European Delivery Italy - Yeah, I Totally Went There (Long Story)

[gago1101]

This is awesome information, thank you!

..just before by ED starts on Friday, which will include Italy

[Zero4910]

Originally Posted by M4TW

Thanks Zero. That's what the service advisor told me and he said they tried to source it but it wasn't available even in Germany. Of course I don't know whether it is true or not. He did say that the North American cars have different differential oil. Availability? Weather? BS?

It just confounds me that a company like BMW couldn't get what you needed. I understand you have a NA car in Europe but come on. I think you got played a little. In any case, just have your BMW place back home ready and waiting with that super special fluid.

[SlamMan]

Great stuff. We did Venice, Lake Como and Zurich on our ed trip. There were a few hair raising driving experiences for sure but I don't think any driver worth their salt should be afraid of driving in Italy.

[tooch]

Italy is amazing. Nice write up thanks

[KevinM]

Fantastic post and congratulations!

I admire your fortitude! Every time I have driven in Italy (particularly in the larger cities - Florence is the worst) I have been glad I was in a rental!! I'm very glad you completed your trip without any damage to your car!

[S85]

Great ED story, thanks for sharing!
Btw the green window sticker shows how clean your emissions are. There are green yellow and red stickers and there are some areas in inner cites where you're not allowed to go with a red sticker for example...
It has nothing to do with road fees like Austria.

[bmwm3redblack]

nice review!!! Thanks!!!

[Vintage]

Pictures of the Adriatic Coast please! Thanks for taking the time to write it up.

[Crnamacka]

Great post!!

[ciaranob]

[QUOTE=
There was more wind noise and more noise in general in the cabin than my e90, but the fuller sounding HK was up to the challenge. There is an exhaust drone in sport or sport plus that would wear on someone over time, but it disappears in efficiency. QUOTE]

Curious about the wind noise comment - would def have expected newer models to improve in this regard - had not read this comment on other reviews, any more specifics i.e. only at certain speeds or...?

Also the Sport/Sport+ exhaust drone: I wonder how much of this might be related to the sound amplified via mic (i.e. ported in) vs 'true' drone?

[kinimod]

[QUOTE=ciaranob]

Originally Posted by
There was more wind noise and more noise in general in the cabin than my e90, but the fuller sounding HK was up to the challenge. There is an exhaust drone in sport or sport plus that would wear on someone over time, but it disappears in efficiency. QUOTE

Curious about the wind noise comment - would def have expected newer models to improve in this regard - had not read this comment on other reviews, any more specifics i.e. only at certain speeds or...?

Also the Sport/Sport+ exhaust drone: I wonder how much of this might be related to the sound amplified via mic (i.e. ported in) vs 'true' drone?

Thank you, great trip, valuable tips!

On the wind noise: I had an F30 (no active sound) loaner for a day and the cabin sound isolation was in my opinion worse than in my old E46. This F3x and F8x seems not very well optimized in that regard, maybe because of hollower materials to save on weight.

[leletyM3]

Nice write up! Is your M4 AW or Mineral White? I miss Italy and I really want to do a ED!

[Dackelone]

@Zero4910 & @M4TW

The M3/M4's use Castrol SAF-XJ (API GL5, 75W140 weight) as a factory fill oil for the diff. BMW NA uses the same oil but with a friction modifier(+FM). BMW calls it SAF-XJ+FM

The reason why BMW NA uses the +FM oil, is to cut down on customer complaints from a noisy differentiation operation at low(parking) speeds.

When parking(or doing full lock turning) you might notice some grinding or shatter from the diff's clutch pack. This is not a harmful/deferential noise, but BMW NA doesn't want customers to be upset with their new cars... so they spec an oil that eliminates this "chatter". BMW also says once you start using +FM oil, you shall always use it. There is no going back to the regular oil.

REAR DIFFERENTIAL OILS:
bmw p/n 83 22 2 282 583 SAE 75W-140 SAF-XJ + FM BOOSTER (you get 3, 0.5l bottles)
bmw p/n 83 22 1 470 080 SAF XJ w/o Friction Modifier (1, 0.5l bottle)

German BMW dealers do not stock this gear oil(!)... but they can order it and get it the next day or in a few days(depending on how they order it). My local BMW dealer(Zentrum) gets two delivers from BMW AG every day!

The +FM oil is not cheap, I think around 130 euros for the three, 0.5l bottles, over here in Germany.

Also note IF you have your manual trans oil changed, most German doeals only stock the MTF-LT3 oil used for the e9x M3's. The 1M and the new F8x M3's/M4's use MTF-LT5 trans oil! So double check what your dealer uses. (of course BMW says a trans oil change is not needed at 2K kms... but I would do it).


