An Auto-Otaku heads back to Germany

[Mockngbrd]

Normal travel is back! Or, that's sure how it looks like a week ago judging by the sheer number of people at the airport when I had the good fortune to once again fly over to the beautiful city of Bavaria for BMW's launch of the new 7-Series and i7.

Full flight service seemed to have resumed as well with starters and main courses now served individually plated rather than together on a single tray with clear plastic covers on top. Having had the Boon Tong Kee Chicken rice on my previous trip, I opted this time for the Lobster Thermidor. Granted that the same dishes can taste slightly different on each flight, it was really good this time around, creamy, tasty and thoroughly enjoyable!

After a rather fair few hours of intermittent sleep, we approached Germany and it was time for a Laksa brekkie, it wasn't too bad but I reckon Bah Chor Mee's the better option. Also, isn't it time for Singapore Airlines to offer full wifi unlimited on-board and not just a measly data-capped service? Come-on, it's 2022 already!

A view I will never get tired of as we cruised towards Munich.

And for the first time ever, clear skies all the way toward the airport, giving us a birds-eye view of the City, the Olympic Tower and BMW's iconic four-cylinder building. You can even still see the alps in the distance. What a sight.

Since we landed rather early in the morning, we took some time out to explore the city and enjoy its various culinary offerings with a walking food tour.

Having been here twice, some of the places we visited were still new to me.

What's still familiar (and still welcomed) is, of course, a quick visit to a Munich institution, Haxnbauer, for their Schweinshaxe sandwich. I'm not joking on the institution bit too, because Haxnbauer is located in a historical building that dates back to at least the 14th century, the Scholastikahaus.

Back to the sandwich, yes, it is still so good, but also, still too big for me to finish in its entirety. Don't worry, I ate up all the good bits. For everyone who's thinking of visiting Munich, a visit to Haxnbauer is a must, the crackling on the pork knuckles served here is sublime. If you ever have to choose between Hofbrauhaus, Ratskeller or Haxnbauer, here's a quick tip, Hofbrauhaus for the atmosphere, Ratskeller for the convenience and Haxnbauer for the food! All 3 will serve up a good time so don't fret too much if you only have the time for one.

Another locale I had yet to visit was the Biergarten in the English gardens. Having visited the garden on my last trip with a slightly busted toe, tighter schedule and much colder weather, I only managed a quick stroll through the park before setting off. This block of concrete is a piece from the Berlin wall. With the conflict going on not too far from here, it did feel a little more sombre seeing such a relic.

As we headed onward through the garden, the sun was out, the air was cool and it really did seem like the entire city was here soaking up the lovely weather and atmosphere (and lack of mosquitoes). Something we can only dream of having back in Singapore.

Finally, we reached the Biergarten, it was huge! It's been quite a while since I last saw something like this, while it might have looked packed, we still managed to get a table and some seats rather easily.

With some drinks downed to cool us off, it was time for our tour guide to set off as we headed towards the BMW Welt and museum for the second half of our first day in Munich. Stay tuned!

[Soya]

The classics were there during my last visit

[bsswan]

On 4/28/2022 at 3:29 PM, Mockngbrd said:

Full flight service seemed to have resumed as well with starters and main courses now served individually plated rather than together on a single tray with clear plastic covers on top. Having had the Boon Tong Kee Chicken rice on my previous trip, I opted this time for the Lobster Thermidor. Granted that the same dishes can taste slightly different on each flight, it was really good this time around, creamy, tasty and thoroughly enjoyable!

After a rather fair few hours of intermittent sleep, we approached Germany and it was time for a Laksa brekkie, it wasn't too bad but I reckon Bah Chor Mee's the better option. Also, isn't it time for Singapore Airlines to offer full wifi unlimited on-board and not just a measly data-capped service? Come-on, it's 2022 already!

a) Good to know they are back to full-service....... I also head back in a couple of weeks also.

b) Agreed, the wifi policy sucks...... and i find it difficult event to log-in with so many steps hurdles. Half the time I can't get it to work.

 

Pork Knuckle Sandwich 👍

[Mockngbrd]

Added some extra writeups

Another quick tour through the BMW Museum: https://garage36.wordpress.com/2022/04/30/an-auto-otaku-in-munich-2022-a-quick-tour-through-the-bmw-museum/

And then back again to spend $$$ at the shop: https://garage36.wordpress.com/2022/05/04/an-auto-otaku-in-munich-2022-back-in-the-welt-and-its-shop/  &  https://garage36.wordpress.com/2022/05/05/an-auto-otaku-in-munich-2022-big-love-from-munich-mini/

[Mockngbrd]

After I finally cleared a backlog of car reviews. Can get back to writing about my trip!

https://garage36.wordpress.com/2022/06/22/an-auto-otaku-in-munich-2022-visiting-motorworld-munchen-again/

 

An Auto-Otaku in Munich 2022: Visiting Motorworld München (again)

If you ever do find yourself with some spare time in Munich after visiting the BMW Welt, I’d highly recommend hopping onto a train towards Motorworld, it’s not that far away and for the auto-otakus in us, there’s always something to interesting to see.

