Did E85s sell really well in the Netherlands?

[Petahgreen]

Just wondered if there’s any data to back up a hypothesis I’ve noticed!

Just in Netherlands visiting family (zedless) just south of Amsterdam and whilst I’ve been out and about, I’ve seen more E85’s in 3 days than I’ve seen in over the last 6 months in the UK!(London and South East area)

I know there’s a few forum members on here from NL, but it’s just been really noticeable! Anyone know if I’ve just been lucky to spot them?!

 

[RvsBmw]

Just wondered if there’s any data to back up a hypothesis I’ve noticed!

Just in Netherlands visiting family (zedless) just south of Amsterdam and whilst I’ve been out and about, I’ve seen more E85’s in 3 days than I’ve seen in over the last 6 months in the UK!(London and South East area)

I know there’s a few forum members on here from NL, but it’s just been really noticeable! Anyone know if I’ve just been lucky to spot them?!

Your lucky than .
Not that many around, more common to see z3's (carbrio's ofc).

 

[Chris_D]

I’m in NL and see them now and again but they’re pretty rare imo.
Other zed drivers rarely let on so I don’t bother anymore. My good ladyfriend Laura used to scoff at me raising my hand if we ever passed another zed and just to take the p!ss to an even higher level and if I had the top down she used to sarcastically wave both her arms around in the air like a crazywoman if we passed another one. :x :roll: :lol:

I think they’re considered less of an enthusiasts car here than they are in the UK and there’s actually quite a snobbish attitude towards people driving ‘oude izer’ old iron and that also applies to the E85 in my perception, although I do get the occasional lingering glance from some. But maybe that’s something more to do with driving an RHD car, or my big nose. :lol:

 

[Barty]

I’m in NL and see them now and again but they’re pretty rare imo.
Other zed drivers rarely let on so I don’t bother anymore. My good ladyfriend Laura used to scoff at me raising my hand if we ever passed another zed and just to take the p!ss to an even higher level and if I had the top down she used to sarcastically wave both her arms around in the air like a crazywoman if we passed another one. :x :roll: :lol:

I think they’re considered less of an enthusiasts car here than they are in the UK and there’s actually quite a snobbish attitude towards people driving ‘oude izer’ old iron and that also applies to the E85 in my perception, although I do get the occasional lingering glance from some. But maybe that’s something more to do with driving an RHD car, or my big nose. :lol:

As a Dutchy I take offence at your brazen assumptions of our snobbishness when it comes to driving old cars- even though they’re frighteningly accurate

In all seriousness though, Dutch culture often shies away from anything that’s considered flashy (particularly cars), labelling people as posers or snobs if one does drive a nice car. An exception can be made for the larger cities, where flash cars are a status symbol rather than something to be enjoyed as a petrolhead. Mind you, most of the -often young- lads consider Golfs and Merc A-classes as flashy. The E85 is a bit of an unknown (the E86 even more so), with people often unable to tell its age and value.

Furthermore, petrolheads are increasingly seen as backward dinosaurs of an age best left behind. The Dutch are pushing towards electrification at an alarming rate which, given the relatively small distances covered within the country, isn’t a huge challenge for many. This also explains the somewhat disapproving looks one may get when driving a slightly loud 3 litre sportscar.

As for me: I do encounter the odd E85, particularly in and around major cities. Most of them aren’t exactly well-loved judging by the state they’re in. The E86? Yet to spot another! They really are rare here, with usually no more than 3-6 for sale nation-wide.

Chris: don’t know whereabouts you are in the Netherlands but if you do ever see a green coupe, please make sure Laura does her mental handwave-thing so I’ll be able to recognise you

 

[Chris_D]

I’m in NL and see them now and again but they’re pretty rare imo.
Other zed drivers rarely let on so I don’t bother anymore. My good ladyfriend Laura used to scoff at me raising my hand if we ever passed another zed and just to take the p!ss to an even higher level and if I had the top down she used to sarcastically wave both her arms around in the air like a crazywoman if we passed another one. :x :roll: :lol:

