Buying an M3 in Europe and shipping it to the USA?

bmwexecutive · 02-20-2007, 08:10 AM

From what the reliable sources on this board seem to be saying, it looks like the E92 M3 will be available for sale in Europe in about four or five months and by Spring '08 it will be available in the US. Now my question is, can someone who's really diehard about getting an E92 M3 buy it in Europe and then ship it over to The States? How does that work? Anyone know? Besides getting the car about six months ahead of normal US delivery you'd get all of the added benefit of the features only the euro cars have also.

I'm curious as to what would hold someone back from doing this, other than maybe the cost to ship the car over to the US.

cncmastr · 02-20-2007, 08:13 AM

You can't get the features of the Euro car for the USA.

bmwexecutive · 02-20-2007, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cncmastr

You can't get the features of the Euro car for the USA.

Why not? If you ship the car from europe to the US, what's to stop you?

m_bazeepaymon · 02-20-2007, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwexecutive

Why not? If you ship the car from europe to the US, what's to stop you?

+1
unless they do a complete US conversion when it gets here

will it be really expensive because now I am thinking about it

KL2DC · 02-20-2007, 11:37 AM

Oh you mean grey imports? A lot of red tape to contend with, not to mention, you'll be buying the car at euro prices.

It'd be far easier if you have diplomatic status.

bmwexecutive · 02-20-2007, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Oh you mean grey imports? A lot of red tape to contend with, not to mention, you'll be buying the car at euro prices.

It'd be far easier if you have diplomatic status.

Are the euro prices any different than the US price after conversion?

NaViT · 02-20-2007, 12:28 PM

euro is alot more expensive than the dollar so its gunna be expensive... plus i think a car has to be payed for completely to travel it but im not tooo sure on that part

bmwexecutive · 02-20-2007, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaViT

euro is alot more expensive than the dollar so its gunna be expensive... plus i think a car has to be payed for completely to travel it but im not tooo sure on that part

Euro's might haver a higher exchange value than the US dollar but speaking in terms of numbers, the new M3 will be less in Euro's than in US dollars so technically it will be the same price, not more.

KL2DC · 02-20-2007, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwexecutive

Euro's might haver a higher exchange value than the US dollar but speaking in terms of numbers, the new M3 will be less in Euro's than in US dollars so technically it will be the same price, not more.

Don't count on it. To give you an understanding.

A completely stripped E90 335i bases for 34,285 EUR ex factory. Factor in about an extra 10,000 EUR just to bring it within US 335i basic spec (e.g. xenons, L7, leatherette etc etc). So thats just about 44,000 EUR. Adding 19% tax, would take you to 52,360 EUR. At the prevailing rate, that'll be USD 68,773. Factor in about an additional $5,000 for marine transport, insurance, brokerage fees etc. Then you have to worry with US DOT compliance, certification, custom duties etc etc and it quickly adds on. So you see, it might not be worth it...

bmwexecutive · 02-20-2007, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Don't count on it. To give you an understanding.

A completely stripped E90 335i bases for 34,285 EUR ex factory. Factor in about an extra 10,000 EUR just to bring it within US 335i basic spec (e.g. xenons, L7, leatherette etc etc). So thats just about 44,000 EUR. Adding 19% tax, would take you to 52,360 EUR. At the prevailing rate, that'll be USD 68,773. Factor in about an additional $5,000 for marine transport, insurance, brokerage fees etc. Then you have to worry with US DOT compliance, certification, custom duties etc etc and it quickly adds on. So you see, it might not be worth it...

Damn you. My big bubble of M3 euphoria just burst.

KL2DC · 02-20-2007, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwexecutive

Damn you. My big bubble of M3 euphoria just burst.

Although if said M3 was *ahem* Russian or Eastern European sourced...it might work out as you envisioned (or cheaper

)

bmwexecutive · 02-21-2007, 10:58 AM

I think someone should writeup a guide on how to do this and source your car from Europe.

m_bazeepaymon · 02-21-2007, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwexecutive

I think someone should writeup a guide on how to do this and source your car from Europe.

bmwexecutive · 02-21-2007, 04:08 PM

Here's a guide I found but it looks like it tells you how to import a car from Mainland Europe into the UK. Not from Mainland Europe into the USA.

