How to import a BMW from Europe to US?

[porsche911girl]

Hey all,

it's me again, with another question, hehe.

Anyway, when I saw BMW's 120i 4-door hatchback on the back of my favorite music magazine (Q)last summer, I have decided that I want one. I was elated when I heard that BMW was finally bringing their 1 series to the US, only to sink into disappointment when I discovered the hatchback was not included in the offerings.

So, I have decided that I want to buy one from Europe (preferrably a left-hand-drive one, with an auto trans) and import it to the US.

However, I have no idea how this is done, how much money it would cost, and then the whole Europe vs US emissions, safety, etc standards are different.

But I've seen a few on ebay, in fact, one, for $20k with an auto trans (it's a 118i) but it's in the UK and is RHD (Right-hand drive).

Has anyone ever done this with a car before, and how much red tape is involved?

Thanks in advance!

[Paul K]

I can't help, but Google is your friend...

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

http://www.importexporthelp.com/importing-cars.htm

Cheers,

Paul.

[ckissick]

I had my '89 Tristar, which is a Vanagon pick-up truck, shipped from Sweden via Germany. The car cost $11,000 initially, and shipping, mechanical, and importer fees ran the total up to $25K. It took 10 months from initial payment to delivery. There's a lesser version of one for sale in the Bay Area for $45K, so I still got a good deal.

Anyway, It was fairly straightforward for mine to get legal, even in CA, because it's simply a Vanagon underneath. I don't know about the BMW. You need to locate a Registered Importer in NC or a neighboring state, and import it through them. You can use one anywhere, but I think it would be easiest if they were in your state. A Registered Importer will know the ins and outs of the particular model you want. The Federal EPA may or may not have to get involved. They didn't for mine, only because it's a 4X4. Long story.

Good luck, and if you really want it, like I did mine, the wait and money will be worth it.

[Rick Lee]

Euro. Delivery works too.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=250644

[SLO-BOB]

BMW is releasing the 1 series shortly. I don't believe the hatch is going to be among those available. You can get anything you want, but there's always a price attached. I suspect to get a new BMW that isn't currently offered in the US will set you back a whole lot of $$ and a whole lot of headaches. My guess - $50k plus to have that car once all said and done. Considering it's BMWs entry level car - it's not worth it. Also, if it's right hand drive, you are talking likely about a car from the UK. Right now the exchange rate is really bad.

Better to consider the new Tii that they are going to release in limited numbers for about that money - maybe less. It will be a rocket!

Or....if you want a cute little BMW - just buy a Mini.

[Tobra]

automatic, what were you thinkin'

[Cornpanzer]

I work with Germans. They are doing the opposite - buying the cars here and shipping back to Germany. The cost of that car in Germany is much more than in the US. Then add 47% for currency conversion.

You gotta love it pretty bad assuming that you could even federalize it in the first place.

[porsche911girl]

Thanks for the input guys! I'm going to be in Munich for a few days in May of 08, and I'm looking forward to going to the BMW museum, etc.

[Aerkuld]

Do they make them in aubergine?

[porsche911girl]

Originally Posted by Aerkuld

Do they make them in aubergine?

LOL! I wish!

Actually I really like the white ones best:

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by porsche911girl

There's a reason why they're not selling those over here.

j/k I actually kinda dig the styling of the 1-series coupe. With the twin-turbo motor, mmmmmm........

[Joeaksa]

One thing to remember while buying a car that is not sold here. You may not be able to get insurance for it.

Insurance companies are very fickle about cars like this and they do look at the possibility of getting replacement body parts shoudl the car be in an accident. You might check into this before laying down your cash...

[porsche911girl]

Originally Posted by Noah930

There's a reason why they're not selling those over here.

j/k I actually kinda dig the styling of the 1-series coupe. With the twin-turbo motor, mmmmmm........

Does anyone know why they're not selling them over here? Just curious...

As far as styling goes, I haven't liked anything BMW has put out in the last 3 years...other than the new X5. That's a sweet car. And the 3 series is starting to grow on me...

But I can't stand the styling of the two 1ers they're bringing over here. What a damn shame...

[75'930cab]

It kinda reminds me of the Z3 Coupe/Z4 Coupe which weren't/aren't great sellers here in the good ole US of A! I did like the Z3 M Coupe however...

[the]

BMW's "European Delivery" program is for taking delivery in Europe of a U.S. specifications BMW only. I.e., a US legal one.

BMW will not help you to bring in a non-US certified BMW into the US.

It probably can be done, but my guess is it would be a major hassle and major $$$.

[red-beard]

I drove one of these over the summer in Spain. It was the 118d, 6 speed, 5 door hatchback. Peppy little guy for a 1.8 diesel and would run all day on a tank. I talked to BMW about the car and they said that they were not importing the Hatchback or the diesels. I think the smallest engine they are even considering is the 2.5. I am very dissapointed. It is a great car.

And don't get the Auto, get the 6 speed!

[porsche911girl]

Originally Posted by 75'930cab

It kinda reminds me of the Z3 Coupe/Z4 Coupe which weren't/aren't great sellers here in the good ole US of A! I did like the Z3 M Coupe however...

I liked the Z3 M coupe too, saw one awhile back, thought it looked much better than the cabs...

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by porsche911girl

Does anyone know why they're not selling them over here? Just curious...

Well, the marketing stereotype is that hatches don't sell in America. You may be head over heels in love with the 1-series hatch, but the beancounters who crunch the numbers say there aren't enough of people like you to make it worth the manufacturers' whiles to import hatchbacks into America. The last one BMW tried bringing here to the States was the 318ti back in the early-/mid-90s. IIRC, that wasn't too hot of a seller. So BMW may be hesitant to try another one in our market.

[the]

That's not a marketing stereotype, that's the demonstrated truth.

Hatchback's don't sell in the U.S. People in the U.S. view a hatchback as a lower end car. You can sell hatchbacks in some unique situations (like the Mini), but a car carrying a "higher end" name plate (BMW, Mercedes, Jag, etc.) is never going to sell in the US as a lower end hatchback.

BMW found out with the 318Ti, and Mercedes found out the hard way with the recently deceased C230 Hatchback. Mercedes even tried to call their Hatchback a "Coupe," but the name didn't fool anyone.

[porsche911girl]

Bump. Still want to make this a reality!

What if I moved to Germany, lived there for awhile, then moved back to the US and took the car with me? Would it work then? Or if I flew over to Germany and bought it there?