Import 135 into US

[cslotterback]

Hello,

I am trying to import a 135i into the US and was wondering if anyone else has tried to do this? The car I am purchasing is in Canada and I currently have a request in with BMW NA for a letter of compliance, but while I wait I want to be more sure that the car complies with most US specs.

Was there a "Canadian" version made that might not pass? Other than the speedo being in Metric (acceptable by Customs) and the daytime runners, is there anything about the bumper size or air bags that is different in this car?

[Lucky1]

I think the tire pressure monitoring system on Canadian cars uses the ABS sensors to determine tire pressure as opposed to having dedicated TPMS sensors. Maybe someone else can confirm thats a difference with the US cars?

[pj.rodriguez]

Confirmed. Canadian cars have no TPMS. The US cars do. That maybe something that will be checked but I'm unsure if it's that important. The abs system works quite well. My driver rear tire was at 28 PSI when the light came on for me and was surprised that it's that good. The downside is you don't know which tire until you check all four yourself.


Also google RIV. I don't remember right now, but I think that's the site where you can get all the details.

[NorthernDancer]

You and the car need present yourselves at the US border with Bill of Sale and most likely his Canadian registration signed over to you. At the border you will have to fill out 3 pieces of paperwork:

1. EPA Form 3520-1 (Rev6-97).. You already should have a letter from BMW NA stating that the Canadian car has emissions standards and safety standards equivalent to US Standards. The car should have a label likely on drivers door jam stating it meets Cdn standards.

2. CBP Form 7501 (04/05) Entry Summary

3. HS-7 (Rev 05-206) Declaration

I've imported 5 USA cars into Canada and am presently trying to sell one of them back into USA hence my knowledge of what in entails. Its always best if you could check at your US border beforehand just to be 100% certain. Note that their Vehicle Export usually operates only from 8am to 4pm.

My 128 is a US car and yes, TPMS is different between our countries. In our system, you never have to use sensors in the wheels.

[Diver]

So much red tape!

[heeblet]

After all that, try to bring it to California for more regulation fun

[IEDEI]

out of curiosity why don't you just buy a 135i here? much easier...unless there is a very specific car you are after or moved here recently from Canada i suppose.

[cslotterback]

Very specific car and the USD is much stronger. Even after all this, I'm not going to be much higher than one here.

[heeblet]

I'd want the m135i hatchback if I could.

[cslotterback]

Update: called NHTSA today, turns out they have internal documents saying that you can get the TPMS system fixed by "a reputable garage" and supply that to customs, meaning no RI needed for this specific issue.

Waiting on BMWs letter of compliance, should come tomorrow.

Update 2: Good news! BMW came back with an acceptable compliance letter (only citation is the speedo/odo in KM), meaning the ABS TPMS is acceptable by US standards. Looks like the car is a go.

[Shemeshhj]

Hi there! I’m reviving this post in hope to get some more info as I’m looking to import a 135i into the US from Canada as well. Did this ever go through for you? How long did you wait before getting the letter of compliance from BMW?

[NorthernDancer]

If you get no answer here, try posting in the "1M" section. Many importing Cdn 1Ms into the USA. Not difficult.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by Shemeshhj

Hi there! I’m reviving this post in hope to get some more info as I’m looking to import a 135i into the US from Canada as well. Did this ever go through for you? How long did you wait before getting the letter of compliance from BMW?

It normally takes about two weeks and sometimes they email you a copy of the letter before you get the letter on their letterhead. I believe some have crossed with the email version but If I recall, the letter is supposed to be on their letterhead. From what I have heard, it has been much easier to get the letter before Covid. When I imported mine, they wouldn't give it to me because they only give it to the registered owner. So the owner called and asked for the letter and when he told them he was selling the car, they told him, the buyer had to call (me). When I called back they told me they can't give me the letter unless I'm the registered owner. But I can't register it without the letter! So finally the seller in Canada owns homes in Canada and US. He called back and asked them for the letter of compliance so HE can register the car in the US. The sent him the letter in his name, which is fine. I have since spoken with many that have not had issues getting them. Northern Dancer is correct. I posted some info about my importing experience on this 1M thread

[Shemeshhj]

Thank you both for the info, I'll dig up some more 👍🏼 hopefully they won't give me a hard time...