Even though I was here not too long ago, I thought it’d be nice to pop over to have another look around since I was in town and since I wasn’t rushing for time, I figured I could take it slow this time and just have a casual look around along with some early morning coffee.

Cars & Coffee in the literal sense. It was rather quiet for a Saturday morning, I suspect it was because neighbouring Stuttgart was having a classic car show over the same weekend. Something I only just found out a day before, had I known earlier, I would have booked myself a high-speed train ticket over! Damn!

The classic car show was also probably a big reason why most of the car storage lots were empty. Still, not all was lost as there were still some lovely machines sitting pretty. I wish I could get nearer to that 250GT though.

Love the colour coordination.

964 Speedster. 1 of 936 built. Rare and beautiful.

Another lovely guards red Porsche, this time in 924 CGT guise. My favourite of the 924/944/968 cars.

This particular example doesn’t look like a show queen too. Love it. Spot the sexy 8C sitting atop?

Sexy rear ends, check out that Ferrari peeking out of the corner.

Don’t be fooled! Well, not entirely anyway. That dull layer on top of the body underneath the caked-on dust? That’s this car’s original delivery wax that was used to protect it during transportation, and yes, that’s the original protective wraps surrounding the bumpers. What will you do with a car in such a state? Leave it undriven, dirty and dusty as-is or clean it up, drive it and enjoy your time warp but risk losing all of its potential value?

While you ponder that conumdrum, here are some cars I’d happily take out for a drive, or two, or three. Which would you pick if you could only have one?

No prizes for guessing my pick of the litter. The 512BB is painfully gorgeous.

What a glorious racket it must make. Also, kudos for displaying this car with the rear cowl up. If I had one, that engine cover would be up the entire time I’m home, such a beautiful piece.

Something a little more modern but no less beautiful. The Mclaren Speedtail.

The last time I was here, Mclaren had a Senna GTR on display, but in terms of pure aesthetics, I think the Speedtail nails it hands down. Such a pure shape with little fussiness and in a great understated shade as well. When you car already looks like a spaceship, there really is no need to shout about it with bright loud (and obnoxious) colours.

Speaking of which…

The Senna GTR we saw previously might have moved on but there was still a “Standard” Senna on display. If a Senna could ever be described with such a term.

Once again, great choice of colours.

I think this is a 570s, albeit with numerous choice MSO parts added. Again, in a lovely non-shouty colour.

Whilst we’re on the topic of understated colours. Rolls Royce has a Black Badge showroom here so seeing that I was there, it wouldn’t hurt to just take a look around.

Drophead coupes are great looking don’t you think?

I think I can buy a house with these cars.

Not a very Rolls Royce-y colour but it sure looked good on this beautifully specced cabriolet.

Something that might be a little familiar to friends back home, a G-Wagen from our very own armed forces. Some say these belong to a batch of reserve vehicles that have rarely seen any action at all. Looks like SAF is making good money now with their old Landies and G’s.

I guess that is a IWC BIG Pilot?

Another car with delivery scribbles on it.

And the Elvis 507 at the BMW Studio.

It was interesting seeing this car with fresh insight into the restoration process from just a day before.

Just a casual 962 hanging around looking for a buyer. Got any change?

A little less expensive but no less interesting. The Morgan Two-Wheeler.

Must be fun (and downright frightening) driving this around town.

Looks like Mercedes have also set up shop here, but who wants to look at an SUV right? Probably more fun to head into the shops.

Which is where we’re going! Straight into a store called Paddock legends where you can pick up plenty of automotive-related souvenirs. Mainly Porsche and racing-related stuff but still… worth a look nonetheless.

Although there were many cool items on sale, they weren’t really suited for our warm, humid climate back home. Like those jackets.

I was hoping to grab a T-shirt or two but nothing really caught my eye.

Spot anything you like?

Admittedly, I was very tempted to grab another diecast (or two).

But, having already bought the Art Car from the Welt, I really didn’t have enough hands to carry them home. Otherwise, this BASF M1 would have been mine! Maybe next time.

So, at the end of the morning, I left Motorworld empty-handed but happy and on my way back to the station, came across this lovely row of trees once again. The last time I was here, this exact scene was bathed in warm autumn colours. Now it’s a sea of green. Hopefully, the next time I see this again, it’ll be in another season. If I ever return. Auf Wiedersehen Motorworld!

