Renting a BMW in Europe

[craznoe]

Here's my dream, guys:

Driving around the Nurburgring for my 30th birthday in a BMW. That's about it.

Question - Besides the obvious stuff like plane tickets and a pillow/blanket to lay my head on, what resources are out there, and what do I need to know before I tackle something like this?

Any advice/opinions/experience stories that you can throw my way would be MUCH appreciated.

Thanks guys.

fyi - I'm looking for either a 3 or 5 series touring, hopefully something spunky under the hood. Looking for a July/August departure.

[ballplayer7373]

I'm hoping to rent one in Germany for a longer period, probably about 5 months when I study abroad over there next spring. I'd love to get my hands on a euro 321hp E36 M3.

This site might help you out though
http://www.nurburgring.org.uk/carhire.html

[2bms]

For five months you would do much better to buy a car and sell it again when you leave.

[2bms]

To the OP, the German subsidiary of Budget is called Sixt, and they rent BMWs.

[Julian]

1 series are pretty common as rental cars in europe, last time I think we got a 120d

[MIMI1]

Here's my dream, guys:

Driving around the Nurburgring for my 30th birthday in a BMW. That's about it.

Question - Besides the obvious stuff like plane tickets and a pillow/blanket to lay my head on, what resources are out there, and what do I need to know before I tackle something like this?

Any advice/opinions/experience stories that you can throw my way would be MUCH appreciated.

Thanks guys.

fyi - I'm looking for either a 3 or 5 series touring, hopefully something spunky under the hood. Looking for a July/August departure.
rent the ringtoy
rentaracecar.de
because if you rent the bimmer from avis or whichever company they will charge you ridiculous money if they find out

[Rolyf]

Here's my dream, guys:

Driving around the Nurburgring for my 30th birthday in a BMW. That's about it.

Question - Besides the obvious stuff like plane tickets and a pillow/blanket to lay my head on, what resources are out there, and what do I need to know before I tackle something like this?

Any advice/opinions/experience stories that you can throw my way would be MUCH appreciated.

Thanks guys.

fyi - I'm looking for either a 3 or 5 series touring, hopefully something spunky under the hood. Looking for a July/August departure.
Been there, tried that. The contract says that if you take the car onto a race track you have cancelled your insurance. Do you know how high a rate of 'accidents' there are on the Nurburgring? And not many of them are minor accidents. Enjoy the Autobahn, find out where the longest 'unrestricted' stretches are and after you are thoroughly familiar with your rental eat up the open road. Keep in mind that not only are German drivers among the best in the world they will expect you to act and drive that way as well. Go fast, but be safe.

[El Duderino]

Definitely rent a ringtoy for the Nurburgring. It's not worth the risk of taking a normal rental car out there. Plus the ringtoys are set up for track use. I rented from rentaracecar last year and it was great.

[mump]

don't forget to stop by AAA and pick up an international driver's license - you won't be able to rent anything without it.

[craznoe]

Thanks for the heads-up guys. I had concerns about the rental/ring combo.

As much as driving the autobahn would fulfill a lot of driving fantasies, there's just something about doing the 'ring at least once. Even if it is in a slow car being passed by 120d's. :) (hopefully that doesn't happen... too much)

What rental agencies would you guys recommend for the rest of the trip? Avis? Hertz? Budget? The stop at the ring will only be part of the trip.. Probably going from Italy up through Switzerland, through Germany into Belgium and out.

[El Duderino]

Pretty much all the big companies are similar in prices and vehicles. Ask for a diesel car. They get better mileage. Gas ain't cheap over there. Also look into Sixt rental company. I used them once and they upgraded me to a 1 series diesel for free. It was pretty nice.

Also, unless the rules have changed in the last couple months, you won't need an international driver's license to rent a car. A US license works just fine for getting a rental.

[mump]

you will need an international driver's license to go through Switzerland...well, in case something happened. it costs about $20 to get, which is cheap compared to the 500 euro fine without it. i just got mine last week (license, not fine), takes about 15 mins to do.

I was renting a car when i first got here about 3 months ago, i did some calling around and Sixt had the best rates at the time. they gave me a diesel Audi A3 for 79 euro/3 days. i was surprised, that little sucker had some pep to it.

[J.Bimmer]

I'm planning on doing a road trip with 2 friends this coming march, and we're renting a 320d for 4 days/$420. Traveling from Lyon, France to Munich. We booked through one of these sites, can't remember which one.

www.europcar.com (http://www.europcar.com)

www.europebycar.com (http://www.europebycar.com)

[craznoe]

I might have to trust the e34 brethern on this one.

