[JeffB-M3]

A buddy of mine and I are planning a trip to Germany to drive the 'Ring, hit some mountain roads, and do whatever it is that car nuts do while in Europe. We're looking at a 6-7 day trip. I plan to do some research to find where we can rent a fun car and also figure out the best itinerary, but given the broad base of members on bimmerpost I figured I'd ask: Any recommendations?

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by JeffB-M3

A buddy of mine and I are planning a trip to Germany to drive the 'Ring, hit some mountain roads, and do whatever it is that car nuts do while in Europe. We're looking at a 6-7 day trip. I plan to do some research to find where we can rent a fun car and also figure out the best itinerary, but given the broad base of members on bimmerpost I figured I'd ask: Any recommendations?

It's kinda a big place. Don't expect the Autobahn to be all unlimited all the time, and if you're going in the winter, you'll be on snow tires.

Are you flying into Frankfurt? It's the logical point to start if you're going to the N'Ring. A reasonably quick side trip out of there is to go to Sinsheim, especially if you're already going to go to Stuttgart. You'll also pass through Heidelberg.

Another good trip is to run down to Freiburg and then onto Zurich for the day. Just remember that Switzerland has strictly enforced speed limits. You can also push onto Chamonix if you're there for ski season.

[ppointer]

Originally Posted by JeffB-M3

A buddy of mine and I are planning a trip to Germany to drive the 'Ring, hit some mountain roads, and do whatever it is that car nuts do while in Europe. We're looking at a 6-7 day trip. I plan to do some research to find where we can rent a fun car and also figure out the best itinerary, but given the broad base of members on bimmerpost I figured I'd ask: Any recommendations?

I did a quick look on Hertz for Frankfurt. They have an Opel Insignia with manual transmission. You could also get an X1 with auto, and they have some E-series sedans and wagons, as well as various SUVs.

I have rented several times from Hertz in Rome and Milan, always getting an Audi wagon of some sort (A4 & A6). My primary need is size, so I could have gotten something more fun if I didn't need capacity.

I'm certain you can shop around for a rental that will make you happy. Just remember that your domestic insurance is no good over there. You'll have to buy their supplemental insurance, which I always do, and it pretty much doubles the cost.

[chassis]

Lots of two lane roads between villages are fun. Twisty, good condition, scenic. Many times 100kmh limit. Be mindful of entering villages where speed is reduced by virtue of the village limit (border) sign.

Mountains are a southern Germany thing. Try in the Baden-Baden area and south. The Autobahn A5 in that area moves well, can't remember if parts of it are unlimited. Take a look at Bad Griesbach im Schwarzwald. Road 28 is fun, and beautifully scenic. Go to the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) in Baden-Baden. Really great. Get some nougat and Lebkuchen (gingerbread).

Try this itinerary: Frankfurt - Zurich - Innsbruck - Munich - Frankfurt. You will hit all the good stuff. The A8 south of Munich has some unlimited sections.

[JeffB-M3]

Thanks for the insights! Much appreciated!

[bagekko]

Sixt rental car has plenty of BMW's and other german cars to choose from. They are actually now at some airports in the US too.

[Doppelbock]

Recommend running an app like Waze that lets you see where speed cameras are. There are a lot of fixed speed cameras, but depending on the area you are in you may see a lot of mobile cameras as well. The fun part is the fine shows up a couple of weeks after you rent the car.

One of the good things is most of the rentals that I've had that came with navigation came with the "smart"navigation that display the current speed limit and can usually read road signs.

If you decide to go outside of Germany, check to see if the country requires a "vignette" toll sticker. They aren't too hard to get but can result in significant fines if you don't grab one.

I don't know if you drink alcohol, but Germany (and Europe in general) have much lower limits for what constitutes a DUI. You can get some pretty big serving sizes on beers and some of the beers carry a higher alcohol content than a standard American lager.

[chassis]

Switzerland and Austria require a maut vignette (toll sticker). Germany, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia do not. Some of the aforementioned countries that do not require stickers, do have tolled roads, paid using cash or cards.