http://www.topgear.com/content/buyersguides/08/1.html

bmwexecutive · 02-21-2007, 04:11 PM

Here are some more good links I've found:

http://www.bmwworld.com/bmw/importing.htm
http://www.foreignborn.com/visas_imm...ingyourcar.htm
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/...list010807.htm

ase2dais · 02-22-2007, 06:45 PM

Im still quite confused on the benefits of this venture, for the amount of work and hassle its not worth it to me to hold the title of being the first on the block.
having said that Im comfortable to take the last e92 M3

skierman64 · 03-05-2007, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwexecutive

From what the reliable sources on this board seem to be saying, it looks like the E92 M3 will be available for sale in Europe in about four or five months and by Spring '08 it will be available in the US. Now my question is, can someone who's really diehard about getting an E92 M3 buy it in Europe and then ship it over to The States? How does that work? Anyone know? Besides getting the car about six months ahead of normal US delivery you'd get all of the added benefit of the features only the euro cars have also.

I'm curious as to what would hold someone back from doing this, other than maybe the cost to ship the car over to the US.

Exec - Contact Stewart Simons at stewart.simons@pentagoncarsales.com to see if he can help you out. I talked to him in person at the Kaiserslautern, Germany dealership about a month ago. They are only supposed to sell to US Military but he may know of other programs where he can get a car to non-military individuals but it wasn't discussed since I'm military. The website for the program is www.pentagoncarsales.com. I did learn that that are expecting a base price of about $50K US dollars and they expect to get the first M3s in June or July in Germany. In addition to the price I was quoted, you will have to add 300 Euros for an Export License plate and $1100 shipping to the USA. Plus it would have to be picked up at the port where it's possible (but not certain) you might have to pay 2.5% in import duty.

Email me if you have questions. smithmp@yahoo.com

Skierman

audisp0rta4 · 03-17-2007, 05:30 PM

The idea sounds great, but its a complete waste of time. Even if you do get the car through customs, by the time you clear all the red tape and get the car in compliance, the US spec M3 will be available and for less than you'll have invested in your grey market M3. It may be easier to invent a time machine, go back in time 5 years, join the military, get stationed in Germany, do your 4 years service, buy the new M3 when it comes out, then get it shipped back to the US through the military. If they even let you do that anymore!

audisp0rta4 · 03-17-2007, 05:33 PM

I guess I didn't pay attention to skierman64's quote about the military shipping! durr..... He would know better than I but, if you do the military route, I dont think you can ever sell the car or get rid of it without it being crushed. Either way, its easier just to wait for the US spec. M3 to come out!

mosport70 · 03-22-2007, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skierman64

Exec - Contact Stewart Simons at stewart.simons@pentagoncarsales.com to see if he can help you out. I talked to him in person at the Kaiserslautern, Germany dealership about a month ago. They are only supposed to sell to US Military but he may know of other programs where he can get a car to non-military individuals but it wasn't discussed since I'm military. The website for the program is www.pentagoncarsales.com. I did learn that that are expecting a base price of about $50K US dollars and they expect to get the first M3s in June or July in Germany. In addition to the price I was quoted, you will have to add 300 Euros for an Export License plate and $1100 shipping to the USA. Plus it would have to be picked up at the port where it's possible (but not certain) you might have to pay 2.5% in import duty.

Email me if you have questions. smithmp@yahoo.com

Skierman

As I understand, DoD civilians and contractors on TDY orders are eligible for the military sales. I wonder if you might be able to arrange a purchase through a DoD civilian or contractor "friend" that might be on orders in Italy or Germany in the near future. Just have them take delivery and then buy it from them once the car is in the USA.

skierman64 · 03-31-2007, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audisp0rta4

The idea sounds great, but its a complete waste of time. Even if you do get the car through customs, by the time you clear all the red tape and get the car in compliance, the US spec M3 will be available and for less than you'll have invested in your grey market M3. It may be easier to invent a time machine, go back in time 5 years, join the military, get stationed in Germany, do your 4 years service, buy the new M3 when it comes out, then get it shipped back to the US through the military. If they even let you do that anymore!

The deal I was talking about is for a US Spec car, not a Euro spec car. No conversions required.

Mosport, I have heard of that happening; that is having a US military friend in Europe buy and ship a car for someone else and then getting reimbursed.

kyotousa · 04-04-2007, 07:42 PM

Don't they have those German import pomotion that you can go over to Germany and buy it and have a track day also?

