeing central Milan, I was very glad I didn't try to drive there.

[stressdoc]

A couple further notes: the speed limits in Austria are pretty restricted, so plan your fast driving for Germany. Take our caveats about driving in Italy with a grain of salt. If you are comfortable with insane city driving then it should not be a big deal, especially if you are 'broken in' and familiar with the new car, sure of where you are going, well-rested, and immune to taunting from pesky Fiats and Renaults with something to prove. Highways are highways, and generally very safe. Some of the most beautiful and fun roads in the world are in the alps/lakes region in N. Italy, and I never found the driving to be obnoxious there. You might be able to time your driving down to Rome during the middle of the night, or if you are feeling courageous, middle of the day, avoiding traffic. Hopefully you would have a good parking spot at a hotel or friend's house. But I would consider driving it back up to Munich rather than using the dropoff in Rome, as per the previous comments of other notes on this string. You ought to be able to get a better deal on a RT airfare to Frankfurt or Munich anyway. And forget driving it around the cities (Rome, Florence) -- just park and walk or taxi or bus. And take photos to post to this list!!!

[lxapilot118]

Anyone have any problems with ice or snow driving through switzerland? It'll probably be pretty cold by the beginning of November...not too big a fan of snow chains.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by lxapilot118

Anyone have any problems with ice or snow driving through switzerland? It'll probably be pretty cold by the beginning of November...not too big a fan of snow chains.

Chains generally not permitted in many areas. Ice and snow depends on where in CH you will be, but it is a little early for that except in mountains. Temp. will range from 2° to 8°