Have You Ever Imported

[billB]

What it takes to convert a used German 2000-2003 BMW to meet our federal standard?How much for EPA/DOT etc

I found this URL listing 98-2000 5ers for 8k-11k NOT HERE IN GERMANY
http://www.mobile.de/SID9Um2wWFEg4APfhGhm....ContactForm.y=8
regards
billb

[billB]

This is one amazing reply for asking the seller "in English" the same question above:

He emailed me this [das auto ist verkauft,] good customers service!!!! used used

[superdeadman]

yo man, i went on the site that does free translation and when i put it in it translated the phrase into:
the car is sold

sorry dude

[billB]

Originally posted by superdeadman@Feb 21 2005, 09:01 PM
yo man, i went on the site that does free translation and when i put it in it translated the phrase into:
the car is sold

sorry dude

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I expected a thank you from them for visiting their web site or "please try again"..at least!!

[BeelZibub]

Remember Bill, a lot of the european BMW's aren't as highly spec'd as the one's you get in the states. Here in the UK they are often only the standard SE with maybe a couple of options thrown in - a lot of them don't even have Leather and I believe most americans wouldn't even think about buying a car unless it has 8 dead cows in it! Plus things like electric seats are often avoided as they are seen as "something else to go wrong". That's not to say that there aren't some nicely spec'd bmw's here but the lower spec one's (the one's at reasonable prices)probably out number the higher.

[billB]

I do agree with you I have seen them with role up windows and cloth seats/no AC. But the one on the link above said "leder" assuming it meant leather..may be the rest is just a very base car! who knows
regards
billb

[BeelZibub]

So what's the lowdown then Bill? Looking at importing and selling a few used euro bimmers?

It's a pity all of ours are bloody right hand drive otherwise I could help source a few for you and I'm sure at our prices you/we could make a few bob!

If that is what you're looking at doing, good luck.

[billB]

Not quite so. I posted the link with the hope of helping someone to get a cheaper car from Europe if and when it meets the US standards (not the 9 dead cows standard but the legal ones) while saving a couple of $$. What is missing-I hoped for an answer- is someone who knows the legal aspect of importing such cars. Non so far!!

Another thing is the diesel engines: one would think they don't have to be converted to meet our EPA standards; DOT? I am not so sure...Anyone?

[The Deuce]

My understanding of the process is that you have to put a large deposit with customs while they inspect the car and make sure it meets EPA and DOT certifications.

I have found something that might clear things up for you. There is a company that specializes in importing Nissan Skylines (yes the r32, r33 and r34 cars) and they have a FAQ on the process.

http://www.motorex.net/skyline.html#

I would think the procedure would be the same from Europe, with the only difference being someone to source the cars for you. Looks like you could even have Blz do it, since those Skylines are RHD.

[billB]

Originally posted by The Deuce@Feb 23 2005, 07:11 PM
My understanding of the process is that you have to put a large deposit with customs while they inspect the car and make sure it meets EPA and DOT certifications.

I have found something that might clear things up for you. There is a company that specializes in importing Nissan Skylines (yes the r32, r33 and r34 cars) and they have a FAQ on the process.

http://www.motorex.net/skyline.html#

I would think the procedure would be the same from Europe, with the only difference being someone to source the cars for you. Looks like you could even have Blz do it, since those Skylines are RHD.

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Great stuff and many thanks.