130i e81. Bring it to USA?

[RotaryVamp]

Hello guys! I’ll get right to the point: I am the proud owner of a 2009 130i e81 (located in Spain). I am moving to the USA in a couple of months, and I have the opportunity of bringing the car with me (no import taxes/transportation or any extra costs). The thing is that if I do so, I won’t be able to sell it while I live there (3 years or so).

This model wasn’t sold in the US, so I’m worried that any problem with the car, and especially any unwanted hit in the rear will cost a fortune to fix (in money and time). I love this little car, it’s a great mix of usability and fun with 5 seats and a decent trunk, a lively engine, a well planted platform, nice interior and a cockpit without touchscreens!

Anyway, I need recommendations from the guys living there. My preferences are: I love MT and a lively chassis, I prefer something nimble rather than raw power, and it’s going to be used as a second car, so I don’t want to break the bank with it. It’s going to be used as a daily driver to commute, while my better half keeps the bigger/newer/more reliable car.

Is it sensible to take it with me? Should I move on and find a modern alternate? Should I buy a used 135i there and get rid of one of my kids?

Thank you in advance for the ingenuity I’m about to witness…

[iamroddy]

I would bring the car! It's too bad you couldn't sell it when you leave...people would be lined up to buy a 130 hatch.
Failing that, a 128i could be purchased when you get here. Looking at your criteria, a used Scion FR-S/Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ would also fit the bill. Those cars are very nimble, and a hoot to drive.

[10"]

Are you a diplomat?? You have to wait 25 years to register a non-federalized car to drive it here in the USA—unless you are a diplomat for another country. If not then not possible.

It’s easy to raise kids in a small coupe—I’ve raised my 7yo ONLY using a 1M. Just buy a nice 128 here..

If you are a diplomat then FOR SURE bring it!!! That’s a great car I’d love to have a 1er hatchback one day!

[NorthernDancer]

In 1 year [or 3] you'll very easily be able to sell it in Canada. We can import almost any car once it hits 15 years old.
In 2020, 2021 and ½ of 2023 I was looking almost every day for a 130 in Germany but just could not find one at a decent price. Had to give up and eventually bought a 2006 330xiT 6MT at a good price and 125K kms. It's in my garage now. Immediately after clearing Customs, drove it 1200 kms home here.Two weeks later, took car to my independant BMW garage and it passed safety inspection with flying colours.
So, bring the car, enjoy it for 3 years, then sell it in Canada.
Tell us where you're coming to and we can recommend 2 or 3 very good BMW independant garages in your area.
Once here, consider joining BMW Car Club of America {BMWCCA}

[moebiuz]

Pics? I also have a 130i but e87

[RotaryVamp]

Originally Posted by NorthernDancer

In 1 year [or 3] you'll very easily be able to sell it in Canada. We can import almost any car once it hits 15 years old.
In 2020, 2021 and ½ of 2023 I was looking almost every day for a 130 in Germany but just could not find one at a decent price. Had to give up and eventually bought a 2006 330xiT 6MT at a good price and 125K kms. It's in my garage now. Immediately after clearing Customs, drove it 1200 kms home here.Two weeks later, took car to my independant BMW garage and it passed safety inspection with flying colours.
So, bring the car, enjoy it for 3 years, then sell it in Canada.
Tell us where you're coming to and we can recommend 2 or 3 very good BMW independant garages in your area.
Once here, consider joining BMW Car Club of America {BMWCCA}

That's good to know, it really opens up my options! I'll be in the Hampton Roads area, knowing garages that can take care of the car would be awesome.

It looks like the general consensus (3 so far lol!) is to take it with me...

[Almuliman]

+1 to bringing it. N52 engine (Wikipedia tells me) and presumably largely mechanically identical to the North American models, so it seems to me the only real issue would be bodywork, should you be so unfortunate, and maybe federalizing to miles from kilometers.

You'd have a very highly desirable rare-in-North-America car free and clear in the US.

[NorthernDancer]

Originally Posted by RotaryVamp

That's good to know, it really opens up my options! I'll be in the Hampton Roads area, knowing garages that can take care of the car would be awesome.

It looks like the general consensus (3 so far lol!) is to take it with me...

By joining BMWCCA, "your" chapter becomes Tide water I think [link attached] and their Headquarters is right close to your location. They will surely be able to tell you where the best BMW indy garages are.
https://www.twbmwcca.org/

[Luxury]

I think that as long as you can legally bring it, you should. It is very unique and you have a connection with it. With that in mind, you should come to terms with the chance you might have to buy a used part from overseas and pay a lot to ship it! Bumper and cover, trims ect. And whatever work is required to legally title and ship it.
That's going to be work and for some not worth it. But definitely cool to see rolling in the USA.

[tracer bullet]

If you are 1) Certain that you are allowed to have the car here, 2) Certain that it will be shipped over for free, and 3) You really like the car and want to keep it - then sure, why not? It seems the only risk is what happens if it needs repair. I think everything that can go wrong would have a spare part in the country that you could use, with the exception of body parts. Not to jinx you, but what's the actual chance of needing a rear bumper in the next 3 years? Very small.

But if it's a lot of work and headache or money to ship it, then I wouldn't bother. Keep it there in storage for your return, or sell it and buy another car when you get back.

[RotaryVamp]

Thanks guys! Hopefully in a few months you’ll see it there…

[10"]

Originally Posted by RotaryVamp

Thanks guys! Hopefully in a few months you’ll see it there…

how are you able to bring it are you a diplomat? If not then you can bring it but you can’t drive it…

[RotaryVamp]

Originally Posted by 10"

how are you able to bring it are you a diplomat? If not then you can bring it but you can’t drive it…

Yes, I will go there with a dip visa, that’s why I should be able to drive it, as far as I know.

[Almuliman]

Color me envious. I'm in Europe right now, and it's teeming with E81s.

[RotaryVamp]

It's been a while, but the car is finally titled and registered in the USA. I got the plates yesterday, here's a picture of the first (very mundane shopping) trip.

[fotontom]

Awesome! Welcome, I’m sure you will get double takes from those in the know!

[FrostyDC4]

You can seat 5 in an E81?

[Luxury]

FANTASTIC! Glad to see it!

[NorthernDancer]

yes fantastic and so happy for you. Hope you will join BMWCCA so you'll have many other BMW "friends" and have a good BMW indy garage in mind.

[RotaryVamp]

Originally Posted by FrostyDC4

You can seat 5 in an E81?

Sure you can! I don’t know why the e82 was kept as a 4 seater. Interior space and access (doors) are the same.

Originally Posted by NorthernDancer

yes fantastic and so happy for you. Hope you will join BMWCCA so you'll have many other BMW "friends" and have a good BMW indy garage in mind.

I’ll look into that, very interested, thanks!

[moebiuz]

The few people that know and see this car on the road, must get shocked!

More pics op! 😁