Anyone planning to import a car from the US?

NeTWorKz · 08-03-2009, 08:34 PM

Just curious as our dollar went up to $0.93 today! It has a good chance of going up higher, which makes purchasing cars in the US a better deal then opposed to here

Anyone planning to purchase a car soon; if the dollar continues to go up towards $0.97 or even 1:1?

samchoi604 · 08-04-2009, 12:20 AM

Yes, buying from the US is very well worth it. A very well equipped 2008 335i coupe costs about $33k over there.

Assuming that the exchange rate is $1 USD = $1.06 CAD, and factoring in the USA sales tax (8.9%), the 6.1% duty, our Canadian sales tax (12%), and all import fees, I calculated that you can still save at least $5000 compared to the same car sold here in Canada.

You can save even more if you buy from a State which doesn't charge auto sales tax. Furthermore, our government has made importing cars from the US much easier. I will be buying a used e92 M3 from the USA in the near future, and the price will be equivalent to a used 335i over here.

juss20 · 08-04-2009, 12:25 AM

hey NeTWorKz,
i imported my e90 in march this year, if you need help, let me know.

kevinrocker · 08-04-2009, 10:37 AM

Hi Everyone,

With our strong dollar I'm considering purchasing a 335i from the states. I have searched quite a bit for information on the required forms and fees, such as obtaining the Letter of Admissibility, and the recall clearance letter.

I found some info but it seemed out of date and I was wondering if anyone has current information on what exactly needs to be done to import a BMW from the States.

Can you get all the necessary forms and modifications done by the BMW dealership that you are purchasing the car from in the States, or do you need to pay BMW Canada for the documents and have any mods done at a Canadian dealership?

Any current info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Kevin

FMJ · 08-04-2009, 10:47 AM

BMW canada warranty doesn't cover US imported BMW right?

samchoi604 · 08-04-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FMJ

BMW canada warranty doesn't cover US imported BMW right?

it does cover. You can get the warranty done at any canadian BMW dealer. Note that US cars even include free-maintenance (i.e. brake changes absolutely free), which canadian BMW's dont have, but you need to go back to the US BMW dealer to get this maintenance done.

SpmnE9zero · 08-04-2009, 10:58 AM

It's so funny, it seems as though everyone here in the states is trying to import from Japan and everyone outside of the states is trying to import from here.
I was looking into an import from Japan on a Skyline and these days it is so difficult to do.

samchoi604 · 08-04-2009, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinrocker

Can you get all the necessary forms and modifications done by the BMW dealership that you are purchasing the car from in the States, or do you need to pay BMW Canada for the documents and have any mods done at a Canadian dealership?

Hi Kevin, the only document you need from them is the recall clearance letter stating that all recalls are already done, and if I remember correctly you don't need to pay for this letter (they used to charge you for it, but I think they no longer do). Just call BMW and they can provide it to you.

As for modifications, the only one you need is daytime running light which I'm not sure of the US BMW dealer will do or not. Most people do it when they bring it back to Canada.

Rome · 08-04-2009, 11:47 AM

hmm im thinking about it, can anyone tell me step by step what i got to do so i can bring it over to canada it seems to be worth it!

Kalize · 08-04-2009, 12:37 PM

can anyone confirm about the recall letter...do they charge for the letter or no? and where can it be obtained?
what about the cluster? does it have to be changed??

cheers

samchoi604 · 08-04-2009, 02:05 PM

You can google to see about the $500 recall clearance letter no longer being charged. You can just get it from a BMW dealer in the US.

MaxL · 08-04-2009, 03:26 PM

I imported mine 3 months ago without as much as a hickup, so my info should be current.

1. Recall clearance letter is essentially a service history print out that a dealer can do in 5 minutes. It should not cost you anything. Also, you get an email with confirmation that the doc is accepted and if not you just re-send it or something else, so there is no reason to be too much afraid that the letter is not current or wrong format.

2. For 3-series no modifications are necessary whatsoever. DRL are a setting in the computer on US models and inspection accepts that as sufficient. So just go into settings and enable DRLs before the inspection, and then demonstrate that the lights stay on after you shut off and then re-start the car.