Again, thanks for all the help guys, I had no idea where to start on this planning.

[Rolyf]

If you travel in Austria you will need an Internat'l Driver's License as well. Anyone can get one in ten minutes at any AAA office in the US. They'll need your US license, take your photo, and take, I think, $15 off your hands.
Switzerland, like Austria, may also require you to buy a sticker for your windshield which shows you have paid the highway toll fee in advance. I'm unsure on that but you can find out by googling european driving regulations or similar.
You are going to have a ball.

[tsweers89]

Man that sounds like a great trip. If only i had the time and $$ to do that. Remember take pics

[2bms]

If you travel in Austria you will need an Internat'l Driver's License as well. Anyone can get one in ten minutes at any AAA office in the US. They'll need your US license, take your photo, and take, I think, $15 off your hands.
Switzerland, like Austria, may also require you to buy a sticker for your windshield which shows you have paid the highway toll fee in advance. I'm unsure on that but you can find out by googling european driving regulations or similar.
You are going to have a ball.
All true. The highway toll stickers are called "Vignette". In Switzerland you have to pay a whole year, in Austria it can be for as long as you like, minimum one week. In addition, in all countries you are required to carry a first-aid kit and warning triangle, rental cars should come with those. In Spain you also are required to carry a fluorescent vest!
I am European originally and still visit frequently, work as a tour guide, so if you need any help let me know.

[MIMI1]

All true. The highway toll stickers are called "Vignette". In Switzerland you have to pay a whole year, in Austria it can be for as long as you like, minimum one week. In addition, in all countries you are required to carry a first-aid kit and warning triangle, rental cars should come with those. In Spain you also are required to carry a fluorescent vest!
I am European originally and still visit frequently, work as a tour guide, so if you need any help let me know.

where do you think the best food is?

[2bms]

where do you think the best food is?
Depends where you are and what you like! Name me a city, tell me the kind of food you like and what your budget is, and maybe I can make a recommendation.

[MIMI1]

Depends where you are and what you like! Name me a city, tell me the kind of food you like and what your budget is, and maybe I can make a recommendation.

Im thinking Paris, Nice, then Milan, through Davos Switzerland, Munich and Nurburg. As for the budget would 60 euro a day be enough in europe?

/thread jack

[MoyMch]

To the OP, the German subsidiary of Budget is called Sixt, and they rent BMWs.

I just rented a 3 series for a month in order to ship my X3 and the price was 599 Euro about $900.

[MoyMch]

Thanks for the heads-up guys. I had concerns about the rental/ring combo.

As much as driving the autobahn would fulfill a lot of driving fantasies, there's just something about doing the 'ring at least once. Even if it is in a slow car being passed by 120d's. :) (hopefully that doesn't happen... too much)

What rental agencies would you guys recommend for the rest of the trip? Avis? Hertz? Budget? The stop at the ring will only be part of the trip.. Probably going from Italy up through Switzerland, through Germany into Belgium and out.

Be aware many of the rental companies will not let you take the car out of Germany. Those that do have a list of countries that you can go to. Anything in EU is probably safe. The last time I drove on the ring (years ago), they would check your registration when you paid and rentals where " verboten". Good luck.

[mump]

In addition, in all countries you are required to carry a first-aid kit and warning triangle, rental cars should come with those. In Spain you also are required to carry a fluorescent vest!
I am European originally and still visit frequently, work as a tour guide, so if you need any help let me know.

Germany just switched to having a vest too. When I registered my bimmer in December, no vest was needed. When I registered my evo in Feb, I needed a vest.

[craznoe]

Awesome. I'm so glad I asked for your guy's help. 2bms, thanks for the offer of help! We haven't decided on destinations besides the ring. Mostly just a "wing-it" kinduva trip. But, being during the peak Euro travel season, our biggest concern will be places to sleep. How would you approach a wing-it type of trip planning? I'm assuming Hostels would be packed, and regular motels would be $$$.

[2bms]

Hey, once you've decided when and roughly where, let me know.