[Mockngbrd]

https://garage36.wordpress.com/2022/06/28/an-auto-otaku-in-munich-2022-studio-odeonsplatz-by-mercedes-benz-and-the-vision-eqxx/

What’s sleek, filled with bleeding-edge automotive tech, can’t be bought and just covered 1,202 kilometres on a single charge? If your answer’s not the Benz EQXX, you’re wrong.

First unveiled earlier this year, the engineers at Mercedes-Benz reckoned their (already record-breaking) initial 1,007-kilometre test drive could have gone considerably further so just a week ago, they did just that, travelling from Germany to the UK on a single charge and besting their earlier record by almost 200 kilometres, even with the air conditioner running for about eight hours of their 14.5-hour drive.

Both journies also involved real-world traffic conditions, with the latest trip providing additional challenges of high temperatures of up to 30C in stop-and-go motorway traffic around the M25 at rush hour.

While the Vision EQXX still remains a highly technical concept vehicle, it does point the way forward for future innovations and tech that will eventually trickle down to mass-market EVs, because let’s face it, there really is no real need for anyone requiring a range of 1,200km in an EV, but knowing that such a feat can be achieved will do plenty to convince those sitting on the fence to at least dip a toe into the EV pool.

And speaking of which, the Vision EQXX was also why I’m here at the Mercedes-Benz Studio smack in the heart of Odeonsplatz, Munich, BMW’s home turf.

For those with barely any time to even head over to Motorworld, the Mercedes Benz Studio is a beautifully curated lifestyle space with a constantly rotating showcase providing a brief indulgence for this strange hobby of ours. I got lucky with the EQXX. 

There’s even a cafe inside if you are in the mood for some caffeine, something I would have gladly partaken in if I didn’t already have a brunch reservation at the very lovely (and highly recommended) Cafe Luitpold just up the street, a beautiful cafe with the most amazing cakes in town.

Edited June 28, 2022 by Mockngbrd

[Mockngbrd]

https://garage36.wordpress.com/2022/06/29/an-auto-otaku-in-munich-2022-obletter-spielwaren/

Chances are if you’re an automotive geek, you’re probably into toy and model cars as well right? No? Keep reading anyway.

For those who do enjoy collecting or looking at these little miniature delights, I’d highly recommend dropping by Obletter Spielwaren if you’re in Karlsplatz/Marienplatz, the main shopping district.

Located right at the very end of the street atop Karlsplatz Stachus station, Obletter Spielwaren is the largest toy store in town and while the ground level is full of boring stuff for kids, the basement is where the good stuff’s at. I often have had to pry myself away from this store in order to keep my wallet (and finances) intact!

If you’re one of us, I’m pretty sure there will be something here to tempt you of your hard-earned euros. Considering I never did take many pictures on my previous visit, (and how few photos there are of this place on the internets) I figured I’d grab more shots this time to share.

It’s not just cars here but rows upon rows of anything on wheels. Model trains seem to be a pretty serious hobby here and while these cars did originate from the world of model train dioramas, the level of detail on these tiny 1:87 scale cars is simply lovely. Yes, it is difficult to choose if you can only pick one to bring home.

They even come as R/Cs! Not cheap though! But surely a barrel of laughs if you have a beautifully crafted diorama landscape to potter around in. The Schucos below are in the more popular 1:64 scale and I’ve been guilty of picking up one or two on my previous visits, they do represent pretty good value in my opinion on a price : satisfaction ratio.

I was quite tempted by the 356 and 300SL Gullwing. The 2002? Already bought one! Much cheaper to get them here than back home for sure!

More Schucos but in 1:87 scale once again.

Even more 1:87s, this time from Herpa. Love the detail on those trucks.

If you’re still sceptical about the tiny 1:87s, here’s a close-up shot of a beautiful Alpina B3. Check out the Alpina stripes and wheels! Yes, this is a 1:87 scale model and yes, I was very very tempted to pick one up. But considering I do not have any cars in 1:87 yet, I really didn’t want to fall into another rabbit hole.

Other than tiny 1:87 and 1:64s, there are also plenty of model kits to choose from. Not quite as bountiful as what we’d find in Akihabara but still a pretty sizeable collection I reckon. Prices are fair but again, more expensive than what one would find over in Tokyo.

Whilst 1:18s don’t seem to be very popular here, Obletter also does have a decent selection on offer with plenty of Solidos to choose from. It seems Solido have also fixed the error they made on the Alfetta GTV6 cars too! Earlier iterations had 6-lug front wheels, it is now back to the correct 5-lug.

