Should I go for ED in Feb/Mar 2012?

[ss233]

Happy New Year folks!!

I am about to order my 2012 M3 and was wondering if I should go for ED which will probably be in Feb/Mar 2012. Not sure about the weather in Germany around that time and was wondering if anyone can provide some advice!!

[CBS]

I can't speak to the weather at that time but I can speak about ED - I would do it again in a minute!

As you probably know, ED at Welt, Factory Tour and Museum are all incredible experiences - weather wouldn't stop me but that's me.

[itf joegun]

Originally Posted by CBS

I can't speak to the weather at that time but I can speak about ED - I would do it again in a minute!

As you probably know, ED at Welt, Factory Tour and Museum are all incredible experiences - weather wouldn't stop me but that's me.

+1 The "Welt" is really a great experience.

[osteome]

It has been a relatively minor winter thus far in Germany, but who knows what it will be like in February/March. German law requires appropriate winter tires if conditions merit their use (snow or ice), with fines levied for using non-M+S or non-snow tires under these conditions. The general rule of thumb for winter tires is October to Easter in Germany. In Austria, summer tires are banned from November 1 to April 15.

I would at least go for delivery in late March and avoid February if you can. Even then, you may be taking a chance if the weather is still bad. I picked up my E93 at the very end of March in light snow, but the had the top down a week later when it hit the low 60s.

If you are very concerned for having the proper tires, you can search the forum as others have rented winter tires from a shop in close proximity to the Welt.

Either way, enjoy!

[luis_m3]

Originally Posted by osteome

It has been a relatively minor winter thus far in Germany, but who knows what it will be like in February/March. German law requires appropriate winter tires if conditions merit their use (snow or ice), with fines levied for using non-M S or non-snow tires under these conditions. The general rule of thumb for winter tires is October to Easter in Germany. In Austria, summer tires are banned from November 1 to April 15.

I would at least go for delivery in late March and avoid February if you can. Even then, you may be taking a chance if the weather is still bad. I picked up my E93 at the very end of March in light snow, but the had the top down a week later when it hit the low 60s.

If you are very concerned for having the proper tires, you can search the forum as others have rented winter tires from a shop in close proximity to the Welt.

Either way, enjoy!

1... Right now it's a little warm compared to the typical winter, but I'm sure it will change soon. If I were you, I would go for March.
Winter tires will be a MUST in you do come in Feb. Main reason: If you get into an accident, your insurance can deny coverage, even if it wasn't your fault.

[armyav8tor]

March, the later the better. If possible, try April. This is if you want good driving weather for the Nurburgring.

[MSPORTWORLD]

I did ED on 29 March last year and it was AWESOME!

Did a few laps on the Nurburgring the first week of April.

[bigjae1976]

Depends. If you wanna really drive the car, especially in the Alps...I'd wait until May/June. I did ED on Jun 15th. They were still skiing on top of the Stelvio Pass.

[ss233]

This forum is awesome. Many thanks folks for all the invaluable advice!! I will definitely let you know of my decision in a day or two; but am super excited about the beast no matter what

[luis_m3]

Originally Posted by armyav8tor

March, the later the better. If possible, try April. This is if you want good driving weather for the Nurburgring.

This is always a plus too... Bring some cash though, it's becoming more and more expensive.

[FR01]

Originally Posted by luis_m3

This is always a plus too... Bring some cash though, it's becoming more and more expensive.

Still just 24E a lap...wish I could have done ED. I'd go as late as possible in spring to get a few laps in.

I supposed renting an M3 at one of the track rental places is better.

[TimZ]

If i had the chance to do it, i would do it in a heart beat! Don't let the chance pass you.

[H2887]

I did Ed last feb and it was not a problem,cheap air and hotel too.i got the winter tires pu on, no problem and travelled around a bit.definitely a bucket list trip,there wasn't much snow when I was there but like anywhere else you just have to be careful.also if you adhere to the break in period you won't be revving it past 5500 anyway even on. The autobahn.

[armyav8tor]

Originally Posted by ss233

This forum is awesome. Many thanks folks for all the invaluable advice!! I will definitely let you know of my decision in a day or two; but am super excited about the beast no matter what

LOL, this forum can be pretty awesome at times. Mostly not. But congrats again and take lots of pictures!!! The BMW Welt (Munich plant) is awesome but you should also take the Regensburg BMW factory tour because that's where your car was born. You can go online whenever you decide on a date and make a reservation, it is not a walk-in and you have to make a reservation a month ahead if I remember right. Oh and whenever you have your itinerary planned out, post it here so we can critique it for you. Might help you avoid some of those tourist traps like Rothenburg or something. Nothing's wrong with Rothenburg, it is a beautiful place but you are better off just walking up the Nurburg castle.

[luis_m3]

Still just 24E a lap...[/QUOTE]
It is 24€ per lap, but in IMO, that's expensive, especially if you plan on tracking through the weekend.
Maybe it's just me...

[luis_m3]

Originally Posted by username11

Speaking of tourist traps, avoid forum favorite Neuschwanstein.

Nothing wrong with visiting the castles IMO. I would recommend the Eagle's Nest as well.
Places to avoid; Czech Republic and big cities in Italy.

[adc]

I wouldn't let winter stop me from what is one of the best car buying experienced anywhere. A few ideas to consider...

http://edwintertires.com/
Works out to Eur 340 for a week - not cheap, but allows you complete peace of mind during your vacation - and you can go anywhere you want.

Or you can take a few chances and drive down to Italy, then go to Southern France and drop the car off in Nice.

Finally, at least one board member purchased his winter wheels/tires from TireRack, had them shipped to Europe, drove around on them, then finally shipped them back to the US and continued to use them as a winter setup. This works if you have a cheap way to ship (corporate rate, etc.).

The best resource bar none for this type of research is bimmerfest's Euro Delivery Forum: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=25