Euro Spec E30's

talwin · #1 (**permalink**) 08-25-2004, 12:49 PM

So, a good buddy of mine is stationed in the UK for the next few years. He's had his eyes pealed for an E30 M3. Now, he's found a few, and they're all Euro Spec. Now the car wouldn't cost too much, but then bringing it through US Customs is the problem. In order to make it street legal and all. My question is this, does anyone out there know about how he could get around the whole customs problem? I know that a guy in my neighborhood has an '86 M6 completely stock from Germany, all euro spec, and he got it through customs by paying off one of his friends who happened to work for customs. Thats how he puts it at least.

Another thing, my friend drives a 93 RX-7 R1. His boss has a Jap Spec 94 RX-7 comming to him. He said he has to get it originally registered in Georgia, because something about leaving it Jap Spec, and then he'll be able to register it in New York because NYDMV only looks as far back as the Georgia registration. Now, I'm not sure about this, but he made it sound legit. You're all probably reading this thinking I'm a jackass, but I'm trying to help a friend out here. If anyone could help me out, it'd be greatly appreciated. I know REZZA is in the autodealing buisness, and maybe he'd be of help, but I'm not sure. Either way, if anyone could help, or throw out some information to me, that would be helpful....thanks in advance.

Thomas

talwin · #2 (**permalink**) 08-25-2004, 11:04 PM

No one can help....hurm, sorry If the subject is "missleading".

Bimmer RaVer · #3 (**permalink**) 08-26-2004, 06:24 AM

wtf?

Blackwidow · #4 (**permalink**) 08-26-2004, 06:31 AM

unless the euro spec is an evo its not worth it.

Its probably not worth it even if it is an evo M3.

Why not buy a US spec one, they arent that much different.

EVOIIIM3 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-26-2004, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackwidow

unless the euro spec is an evo its not worth it.

Its probably not worth it even if it is an evo M3.
Why not buy a US spec one, they arent that much different.

WTF? You have no idea what you are talking about. They are as different from a E30 318 to a E30 M3. Totally different engine, body parts, interior, etc...

If you want it in the States, just import it, keep all the Euro stuff and change it back! It's worth doing it right, or they can keep your car if they find out.

back in the 80's you used to be able to import cars, that's why you will see "gray market" cars out there.

Do a search, this has come up many, many times....

talwin · #6 (**permalink**) 08-26-2004, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by talwin

Another thing, my friend drives a 93 RX-7 R1. His boss has a Jap Spec 94 RX-7 comming to him. He said he has to get it originally registered in Georgia, because something about leaving it Jap Spec, and then he'll be able to register it in New York because NYDMV only looks as far back as the Georgia registration. Now, I'm not sure about this, but he made it sound legit. You're all probably reading this thinking I'm a jackass.

I know that I'm quoting myself here, but I'd like to explain the deal with this car, and see if any of you think its legit.

Bossman says that a dude he's been dealing with in Georgia for a very long time has won this Jap Spec 94 RX-7, and is willing to trade with my friends 93 RX-7 R1. Now, he's saying it will skip the customs because it will be on a parts trailor. They'd see the car as a parts car, and nothing more. Does that sound legit to you? I find it kind of strange, but a possibility. Next is asking Bossman to help me out. What do you all think?

Blackwidow · #7 (**permalink**) 08-26-2004, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EVOIIIM3

WTF? You have no idea what you are talking about. They are as different from a E30 318 to a E30 M3. Totally different engine, body parts, interior, etc...

If you want it in the States, just import it, keep all the Euro stuff and change it back! It's worth doing it right, or they can keep your car if they find out.

back in the 80's you used to be able to import cars, that's why you will see "gray market" cars out there.

Do a search, this has come up many, many times....

no need to be rude, not everyone can know everything.

From what I have gathered the significant difference is the dog-leg box, all the other changes are not that significant. My personal opnion is that its not worth the trouble unless you are buying an EVO M3.

Please feel free to correct me if you think I'm wrong but

How does the exterior of the North American-spec E30 M3 differ from that of the Euro-spec model?
Cosmetically, the North American E30 M3 is nearly identical to the European-spec model. However, it can be easily identified by the black intake grilles near each front fog light in place of the European-spec model's body-color tow hook covers.There are also bumper-mounted side marker lights, slightly different headlight configurations and a high-mounted third brake light, all required by Federal law.

How does the interior of the North American-spec E30 M3 differ from that of the Euro-spec version?
Except for a generally higher level of equipment, the interior of the North American-spec E30 M3 is essentially identical to the Euro-spec car's. Standard equipment on all North American-spec M3s includes leather sport seats, cruise control, air conditioning, power windows and sunroof, on-board computer II and an eight-speaker am/fm stereo cassette sound system. U.S.-spec models built for the 1990 and 1991 model years (9/89-12/90 production) have a driver's side airbag with knee bolster.

What distinguishes a Euro-spec E30 M3 mechanically from a North American version?
Except for a different air intake arrangement, the North American-spec E30 M3 carries essentially the same powerplant as the early catalyst-equipped European-spec model. It is rated at 192 hp (SAE) at 6,750 rpm, which translates to a European rating of about 195 hp (DIN). Torque is an identical 170 lb/ft at 4,750 rpm. The only significant powertrain difference concerns the gearbox, which is a Getrag 260 with a standard shift pattern, as opposed to the European-spec model’s close-ratio Getrag box with its dogleg first gear location. The use of the conventional shift gate was determined to be more easily acceptable to Americans, and the wider ratios (shared with the E30 325i) are offset by a shorter 4.10:1 final drive.

EVOIIIM3 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-26-2004, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackwidow

no need to be rude, not everyone can know everything.

How does the exterior of the North American-spec E30 M3 differ from that of the Euro-spec model?
How does the interior of the North American-spec E30 M3 differ from that of the Euro-spec version?
Except for a generally higher level of equipment, the interior of the North American-spec E30 M3 is essentially identical to the Euro-spec car's. Standard equipment on all North American-spec M3s includes leather sport seats, cruise control, air conditioning, power windows and sunroof, on-board computer II and an eight-speaker am/fm stereo cassette sound system. U.S.-spec models built for the 1990 and 1991 model years (9/89-12/90 production) have a driver's side airbag with knee bolster.

What distinguishes a Euro-spec E30 M3 mechanically from a North American version?
.

I wasn't being rude, it was a misunderstanding. I hate it when people think the E30 M3 is a slow worthless car and the Sport EVO is just a 2.5l engine.

I thought you were talking about the Sport EVO, not a "Euro M3"
They were still very different from our US cars.
Yes, the dog-leg, intake, toe hook covers, etc...
However, most did not have leather interior, CC, power windows, sun roofs, or any other lux items. They also have a different ECU, and all after 89 build date are 215hp with the EVO Tb's, EVOII cam and EVO II head, of course it's own ECU. Then there is the EDC, electronic dampening control. 16in rims.Headlight washers & wipers. It's all really just little things, but they do change the car quite a bit.

yes, it's really hard to justify importing a early E30 M3 in to the states. Now if it's any of the special models, totally worth it.

Back on topic, if it's a "parts car" then it still needs to be assembled and registered. That is the hard part, you will not have a title, or any paper work stating it's a US car. It will be unregistarable.

ultima_chi · #9 (**permalink**) 08-26-2004, 05:46 PM

Well you can also bring the car to the states by just stating that it will be nothing but a track car. I'd suggest doing that....and if you can find yourself a U.S. spec M3...strip it to the frame and just swap everything over from the Evo....OR....I'm not suggesting this....you can (very carefully) swap the VIN numbers and then register it that way....but remember...I'm not supporting this in anyway...