3. Make sure you know exactly how much you need to pay to federal and provincial authorities. You can get it all from the Web or by calling the related agencies. Clerks are often not knowledgeable and tend to overcharge (and they treat you like a tax evader when you try to explain they are wrong!) In my case Ontario tried to charge PST on the value of a brand new car, although I owned it in the US for two years. In the end it turned out I did not have to pay them ANYTHING because I was permanently moving to Canada, but it took a conversation with a manager at Revenue Ontario to get it sorted out.

Everything else is as simple as it gets - follow the instructions on the government web sites. The biggest catch is to have everything you need to have before crossing the border in perfect order (insurance etc) - otherwise you may waste a lot of time and possibly money, as they cannot let you cross the border without these docs.

NeTWorKz · 08-05-2009, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juss20

hey NeTWorKz,
i imported my e90 in march this year, if you need help, let me know.

Thanks!

We'll see what kind of deal I can find when the dollar gets around 97cents(hopefully higher)

BavFan_08 · 08-08-2009, 11:49 AM

Do not forget to check out:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/safev...s/list/BMW.htm

I am not trying to contradict anyone, but that site says a recall clearance letter and modifications has to be done by a BMW Canada Dealership?

MaxL · 08-08-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw_newbie

Do not forget to check out:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/safev...s/list/BMW.htm

I am not trying to contradict anyone, but that site says a recall clearance letter and modifications has to be done by a BMW Canada Dealership?

Yeah - I got my recall clearance letter from the dealership (no charge) and there were no modifications necessary. I imported 2007.2 E90 3 months ago. There may be modifications necessary for older models, I guess...

BavFan_08 · 08-09-2009, 12:32 PM

Congrats!!!! I'm glad you weren't charged!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxL

Yeah - I got my recall clearance letter from the dealership (no charge) and there were no modifications necessary. I imported 2007.2 E90 3 months ago. There may be modifications necessary for older models, I guess...

torontoe92 · 08-09-2009, 01:57 PM

With my lease coming up relatively soon I was sort of considering this as an option. However, I assume that for US purchases your only option is a cash purchase and that dealer financing is not an option, since you live outside the US. Is this correct?

BavFan_08 · 08-09-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxL

Yeah - I got my recall clearance letter from the dealership (no charge) and there were no modifications necessary. I imported 2007.2 E90 3 months ago. There may be modifications necessary for older models, I guess...

sorry - just one more question - did your re-call clearance letter come from a US or Canadian dealer?

thanks!

mainolfig05 · 08-09-2009, 04:38 PM

Guys,

I live in Erie, PA. I'm selling my BMW 328i coupe because I'm relocating. It has 14,500 miles on it, condition as new. Here're the details below. Anyone interested from Canada or in the USA?

BMW 3 Series Coupe 328i - 2008 model
Price: USD 33,995 (negotiable)

Color: Space Gray

Interior: Saddle Brown Leather + Gray Poplar Wood Trim

Condition: excellent, immaculate as new. 2 additional year of free BMW ultimate service included
Mileage: 14,500 miles

Features: Xenon adaptive headlights with auto leveling, 17" alloy wheels with all-season tyres, sport suspension calibration, dual zone auto climate control, moonroof, ABS/DSC/DTC, headlights washers, CD/MP3 BMW radio with 8 speakers and 2 subwoofers, tire pressure monitor, on-board computer, anti-theft GPS device/immobilizer

Additional Features Installed: 6-speed Steptronic transmission with auto gearbox, leather interior, bluetooth, BMW Assist, metallic paint

Contact: Gianluca, Tel (814) 431-5448, e-mail: gianluca_mainolfi@yahoo.com
Location: Erie, PA (USA)

Link to photos:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

NeTWorKz · 08-09-2009, 06:37 PM

No sports package, no paddles, no CWP/Heated Seats, no want

335ifanatic · 08-09-2009, 09:37 PM

Not a BMW but I'm thinking about getting a 2007 maybe a 2008 Escalade from the US.

alanchan · 08-10-2009, 01:44 PM

hey guys, I shop @ Portland, OR many times but I never thought about buying a car from OR.
They don't charge taxes.
does it make sense if you import your car from OR and save money on taxes?
its only 6 hours drive back home to Vancouver.

