Advice please?

[Shake&Bake]

Hi folks,

I may have to go to Italy shortly with work (duration currently unknown) my question is should I bring my car?

Has anyone done anything similar? I have 1 or 2 questions I would appreciate factual answers as opposed to "a friend of a friend said"

1. In the Middle East is illegal to drive a RHD car on public roads, anyone know whether any laws of this nature apply in Italy?

2. Is it difficult to get insurance outside of the UK. My current policy allows me cover outside of the UK as long as I don't exceed 30 days in one trip.

3. Would parts be as readily availabe in Italy as te UK (consumables tyres, filters etc.)

4. Any idea of road tax costs in Italy?

5. For European trips, who do you normally use for breakdown cover (God forbid )

On the nicer side of things

5. On AA routefinder it shows a beautiful route going through the north of France on through the Swiss Alps etc into the north of Italy. Has anyone done a similar trip on an alternative route.

6. Anyone fancy the trip? I know some of you are footloose like me and might be up for the trip. Dates are up in the air at the moment but as soon as I know more I will put the dates up obviously only if someone is interested.

Any help greatly appreciated.

S&B out.

P.S. I've got butterfly's in my tummy just thinking about it......

[glendog74]

S&B

1. Not as far as i know
2. EU law dictates that all insurers cover 'green card' insurance - but you do have to inform your insurer of the proposed dates otherwise you may not be covered. Not sure about trips >30 days.
3. Yes - BMW network, but CSL bits can always come with a delay from Germany
4. Italy has a road toll system in place rather than RFL. As long as your UK road tax is in date there are no issues. Switzerland/Austria do have a system where you have to buy a 'Vignetta' tax sticker and display it on your windscreen. The police do spot checks...
5. My BMW Warranty did cover European runs. I will now use ADAC for trips to Germany but not sure if that would cover Italy?
6. There are some awesome routes you can take in. I did a few last year just as the Top Gear chimps did - Davos, Swiss Alps, Stelvio Pass, etc. Thread in the Photos section.
7. I will certainly be around that way in August for a week or two.

The CSL does stuff like this with ease and is a joy to do! Get up onto Stelvio!!

Hope this helps - Rob.

[Andyk]

Love Italy.....you lucky man...

[1cosmicboy]

[q
uote="Andyk"]Love Italy.....you lucky man...[/quote]
was matt monroe playing on the stereo?

[Shake&Bake]

Thanks for taking the time Rob! Very informative.

I know this topic has been done to death on most forums but it always seems different when doing it yourself . As this is my 1st trip just want to make sue I'm fully legal and above board etc.

I will speak to my insurance company regarding the green zones. I have full BMW warranty so hopefully I should be ok.

OT. Would someone like to start a sticky thread with regards to items needed for different country's i.e. triangle, hi-vis vest in boot, headlight reflectors etc. Maybe as more people visit different coountrys they could add there findings with regard to local laws further requirements. It seems to be a very popular question on forums, just a thought

Andyk : Nothing firmed up yet just taking the necessary precautions. I could well get a phonecall to be on a plane to Moscow you never know in this business. (Spose that's half the reason I love it )

S&B

[Roland]

Hi,

i love pic 2 . thats one of my weekend-rides, starting from munich.

just to let you know, most of the pass-routes are cloesed up to april-may.

if you go during the summertime just let me know, maybe we go together.

Roland

[DazBlackCSL]

Really really want to do this run, did it a few years back but not the passes , only the tunnels , those mental long tunnels , did the ring to milan , monaco nice , lyon , paris and home in a week ... dont ask long story , will tell you over a beer in the hotel on the ring trip !!!

[Andyk]

I did UK to Milan - Marrenello - Tuscanny...Stunning roads and great country. Did in a Integrale and then a Maserati...would be greaT to go back in the CSL.

[dave1]

daz id be up for a road trip

[Shake&Bake]

ROAD TRIP, ROAD TRIP, ROAD TRIP!!!!