euro trip

Tue Jun 30, 2015 12:43 pm

chaps im off on a trip down through france accross switzerland then back up through germany, my car is a 318i, im doing standard maintenance on it before i go full svc inc cambelt, water pump and thermostat, has a new rad new clutch, fitting new b4's and top mounts before i go, anything else you think i should address or at least have to hand before i go (not going for a while so i have time to do the bits)

regards

Tom

Tue Jun 30, 2015 12:53 pm

Ensure all lights are working, and carry a spare set of bulbs. Also, re-adjust the headlamp beam for driving on the right - easy to do on E30s;

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... Headlights

Tue Jun 30, 2015 12:57 pm

cheers ant

Tue Jun 30, 2015 1:09 pm

I'm not being funny, make sure you have AA European breakdown cover. Plan for the worst etc! Could save you a lot of stress, hassle and money if the worst happens, also solves the language barrier problem. Some insurance policies only cover driving in the UK, which is a problem if you live in NI and drive to the Republic of Ireland a lot, only reason I know this. Check with your insurance that you are covered. Even if it's just to avoid potential fines.

You have to carry high Vis vests & a few other bits to drive in France or face a potential fine. I think Halfords do complete kits if you don't have the necessary bits and bobs.

I'd also make sure the viscous coupling was new/fresh.

Tue Jun 30, 2015 1:30 pm

ive got the bits and bobs you need from previous ring trips ect i got a quote from aa for "zone2" that includes switzerland for about 90 quid ill get that just for peace of mind,

Tue Jun 30, 2015 1:33 pm

Speedtouch wrote:Ensure all lights are working, and carry a spare set of bulbs. Also, re-adjust the headlamp beam for driving on the right - easy to do on E30s;

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... Headlights

Also, hi-viz jackets for yourself and any passangers. A spare set of specs if you wear them and breathalyser kits.

Doesn't Brian always mention a spare fuel pump..?

Have fun.

Tue Jun 30, 2015 1:59 pm

rotta wrote:ive got the bits and bobs you need from previous ring trips ect i got a quote from aa for "zone2" that includes switzerland for about 90 quid ill get that just for peace of mind,

Not bad at all.

I'd definitely be looking at the viscous fan coupling. When it goes, my goddddd is it annoying. It's like driving a steam engine/kettle.

Tue Jun 30, 2015 2:59 pm

And remember the stupid law they passed in France the other year declaring it illegal to have a satnav showing speed camera locations....

Tue Jun 30, 2015 4:38 pm

Check the AA Web site as all the info you require will be there

As for break down cover, it's expensive for what it is and not always much use so choose your policy wisely

For example when I went recently a mate broke down on a Saturday late afternoon. All the cover did was take him to the nearest garage which was shut until Monday

No much use and they refused to take him back to our hotel which was only 70 miles away

Tue Jun 30, 2015 8:40 pm

I looked into the breathalyser requirement recently, apparently in France it is still the law to have them but there is now no fine if you don't have them!

Wed Jul 01, 2015 6:16 pm

You will also need your registration document if you are driving through France.

Thu Jul 02, 2015 4:45 pm

And it now illegal in france to eat behind the wheel,you cant use headphones behind the wheel...theres a few others i cantvremember...so be careful

Thu Jul 02, 2015 4:58 pm

If you use the swiss motorways you need a Vignette which is like a Tax disc for the motorway. It is around £40 and I didn't bother. I tried to avoid them but I did accidentally end up on one, so to make up I went extra fast to get off at the next Junction.

If you are crossing into N.Austria I think you need one for the motorways there. From memory you could buy a 7 day one there and it was about £15. I bought one as I was travelling on the motorways there.