The Belgian Ardennes region offers some of the best driving roads you can find in Europe. Lush forests, rolling hills, and narrow, winding roads create the perfect setting for any driving enthusiast. My road trip through this region was nothing short of spectacular. Every twist and turn brought a new view, and the undulating terrain kept things interesting. The roads were well-maintained, with just enough imperfections to remind you that you’re driving in the real world, not on a sterile track.
BMW Power
Driving these roads in my 2016 BMW F30 340i was a joy. The car’s smooth power delivery and balanced handling made it the perfect companion for the Ardennes. With 320 horsepower on tap, overtaking slower vehicles on the occasional straight section was effortless. More importantly, the precise steering and responsive chassis meant I could enjoy the winding roads without feeling out of control. It wasn’t about speed—it was about flow, and the 340i delivered that beautifully.
A Decent E-Diff, but an LSD Would Have Been Better
While the 340i’s electronic differential did a decent job of managing power delivery in tight corners, it wasn’t perfect. Coming out of sharper bends, especially when accelerating hard, I noticed that the inside wheel sometimes struggled for grip. A proper mechanical limited slip differential (LSD) would have made a noticeable difference, providing more consistent traction and a greater sense of control. That said, the e-diff was still competent enough to keep the car enjoyable on spirited drives, but for those seeking the ultimate driving experience, an LSD upgrade would be well worth considering.
Quiet Villages and Stunning Views
One of the highlights of driving through the Ardennes was passing through quaint villages that looked like they belonged in a postcard. Each village had its own charm, with cobblestone streets, stone houses, and cozy cafes. Stopping for a quick break in one of these villages added a relaxed pace to the journey, balancing out the excitement of the road.
The views along the way were equally impressive. From hilltops, you could see miles of dense forest stretching out in every direction. The scenery changed subtly as I moved closer to Germany, but it never stopped being beautiful. These roads were designed for touring, and with the sun shining and windows down, it felt like the perfect drive.
Crossing into Germany
As I crossed the border into Germany, the character of the roads began to change. They widened slightly, and the speed limits became more relaxed. The anticipation of reaching the Nürburgring grew with every mile. The BMW remained composed and comfortable, effortlessly eating up the miles.
Before hitting the Autobahn, I took a detour onto some of the smaller roads around the Eifel region. These roads were narrow, twisty, and perfect for spirited driving. Once again, the 340i’s balance shone through. It was fast enough to be exciting, but not so aggressive that it became tiring. Whether navigating tight corners or accelerating out of short straights, the car felt just right.
Experiencing the Autobahn
Once I hit the Autobahn, I couldn’t resist the urge to see what the 340i could do. With long stretches of unrestricted highway, it was the perfect opportunity to push the car. I reached a Vmax of 160 mph, and what impressed me most was how stable and composed it felt at those speeds. Even more impressive was the fact that the engine still had around 2,000 rpm left on the tachometer, making me wonder how much faster it could go without the electronic limiters.
The Autobahn experience added a different kind of thrill to the trip. It’s one thing to drive fast on a track or backroad, but being able to legally cruise at triple digit speeds on a public road is something uniquely German. The 340i handled it with ease, proving once again that it’s more than capable of high speed touring.
Arriving at the Nürburgring
Reaching the Nürburgring felt like the culmination of an incredible journey. The roads leading to the track were alive with activity. Every few minutes, you’d see another car or motorcycle clearly heading in the same direction, creating a sense of community among enthusiasts.
I spent some time driving the roads around the Nürburgring before heading onto the track itself. These roads are a playground for drivers, with tight corners, elevation changes, and breathtaking scenery. They’re also famous for being challenging, and rightfully so. Maintaining a smooth line while dealing with unpredictable corners was part of the fun, and the 340i once again felt perfectly suited for the task.
Final Thoughts
Touring through the Belgian Ardennes and the roads around the Nürburgring was an unforgettable experience. It wasn’t just about reaching the destination—it was about enjoying the journey. The combination of scenic views, twisty roads, and the occasional high speed blast made for a perfect driving adventure.
The 2016 BMW F30 340i turned out to be the ideal car for this trip. Its power, comfort, and handling allowed me to fully enjoy every aspect of the drive, whether I was cruising through picturesque villages, carving up mountain roads, or hitting Vmax on the Autobahn. This trip reminded me why I love driving—it’s not just about getting from point A to point B, but about experiencing the road in between.
If you ever get the chance to tour this region, don’t hesitate. Whether you’re in a sports car, a grand tourer, or something in between, the roads of the Ardennes and the Eifel region will leave you smiling for days.
