Best time to go to Germany to pick up a car and do a driving trip ??
 

When is the best time of year to go to Germany to pick up our car and drive around ? We want to see southern Germany, Barvaria, the Romantic Road, etc.

May.

Hi Enzian - have you been there in May ? I heard that's when all the students are on vacation and the roads are really crowded in the tourist areas.

I would think May or September. We were there in mid-June 2002, and it was extremely hot. I would definitely avoid July/August. If you are going to rent a car in Germany, check out Gemut.com. Andrew Bester claims to get better deals than autoeurope.com, but check out both of them. ((b))

May

Hi Budman - we're picking up the new BMW 335i convertible !!

Budman---I have the impression they are buying a car.

JerseySue--actually, I haven't been there in May since I was a student myself! But I loved it in southern Germany---everything green and in bloom. I don't know how that works with their school schedules, however.

Hopefully someone else would know.

September is also nice, but I have run into some really nasty weather (rain) in September (in 2001 and 2002).

Would last week of April/beginning of May be too cold or ice on the roads ?

Early May should be just fine.

Congratulations!! I can see where your head is at -- getting it back here (6-8 weeks) to still enjoy it at the Jersey Shore next summer. :-)

April/early May might be a little chilly at the higher elevations for the top down, but most of the snow/ice should be gone by then. ((b))

Hey Jersey Sue:

I am a Jersey boy! May would be perfect! I guess you are picking up your car in Munich?

Garmish area would be a great place to test out that Beemer! Head over to Lech, Zurs, St Anton.....or head down to Innsbruck and over into Italy!

Most of the snow should be off the roads by May........but check before you head out! Beemers are not great snow machines!

My name says it all.....although I wish I had a NEW Beemer to compliment my OLD (but Mint) 1973!!

How much time do you have to spend?

John

Hi Budman - yep you're right - but our Beach House is in OC Maryland !! So I guess May is the time to go get it - Thanks ! Have you seen the new one ?? Hardtop !!

Hi BMW - looks like May will be the month ! I'm trying to get rid of my 2002 330i !! only 15K miles on her !

Hi John - we only have 10 days ! So I have to do some serious planning !

Don't tempt me!!
Post it on Craigslist and I will check it out!!

I love Germany! But remember that the Autobahn has many, many fast machines on the road...so stay left at all times
John

What a dumkopf(sp?)

Stay RIGHT!!

Haven't seen the new ones yet.

What dealership are you going thru? Passport BMW in Marlow Heights, MD, gives great deals on ED Program. Talk to Joern Esser (sp). ((b))

Budman - we got our last one at Morristown BWM in Morristown, NJ and have spoke with a salesman there but he hasn't gotten back to us with a price.

Where's Marlow Heights, MD ??

Did you follow the ED route they give you ?

I bought my 2002 5 series from Carbone in Utica. Next time I'll go thru Passport only because it's closer. Both have compatible prices. Circle in Eatontown didn't even come close.

We'll be in Italy next May -- pop down for a glass or two of wine. :-) ((b))

It's right outside of DC.

What ED route? I just did my own itinerary - Alsace, Black Forest, Bavaria, Munich. Next ED I'm thinking of doing Rhine/Mosel, Benelux, and dropping the car off in Antwerp.

Shop the dealerships (Brian Secord in Utica) and ask for the "best" over ED Cost price. Depending upon the make, $1,000 to $1,500 over ED Cost. You'll save big bucks over showroom MSRP ($4K)

Here's a great site to get more info. http://www.beemerfest.com/forums/index.php ((b))

Actually, we have done ED of many BMWs: depends on whether you plan to keep or sell.
We are going in Oct '07 to get several '08 335i's as we plan to sell those upon return.
To date, the ED program is not available in Sept '07 which would be way better.
Also, join the BMW-CCA to get an additional discount on your ED purchase and talk to many dealerships to negotiate the best value.
M

Oh, and let's finally get the terms correct:
beemer is a 2 wheel BMW - motorad/motorcycle.
bimmer is a four wheel BMW - auto.
Beamer is any fool driving on urban/suburban streets with four white headlamps on in clear weather: alas, many BMW drivers.
M

Thanks guys !! I was going to do the whole program and get the discounted air on Lufthansa - not a good idea ?

Hey - do most of the people speak English in Germany ? Little worried about driving over there and oh - do I need an international drivers license ?

ENough people speak English that you won't have any problems, but it is still a good idea to learn some basic phrases and courtesies. And make sure you learn the international road signs! Otherwise, you could find yourself driving the wrong way on a one-way street, or parking in a "no parking" zone---very expensive.

JerseySue, when picking the best time, have a look at the holiday calendar first
http://www.ferien-planer.de/feriente...2006-2007.html
Peak times are 26.May to 9.June.

Good, someone buys our BMWs. ;-)

Not a good idea if it's the 2 for 1. I looked into it. The initial price is the expensive fare, then the second fare you have to pay the taxes. It came out to about $1300. You should be able to get something for less than that for the 2 of you.

Check out flights/prices on kayak.com. You can get a R/T non-stop out of JFK for about $518 each. But check with Lufthansa to see what their deal costs. ((b))

Logos999---"everyone" wants your BMW's!

My very first car was a 1961 BMW 700. Honest. Next was a 1969 1600---I wish I still had that car.

Don't forget the holidays in May that BMW is closed - 4 days.

You only need an international drivers permit if you are going to drive in Austria or Italy.

http://www.bmwusa.com/bmwexperience/...livery/dropoff

Some useful German and international road signs. http://gettingaroundgermany.home.att.net/zeichen.htm

Here's a sign that you will see a lot of: Ausfahrt. There are lots of Ausfahrts in Germany. :-) ((b))

Cute BUDMAN - sorry we didn't get to meet you at the get together !! It was in Hoboken - right ?

Weehawken -- next one is 2 June. If you're back, would love to hear about your experience over a glass of wine. ((b))

For the past few years, we've done Germany trips in late September/early October and the weather has been, overall, terrific. However, you can always run into rain somewhere.
Congrats on your new car. (And no porcupine v. BMW driver jokes. We'll substitute Porsche drivers instead.)

How's the food over there ? Only red cabbage and beer or is that a myth ??

Budman - June 2 - I'll make a note or e-mail me [email protected] !

Definitely a myth. Somewhere here there is a long thread discussing good German food, but I can't find it.

JerseySue, to put a twist on when to go to Germany ... my husband and I were in Bavaria in the beginning of August and it was rainy and cold (for close to 2 weeks straight) ... to the point I had to buy a heavy pullover... we wore pants and layers everyday. This was after it had been sunny and hot with no rain for 2 straight months (go figure)!! I was also there one year at the end of April/May and I can say places were less crowded!!

German food is so much more than the stereotypes. I've had some of my best meals in Europe while traveling and living in Europe.
If you really want to learn about German cuisine and how varied it can be, order yourself a copy of Culinaria Germany. An absolutely fantastic book that will put paid to all the Germany=just sausages and beer cliches.

Thanks Katzen - it will probably be April/May - that way we'll have the car back here to enjoy ! Is Germany just a casual jean kindof place ? We have to pack light for that little trunk we'll have !

oops...should have been "...while traveling and living in Germany."