After the very first Bavaria Tour in 2002 we returned for the forth time to celebrate the model with our international friends (also did 2006, 2016).
Turned out I was the only English 02 in the event, supported by one E3 and two 02’s from Ireland.
Arrived.
After an overnight stop in Strasbourg, I noticed delays on our route and then decide to divert slightly, little did I know it was right past Alpina in Buchloe’s front door. So we of course had to pop in. It was 24 years ago I was there with my first Tii and then again in 2006 with my Turbo, so very significant. As we parked (in the rain) Bovensiepen Jnr ran past but I did manage to say hello. Apparently, there was a group of our American 02 friends visiting in the morning (we didn’t know) and they thought we were late part of the group (sadly too late for tour), but great to see a nice display outside of some of Alpina’s finest cars.
After a quick photo opportunity we headed off to our final destination in Garmish Partenkirchen to register collect our map books etc. We found an amazing restaurant that had the wonderful pork knuckle with crackling and a cold pint of German Pilsner to finish off the day.
Day-1 Up early to get to the start point in Garmish Partenkirchen for day-1 tour, everyone was split into two routes basically doing different routes and sightseeing. Breathtaking scenery (photos speak for themselves) with lunch provided up the top of a mountain (a Ski location in winter) then back down, which was a test of everyone’s brakes, my began to smell so more use of the lower gears.
As we descended down the mountain hairpins we nearly had a motorbike embedded in the front of the 02 on our side of the road, but we made it down safely and the brakes were able to cool down. Onwards to the afternoon stop and then headed back to Garmish Partenkirchen for dinner with all the other 02 family. It was fantastic to see many old friends and some I’d lost contact with for 24 years, OMG it was fantastic let’s all keep in touch this time. Also made many new friends and it was great to actually meet friends from social media in the flesh.
Above; finally got to meet Susanne Krug
Day-2 was photo shoot at a Ski jump in Garmish Partenkirchen and then free drive onto BMW HQ in Munich. Once arrived parked under the cylinder towers for photos (as I did in 2016) we went off to see the BMW Classic division. Then headed for the Welt – why not while we had some spare time and then leisurely drive back for dinner to hear everyone’s stories.
Above; it’s also 50 years of the E24 this year
Above; Yes that’s a V12 squeezed into a Z3
Above; Karl Lagerfeld’s special 7-Series, also featured in my Blog section
Above; the Concept Turbo
Day-3 was the alternative route taking in some breathtaking lakes and scenery once again, stopping for many photo opportunities and enjoying the wildlife that wanted to be part of the Bavaria Tour.
Video; Chasing Paul’s turbo through the Bavaria countryside; Behind Turbo
Above; Quick stop we saw this E28 M535i that looked good with factory leather and the original metric alloys, looked to be Macau Blue?
One Germany 02 had broken down (Michael Beier – thanks for the beer Michael) and his friends were trying to help, so we also stopped to see if we could help, his top engine water hose had split, I had some spare hoses but not that one, but we managed to bodge it so he could get back to base after many refills of water, but he made it.
The last evening was at a different venue and was celebrating in traditional German style with horn blowing, dancers and whip crackers. After all the “thank you’s” and big applauses for Andy Andexer “the man that started it all”, it was time to say our sad goodbyes.
Above; 02 Legend – Andy Andexer and myself – thanks Andy for the great memories.
Goodbye – some set off early and some met for a final photo, we had a 9 hour drive to Riems in France so set off early. The car performed amazingly well having driven a total of 2500 miles under some extreme conditions, it did suffer in the higher altitudes but once back in lower terrain it was fine.
Above; The 02 Team
Above; Oops Fine for speeding and photo opportunity, we did laugh.
Above; made it into local paper
Above; Susanna, myself and finally got to meet Olaf, can’t wait to see you all again.
Above; Susanna and Martin (what a guy).
Fellow Irish 02’s (Jay and Chris) also had some issues with broken exhaust down pipes and blown alternators but the hardy 02 spirit ensured they fixed the issues and were able to enjoy the event. I think they both got home OK. Well done guys, great to see you.
Below; the special famous 02 Diana (soon off to the USA with its lucky new owner);
So finally, a BIG THANK YOU to all the organisers for all their hard work and planning an incredible week, I have to say it was up there with the original event in 2002, WELL DONE TEAM (Dietmar, Christine Heinen, Jurgen Heling, Wolfgang Herz and Herwig Holzmeister)
Also thanks to; Mayor of Garmish Partenkirchen Daniel Schimmer for hosting all of us and Helmut Kas Head of BMW Group Classic.
It was great to meet so many friends from around the world and make new ones. Big shout out to the Dutch, American, Austrian, Portuguese, South American, Norwegian, German and our other European friends. Love you all, can’t wait until the next one?
Above, Program and new tool roll with tools (bargain at 35 euros).
Awesome!! So many great moments and cars!! Thanks for sharing!
Great job Richard, thank you!
Just an idea: maybe take off the photos of the cars at BMW Classic which had covered number plates (black cloth) as they told us these are customer cars which should not appear in the internet. We don’t want to be in trouble, do we?
And again thanks for your excellent job, the photos etc.
Hi Peter – thanks, done. ;o)