[MIMI1]

Awesome. I'm so glad I asked for your guy's help. 2bms, thanks for the offer of help! We haven't decided on destinations besides the ring. Mostly just a "wing-it" kinduva trip. But, being during the peak Euro travel season, our biggest concern will be places to sleep. How would you approach a wing-it type of trip planning? I'm assuming Hostels would be packed, and regular motels would be $$$.

priceline-europe.com FTW

[SportEvo]

I have never seen the marshals check whether a car is a rental or not. The 'ring is a public road and as long as the car is insured and registered it is allowed on.

There is at least one enterprising local who acts as a bounty hunter and reports rentals to the respective companies. Best cover over the little stickers and barcodes to foil him.

I know individuals who have done thousands of laps in rentals, primarily 320ds and 120ds. I've a few hundred in rentals myself. The 320d is the one to get and if you go for a touring you should be sure to get one. Otherwise they will try to stick you with a Merc or an Audi which are pigs in comparison. Be insistant and you should be able to get a BMW.

One trick is to look through the lots of the hire car companies to see what they have, before going to the counter. Note the cars that you like. 3ers wearing summer tyres with manual boxes. When they tell you they don't have one dk them to check the registration number of the one you found. You will be surprised how many times it is actually available!

The 1er tends to knock off the ouside fo the left front tyre, and the only solution is to take the left front off its rim and switdh it with the right rear before returning the car. Pain in the arse witht the directional run flat tyres.

Make sure it has a manual gearbox. Too often American tourists have come back to the desk when they found out they couldn't drive the car because it was a manual and they tend to push the slushboxes on the Yanks as a result.

If the car has hubcaps, take them off and secure them in the boot. Replace them before turning the car in and they won't notice all the brake dust.

Make sure that the 'ring is not excluded specifically on the contract. Don't ask specifically though.

Do not mention the 'ring anywhree near the counter! Hide your helmet if you have one with you.

If you do get caught expect a bill for tyres and brakes at the very least. Hertz will give you a world-wide lifetime ban which makes for a good story.

You can hire a car with RSR Nürbueg or Rent-Racecar if you would prefer something a little better prepped. You can also get tuition, either in a class or private from RSR Nüburg/75 Experience!. I instruct with them occasionally.

Get in touch if you have any questions.

[craznoe]

For the sake of things, I think I'll be going with Rent-Racecar, haven't looked at RSR yet, I'll check that out. Take the guesswork out of the deal, and I'll have a better experience overall.

Rent-Racecar has a e36 M3 that looks like a lot of fun... :p I'd probably kill myself in the e92 M3.

Definitely going for a manual, there's no other way to drive.

Trip dates locked in, July 25th through August 9th. Ring day will be either 8/2 or 8/3 for a weekend spot. How hard is it to upgrade to a 520d touring? My group is 4 people, and I'd rather be comfortable than squished in a 320d. Not that I'd turn one down though. I do want a BMW for the rental.

Thanks again for all your help guys, all the info has been extremely useful.

[SportEvo]

Rent-Racecar has a e36 M3 that looks like a lot of fun... :p I'd probably kill myself in the e92 M3.



Unless you have a fair bit of racing experience or the like, Theo is not likely to let you out in an M3. He prefers his customers to get acquainted with the 'ring in one of the more sensible cars first.

[craznoe]

From my communication with them, if you go for the upper tier cars, i.e. the Cayman, the 135i, or the e92, you are required to hire a professional passenger for at least 1/2 the day. The e36 isn't considered up on that tier, and I wasn't made aware of any restrictions. I'll ask them if there is any.

[rmani]

Here's my dream, guys:

Driving around the Nurburgring for my 30th birthday in a BMW. That's about it.

Question - Besides the obvious stuff like plane tickets and a pillow/blanket to lay my head on, what resources are out there, and what do I need to know before I tackle something like this?

Any advice/opinions/experience stories that you can throw my way would be MUCH appreciated.

Thanks guys.

fyi - I'm looking for either a 3 or 5 series touring, hopefully something spunky under the hood. Looking for a July/August departure.


Here's a better dream, book now (cause spots fill up fast) and get a ride around the ring in the M5 with a professional driver. I've heard it's one of the best rides you'll ever have!

You can always get a rental car cheapo BMW and drive around the track yourself too no doubt that will also be a rewarding experience.

[SportEvo]

From my communication with them, if you go for the upper tier cars, i.e. the Cayman, the 135i, or the e92, you are required to hire a professional passenger for at least 1/2 the day. The e36 isn't considered up on that tier, and I wasn't made aware of any restrictions. I'll ask them if there is any.

I am often that "passenger". Theo sometimes throws me in for at no cost to the customer for a few laps. It helps get the cars back in one piece. He does that even with the entry level cars as well, if requested.

Depending on the weather and the driver's experience he generally starts new coustomers out on one of the newer FWD cars with traction control. They then graduate to the RWD cars like the 318i and 325i, then the M3.

It works out better for all concerned.

Double check with him.

Ed

[SportEvo]

Here's a better dream, book now (cause spots fill up fast) and get a ride around the ring in the M5 with a professional driver. I've heard it's one of the best rides you'll ever have!

You can always get a rental car cheapo BMW and drive around the track yourself too no doubt that will also be a rewarding experience.

It is fairly hard to book with the 'ring Taxi. You have to be online when the tickets become avaiable, and act quickly!

Last year you may have been lucky and gotten Hans Stuck for a driver, but he has defected to VAG. Sabine is driving a lot less these days as she is busy with her TV programme.

It is an entertaining ride, for sure, but there are other, faster rides available in the carpark for the asking with experienced drivers. No charge.

You might buy the driver a Bier or two later in the Pistenklause though.

Ed

[craznoe]

Passenger for free? Awww they were going to make me pay!! :)

Ok, I'll definitely check, it seems there could be more red tape than I was expecting. And really, it's not a big deal. I could kill myself in a 318i just as well as the M3. But the M3 would be a more spectacular kill, no? (j/k on all this, of course. My driving record is 15 years of clean)

[cwsqbm]

I'm heading to the ring in early May (exact date not set, but we'll be in the area for a couple weeks). I've contacted rent-racecar.de and they say that their seats are size L. What does that mean exactly? I'm a typical American, so I don't fit a tiny racing shell. They do have 320si for rent that M seats instead, and that'd be a perfect car (good handling and not too much power). I'm not out to set records - just have some fun cruising the track at a speed I wouldn't want to do in a generic rental, and make up for missing my annual Road America trip.

[El Duderino]

I'm heading to the ring in early May (exact date not set, but we'll be in the area for a couple weeks). I've contacted rent-racecar.de and they say that their seats are size L. What does that mean exactly? I'm a typical American, so I don't fit a tiny racing shell. They do have 320si for rent that M seats instead, and that'd be a perfect car (good handling and not too much power). I'm not out to set records - just have some fun cruising the track at a speed I wouldn't want to do in a generic rental, and make up for missing my annual Road America trip.


I'm averaged size and I fit into the racing seats fine, but if you're bigger it might be a squeeze. Theo, the owner, is a big guy and he obviously drives all the cars. Not sure what size L could be compared to though.

The 320si had a completely stock interior (as of last August). Might be a good choice for you. Theo blasted around the ring in it, so it can be driven very fast. He also said he was going to upgrade the suspension at some point, so he has probably done that by now.

[SportEvo]

I'm not exactly bony, and I fit in Theo's seats just fine.

Not sure that I'll get another go though, as the fellow I had stand in for me yesterday allowed the punter to prang the Cayman...

For a taste of the forbidden fruit, you could do worse than RSR's Renaultsport Clio 197s. They are very fast, and a hoot to drive.http://www.RSRNurburg.com

[MagneZium]

One handy thing to check out is ADAC, Germany's auto club. (In German):

www.adac.de (http://www.adac.de)

They have all kinds of services which might be useful. I don't know how much cooperation they have with AAA, but at least some countries' auto club members get discounts through them. Still, even for german-speaking non-members he webiste has a lot of info.

[dakotabmr]

Make sure you check out the Ring's schedule and coordinate the open track dates with your trip............may have already? Check out Ben Lovejoys' Nurburgring web site as it is loaded with information, ie lodging fuel, costs, directions, eating. Be prepared for ques to get to the track, on and off the track. Also, "anything goes" on the RING on open days........many, many insane motorcycle drivers, Volvo wagons, buses! You have to go through the toll gate after each lap, which is same area where cars come on and off the track. It can be very congested. Parking is very limited with most cars parked across the road in the field. It is all worth it however............in one word........intense!!!!

[SportEvo]

This calendar is much easier to use than the official one:

http://bridgetogantry.com/index.php?option=com_events&task=view_month&Itemid=72&year=2008&month=06&day=12

[craznoe]

Ok, so I've dropped the ball on this, and now I really need to get this done. :)

Already found a rental for the trip, but still deciding on what I want to drive for the day. I've looked at RSR and RentRacecar, are there any other vendors I should consider?

I leave a month from today!