02-20-2007, 08:10 AM	#1
bmwexecutive Banned 240 Rep 2,453 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Coast iTrader: (4)	Buying an M3 in Europe and shipping it to the USA? From what the reliable sources on this board seem to be saying, it looks like the E92 M3 will be available for sale in Europe in about four or five months and by Spring '08 it will be available in the US. Now my question is, can someone who's really diehard about getting an E92 M3 buy it in Europe and then ship it over to The States? How does that work? Anyone know? Besides getting the car about six months ahead of normal US delivery you'd get all of the added benefit of the features only the euro cars have also. I'm curious as to what would hold someone back from doing this, other than maybe the cost to ship the car over to the US.
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02-20-2007, 08:13 AM	#2
cncmastr Colonel 1579 Rep 2,406 Posts Drives: E30 M3 Cecotto, F85, G05, G07, Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Outside Atlanta iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 X5 M [0.00] 2020 M2 CS [0.00] 2005 BMW X5 4.8is [0.00] 2006 BMW M3 [0.00]	You can't get the features of the Euro car for the USA. __________________
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02-20-2007, 11:37 AM	#5
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	Oh you mean grey imports? A lot of red tape to contend with, not to mention, you'll be buying the car at euro prices. It'd be far easier if you have diplomatic status. __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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02-20-2007, 12:28 PM	#7
NaViT Banned 69 Rep 3,404 Posts Drives: 04 M3/E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: N.Florida iTrader: (11)	euro is alot more expensive than the dollar so its gunna be expensive... plus i think a car has to be payed for completely to travel it but im not tooo sure on that part
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02-21-2007, 10:58 AM	#12
bmwexecutive Banned 240 Rep 2,453 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Coast iTrader: (4)	I think someone should writeup a guide on how to do this and source your car from Europe.
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02-21-2007, 04:08 PM	#14
bmwexecutive Banned 240 Rep 2,453 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Coast iTrader: (4)	Here's a guide I found but it looks like it tells you how to import a car from Mainland Europe into the UK. Not from Mainland Europe into the USA. http://www.topgear.com/content/buyersguides/08/1.html
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02-21-2007, 04:11 PM	#15
bmwexecutive Banned 240 Rep 2,453 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Coast iTrader: (4)	Here are some more good links I've found: http://www.bmwworld.com/bmw/importing.htm http://www.foreignborn.com/visas_imm...ingyourcar.htm http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/...list010807.htm
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02-22-2007, 06:45 PM	#16
ase2dais //Mdicted 347 Rep 9,988 Posts Drives: a Cop Magnet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 495 Ring iTrader: (18) Garage List 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [10.00] 2015 S-Works Roubaix [0.00] 2013 Trek Madone 5.9 [9.50] 2012 Scott - CR1-Pro [10.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [10.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [7.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [7.00] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [9.50]	Im still quite confused on the benefits of this venture, for the amount of work and hassle its not worth it to me to hold the title of being the first on the block. having said that Im comfortable to take the last e92 M3 __________________ Oo\(lll)'(lll)/oO : 2009-e92 ///M3 SpaceGry DCT CF Rf/Trim ZTP ZPP ZCW Sat/PrmSd : \_lOOl___lOOl_/<< Clickies
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03-17-2007, 05:30 PM	#18
audisp0rta4 .... 0 Rep 45 Posts Drives: 05 Mazda Rx8 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Stockton, CA iTrader: (0)	The idea sounds great, but its a complete waste of time. Even if you do get the car through customs, by the time you clear all the red tape and get the car in compliance, the US spec M3 will be available and for less than you'll have invested in your grey market M3. It may be easier to invent a time machine, go back in time 5 years, join the military, get stationed in Germany, do your 4 years service, buy the new M3 when it comes out, then get it shipped back to the US through the military. If they even let you do that anymore! __________________ soon: 07 335i 05 Mazda RX8 (F/S) 05 Harley Davidson F250 (gf's ride!) 89 Nissan 240sx (sr20det) -sold 03 Ninja ZX6R 636
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03-17-2007, 05:33 PM	#19
audisp0rta4 .... 0 Rep 45 Posts Drives: 05 Mazda Rx8 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Stockton, CA iTrader: (0)	I guess I didn't pay attention to skierman64's quote about the military shipping! durr..... He would know better than I but, if you do the military route, I dont think you can ever sell the car or get rid of it without it being crushed. Either way, its easier just to wait for the US spec. M3 to come out! __________________ soon: 07 335i 05 Mazda RX8 (F/S) 05 Harley Davidson F250 (gf's ride!) 89 Nissan 240sx (sr20det) -sold 03 Ninja ZX6R 636
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04-04-2007, 07:42 PM	#22
kyotousa Banned 4 Rep 168 Posts Drives: Acura TSX Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: TX iTrader: (0)	Don't they have those German import pomotion that you can go over to Germany and buy it and have a track day also?
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