Is the ring taxi worth it?

[Brn2Drive]

I was just looking into the BMW ring taxi as part of my ED trip and wanted to hear from those who have experienced it before.

My hesitation comes from the lack of flexibility with the reservation process.
(1) They make you pay for the ticket before you reserve a day with no guarantee that your day will be available.
(2) Only method of payment is wire transfer - my bank charges a $45 fee for wires and I have to go into the branch...lame excuse but I would much rather put it on a credit card and forget about it.
(3) Total cost for a "ride" is $280 + $45 fee = $325
(4) Back to #1 above - there is no real guarantee that I will get a spot so I could spend $325 for nothing (am I missing something or is this actually true??)

If it's worth the effort i'm all for it but i'm not convinced, what do you all think?

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Did you do a here or on Google? it has been discussed before

-----> Click here

Another good source for information Click here also

and here too ----> CLICK

[Bubbles]

YES and YES!!

[Brn2Drive]

Thanks for the help and yes I have searched and read that exact thread. FYI - that thread does not answer any of my questions. I found a way to get tickets but still wonder if it's worth the hassle and lack of guarantee. Also, the email on that link is incorrect. The new email for the ring taxi is bmw-ringtaxi@nuerburgring.de


So...back to my question: it is worth it?? Also, has anyone been able to walk up and get tickets without a reservation?

Originally Posted by Rolf-Dieter

Did you do a here or on Google? it has been discussed before

-----> Click here

Another good source for information Click here also

and here too ----> CLICK

[MDyDinanM]

yes - but probably more worth it to get a car and drive around the ring yourself

[Brn2Drive]

A good point. I'm picking up a new M3 sedan and will have it with me at the ring. However, I probably will not be able to push it as hard as the ring taxi drivers.

Originally Posted by mdyaman

yes - but probably more worth it to get a car and drive around the ring yourself

[lukester]

here's what you gonna get.
have some more Nordschleife Videos in my youtube channel....just search around.
But this one has the best camera angle (no ... it's not a M, it's my 570HP Challenger Detroit steel thing beating around the track)

To be honest. I think the pricing for the Ring Taxi is way to high. For 7-8min of fun it's a lot of money.

If you haven't ever driven on the Nordschleife...don't push it. There are many blind corners. Stay to the right
and cruise around. Don't disable the ESP system.

I don't see any issues to drive around with you own car.
A 4 lap ticket is 89euro, a 15 lap ticket is 310euro.

So you'll get nearly 15 laps with your own car or one lap as a passanger in the ring taxi.

Hmm....... I think you get the idea.

[hova00]

Nice Challenger! Never thought i would see one going around the ring.

[quads]

Is Sabine still driving for the ring taxi?

[persian54]

Dude your bank sucks. $45 for a wire transfer?

CitiGold I think only charge me $18 when I do it online. Quick and easy.
$25 if I go into the branch.

I emailed them and complained that the banker was rude (which he was) and they refunded my $25 and said my next one is free too. lol

[Brn2Drive]

Originally Posted by persian54

Dude your bank sucks. $45 for a wire transfer?

CitiGold I think only charge me $18 when I do it online. Quick and easy.
$25 if I go into the branch.

I emailed them and complained that the banker was rude (which he was) and they refunded my $25 and said my next one is free too. lol

ha! yeah I know. I get domestic wires for free but international wires cost $45 and can only be done at the branch. New international banking regulations have become a pain in the last 2 years. Have you tried to use an ATM in europe lately? 9 out of 10 won't take american cards.

[donovan]

Call over there and ask exactly what you want to know. Spend the international call time/money to find the truth.

I lived in Germany for two years and trained for 2 years there and I never got a ring taxi ride because I had my own fun I would say rent a vehicle and do it yourself boss.

[BostonRocket]

I did the Ring Taxi a few years ago, and it is worth it. It's not cheap, but it's an experience that you can have for the rest of your life.

Nothing was more jaw dropping than exiting the Karussel on the right and a red Ducati passes us on the left, knee dragging.

[karussell]

Originally Posted by Brn2Drive

A good point. I'm picking up a new M3 sedan and will have it with me at the ring. However, I probably will not be able to push it as hard as the ring taxi drivers.

you "probably" will not be able to push it as hard? oh i want to see this. let me know when you go out there champ.

[wisesoul]

Wait until the F10 M5 comes in. And have Sabine or Caludia Hurtgen drive like maniacs!

[luis_m3]

Originally Posted by karussell

you "probably" will not be able to push it as hard? oh i want to see this. let me know when you go out there champ.

+1... this is their backyard bro. I even think Sabine lives there... sleeps in the trunk of an M5 and covers herself with floormats.

[disapr]

lukester - Why isn't anyone else on the track moving? It must suck to always have slow cars in the way.

[lukester]

Originally Posted by disapr

lukester - Why isn't anyone else on the track moving? It must suck to always have slow cars in the way.

At the Nordschleife it's all about how good you know the track.
This thing is over 13 miles long and has 73 corners.
Many or most of them are blind.

Already did a 2 day driver training on this track and have driven there far over 250 laps. That gives some confidence.

I'm not a professional driver....just somebody loving to race cars.

And my Challenger isn't a slow thing. Most e92 M3s won't be able to keep up.
Yes...it's heavy. But with over 570HP and tons of torque and 4 285/35-20 Toyo R888 tires, big brake, suspension, .... it's pretty fast.

Some others just don't know the track and drive slowly (which is 100% the right thing to do) or just have slow cars.

And yes....my "new" track tool is faster than my Challenger.
It's not Supercharged ... but after some mods it weights only 3329lbs.

[OSAB1]

Do the taxi ride. It is a great way to experience the track at speed. It will take you many many many laps to get up to speed on the ring. So experience it at speed in an awesome machine and with a fantastic driver. You won't be unhappy.

[Nandrega]

@lukester - great lap! that looks like so much fun