Driving to/in France

AnubisZed

AnubisZed

Veteran
 Lincolnshire, UK
Ok so next summer we are going to France for a week, nothing too strenuous just along the north coast. So we've decided that we'll take the Z4 as opposed to the "lugger" (Kuga), as we'll have enough room for what we'll be taking.
I've driven on the right before, but not in my own car and not on the "wrong" side, so that'll be fun I'm sure.
I'm not really bothered about that but would like some advice on a couple of other points specific to driving in France, namely...

1) Headlamp beam adjusters - Now on doing some research it seems very confusing regarding the headlamps on the E89. Most websites seem to say that you need them and some (normally personal experiences) state that the beam pattern is so flat that you don't need them. So would anyone, who has first-hand experience, like to comment? :thumbsup:

2) Spare bulbs - Has anyone got a list of spare bulbs that are relevant?

3) Breathalysers - No longer required since 2022.

4) Hi-Vi Vest - One per person.

5) GB oval - Yep

6) Warning Triangle - In car already.

:driving:

The Z should be looking very tidy for the trip with it's new front bumper, fully refurbished wheels and I intend to have a full clay bar, machine polish and ceramic coating done prior as well :thumbsup: 8)
 
We’ve driven around in France at night nobody seemed to have an issue with aim/glare…they tend to be pretty aggressive if there is an issue

Bulbs in theory are headlight, taillight, stop light, indicator

Vest must be accessible from within the cabin

One safety tip..if leaving a side road, petrol station at night with no traffic think very carefully especially in a RHD car..easiest way to absently minded start driving ‘correct’ side of the road..

Friend of mine a few years ago did this..his wife lost her right arm in the subsequent crash..
 
Hi Dave

Unless you have adaptive lights your standard E89 UK lights should have a Flat Z Beam = no adapters/blankers required, check the beam pattern at night up against the wall.

Not sure on the spare bulbs tbh, in my experience I just a random "official travel" set from the shop at Eurotunnel in the boot

Otherwise other than insurance paperwork you have everything else covered :)
 
Have your passenger say Drive on the Right when leaving fuel stations etc.
It gets a wee bit tedious towards the end of a holiday but so what!

I alway find it easier to drive my own car abroad than left hooker - just keep the kerb on your shoulder and don’t rush about :

Brush up on Priority at road junctions..
 
As others have said no need to worry about the headlights, they have a flat beam pattern. I have been driving three years in Spain with the lights adjusted to the UK and not once have I had anyone flash me. When I asked BMW about this they stated no need to do anything as the lights have a flat beam pattern.

Regarding driving on the right in an RHD car just keep repeating to yourself drivers side equals kerb side. If you do that and watch that the kerbside is next to you then you can't go wrong.
 
Thanks guys, all info is taken onboard and appreciated :thumbsup:

As for driving on the left, like I say I have done it before (Crete, Menorca, California, Florida) without any issue and I've always found that I adjust to the gear and handbrake being for the other hand very easily, I think it'll bother my wife more being on the side of the oncoming car :rofl: :driving:

Yes I did mean UK oval and not GB, as that's the old version :headbang:
 
Emissions sticker required for driving in French towns.
https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/
 
Where does the UK sticker go?

Number plate?
Boot?
Rear Window?

Think it is the rear window...
 
buzyg said:
Emissions sticker required for driving in French towns.
https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/
Click to expand...
Only major cities, so won't be doing any of those :thumbsup:

buzyg said:
Where does the UK sticker go?

Number plate?
Boot?
Rear Window?

Think it is the rear window...
Click to expand...
It's the oval, can be a sticker or magnetic showing to the rear (boot lid) or you can get stickers that go on the left edge of the rear number plate. :thumbsup:
 
It sounds like you'll be fine without headlamp beam deflectors.

For spare bulbs kits there are quite a few on here:- https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&_nkw=BMW+E89+spare+bulb+kit&_sacat=0

Or Halfords, Euro Car Parts, etc.

Could probably source Hi-Viz from the same places if you don't have them.

I've always opted for magnetic GB (now UK) plates, but I wouldn't put them on until I got to France just in case someone on the ferry doesn't have one and decides to acquire yours!

Have a great trip. :thumbsup:
 
Just had 3 weeks touring France, be prepared to be constantly tail gated especially on D roads and watch for radar cameras entering villages they dont look like normal ones, looks like one flash is a warning two and your caught!
 
Be very careful with the speed limits, especially if you do not have another driver with you.

~75mph on a two way road at the national limit will get you a ban / license confiscated on the spot.

Easily hit when overtaking so be careful, especially if you are the only driver.
 
I spend 15-16 weeks each year in France almost always with my Z4. Never had an issue with beam adjustment.

I recommend having at least €90 in cash with you just in case you get fined. Speed limits can be confusing and inconsistent and if you do get stopped for something, Gendarmes will insist on cash on the spot for any non-residents - usually €90 - otherwise they escort you to the cash machine. Locals get 14 days to pay and a discount for prompt payment.

Don't worry too much about the speed cameras though (of which there are many). I've been flashed a few times but there's never been any follow up.

You only need a Crit'Air (vehicle emission) sticker to enter a few large cities - if you're sticking to Northern France probably only Rouen & Paris apply. Google Crit'Air for more info.

Bon voyage & enjoy your trip. Most French roads are in better shape than ours and far far less congested. I much prefer driving there.
 
Colin_E said:
I recommend having at least €90 in cash with you just in case you get fined. Speed limits can be confusing and inconsistent and if you do get stopped for something, Gendarmes will insist on cash on the spot for any non-residents - usually €90 - otherwise they escort you to the cash machine.
Click to expand...

Hhhmm wonder why this cash is necessary :roll: Marched to an ATM, realy :x Can FRO !
 
Well, the French have the reputation for bribery but the British have overtaken them in the corruption levels. Think we have shot up 20 places in the corrupt nations scale.
 
N4LLY said:
Colin_E said:
I recommend having at least €90 in cash with you just in case you get fined. Speed limits can be confusing and inconsistent and if you do get stopped for something, Gendarmes will insist on cash on the spot for any non-residents - usually €90 - otherwise they escort you to the cash machine.
Click to expand...

Hhhmm wonder why this cash is necessary :roll: Marched to an ATM, realy :x Can FRO !
Click to expand...

It was a long time ago..pre cash machines..I got busted big time..they took me in a little black van with bars to the nearest town where they made the bank manager re-open the bank late on a friday evening so they could get paid..we were rushing for the ferry and had used our then Francs all up..

Better than the Ukraine where it was costing me about 50 USD per 200 miles..but that's another story..

I don't speed now..
 
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