I think they’re considered less of an enthusiasts car here than they are in the UK and there’s actually quite a snobbish attitude towards people driving ‘oude izer’ old iron and that also applies to the E85 in my perception, although I do get the occasional lingering glance from some. But maybe that’s something more to do with driving an RHD car, or my big nose. :lol:

As a Dutchy I take offence at your brazen assumptions of our snobbishness when it comes to driving old cars- even though they’re frighteningly accurate

In all seriousness though, Dutch culture often shies away from anything that’s considered flashy (particularly cars), labelling people as posers or snobs if one does drive a nice car. An exception can be made for the larger cities, where flash cars are a status symbol rather than something to be enjoyed as a petrolhead. Mind you, most of the -often young- lads consider Golfs and Merc A-classes as flashy. The E85 is a bit of an unknown (the E86 even more so), with people often unable to tell its age and value.

Furthermore, petrolheads are increasingly seen as backward dinosaurs of an age best left behind. The Dutch are pushing towards electrification at an alarming rate which, given the relatively small distances covered within the country, isn’t a huge challenge for many. This also explains the somewhat disapproving looks one may get when driving a slightly loud 3 litre sportscar.

As for me: I do encounter the odd E85, particularly in and around major cities. Most of them aren’t exactly well-loved judging by the state they’re in. The E86? Yet to spot another! They really are rare here, with usually no more than 3-6 for sale nation-wide.

Chris: don’t know whereabouts you are in the Netherlands but if you do ever see a green coupe, please make sure Laura does her mental handwave-thing so I’ll be able to recognise you

Hah zeker! Will do.
It's something she LOVES doing at any given opportunity predominantly becasue she thinks it winds me up so much.
But secretly I find it just as hilarious as her.
8) :lol:

 

[Barty]

Hah zeker! Will do.
It's something she LOVES doing at any given opportunity predominantly becasue she thinks it winds me up so much.
But secretly I find it just as hilarious as her.
8) :lol:

It’s one of those things that we’ll never admit to as men (because we’re “cooler” than that) but secretly enjoy just as much :lol: What part of the Netherlands are you based? I’m in the Amersfoort/Utrecht area myself, with frequent visits to the east (Arnhem/Nijmegen) as well

 

[pvr]

I was there a few weeks ago, and noticed that even though the speed limit was reduced during the day to 100, I was very happily cruising with everyone else at 140. Didn't see another X5M either whilst there and I bruised a few traffic lights egos with that :evil:

 

[Barty]

I was there a few weeks ago, and noticed that even though the speed limit was reduced during the day to 100, I was very happily cruising with everyone else at 140. Didn't see another X5M either whilst there and I bruised a few traffic lights egos with that :evil:

That speedlimit was -and is- a farce. They reduced it nation-wide from 130 to 100 as a way to reduce certain emissions. Entirely omitting the fact that such a reduction is only a fraction of what could be achieved in other areas, particularly agriculture and large (often industrial) businesses.

There’s a silent agreement to drive around 120-130(ish) during the day outside the main city-bound motorways. As long as you don’t push your luck, you’ll be fine 8)

 

[Petahgreen]

That’s useful to know. It did seem farcical when I was driving around and suddenly opened the taps (limited taps on the X3 2litre I’ve got on hire!) as the clock ticked over to 1900!

Saw a further couple of zed’s in Groningen today- I must be a magnet!, including a E86 on 107 wheels and a facelift E85 on style 152 wheels which I’ve never seen before!

 

[Barty]

That’s useful to know. It did seem farcical when I was driving around and suddenly opened the taps (limited taps on the X3 2litre I’ve got on hire!) as the clock ticked over to 1900!

Saw a further couple of zed’s in Groningen today- I must be a magnet!, including a E86 on 107 wheels and a facelift E85 on style 152 wheels which I’ve never seen before!

Yeah the fun thing is to see everyone speed up at 19:00, although those “in the know” will actually speed up at 18:55. Why? The cameras and average speed cameras are set up for a 5-minute switch-over window. During that time they enforce the higher limit to compensate for anyone entering in the old timewindow and exiting after 19:00.

