Epic European Endeavour!
Before becomming an avid "Ecomodder", I was always a petrol head, and had a love for driving adventure..
I currently run annual Scottish driving trips for BMW enthusiasts, providing Guided tours of my fine Country (possibly looking to broaden horisons to offer tours to many types of folks).
I've also got prior form for driving on the continent..
7500 miles in 13 days to Gibralter and Back, in a 1300cc Ford Ka
7000 Miles in 14 days to Kiev and back in the Mistress (Bmw 320i touring)
and a rather debauched "Stag Do" trip that involved Glasgow to Stockholm in 36hrs, via Dover..
So, anyways, My long suffering Lady has heard many tales from these travels, but has never experienced the joys of driving on the right..
Says I- "Time to remedy that, methinks" And so was born this stupid roadtrip idea..
Next Thursday, We'll be taking this:
on a 2600 mile, 8 day, 7 country roadtrip! 4 cars , and 7 people in total.
As is my Wont, I'm taking the Lowest powered car, with the fewest modifications
The other cars going are:
BMW e36 318Ti Compact (1.9 16v engine, lightest car by 200kg, plus coil over suspension)
BMW e36 325i Coupe (2.5 24v engine, 190bhp (vs my 136!), plus coil over suspension)
BMW e36 328i Coupe (2.8 24v engine, 210bhp (vs my 136!), Fast road Discs/Pads (EBC redstuff) plus coil over suspension)
The Route
Starting from Glasgow we'll work down towards Dover, before catching a ferry to France. We'll stop for Lunch in Luxembourg, then an overnight rest in Strasbourg
From there its a run to the Swiss Alps, for some of these..
Sustenpass
Furka Pass
Grimsel Pass
and a visit to this in the Furka pass
Before a well earned rest in Lucerne.
Day 5 brings a run to Liechtenstein before a drive past Munich to Karlsruhe for the 5* stop
Last stop in Germany is an overnight at a certain racetrack town.. Can anyone guess where?
here's a hint..
Fuel Economy
Currently the iS is averaging 40.4 UK MPG (33.6 US)..
We'll be running between 65-80 MPH on the Motorways/autoroutes/autobahns, using a P&G (engine on) technique. THe Pulse section will use 5th gear at a registered 15-20mpg on instant MPG meter
Additionally, DFCO and Engine Braking will be used where appropriate
Vehicle will be running with Myself and Girlfriend, plus 30kg tools and 30-40kg Luggage
Fuel tank will be filled when stopping for fuel (I may "Top up" once I reach 1/4 tank left)
The Passes will be driven in a "Spirited" manner- lots of 1,2,3 gear use, and possibly up to 6000rpm.
We'll do a maximum of 4 laps of the 'ring, probably running as fast as we dare.
I'll be keeping a fuel log, charting distances and fuel used from the start-point (tank filled and trip reset to 0)
Guess My MPG and Win a Prize
As the techniques and tips from this site have saved me so much ££ running this car so far, I feel it's time I give something back..
so, everyone is allowed 1 (one) guess as to what my overall MPG for the trip will be.
The member closest to the actual figure will have a donation made to Ecomodder in their name, and will recieve an Ecomodder sticker for their car
* Please quote your estimate in Imperial AND US mpg, to 2 decimal places*
e.g. I guess 40.40 MPG imperial 33.60 US
In the event of a tie, I'll up the donation to get two stickers
The route
Click to see the basic route..
Bothwell, Glasgow, South Lanarkshire, UK to Bothwell, Glasgow, South Lanarkshire, UK - Google Maps
Here's to Amazing scenery, stunning roads and Low low low MPG!