Should I???

M3Fool · 08-30-2010, 02:01 AM

Drive my new M to Italy?? My family is driving to Gardasee (Near Verona Italy) next weekend for a week. I want to drive my new car with an active warranty...... and because I Love to drive it vs. driving the probably more practical out of warranty X3. I am taking my wife and 2 kids ages 7 and 4 and it is an 8 hour drive. The only thing I am really giving up taking the M vs. X is a little bit a back seat room, that could end up being HUGE after hour 4 and cargo room. I hear the road are very narrow and people drive like idiots.

I am on the fence here with this one. Dont want to damage the new car, but with the size difference i think I stand a better chance of damaging the X.

Anyone with any northern Italy experience??

osteome · 08-30-2010, 07:41 AM

We have taken a few trips to Italy in our Toyota Sienna and have never had a problem with maneuvering it in Italy, so the X3 should not really be a problem. The M3 would be more fun though, especially if you detour to the Stelvio Pass on the way back north. Good luck with the trip!

ChrisK · 08-30-2010, 07:45 AM

Be careful if you park on the streets, I always see bumpers banged up in Italy from people that can't park.

immiketoo · 08-30-2010, 08:14 AM

I had no problem in Italy, and its a beautiful country to drive through. However, I would avoid Rome or other big cities. Rome was the craziest place I have ever driven it. Find out about parking ahead of time and as long as you have a good spot, you should be fine. The girl that delivered my S5 visibly paled when I told her I was going to Rome, but as I said, except for the craziness, I was fine.

SenorFunkyPants · 08-30-2010, 08:29 AM

I drove for years in Italy (mostly Rome) in wide bodied 911 turbos (and other 911s) on UK plates without a problem.
Take the M3 you won't regret it.

mkoesel · 08-30-2010, 10:08 AM

I think you should turn in your man card for even asking!

J/K

Yes, take the M for god sake. I would not hestitate. I do agree withe those above though - drivers in Rome are crazy. However, you aren't going to Rome, so don't worry.

AMOCHOSTO · 08-30-2010, 10:51 AM

I can't imagine any car guy turning down an opportunity to drive an M3 on an extended road trip through Europe.

M3Fool · 08-30-2010, 11:09 AM

Thanks for all the input......... we are just going to be around the Verona, Venice area.... so no Rome. Guess I am good!!!

double eagle · 08-30-2010, 01:51 PM

Life is short - have fun...

BMWMFAN27 · 08-30-2010, 04:48 PM

Agreed, take her out and have some fun!

08-30-2010, 02:01 AM	#1
M3Fool Loves FFDP 50 Rep 781 Posts Drives: 11 E90 M3 SOLD 11 5.0 'Stang Join Date: May 2010 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Should I??? Drive my new M to Italy?? My family is driving to Gardasee (Near Verona Italy) next weekend for a week. I want to drive my new car with an active warranty...... and because I Love to drive it vs. driving the probably more practical out of warranty X3. I am taking my wife and 2 kids ages 7 and 4 and it is an 8 hour drive. The only thing I am really giving up taking the M vs. X is a little bit a back seat room, that could end up being HUGE after hour 4 and cargo room. I hear the road are very narrow and people drive like idiots. I am on the fence here with this one. Dont want to damage the new car, but with the size difference i think I stand a better chance of damaging the X. Anyone with any northern Italy experience?? __________________ Glory may be fleeting, but mediocrity ensures anonymity...
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08-30-2010, 07:41 AM	#2
osteome Major 196 Rep 1,275 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Germany iTrader: (4)	We have taken a few trips to Italy in our Toyota Sienna and have never had a problem with maneuvering it in Italy, so the X3 should not really be a problem. The M3 would be more fun though, especially if you detour to the Stelvio Pass on the way back north. Good luck with the trip! __________________ 2022 M4 Competition ConvertibleDravit / Tartufo Full / Carbon Fiber Exterior...loaded 2020 X5:MW/Coffee Extended Merino, M Sport, B&W....loaded 2007 X3: Sapphire Black / Black loaded 6 speed Gone: M3 E93 Silverstone II over Bamboo
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08-30-2010, 07:45 AM	#3
ChrisK Major General 4454 Rep 7,594 Posts Drives: '19 M2C Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (7) Garage List 2019 BMW M2C [7.00] 2015 Porsche Macan S [0.00]	Be careful if you park on the streets, I always see bumpers banged up in Italy from people that can't park. __________________ www.ReTuneTheDeTune.com 2019 M2 Competition (Sunset Orange)
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08-30-2010, 08:29 AM	#5
SenorFunkyPants Brigadier General 2511 Rep 4,381 Posts Drives: 2019 M5 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I drove for years in Italy (mostly Rome) in wide bodied 911 turbos (and other 911s) on UK plates without a problem. Take the M3 you won't regret it.
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08-30-2010, 10:08 AM	#6
mkoesel Moderator 7525 Rep 19,368 Posts Drives: No BMW for now Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canton, MI iTrader: (1)	I think you should turn in your man card for even asking! J/K Yes, take the M for god sake. I would not hestitate. I do agree withe those above though - drivers in Rome are crazy. However, you aren't going to Rome, so don't worry.
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08-30-2010, 10:51 AM	#7
AMOCHOSTO Major 32 Rep 1,007 Posts Drives: IB BB E90 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Toronto. iTrader: (0)	I can't imagine any car guy turning down an opportunity to drive an M3 on an extended road trip through Europe. __________________ E90 Interlagos Blue, (Winter Beater) Bamboo Beige, M-Drive, EDC, PDC, USB 6MT. Mods to date; Curb rash, Scraped front spoiler, Installed RAC Monolite RG63 Silver 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe (ROW)
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08-30-2010, 11:09 AM	#8
M3Fool Loves FFDP 50 Rep 781 Posts Drives: 11 E90 M3 SOLD 11 5.0 'Stang Join Date: May 2010 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the input......... we are just going to be around the Verona, Venice area.... so no Rome. Guess I am good!!! __________________ Glory may be fleeting, but mediocrity ensures anonymity...
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08-30-2010, 01:51 PM	#9
double eagle Private First Class 1 Rep 121 Posts Drives: '08 M3, '09 MS3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: 39.0N • 105.1W iTrader: (0)	Life is short - have fun... __________________ BMWCCA since 2003
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08-30-2010, 04:48 PM	#10
BMWMFAN27 First Lieutenant 24 Rep 366 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 IB M3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW E93 M3 Con ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 550I [9.00]	Agreed, take her out and have some fun!
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