08-03-2009, 08:34 PM	#1
NeTWorKz First Lieutenant 16 Rep 313 Posts Drives: any Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Anyone planning to import a car from the US? Just curious as our dollar went up to $0.93 today! It has a good chance of going up higher, which makes purchasing cars in the US a better deal then opposed to here Anyone planning to purchase a car soon; if the dollar continues to go up towards $0.97 or even 1:1?
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08-04-2009, 12:20 AM	#2
samchoi604 Colonel 61 Rep 2,334 Posts Drives: black on black Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Burnaby, BC iTrader: (3)	Yes, buying from the US is very well worth it. A very well equipped 2008 335i coupe costs about $33k over there. Assuming that the exchange rate is $1 USD = $1.06 CAD, and factoring in the USA sales tax (8.9%), the 6.1% duty, our Canadian sales tax (12%), and all import fees, I calculated that you can still save at least $5000 compared to the same car sold here in Canada. You can save even more if you buy from a State which doesn't charge auto sales tax. Furthermore, our government has made importing cars from the US much easier. I will be buying a used e92 M3 from the USA in the near future, and the price will be equivalent to a used 335i over here.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-04-2009, 12:25 AM	#3
juss20 Point Forward 11 Rep 93 Posts Drives: BMW F15 X5 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (1)	hey NeTWorKz, i imported my e90 in march this year, if you need help, let me know. __________________ BMW Montego Blue 328i '07 \| Sport \| Premium // Front Splitters - Black Grills - Keyhole Cover
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08-04-2009, 10:37 AM	#4
kevinrocker Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: N/A Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Hi Everyone, With our strong dollar I'm considering purchasing a 335i from the states. I have searched quite a bit for information on the required forms and fees, such as obtaining the Letter of Admissibility, and the recall clearance letter. I found some info but it seemed out of date and I was wondering if anyone has current information on what exactly needs to be done to import a BMW from the States. Can you get all the necessary forms and modifications done by the BMW dealership that you are purchasing the car from in the States, or do you need to pay BMW Canada for the documents and have any mods done at a Canadian dealership? Any current info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Kevin
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08-04-2009, 10:47 AM	#5
FMJ Private 2 Rep 88 Posts Drives: something slow Join Date: May 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	BMW canada warranty doesn't cover US imported BMW right?
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08-04-2009, 10:58 AM	#7
SpmnE9zero DENY THE WORLD THAT SURROUNDS YOU 505 Rep 35,580 Posts Drives: JB 33ZERO Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: City of Champions iTrader: (14) Garage List 2006 330xi [0.00]	It's so funny, it seems as though everyone here in the states is trying to import from Japan and everyone outside of the states is trying to import from here. I was looking into an import from Japan on a Skyline and these days it is so difficult to do. __________________ Eurocharged V5 \| ROW's / CC Delete \| K&N's \| H&R Springs \| Single Fin G.B. Grill \| Mode Carbon Diffuser \| JBSpeed CF Spoiler \| Arkym Style CF Splitter \| CF Mirror Caps \| 5% Tints \| 12mm Spacers \|
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08-04-2009, 11:47 AM	#9
Rome :)))))) 26 Rep 577 Posts Drives: reckless Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	hmm im thinking about it, can anyone tell me step by step what i got to do so i can bring it over to canada it seems to be worth it!
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08-04-2009, 12:37 PM	#10
Kalize Enlisted Member 1 Rep 44 Posts Drives: E46 M3/E90 330i/E82 128i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: 604 iTrader: (0)	can anyone confirm about the recall letter...do they charge for the letter or no? and where can it be obtained? what about the cluster? does it have to be changed?? cheers __________________ 2009 BMW 128i Sport CPE (E82) \| Sedona Red \| BLK Leatherette \| Steptronic \| DD 2006 BMW 330i Sport SDN (E90) \| Spark Graph \| DKTA Leather \| Steptronic \| SOLD 2004 BMW ///M3 CPE (E46) \| Jet Black \| SMG \| 19" OEM ZCP Wheels \| V-CSL Conversion \| EUROFORUMS.CA
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08-04-2009, 02:05 PM	#11
samchoi604 Colonel 61 Rep 2,334 Posts Drives: black on black Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Burnaby, BC iTrader: (3)	You can google to see about the $500 recall clearance letter no longer being charged. You can just get it from a BMW dealer in the US.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-04-2009, 03:26 PM	#12
