European Road Trip- New Pics added 19/09/11!
 

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:

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...t/102_0566.jpg

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:o

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
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...sustenpass.jpg

Furka Pass
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...witchbacks.jpg

Grimsel Pass
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...witzerland.jpg

and a visit to this in the Furka pass

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...matt-ch069.jpg

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:thumbup:

Last stop in Germany is an overnight at a certain racetrack town.. Can anyone guess where?

here's a hint..

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/..._karussell.jpg

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)

:turtle:Guess My MPG and Win a Prize:turtle:

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:thumbup::D

* 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:eek:

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!:turtle::D

My guess is 20.45 MPG us. Dont burn your licence there while having fun ;).

Cheers! We'll be well behaved most of the time, honest:D

you reckon 24.55 UK mpg?I hope not or my fuel costs will be crazy!:thumbup:

I go for 35 MPG imp,

And a small side wager that you won't brake 11 mins on the "lap" :D

And that if you do and the GF goes with you there may be some screaming. ;)

What the heck, I'll give it a shot.... 35.72 UK mpg / 29.75 US mpg

Sounds and looks like that's gonna be a fun trip! I hope you have a great time and please be safe.

If you want to keep up with the fast boys, it's gonna cost ya.

25.76 mpg US

Have fun.

24.19US MPG…

I’ll take that bet, but I’ll need to work out how to time it..It’ll need to be Bridge to Gantry, as It’s a touristfahren (sp?)

The Burd has been in a car with me sideways on sheet ice, on a road that turned out to be closed (sign was only put out at one end) as I showed her how a 3.5 will kick out at idle in 4th if you play the clutch right..

And she’s driven at a couple of trackdays- actually bloody good and smooth-she’ll have a shot on the ‘Ring too..:thumbup:

Cheers for your guess- so far I think you’ve guessed highest- I hope you’re right for my wallet’s sake:D

We’ll take it at sensible pace!

30.93UK MPG? Decent Guess!

I’ve always had the slowest car on the Scottish Trips..But I’m not the slowest driver-conservation of momentum is your friend;)

My bro has never driven abroad,

Dom is a FWD Hero, and new to RWD- He’s not too confident in the twisties

Gareth Has followed me round Scotland the last 3 years, so has the skills- however this time, his 3.5litre e30 has been replaced with his girlfriend’s e36 1.9, and that’s a steep learning curve!

Slight update..

I expect the trip to be more comfortable now that I've traced the front knocking noise to 2 Rubber engine mounts that had failed:eek:

One replaced, other on order and will be fitted prior to departure:D

It may not affect MPG, but having the engine actually secured may be a bonus:rolleyes:

2nd Engine Mount fitted- we're good to go!

Roll up, Roll up! Place your bets now!

26.82 MPG US
32.21 MPG IMP

Have fun and be safe !