Again, I was extremely tempted to pick up the Alfa, I always wanted an Alfetta in my collection but the lack of detailing on these more toy-like Solidos held me back and in the end, I decided against it. Do I regret that decision? Considering Solidos can’t be found in Singapore, I do regret it a little. Maybe another time perhaps.

And speaking of being tempted, another piece that was close to making me open up my wallet was the RSR. A kit I eyed on my previous visit and once again trying to entice me to bring it home. The price seemed quite fair too.

RSR vs GR Yaris? Which would you pick?

As for myself, I once again had to drag myself out of the store. Will power wins again!

[Mockngbrd]

https://garage36.wordpress.com/2022/08/01/an-auto-inu-otaku-in-munich-2022-strauchdieb/

Granted, it has been months since my trip to Munich but I still do have a few more things to share, this one though, I’m guessing, isn’t quite for everyone. So, hands up if you’re a doggo pawrent. Good! Now, hands up if you’re the sort of doggo pawrent who can’t resist visiting doggo-related stores whilst overseas. Great! This post is for you!

Chances are that if you’re the sort of paw-parent who doesn’t mind splurging once in a while on your doggo, you would have heard of Cloud7, a brand of beautifully made dog clothing and accessories originating from Berlin and quite difficult to come by in Singapore, so hunting down a shop that carries this premium brand is usually on my do-list whenever I get to visit Germany.

On my last trip here, I, unfortunately, missed out on visiting a store in Stuttgart as it was closed over the weekend I was there. This time though, I set aside quite a bit more time to drop by a shop in Munich, and even though it wasn’t that easy to get to, having to navigate both the train and bus networks, it was totally worth it.

The shop’s name is Strauchdieb, and I highly recommend a visit.

Alles rund um den hund, everything about the dog.

For the doggo-obsessed pawrents, I’m pretty sure you’ll find something you like in this beautifully curated shop. I wish we had stores like this in Singapore with such nicely curated items. While we do have Singpets, I find that the items they carry are not quite as boutique.

My visit here wasn’t entirely just for fun of course, having already bought a Cloud7 raincoat for one of our doggos, I was looking for a similar raincoat for another of our doggos. As you can expect, they have a pretty good range to choose from here. The staff on hand were also very helpful and friendly.

Of course, that did not stop me from enjoying my time inside the store just looking around. And yes, I was tempted to pick out a lot more stuff!

I held myself back quite a bit but in the end, I still grabbed a couple of toys and snacks in addition to the raincoat.

Oh yes, I also grabbed one of these lovely totes! Could you resist?

With my shopping all packed into my brand new tote, It was time to head back into town, but this time, instead of getting on the bus and train again, I found a direct tram heading back in. If you ever do find yourself in Munich, it’s totally worth the time to drop by! I know be happy to go back next time.

[Fat_slayer]

Hi Mockngbird,

Nice pictures.... can i check if you have been to watch a football match in Bayern Munich on one of your visits?  

[Mockngbrd]

1 hour ago, Fat_slayer said:

Hi Mockngbird,

Nice pictures.... can i check if you have been to watch a football match in Bayern Munich on one of your visits?  

Nope. Not a football fan, but the entire town did get more rowdy when there was a game over the wkend I was there.
I have been to (and stayed overnight at) the 24hr Nurburgring race though, that was fun. 

[Mockngbrd]

Welp! It looks like this is my final post for my lovely Munich Springtime trip roundup! Whilst admittedly I did not set about doing much street spotting, I still managed to capture quite a few interesting autos just walking around town. So without further ado, here are the cars of Munchen.

A lovely pair of blacked-out BMW droptops. M8 Cabriolet or Z4 M40i? I’d take the bigger one.

Of course, I couldn’t not take a picture of our M850i Gran Coupe. Such a lovely motor to thunder down the legendary German highways.

Munich being Munich, there are usually some interesting cars just sitting idly by.

While a Rolls Royce Wraith or Ferrari Superfast is sure to tickle the fancy of many a young car nut, I found myself gravitating more towards this old short wheel-based W126. In a beautiful shade of green no less! It looked really clean and well looked after. Lovely spec.

Another one I reckon most people wouldn’t bat an eyelid at, an E30 Touring. This didn’t look like an ordinary Touring though, with tough TUV regulations forbidding frivolous modifications by their owners, this was most likely a real deal Hartge built special. Sadly, it rolled by too quickly for me to get a clear shot.

Even the popo rolls around in style. Bonus EQS photobomb.

And because it’s Germany, you can bet there’ll be an air-cooled around.

More air-cooleds but with two-wheels instead. Pretty cool to see what people do with the BMW nine-t bikes, they lend themselves to customisation so well!

And here’s one last parting shot! Thanks for reading! Until next time, auf wiedersehen!