Another tip when driving in the Netherlands, Germany and a load of other European nations: Flitsmeister app on your phone. It alerts you for traffic incidents, jams, emergency services approaching, but also average speed cameras and mobile units. Entirely legal in the Netherlands, and automatically shuts down in countries where it’s not allowed. Free app to use, and saved me a fair few tickets over the years

 

[Vanne]

I love driving around the south of Holland and the Düsseldorf part of Germany, which I do quite often (of course I am talking pre COVID), but have yet to spot another zed four in the last 4 years or so, not that anyone would notice as I’d be driving one of them crap 3 cylinder jobbies from the ol rental Corp. esp in summer, the drive is awesome.. the cost of fuel not so much so, I know a few of the Dutch/German zedders, hopefully will get to meet in person one day over a bbq.

 

[Barty]

I love driving around the south of Holland and the Düsseldorf part of Germany, which I do quite often (of course I am talking pre COVID), but have yet to spot another zed four in the last 4 years or so, not that anyone would notice as I’d be driving one of them crap 3 cylinder jobbies from the ol rental Corp. esp in summer, the drive is awesome.. the cost of fuel not so much so, I know a few of the Dutch/German zedders, hopefully will get to meet in person one day over a bbq.

Now there’s an idea! A spring meet-up of Dutch Zedders and anyone who feels like “flying in” of course

The south is particularly nice to drive. Not too crowded and lovely scenery. If ever you’re in the middle of the country, make sure to visit the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, followed by the Veluwe and Nijmegen-area. Lots of lovely roads 8)

 

[WouterZZZZ]

Goodmorning Dutch Z4 lovers, well, there are not sold many from 2003 in The Netherlands. See attachment. Nowadays not many E85 to be seen on the roads around Rotterdam. I am a daily driver there, with once a week one Z4 spotted, its a rarity. I always wave by the way

 

[Barty]

Goodmorning Dutch Z4 lovers, well, there are not sold many from 2003 in The Netherlands. See attachment. Nowadays not many E85 to be seen on the roads around Rotterdam. I am a daily driver there, with once a week one Z4 spotted, its a rarity. I always wave by the way

Wow that’s a total of 1471 sold new. Mind, there’s quite a few imported cars from BE and DLD. Maybe there’s a way to see how many are currently registered through the RDW; might send them a mail

 

[RvsBmw]

I love driving around the south of Holland and the Düsseldorf part of Germany, which I do quite often (of course I am talking pre COVID), but have yet to spot another zed four in the last 4 years or so, not that anyone would notice as I’d be driving one of them crap 3 cylinder jobbies from the ol rental Corp. esp in summer, the drive is awesome.. the cost of fuel not so much so, I know a few of the Dutch/German zedders, hopefully will get to meet in person one day over a bbq.

When comming over just send a message, we can see which people (Zed or M3 e46, CS or CSL) we can bring there.
We've the king of BBQ in NL (Jord Althuizen) which have a very nice BBQ restaurant in Rotterdam.
I can also light up the Green Egg ..

 

[Chris_D]

I love driving around the south of Holland and the Düsseldorf part of Germany, which I do quite often (of course I am talking pre COVID), but have yet to spot another zed four in the last 4 years or so, not that anyone would notice as I’d be driving one of them crap 3 cylinder jobbies from the ol rental Corp. esp in summer, the drive is awesome.. the cost of fuel not so much so, I know a few of the Dutch/German zedders, hopefully will get to meet in person one day over a bbq.

Now there’s an idea! A spring meet-up of Dutch Zedders and anyone who feels like “flying in” of course

The south is particularly nice to drive. Not too crowded and lovely scenery. If ever you’re in the middle of the country, make sure to visit the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, followed by the Veluwe and Nijmegen-area. Lots of lovely roads 8)

The Veluwe is quite possibly my favourite place in NL. I try and get over there as often as possible with the bikes and my good ladyfriend Laura for a bit of gravel-riding. Just a stunning place allround and great to drive there too!


I regularly suggest she wave her hands around while riding her bike if we ever pass other bikers on the same route but for some strange reason she seems to go all coy and shy. :lol: