3000 Mile Euro Trip - Things to Do?

Bordtea · Post by **Bordtea** » Tue May 24, 2016 9:55 pm

Hello all,

Off on a trip around the Alps for 10 days with a couple of friends (One in an EVO X FQ360 and another in an SLK350) and I'm taking my Z4 3.0Si convertible... Just wondering what things I should be checking in preparation? Aside from the basics like oil, coolant etc.

So far in terms of prep I've done:
- 4x Uniroyal Rainsport 3 tyres
- K&N Air Filter
- Stormwerks Gear Knob
- Couple of tanks of redex through
- CDV delete
- 4 wheel hunter alignment
- Gearbox and diff oil change

Any other suggestions for little bits and bobs to do? We leave in 2 weeks. Anything major I should be getting checked out before such a trip?

Many thanks,
Dan

Post by **srhutch** » Tue May 24, 2016 10:12 pm

You need all the legal stuff for France, spare bulbs, high vis in the car etc. Check for other countries your visiting also.

buzyg · Post by **buzyg** » Tue May 24, 2016 10:32 pm

If your going through Switzerland, you will need local road tax and Swiss francs.

http://www.myswissalps.com/motorwayvignette

Have a good one

david_l_perry · Post by **david_l_perry** » Tue May 24, 2016 11:48 pm

I'm off doing the same next week in my 2003 3.0Z4 - not quite the same distance - I think ours is about 1800miles, France Germany and the Alps

I have done similar Europe trips for the last 4 years, but in my old Kit car. Fantastic fun

4 of us this year, two mercs one Toyota Celica (with very silly turbo mods) and me in my new (to me) Z4

Breakdown cover is a must.....I have never needed it yet....but its piece of mind for very little. RAC cover cost me £65 for the week

CB's are also a must for us - great for easy communication on the go and just a great laugh.....£59 for a full CB kit
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121969111644? ... EBIDX%3AIT

Have fun !

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Wed May 25, 2016 7:24 am

srhutch wrote:You need all the legal stuff for France, spare bulbs, high vis in the car etc. Check for other countries your visiting also.

Spare bulbs are not a requirement in France or anywhere else for the vast majority of Europe.

The following from the AA lists the legal requirements for Europe.

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/to ... ipment.pdf

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Wed May 25, 2016 7:25 am

buzyg wrote:If your going through Switzerland, you will need local road tax and Swiss francs.

http://www.myswissalps.com/motorwayvignette

Have a good one

The Swiss road tax is only if you use the Swiss Motorways.

david_l_perry · Post by **david_l_perry** » Wed May 25, 2016 7:44 am

I was going to say the same about the bulb pack(ie its not required), but then found on the RAC web site a statement saying that a bulb kit is mandatory, as the police insist on you being capable of swapping bulbs on the spot. It wasnt listed on a table of things I checked out last week.....I need to check this out again before I travel. You also need a full GB sticker for switzerland - they wont accept GB plates unlike other parts of europe.

I always used to carry a spare bulb pack in my kit car , but then you tend to carry a replacement everything with the kit car

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Wed May 25, 2016 7:51 am

I've just had a look on the RAC site and there's a list of compulsory items for France and Europe, but no mention of bulbs.

Of course, as you suggest, there's no harm in carrying spares for peace of mind.

Simo · Post by **Simo** » Wed May 25, 2016 8:10 am

Lance wrote:
buzyg wrote:If your going through Switzerland, you will need local road tax and Swiss francs.

http://www.myswissalps.com/motorwayvignette

Have a good one
The Swiss road tax is only if you use the Swiss Motorways.

Try cross into Switzerland without it!!

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Wed May 25, 2016 8:14 am

Simo wrote:
Lance wrote:
buzyg wrote:If your going through Switzerland, you will need local road tax and Swiss francs.

http://www.myswissalps.com/motorwayvignette

Have a good one
The Swiss road tax is only if you use the Swiss Motorways.
Try cross into Switzerland without it!!

Have done, numerous times...........but over the mountain passes rather than major routes.

Simo · Post by **Simo** » Wed May 25, 2016 8:17 am

Lance wrote:
Simo wrote:
Lance wrote:
The Swiss road tax is only if you use the Swiss Motorways.
Try cross into Switzerland without it!!
Have done, numerous times...........but over the mountain passes rather than major routes.

Try cross a manned border Into Switzerland without it!!

buzyg · Post by **buzyg** » Wed May 25, 2016 8:34 am

Lance wrote:
buzyg wrote:If your going through Switzerland, you will need local road tax and Swiss francs.

http://www.myswissalps.com/motorwayvignette

Have a good one
The Swiss road tax is only if you use the Swiss Motorways.

Hence the inclusion of the link. Always use ful to clarify though

Simo · Post by **Simo** » Wed May 25, 2016 8:38 am

Greg 01 · Post by **Greg 01** » Wed May 25, 2016 8:45 am

Hi guys .
If you get chance the gorges of Verdon
Not sure if spelt it right .

In France second biggest only to the grand canyon .
Stunning place real twisty roads and huge lake to swim in

david_l_perry · Post by **david_l_perry** » Wed May 25, 2016 10:59 am

Now even more confused about the headlamp kit

This RAC link says its compulsory - this is what I found last night....but other links on the same web site say its not.....

3. Spare bulbs

By law you’re also mandated to carry a spare bulb kit for your vehicle should you have a failure – while most motorists in the UK would get a broken bulb fixed as soon as possible, the French police deem it necessary to replace it there and then on the grounds of safety. For a few pounds to buy a kit, you could avoid unwanted attention and a fine.

http://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/drivi ... ugh-france

This is the AA checklist - no mention of bulb kits at all
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/to ... ipment.pdf

Confused .com

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