All the 1M owners went thru this same ordeal when the 1M came out. You would think BMW would have learned it's lesson then.
CORRECT 1M Fluids List [Engine, Transmission, Differential]
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=620282

[modeno]

Originally Posted by M4TW

For places like Florence follow one simple rule after you crossing into the no man's land ZTL (restricted zone): DO NOT LISTEN TO YOUR NAVI. Rather use it to locate your destination and then figure out your own route. The Navi girl will direct you into areas closed off to cars, down the wrong way on one-way streets, unto streets where it is not possible to drive a car and others that you will barely clear with your mirrors folded. Meanwhile there are pedestrians everywhere, angry scooters scooting by and angry little cars making angry little car sounds behind you.

Great write up

A few years back, I learned the hard way about the limited driving zones, didn't have Navi at the time, missed a turn amid the chaos, and unknowingly crossed through the zones. 12 months later we received a couple certified thanks-for-visiting letters from Florence with $260 in fines,...

[Zero4910]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

@Zero4910 & @M4TW

The M3/M4's use Castrol SAF-XJ (API GL5, 75W140 weight) as a factory fill oil for the diff. BMW NA uses the same oil but with a friction modifier(+FM). BMW calls it SAF-XJ+FM

The reason why BMW NA uses the +FM oil, is to cut down on customer complaints from a noisy differentiation operation at low(parking) speeds.

When parking(or doing full lock turning) you might notice some grinding or shatter from the diff's clutch pack. This is not a harmful/deferential noise, but BMW NA doesn't want customers to be upset with their new cars... so they spec an oil that eliminates this "chatter". BMW also says once you start using +FM oil, you shall always use it. There is no going back to the regular oil.

REAR DIFFERENTIAL OILS:
bmw p/n 83 22 2 282 583 SAE 75W-140 SAF-XJ + FM BOOSTER (you get 3, 0.5l bottles)
bmw p/n 83 22 1 470 080 SAF XJ w/o Friction Modifier (1, 0.5l bottle)

German BMW dealers do not stock this gear oil(!)... but they can order it and get it the next day or in a few days(depending on how they order it). My local BMW dealer(Zentrum) gets two delivers from BMW AG every day!

The +FM oil is not cheap, I think around 130 euros for the three, 0.5l bottles, over here in Germany.

Also note IF you have your manual trans oil changed, most German doeals only stock the MTF-LT3 oil used for the e9x M3's. The 1M and the new F8x M3's/M4's use MTF-LT5 trans oil! So double check what your dealer uses. (of course BMW says a trans oil change is not needed at 2K kms... but I would do it).


All the 1M owners went thru this same ordeal when the 1M came out. You would think BMW would have learned it's lesson then.
CORRECT 1M Fluids List [Engine, Transmission, Differential]
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=620282

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Hmm. I learn something new every day. Looks like I'll be sure to let my dealer in Kiserslautern know when I'm getting close to my 2000km since I have a US spec car.

Thanks for the info

[lucas.kent]

Great post, OP. Love your car!

Just be careful where you park if you can help it. This happened to me in Parma the night before last.

[stressdoc]

Fantastic post! I will be traveling to Como and Portofino in a few weeks.
Very helpful notes about credit cards, tolls, etc. Posting up practical tips on Bimmerpost makes it an even more valuable resource for us all.

[lucas.kent]

And the pictures.

[stressdoc]

Originally Posted by SlamMan

Great stuff. We did Venice, Lake Como and Zurich on our ed trip. There were a few hair raising driving experiences for sure but I don't think any driver worth their salt should be afraid of driving in Italy.

Please post up your trip!!! It is super helpful (+fun) to view ED experiences. Where did you go around Como?

[stressdoc]

OMG what happened???
They stole your wheels?
Anyone know if you can you buy wheel locks at the Welt?

[Dackelone]

Really nice write up! Italy is such a great country to drive in. I've been there five times already this year and planning a nice drive thru the Dominites next month! Only things I would add are...


Make sure you have an Austrian(or Swiss) Vignette BEFORE leaving Germany. Most German gas stations on the Autobahn(or any ADAC, the German AAA, but more and much better than AAA) you can buy the decal/sticker/Vignette. AND... be sure to FULLY apply the decal to your windshield!! I've seen some Americans who want to make it easy to remove the "sticker" not full apply it... IF the Austrian Polizei see that... its not 120 euro fine, but 500 euros! Because they think you are moving the sticker from car to car.

Speed limit in any European city is 50 kph when you see the "village or city's name sign). In Germany these signs are yellow. In some sections of the city it can be 30 kph, but you will see a red and white lolli-pop sign.


Speed limit in Austria is 130 kph on the Autobahn unless otherwise posted! At night it is only 110 kph! Tunnels on the autobahn have a 100 kph speed limit. The Austrians use cameras as you pass by they take your rear plate/tag. (in Germany the Blitzer's always shoot from the front of the car to see the driver. In Austria this is not the case.