MaxL Captain 69 Rep 957 Posts Drives: E90 M3, Cayenne T, 991 GT3 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	I imported mine 3 months ago without as much as a hickup, so my info should be current. 1. Recall clearance letter is essentially a service history print out that a dealer can do in 5 minutes. It should not cost you anything. Also, you get an email with confirmation that the doc is accepted and if not you just re-send it or something else, so there is no reason to be too much afraid that the letter is not current or wrong format. 2. For 3-series no modifications are necessary whatsoever. DRL are a setting in the computer on US models and inspection accepts that as sufficient. So just go into settings and enable DRLs before the inspection, and then demonstrate that the lights stay on after you shut off and then re-start the car. 3. Make sure you know exactly how much you need to pay to federal and provincial authorities. You can get it all from the Web or by calling the related agencies. Clerks are often not knowledgeable and tend to overcharge (and they treat you like a tax evader when you try to explain they are wrong!) In my case Ontario tried to charge PST on the value of a brand new car, although I owned it in the US for two years. In the end it turned out I did not have to pay them ANYTHING because I was permanently moving to Canada, but it took a conversation with a manager at Revenue Ontario to get it sorted out. Everything else is as simple as it gets - follow the instructions on the government web sites. The biggest catch is to have everything you need to have before crossing the border in perfect order (insurance etc) - otherwise you may waste a lot of time and possibly money, as they cannot let you cross the border without these docs.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-08-2009, 11:49 AM	#14
BavFan_08 Dreamer 34 Rep 837 Posts Drives: '12 E88 6MT \| Ret '08 E90 335i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: T.O. Canada iTrader: (2)	Do not forget to check out: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/safev...s/list/BMW.htm I am not trying to contradict anyone, but that site says a recall clearance letter and modifications has to be done by a BMW Canada Dealership?
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08-09-2009, 01:57 PM	#17
torontoe92 New Member 2 Rep 24 Posts Drives: Monaco Blue E92 (328i) Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto ON iTrader: (1)	With my lease coming up relatively soon I was sort of considering this as an option. However, I assume that for US purchases your only option is a cash purchase and that dealer financing is not an option, since you live outside the US. Is this correct?
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08-09-2009, 04:38 PM	#19
mainolfig05 Registered 1 Rep 3 Posts Drives: Audi S5 Sportback Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Zurich iTrader: (0)	BMW 328i on sale (Erie, PA) Guys, I live in Erie, PA. I'm selling my BMW 328i coupe because I'm relocating. It has 14,500 miles on it, condition as new. Here're the details below. Anyone interested from Canada or in the USA? BMW 3 Series Coupe 328i - 2008 model Price: USD 33,995 (negotiable) Color: Space Gray Interior: Saddle Brown Leather + Gray Poplar Wood Trim Condition: excellent, immaculate as new. 2 additional year of free BMW ultimate service included Mileage: 14,500 miles Features: Xenon adaptive headlights with auto leveling, 17" alloy wheels with all-season tyres, sport suspension calibration, dual zone auto climate control, moonroof, ABS/DSC/DTC, headlights washers, CD/MP3 BMW radio with 8 speakers and 2 subwoofers, tire pressure monitor, on-board computer, anti-theft GPS device/immobilizer Additional Features Installed: 6-speed Steptronic transmission with auto gearbox, leather interior, bluetooth, BMW Assist, metallic paint Contact: Gianluca, Tel (814) 431-5448, e-mail: gianluca_mainolfi@yahoo.com Location: Erie, PA (USA) Link to photos: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false Attached Images
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08-09-2009, 06:37 PM	#20
NeTWorKz First Lieutenant 16 Rep 313 Posts Drives: any Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	No sports package, no paddles, no CWP/Heated Seats, no want
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08-09-2009, 09:37 PM	#21
335ifanatic Major 51 Rep 1,090 Posts Drives: Revuelto, Urus Performante, X5 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	Not a BMW but I'm thinking about getting a 2007 maybe a 2008 Escalade from the US.
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08-10-2009, 01:44 PM	#22
alanchan Major 72 Rep 1,402 Posts Drives: 2006 323i Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada iTrader: (21)	hey guys, I shop @ Portland, OR many times but I never thought about buying a car from OR. They don't charge taxes. does it make sense if you import your car from OR and save money on taxes? its only 6 hours drive back home to Vancouver. __________________ 323i, Arctic metallic , Cream beige leatherette interior , Titanium matt trim , Premium , Auto , 18" style 189 sport wheels , 335i bumper + kidney grills, CF pillars, Chrome window trim package , LCI halogen.
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