Nurburgring - Easter 2008

NickXX · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:16

Following on from the other thread, some pics of our Nurburgring trip.

This is my third trip to the Ring, and the first time I've been out on a wet (well, snowy!) track. Had the 318iS for just under a week, and it's been fun so far. Has coped well with the day of driving from London to Nurburg in fairly awful conditions and on the track - despite being 14 years old and costing me well under a grand.

The reason for getting it is that tracking the 330d is expensive (big tyres, track insurance, extra wear and tear on expensive parts) and I'm hoping to do a lot more track days/driver training days this year. The 318iS, having neutral handling, enough power for me on the track (140bhp), being RWD, and most importantly, being cheap, seemed ideal.

We negotiated the Channel with Eurotunnel - not the cheapest way of doing it, but certainly the best and quickest.

We got some proper old-school CB radios with comedy aerials to keep in touch on the road. We used walkie talkies last year, but they didn't have a good enough range for the motorways.

NickXX · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:17

Anyhow, after 4 hours of driving, a lot of evening beers and steaks at the Pistenklaus, we woke up to this:

With a stiff upper lip, and a lot of slow driving in 2nd gear, we headed off to the Ring entrance anyway, only to be faced with a blizzard.

By lunchtime the weather had eased off a little (but was still snowing and really wet) but the track opened anyway. Taking the opportunity to hit an empty track, we went for it. The first thing I noticed was the tendancy for the 318 to understeer - which came as a bit of a surprise. I'm putting it down to the chunky 205/60/15 tyres. Hoping to fix these with 205/50/15 T1-Rs, but will have to put up with what's on till I get home. It is a huge amount of fun on the track - but then any car is at the Ring.

After lunch the track was a little drier, here's Olly chasing a CSL:

NickXX · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:17

Few more track pictures, and some of Pete's M5:

NickXX · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:18

Back into the Pistenklaus for some more beers and steaks

We're now here till Wednesday, so hoping to take some more shots of the public over the weekend, and drive the GP track on Sunday - as it's open for a rare public day.

Shall be doing a quick strip of the 318 tomorrow morning, then will see how it gets on - assuming we don't get completely snowed under overnight!

Should be posting more pics over the next few days

PeterNem · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:19

Having a great time - as always! I love it here!!

Bradley8988 · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:20

NickXX said:

Topgear back again?

SoliD · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:22

As said in the other thread looks like a cracking trip and cant wait to go myself.

[TW]Fox · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:24

Awesome pics, glad you guys are having a good time, really need to get round to actually bothering to come

loltim · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:25

Looks great. I'd love to go one day.

Alex UK · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:26

Looks like a lot of fun, I can't wait until I have a decent car and make the trip over there.

jamoor · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:27

Yuk she mash, wa waa wee wah! very nice!

Sorry, couldnt resist!

NickXX · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:28

Bradley8988 said:
Topgear back again?

Nah, just some builders from London in a Transit

NickXX · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:30

[TW]Fox;11344520 said:
Awesome pics, glad you guys are having a good time, really need to get round to actually bothering to come

We're thinking of you.

Housey · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:30

I think the quickest think there today would be a snow plow. :eek:

Muffin` · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:38

That looks so ****ing epic, I'd rather buy a shed and go there then goto Ibiza

wassap · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:40

Im thinking of swinging by the Ring in a few weeks, one question tho, can you drive within 'your' limits, or do you have be caning it to keep out the way of the nutters?

SoliD · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:43

wohoo said:
Im thinking of swinging by the Ring in a few weeks, one question tho, can you drive within 'your' limits, or do you have be caning it to keep out the way of the nutters?

Go as fast or slow as you like, coaches go round there!!!

NickXX · 21 Mar 2008 at 23:52

wohoo said:
Im thinking of swinging by the Ring in a few weeks, one question tho, can you drive within 'your' limits, or do you have be caning it to keep out the way of the nutters?

You can drive as slowly as you want

One problem I find is trying to keep pace with other cars - you can forget your limits all too quickly.

austinpowers · 22 Mar 2008 at 05:01

NickXX said:
You can drive as slowly as you want

One problem I find is trying to keep pace with other cars - you can forget your limits all too quickly.

Only if you can find faster cars to keep up with

Nah, it's alll about the experience, i went in my Astra derv and had fun, same goes for the Vitesse.

spaz · 22 Mar 2008 at 07:46

I'm going the second week of May and seeing these pics has worked me all up again..damn yooou