Do not tail gate... the Germans/Austrians and Swiss all Blitz(photo radar) for tail gating(and speeding) AND for not having a vignette displayed!! And the ticket is not cheap. Two second rule for keeping your distance. The Germans call Tailgating "Abstand".

NO turning right at a RED LIGHT! Not allowed!!

NO passing on the right, on the Autobahn. Only exception is when speeds are lower than 80 kph or in the city and the speed limit is less than 80 kph. Generally passing on the right is not a good idea.

In Italy the speed limit is 130 on the Autostrada, but when you drive from Munich down the Brenner... that section is 110 kph. Speed limit in tunnels is 110 kph.

Vignette's Swiss/Schweiz/CH (left) Austria/österreich/A (Right)


You MUST have a warning vest for EVERY person in the car. AND the vest must be stored somewhere accessible by the driver/passengers.


Typical Italian toll plaza. This in on the Brenner Autobahn/Autostrada A22 heading into Italy from Innsbruck.


When you enter or leave most Italian villages you will see an orange box like this... most of times the box is empty.. but not always! So don't speed past one! normal speed limit in most cities is 50 kph.


Most Italian gas stations are unattended during the mid day siesta. Not to worry, every gas station has one of these boxes that takes credit cards or CASH(euros)!.


Yup. $11 per gallon. Normal price for Italians. Sometimes its less.


Autostrada toll ticket... just like driving on the NJTurnpike... get your ticket when you first enter the Autostrada... then when you exit you can go to a toll both or machine to pay your toll.


ticket for the Autostrada... (no it doesn't tell you how much, like on the NJTunrpike. lol)


checking out on the Autostrada... you inset your ticket into the ATM-like machine and drop in your cash/coins or CC...


Paying: electronic ATM like machine to pay on the Autostrada... (multi lingual)


You MUST purchase a Vignette...


typical Italian Autostrada...


Rules of the Road...


What's not to love about these roads!


Bella...


Munich city sign... these Yellow signs ALSO MEAN the speed limit is now 50 kph!

Maut is German for TOLL ROAD!



Detour sign on the Autobahn. When you see the BIG blue autobahn signs flip over to one of these orange arrows... it means in Stau(traffic jam) follow these orange detour signs!


V-Max sign... the Law... CH = Swiss. Also take note on country roads the speed limit is Switzerland is only 80kph... IF the Polizei catch you driving more than 40 kph over that 80 kph limit... they TAKE your car! No joke!!


V-Max Italy...


Auto speedlimit open or free. This sign also means end of controls - for instance IF the speed limit was 80kph say in a construction area... you will see one of these signs. IF its on the autobahn(and there is no other speed limit signs) there is no speed limit.

But even in "free" unrestricted sections of the autobahn... the German government recommends a 130 kph. Have an accident over that 130 kph... and your insurance might not pay. This is why you see very small engine cars driving slow on the autobahn. That and that they don't have much horse power.


You will see a sign like this in most cities. It means you CAN drive thru this street or city center... but at Schritt tempo... meaning 5 kph! YES, 5 kph! Walking speed. The Polizei is very strict on speeding in the inner city limits.


Sneaky Polizei is now putting the Blitzer's under the guard rails.


Yellow highway signs means this is a BundesStrasse... meaning max speed limit of 100 kph! IF the sign were BLUE, then it's an autobahn with a speed limit of 130 kph unless otherwise posted.


Abstand = Tail gating cameras temporary mounted on an Autobahn overpass. Two video cameras from above... and one high res, high fps video camera bellow on the autobahn guard rail. They take video and still pics. Sometimes you see bar code lines etched into the autobahn shoulder or sometimes just large big white lines across the autobahn as you approach a bridge.



You will see this sign in construction zones on the Autobahn. It means, offset driving - no cars/trucks side by side. Also for cars in the LEFT lane... they can NOT be wider than 2.0meters wide, mirror to mirror.


You MAY turn right on red, ONLY after you stop! And ONLY when you see a metal green arrow sign like this. But for the most part 97% of the lights in Germany, there is NO right turn on RED!



And the most important of all signs... when you are stuck stopped in traffic on the Autobahn(or in a city for that matter)... you MUST make room for Polizei/Ambulance/Fire rescue vehicles... cars on the left move LEFT, cars on teh right move to the RIGHT! IF you are on a three or four lane Autobahn/Road... Left lane cars more LEFT... all other lanes move RIGHT! To make a lane for first responders.

[lucas.kent]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

OMG what happened???
They stole your wheels?
Anyone know if you can you buy wheel locks at the Welt?

Yeah. Wheels got snatched in Parma overnight. But, even though that happened, the BMW insurance has been excellent so far (as the OP mentioned).

And Italy is beautiful. Lake Como was absolutely our favorite so far. I took a video driving around the lake to show the experience. When I get back, I'll post it up. The OP's assessment is spot on - hair raising, but a blast.