[number9]

I have a 330i (US Spec) and i'm planning on eventually changing my headlights and reflectors to the european clear style. It's going to end up costing quite a bit since i'm replacing my current parts..


Concerning future BMW purchases: I'm curious how much it would cost to order E90s from germany and import them to the US. Would i first have to modify them to meet US/california laws, or just ship them the way they are.

When ordering a new car, it's built and shipped overseas anyway, so why not order and import a genuine european car?

This is an uncommon or strange thing to do? I'm guessing by doing this i'll be saving cash and time by getting these European components built-in stock.

[330m]

That seems like a bad idea.

IF you order a car in Germany, you'll have to pay European / German prices, not low US prices. (remember I paid $65000 for my 330i)

The US spec cars will be specifically built as such. If you import one yourself it will always be classed as an 'import' which means crap residual value.

Also, it won't cost a lot to change your lights etc, far less than you would pay and lose importing your own car. You can always sell you original parts on ebay!

[powderhound]

I know one of the most important issues to research is the emissions. I asked this same questions while purchasing mine in Germany - with the intent to bring it back to the states in a couple years. The dealer told me, at a minimum it would be about $4,000 worth of modifications to change the emissions system, instument cluster and software for the OBC. In the end, I ordered a US Spec for use in Germany...

[MG_2006325i_KG]

If your complaining about the cost for making mod's now, you will be disgusted at the price of changing the specs on a car from EURO to US

[E90Fleet]

It wont conform to US DOT requirements

Not just the lights are different

So they wont allow it in

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

It wont conform to US DOT requirements

Not just the lights are different

So they wont allow it in

As e90fleet said, u won't make it through custom inspection since you have euro spec. Imported goods go thru heavy duty inspection. I don't think you can easly sneak your big car into the country (if it was something small, then you could get away with it).

[powderhound]

Decent write up on the subject -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_import

[stressdoc]

Forget it.

[KL2DC]

As other chime in there would be compliance and warranty issues. Also need to consider costs/paperwork/requirements in buying and self-importing. Nearly all euro-spec cars I see running around here in DC, are brought in through BMW Diplomatic sales arrangements (diplomatic status is required). Again NA cars come out cheaper so no cost savings whatsoever.

[zamboni]

You might spend $$$ to pass the California regulation requirement and why even bother at the first place. Just get an U.S E90 spec then sell your headlight and upgrade to Euro version.

[canucklion]

and your car will not be convered by BMW NA.

[kevE90]

If I were to pay and go through the trouble to import a car from another country it'd be a car that wasn't available here.

[shragon]

definitely not worth it. you'll have to go through the whole federalization process, which not only includes changing things to meet emissions, but they'll change your headlights and such back to us-spec and you wind up paying for it. basically in the end parts will be swapped out and other things modified so the car meets us-specs.

for older rare bmw's and other euro classics, it might be worth the hassle to go through the process, but for a new car, forget it.

[Ghunger]

Originally Posted by kevE90zsp

If I were to pay and go through the trouble to import a car from another country it'd be a car that wasn't available here.

Ya, if you're going through all the hassle, at least get something cool like an M3 CSL, Not just a standard 3 series with different colored headlights and a couple other minor differences.

[StevoSEA]

Originally Posted by zamboni

You might spend $$$ to pass the California regulation requirement and why even bother at the first place. Just get an U.S E90 spec then sell your headlight and upgrade to Euro version.

Also the "split" center console compartment and the 2-12v plugged adapters above the rear ashtray and the one in the left side of the trunk. Also the first-aid kit and the warning triangle and holder that also stores in the trunk.

[Asiann]

Originally Posted by canucklion

and your car will not be convered by BMW NA.

Are you saying that he could not get service?

[shadowcoder]

Originally Posted by Asiann

Are you saying that he could not get service?

I believe his warranty would only be for 1 year and that's it. After that
he would have to pay for service or anything else.

[MG_2006325i_KG]

Originally Posted by StevoSEA

Also the "split" center console compartment and the 2-12v plugged adapters above the rear ashtray and the one in the left side of the trunk. Also the first-aid kit and the warning triangle and holder that also stores in the trunk.

yeah the warning triangle and f/a kit get snacthed by customs regardless....I had to take mine out of the car last week b/4 I shipped b/c they would be "confiscated"

[nyyankee]

Originally Posted by Ghunger

Ya, if you're going through all the hassle, at least get something cool like an M3 CSL

[number9]

yeah.. i guess i'll just seperately purchase euro-parts for my car...

[Rata87]

BMWs in mexico are built like euro spec, clear lights, etc... so just come down here and order the parts and i think it would be cheaper than bring them from Germany.