Hello All,
First of all, I wanted to thank everyone here for sharing their ED experiences. I think I may have read through nearly all of them and customized our trip with your tips. It really made the experience go a little smoother and I was better prepared for the adventure.
This was my first ED trip, first BMW and first M3. I’ve lusted after the M3 ever since seeing it in high school but I never thought I would be able own one. Fast forward way too many years and I was on the waitlist for a M2 with no end in sight. When I finally had the chance to sit in a M2 and drive it I was a little underwhelmed by the seats, interior trim and fake side vents. My local dealer had a used M3 with manual transmission so I couldn’t resist at least considering what a few extra grand would buy me. Needless to say, the M3 just felt a bit more special to me inside out and that would seal my decision.
Trip in a nutshell (899 miles in roughly 5 days)
Munich > Salzburg > Fussen > Lucerne > Munich
Beer > Pretzels > Schnitzel > Bratwurst > Beer
General Observations/Tips
- Germans are friendly and most speak a little English
- Seat yourself at most restaurants, wait staff is usually attentive
- Watch for speed cameras as you near cities, I think I got a little carried away on the autobahn. Waiting patiently for my tickets in the mail
- The autobahn is amazing and most people follow the rules which makes driving a complete pleasure. It is a shame break in top speed is limited to 105 mph.
- Food in Germany is a little on the salty side?
- Pump SuperPlus(98) gas first and pay the attendant afterwards
- Definitely spend time studying street signs/driving rules so you are prepared for the traffic circles and understanding right of way.
- Stoplights in EU are mounted on the side closest to you. Stop a little further back so you don't have to crane your neck.
- Make sure your hotel has AC and secure parking
- If you need mobile wifi, TEP Wireless is garbage. Don’t waste your money.
- Try to stay in each city at least two nights, one night feels a bit rushed especially if you are driving 2+ hours a day
- Hope you like cold cuts, hard boiled eggs and bread. You will be eating a lot of that for breakfast.
And now to the pics!
The Pickup
We didn’t get the famous Sixt driver with few words but it was a comfy ride. Maybe I would consider one in a few years.. Or not.
Munich
Obligatory stop at Neues Rathaus in Marienplatz
Inside St Michaels
Pork knuckle from Augustiner Keller, a nice outdoor beer garden.
One of the halls inside the Residenz. Worth a quick tour.
Lot of spectators for the surfers at the English Garden.
THE WELT - FINALLY!!
A typical Bavarian breakfast served at the Welt. Pretty decent and I scarfed it down knowing I would take delivery within an hour. It was a relief knowing everything was in order after reading some ED horror stories of lost plates, stop delivery orders, etc.
The moment you see her for the first time slowly spinning in all her glory. I wanted to run down the stairs to get a closer view but I just admired her from a distance and let the experience soak in.
We completed three measly victory laps and excitedly made our exit so we could snap a ton of pics outside.
Passed the BMW Four Cylinder Tower on the way to the plant tour. I highly recommend the tour if you haven’t already done so. Really interesting seeing each of the steps of car production. You may also notice some attractive German ladies building our cars
Salzburg
Thats not a bald Bernie Sanders but it is the same street Mozart was born on
The house Mozart was born in!
Mirabel Park- Sound of Music fans may recognize this
Oven baked pork with potato dumplings.. delicious!
Fussen
Official BMW photospot in front of Neuschwanstein Castle. Had to keep moving my car every time a farmer came by on a tractor. I believe it is a private road but the locals didn’t seem to mind too much. In hindsight, I should have gotten a little closer to the castle.
Made a pitstop to ride the mountain coasters @ Alpsee Bergwelt. This was a ton of fun and I would recommend dropping by if it is on the way. Just take the lift chairs up to save time as the line could be long. We waited roughly 50 minutes but it was worth it!
Swiss Alps
Time lapse from the dash cam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9wuDzJI_sE
View of Grimsel Pass from Furka Pass. Driving the Swiss passes was a highlight of the trip. The scenery is unbelievable. Just go early as it can get congested from tour buses from what I read.
Made a friend. He preferred fruits and bread though.
Stopped by the Rhone Glacier at Furka Pass. Pretty interesting place to spend a few minutes. I guess thats what it feels like to be in an igloo? I believe it was 7 Euro for entry.
LUCERNE
Fondue in Lucerne our last stop before heading back to Munich. A little pricier than our other destinations but a charming city without a doubt. The cheese and chocolate in Switzerland is a amazing.
The sad moment when I had to part with my baby after a week of getting to know her. There was also a blue m3 with comp package dropping off the car the same day. I stalked the window sticker and found we are shipping to the same CA port. Btw - LoginOut provides a hand wash/machine wax service for 40 Euro if you run out of time or are too OCD for the drive through car wash.
Pro tip - don’t almost drop your keys into the grate outside the LoginOut office
