Importing a BMW from overseas?

[Paradigm_Guy]

I'm looking for a very specific BMW Individual and it seems that it is more common overseas. Anyone know anything about importing a BMW?

[nondescript]

Short version: $10,000 + not guaranteed to pass emissions... better find a clean low mileage example if you are going to attempt it.

Edit: Let me know if you want the long version... I spent a couple years hunting for a euro 98 e36 m3... Learned quite a bit about the process and the department of transportation...

[Paradigm_Guy]

Originally Posted by nondescript

Short version: $10,000 + not guaranteed to pass emissions... better find a clean low mileage example if you are going to attempt it.

Edit: Let me know if you want the long version... I spent a couple years hunting for a euro 98 e36 m3... Learned quite a bit about the process and the department of transportation...

I want the long version. It's a car that was offered here, just not the right color that I want.

[caracas_e30]

....paint job is always an option.

btw, what individual is it?

[nondescript]

Originally Posted by Paradigm_Guy

I want the long version. It's a car that was offered here, just not the right color that I want.

First you have to find a registered importer (RI)... They are the only ones "trusted" to document and notarize everything in a manner accepted by the DOT... You have to have the RI replace _everything_ that isn't DOT approved...

This means... glass headlights? nope, do a backwards conversion to the plastic ones we get... Catalytic converter (well, the whole midpipe) ... yep replace that too... The little plastic for the gauge console... yep, replace that so it has the DOT accepted fasten seat belt icon, not words... amber turn markers, put those on... etc etc etc...

Once you've had them replace everything that is different (parts and labor), and document it... Now it's off to get an emissions test. (a good RI will test it in house to make sure it passes first before sending it off for a month (well 4-6 weeks) to the DOT)... The test costs a couple grand and is non-refundable... so pass or fail, the money is gone.

If it passes emissions, and has all the paperwork correct from the RI... It will then get a VIN substitution plaque and be road legal in the 50 states.

Parts, labor, shipping, RI fees, emissions test... assume $8-10k... if it passes emissions on the first try.

[nondescript]

Or... wait until it's over 25 years old, and then you don't have to do any of that... import it as a classic.

[Paradigm_Guy]

Originally Posted by caracas_e30

....paint job is always an option.

btw, what individual is it?

Paint isn't an option. Quality color changes are $6K+ minimum and even then it won't really be what I want.

Originally Posted by nondescript

First you have to find a registered importer (RI)... They are the only ones "trusted" to document and notarize everything in a manner accepted by the DOT... You have to have the RI replace _everything_ that isn't DOT approved...

This means... glass headlights? nope, do a backwards conversion to the plastic ones we get... Catalytic converter (well, the whole midpipe) ... yep replace that too... The little plastic for the gauge console... yep, replace that so it has the DOT accepted fasten seat belt icon, not words... amber turn markers, put those on... etc etc etc...

Once you've had them replace everything that is different (parts and labor), and document it... Now it's off to get an emissions test. (a good RI will test it in house to make sure it passes first before sending it off for a month (well 4-6 weeks) to the DOT)... The test costs a couple grand and is non-refundable... so pass or fail, the money is gone.

If it passes emissions, and has all the paperwork correct from the RI... It will then get a title and be road legal in the 50 states.

Parts, labor, shipping, RI fees, emissions test... assume $8-10k... if it passes emissions on the first try.

Thanks I'll start looking around for a Registered Importer.

Originally Posted by nondescript

Or... wait until it's over 25 years old, and then you don't have to do any of that... import it as a classic.

I don't want to wait.

[nondescript]

Well, if that price tag doesn't scare you off... This guy has a lot of experience with the process... Good info on his site here:

http://www.willz.ca/importing.htm

and here:

http://www.willz.ca/importeuropetousa.htm

And here is the official NHTSA site for this information:

http://nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/

including links to the current (jan 2007) list RI's... etc.

Edit: Looks like 14 RI's that will deal with importing from countries other than canada... The short list is here:

http://nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/g...list010807.htm

[PBR]

wow... what a colossal pain. Good luck on this. Post some pics if you do end up importing one.

[James]

A friend imported a BMW a few years back through a Registered Importer and after owning it for at least a year, the RI was discovered to have cut corners on some of their federalizations. Even though his car was done properly, all vehicles were repossessed by the government. Needless to say it was an expensive and frustrating process for him. My point is to go with someone that has a great reputation.

Like the mythical E39 540/6 Touring, there may be a few examples in the United States of the color you are looking for. I would thoroughly exhaust your domestic search before looking overseas.

[Paradigm_Guy]

Originally Posted by James

A friend imported a BMW a few years back through a Registered Importer and after owning it for at least a year, the RI was discovered to have cut corners on some of their federalizations. Even though his car was done properly, all vehicles were repossessed by the government. Needless to say it was an expensive and frustrating process for him. My point is to go with someone that has a great reputation.

Like the mythical E39 540/6 Touring, there may be a few examples in the United States of the color you are looking for. I would thoroughly exhaust your domestic search before looking overseas.

Thanks for that input. I sure would hate to lose it after having it for a year. I've found 2, but haven't been able to track them down, just former owners of the cars.

[hammerfang]

Good luck on the import, care to let us in on what your trying to bring in from over-seas?