To Italy and back

[dannosail]

Planning a trip to Italy and back in my 325i Touring. Anybody got any advice on bits to take (not many needed - obviously )?

Think I'll take Eurotunnel then cruise across France and Switzerland. Any other websites with good guides on how to plan the trip?

[Widge]

Warning Triangle, fire extinguisher, spare bulbs and first aid kit, to be on the safe side as continetal police can be arsey about these. otherwis lots of cash for fuel and a pair of sunglasses.

[dannosail]

All apart from Fire extinguisher included in BMW spec - I got original first aid kit still unopened, will only open it for serious smash!!

[Widge]

Where are the spare bulbs?

[dannosail]

Fog lamps! Only kidding.

I meant triangle and first aid kit - bulbs is easy, have to find a decent location to mount extinguisher though.

[316eyes]

That's confidence in your motor if ever I heard it. Good luck with the journey because it might be difficult to source any spares in rural areas.

Any chance you can take a wireless laptop to post your progress on the zone? Our very own Michael Palin would be uber cool.

[DaveD]

remember to go via luxemburg for a fill of cheap fuel...done it twce...if you go via belgium you save the tolls

[Brianmoooore]

That's confidence in your motor if ever I heard it. Good luck with the journey because it might be difficult to source any spares in rural areas.

Any chance you can take a wireless laptop to post your progress on the zone? Our very own Michael Palin would be uber cool.

If the cars been maintained properly and the fuel pump hasn't done 260,000 miles like mine had, then there should be no problem.
I do about 2000 miles in Europe every summer, a large proportion of it towing a fairly large caravan.

[thesaint]

i did ibiza and back in a Ԛ£216 ebay 325, never missed a beat, took my bmw tool kit and a wheel spanner.

[oze30]

Hey dannosail,

Let me know how you get on with this. I'm going to do this over the summer too.. if I have enough cash. but might be going to Ibiza.. not sure.. but Italy via Amsterdam is in the pipeline!

[Morat]

Be careful in Amsterdam... driving there is manic!
If you haven't been before, the red lane in the centre is for trams, taxis and police cars only. Every other junction is in fact a canal and parking is tight. I've no idea what the speed limits are, I never got out of second!

If I were you do a park and ride or similar. Then get wasted knowing your car is safe and sound

[mysteron35]

Avoid Rome in rush hour! like nothing you've experienced before . I did notice lots of e30's tho so if you do have a problem someone will be able to fix it .
Steve .

[Widge]

You've got to remember E30's were made on the continent (obviously) and BMW's are everywhere in europe so parts are just as easy to get as here. I'ts just not as covenient as you don't know where the parts place is and the guy behind the counter speaks a different language.

[DaveD]

done italy in high season and have had no problems in getting accommodation ..just go to the local tourist office and the book it for you when you turn up wherever..at least the roads are better than here and so is the lane discipline

[Wiggy]

Check out

http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/viamicheli ... mePage.htm

Hope that link worked

It the dogs danglies..........Did dublin to Dubrovnik and back and it never sent me wrong once...things always get a bit off when you in city centres but it's managable!

And did another from london to poland and also great guide...much better than RAC Guide IMO

Good luck mate, continental driving is where it's at......It's fun making the french cameras flash

[Motorhole]

If you get a ferry crossing booked at an off peak time (ie early mid-week) it is so cheap, and it doesn't take forever...only a short crossing.

Do you fancy having a go at writing an article about the experience when you get back? I am in desperate need of people to write stuff for my website www.themotorhole.co.uk

[klu99apm]

Don't think its been said yet but I think you technically need a yellow jacket in case you brake down on the motorway in some country's.

Try and take in some mountain passes if you're going in the summer as they're awesome driving roads - I go every summer on the motorbike touring around Austria, Italy and France

[buster]

In spain you need a flouresant vest so if you break down you have to wear it when walking on motorway.