Driving to Germany

Driving to Germany

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PxMetro

Original Poster:

43 posts

188 months

Friday 22nd May 2015
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I’m thinking of driving my Chimaera into Germany this summer to a place just outside Munich. Has anyone undertaken such a trip from the UK in a Chimaera? As was wondering what precautions I should take and what are the watch outs.

Cheers

tonys

1,080 posts

222 months

Friday 22nd May 2015
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I haven't taken my TVR, but are you aware of all the low emissions zones around their cities? I had to buy one of the 'compliance stickers' (size of our old excise licence) before i went. You can order them online, Berlin is the main office, covers whole of Germany.


ianwayne

6,243 posts

267 months

Saturday 23rd May 2015
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In 2001, I went to the Nurburgring and back in my 6 year old Chimaera 500, staying in F1 motels in Lille and Charleroi en route. Had a blast. Still got a polo shirt I bought from the shop. People were taking photos of it in the paddock area, although the Cerbera light conversion on the front at the time was quite new.

The low emissions stuff mentioned above is news to me, but I would advise good breakdown cover (not because they are fragile, mine never did break down, but because parts will be almost non-existant, and you don't have a full size spare). The most surprising thing is just how much stuff you can fit ion the boot to bring back with you. biggrin

Berlin Mike

266 posts

196 months

Saturday 23rd May 2015
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Keep an eye on your rear view mirror at all speeds!

Berlin Mike

266 posts

196 months

Saturday 23rd May 2015
quotequote all
Keep an eye on your rear view mirror at all speeds!

PxMetro

Original Poster:

43 posts

188 months

Saturday 23rd May 2015
quotequote all
Thanks for the comments people., I was sort of aware of an emission tax, relevant if you want to drive into Munich as I understood it, so I need to investigate further.

I take your point about the spares availability, so yes will arrange some cover, but will still take basic tools with me, just in case.smile

The more I think about what could go wrong, the more I ask my self; should I be really be doing this? I am hoping the benefits will out weigh the risks.smile

gacksen

680 posts

142 months

Saturday 23rd May 2015
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PxMetro said:
Thanks for the comments people., I was sort of aware of an emission tax, relevant if you want to drive into Munich as I understood it, so I need to investigate further.

I take your point about the spares availability, so yes will arrange some cover, but will still take basic tools with me, just in case.smile

The more I think about what could go wrong, the more I ask my self; should I be really be doing this? I am hoping the benefits will out weigh the risks.smile
no need to worry about the emissions as the car is on non german plates. be carefull not to hoon at road building sites and in front of munich. cant tell if the sent the speeding tickets to the UK.

don´t forget to take some spare parts e.g. throttle cable some relays just in case wink

phazed

21,844 posts

203 months

Saturday 23rd May 2015
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I did The Ring and a week of touring about 3 years ago in my old 4.6, had a brilliant time.

We toured a lot off motorway, hood down all the time, fantastic.

The Germans are such accomodating people and loved the car.

I took minimal tools, usual ignition spares and a couple of cans of tyre weld.

We stayed at such nice places that I never put the roof on for the week, it stayed in the boot even at night.

The only downside for me was every time I flexed my basic knowledge of the German language, they replied in perfect English!

Do it!

Gritho

11 posts

166 months

Saturday 23rd May 2015
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For the munich area there is 'Auto Sautter' with knowledge of TVRs (http://www.auto-sautter.de/)
There is also a list on http://www.acs-pro.de/index_2.html and the guy running this shop/website knows everything about the TVR repair scene in Germany. Maybe you should write down his number (http://www.acs-pro.de/6.html). He also supplies all kind of spare parts.

wuckfitracing

990 posts

142 months

Saturday 23rd May 2015
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Hull to Rotterdam ferry is a good way to travel as it looks like you are in the Midlands. I'm at Spa Francorchamps as I speak and we went to Nurburgring yesterday. Beware of ferry loading as the TVRs can be a bit low and require planks of wood to get you into the hold.

SILICONEKID345HP

14,997 posts

230 months

Saturday 23rd May 2015
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Can you still get prosecuted ? Its another country .. Are they going to send you a fine ?

quattrophenia

1,103 posts

197 months

Saturday 23rd May 2015
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Hi PXmetro,
I drove down to Heidleberg, Freiburg, castle Neuschwanstein (Near Munich) and Nordschlife a few years ago and apart from the terrible weather it was a blast. The car did use a lot more oil after a few days on the autobahn so definitely take 1-2 litres and check every day. An up to date sat nav took all the stress out of roads that are other wise a joy to drive on (Belgian roads terrible!). There are a few stretches of road with the unrestricted '3 line' signs, but they become restricted at junctions and the speed limits drop quickly and are often enforced with mobile speed cameras/plod - you have been warned!

I didn't see that many cars doing much more 100mph+, but as others have said, if a few locals are out for a high speed blast then a car that can appear to be a mile behind you when you pullout can be right up your jacksy within a minute. The German's like unusual performance cars and I found a lot of people wanted to see what car we were driving!
It's easy to get hung up an what spares to take with you. I took one box which mainly had all fluids as well as spanners, relays, HT leads, rotor arm, tape, cable ties, wrench. The only other things were the essential first aid kit, warning triangle, hi-viz, headlight deflectors, GB sticker etc...

Have a great time, I must consider another Euro-hoon next year, Norway always appeals!

PxMetro

Original Poster:

43 posts

188 months

Sunday 24th May 2015
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Thanks for all the advice...appreciate people taking the time to respond. Have decided to take the plunge and go for it, so just need to book a place on "le shuttle". Unfortunately my wife tends to turn a little green on a ferry.

Cheers for now

Paul

TheRainMaker

6,301 posts

241 months

Sunday 24th May 2015
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Should be a good trip smile

I've taken mine on some epic trips, most or Europe and the top of Africa.

Just had a basic tool kit, extra fuel, credit card and AA cover.