LOVE LOVE LOVE Roundabouts!

[Jbrown7403]

Just got back from a 2 week trip to Germany, Austria and Italy where we had a car for most of the trip. The BMW 320d touring was an absolute dream to drive with 4 people and full of luggage. The power and torque were great and the fuel range was fantastic! Highly recommend!

Just want to say that I absolutely love roundabouts and European drivers (I’ve driven in Europe many times before but really noticed this trip). Roundabouts are sooooo much more efficient than traffic lights (saw very few traffic lights) and drivers really know how to drive in an orderly and respectful fashion, even on the no-limit parts of the autobahn. All trucks are in the right lane (unless passing) and the left lane is strictly for passing only. The way it should be. Never once saw aggressive in-and-out of lanes driving and no brake checking like here. Probably count on one hand the number of potholes we saw on the whole trip.

Anyway, couple of random pics below….Prost!
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[chassis]

Fully agree on European drivers, roads and scenery! And food, and...

[Housekeeping]

Just did a similar trip this summer with a 530i diesel, also perfect. Yes, driving there is a treat. American’s general don’t have enough respect or obedience for anything close to it. Damn shame. Everything is done with quality and pride there. Fly into an airport in Europe, beautiful roads and clean, great first impressions…..try that at JFK..

[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by Jbrown7403

Just want to say that I absolutely love roundabouts. .

The only thing I don't like about roundabouts is an increased possibility of a curb scar. Other than that, 100% they're better in every way (especially since in the US you can take advantage of everyone that doesn't know how to use them, ie they sit and wait).

And 100% agree on European drivers/roads, I wish it was more that way in the US.

[shimmy23]

Originally Posted by ///MPhatic

The only thing I don't like about roundabouts is an increased possibility of a curb scar. Other than that, 100% they're better in every way (especially since in the US you can take advantage of everyone that doesn't know how to use them, ie they sit and wait).

And 100% agree on European drivers/roads, I wish it was more that way in the US.

i suppose i sit and wait because folks driving around the roundabout don't want to let me in. folks here drive so passive aggressive it annoys the crap outta me! no need for it other than potential accidents

[DubaiRich]

Come on down to Naples where the roundabout is the crazy south. th erule of the car in the roundabout has the right of way does not exist.

Great photos. I'll have to start traveling around the north this year...work has been hectic!!

[unluky]

American drivers are the worst. 50% are in some pretend race with everyone else where their goal is not to keep traffic flowing optimally (which benefits THEM as well) but to stay in front at all costs. Speed up if you have too, but never allow someone past you for whatever reason.

They other 50% are on their phones and oblivious to the traffic around them and only want to drive in whatever lane makes it easier for them to pay more attention to their phones.

Germans do it right - I love driving there too.

[GOLFFRR]

I miss the Euro delivery posts that use to consistently be posted on the forums

[Jbrown7403]

I did visit BMW Welt and here are a few of the cars waiting for their new owners (Including a Jeff Koons M850i)…
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[billnchristy]

They've been swapping out 4 way stops like crazy here in GA when there is space and I absolutely agree, so much better flow.

[3.0L]

We're seeing more roundabouts in California and I like them. Some locals predicted doom and gloom, but folks seem to have adapted to the change quite well.

I big roundabout was recently completed on the southeast side of town and a local DJ predicted chaos. He even said he was going to get out his lawn chair and sit and watch the mayhem.

Well, it never happened. I hope he was sitting nearby when I did 3 laps with my BMW, just for fun.

[Jbrown7403]

The nice thing about roundabouts is that you can watch the traffic as you approach the roundabout and time your entry. You rarely need to ever come to a complete stop. We sort of made a game of it on our Euro trip. Absolutely loved not seeing a damn traffic light in most all suburban locations in German, Austria and Italy. It really was amazing how few traffic lights we encountered in 12 days.

Get back to Austin and nothing but time wasting inefficient traffic lights.

[billnchristy]

it does wonders for your fuel economy too, unless you're like me and see how many Gs you can pull in them.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by billnchristy

They've been swapping out 4 way stops like crazy here in GA when there is space and I absolutely agree, so much better flow.

Same with Indiana. We saw a bunch of new ones on our trip to MI yesterday.

[Our03z4]

The county I live in has been building them at a mind blowing pace. It's made getting around so much easier, I'd love to see them everywhere they can place them. Only issue is they do cost quite a bit. I do feel bad for semi trucks as they have a rough time getting in.

[M-technik-3]

Many towns took them out here in New England and 40 years later they are putting them back in too ease congestion. Miss living in Germany, but it's only an 6 hour flight away. Used to live in Bitburg.

[Jbrown7403]

Originally Posted by crAbb

Just back from touring Europe on my BMW (motorcycle). France, Belgium, Italy, Austria and Germany. Highly recommended

Wonderful pictures!

[Jbrown7403]

Saw this monster at BMW Welt…
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[Jbrown7403]

Originally Posted by timothywood

I wonder where the road is in the first picture

The road is north of Selva di Val Gardena in the Dolomites. Beautiful driving area!

[RichF90M5C]

We have roundabouts everywhere in the UK, and they’re great for easing congestion. Whenever I visit the US, I get so frustrated at the thousands of traffic lights everywhere. Hit them at the wrong time, and it can take an hour to do 10 miles.

[P1]

And in another episode of "American discovers Europe"...

[EdM5]

You should visit the UK.