OT: Just got back from Germany :-) (archive)

The complete automotive resource for buyers, sellers, and owners like you.

I just returned from a two-week trip to Germany and had a blast. By the way, Kevin, I read the replies to your post and also think you should just try to get downtown for a bit. You'll be pretty tired and you'd be better off eating some tasty food and checking out the museum. The Kloster Andechs is probably too far away for that short of time but there are plenty of good restaurants in Munich itself.

Of possible interest to you all: I went to the BMW museum and thought it was just okay. I'm not that much into the developmental history and the cars displayed that I was interested in I had seen before elsewhere. It was nice to be THERE, though :-) I did see a prototype Mini at the shop next door in addition to an E46 M3 and MCoupe (both in for service I believe; they weren't new). Saw several 3.0 Coupes driving around during my trip but no M's. I saw two other M3's on the road and all three were that mustard color from the car shows. Hmmmm.....still looked like it would be fun, though! During my stay I also toured the Mercedes and Porsche museums though I had seen them both previously (I lived in Stuttgart about 10 years ago but my touring friend wanted to go, too). Personally the parking lots of those factories were more exciting! Saw several examples of the new Mercedes hatchback and lots of nice BMW's and Porsches on the respective factory grounds. I'll post a couple of pictures in a few days when I get them back and scan them. As The Colonel pointed out below the Kloster Andechs is a great place for Wurst and a beer (doppelbock dunkel; none better in my opinion). I used to drink that beer when I lived there but this was my first visit to the Monestary where they brew it (church is being renovated though so we couldn't go in).

As for driving I had an A-class Mercedes (hard to describe but like a mini minivan). It wasn't too fast but I did drive extended periods at about 160 kph when I wasn't stuck in traffic. I had a 323i when I lived there and that was a lot faster but the diesel engine in this A-class made the trip to the gas station a lot cheaper! There were a few stretches of open road in good weather that just made me ACHE for my Coupe! Sigh.

If any of you get a chance you should visit that country. The people are wonderful (don't believe what you read about them being unfriendly), the cars are stellar (and many models you never see here; saw two Opel Speedsters too), and the food/drink are delicious. Pretty countryside, too. I prefer the south and didn't venture north of Koblenz/Frankfurt on this trip.

I hope I haven't bored you all! It was a fun trip and it makes me want to order a 330 Ci just so I can take delivery there! :-)

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.