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06-08-2018, 01:29 PM | #1 |
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Want bring my 128i from US to new home in Germany
I'm moving to Germany next year and I'd like to ship my 1-series there. I have it since new and would hate to sell it. I've done some research and seen that it is possible and, since it's considered part of a move, there's no import taxes or VAT. I'm just concerned about understanding what's required for the car registration and inspection. Does anybody have any experience with that? My car is a 2011 E88 with the N51 (sulev) engine (Build 03/2010).
From what I've read so far, it looks like I may need to do some minor things like add the rear fog light (I think this can be done by installing the euro light switch), add a warning triangle, and maybe change the headlights. My car being stock, is there any significant change that I would need to have done before being able to pass inspections in Germany? Also, does anyone know what's needed to get a green-zone sticker? |
06-08-2018, 01:40 PM | #2 |
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Ask BMW if they can provide a european spec COC
I think without the COC its difficult to import a modern car. The problem is that cars are either specific US market or specific EU market. For example your engine was never used in europe afaik. That can play up emission wise. With the proper COC there wont be any emission testing etc required as the COC guarantees type approval. But I dont know if BMW can provide that. I dont know if there wont be a tax to pay. You're importing a car (are you getting the german citizenship?) To get a green zone sticker you need to have the car registred. With the license plate number, and make/model year you can get the sticker at various internet shops.
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Z4 3.0i | ESS TS2+ supercharger | Quaife ATB LSD | Brembo/BMW performance BBK front/rear | Schrick FI cams | Schmiedmann headers+cats | Powerflex/strongflex PU bushings | Vibra-technics engine mounts | H&R anti rollbars | KW V3 coilovers/KW camber plates | Sachs race engineering clutch | tons of custom sh#t
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06-08-2018, 01:49 PM | #3 |
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Going to Germany with the US government or military? If so, don't worry about the German requirements.
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2009 118i Monaco Blue "Maximillion"
2009 335i Saphire Black M Sport "Leopold" Cobb stage 2 aggressive tune, Mishimoto FMIC, Cobb charge pipe, Cobb catted down pipes, Forge diverter valves, BMS inlets and DCI, Cyba scoops and M Individual Audio retrofit and M3 gauge cluster retrofit. 2011 328i Titan Silver M Sport "Franzel" <--Wife's car |
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06-08-2018, 02:11 PM | #4 |
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There are soooo many cool cars out there we never get in the US. Just buy something else there! I'd buy a 5 door 1series hatch.
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don't read this. too late...
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06-08-2018, 05:49 PM | #5 | |
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Quote:
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06-08-2018, 06:23 PM | #6 |
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Why bring milk back to the farm?
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2017 BMW 530i, Sport Line,Alpine White, Canberra Beige Sensatec, 19 inch V-Spoke wheels, basic plain Jane build with no options whatsoever..... "Less is more".
Before: 2011 BMW 328i E90 sedan, Platinum Bronze Metallic, Dakota Brown leather, 17 inch wheels, 6-speed auto, N52 6 Cyl inline N/A goodness.... |
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06-14-2018, 08:46 AM | #9 |
Needs a long road trip...
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06-14-2018, 11:33 AM | #10 | |
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I doubt in Europe many cross shop MINs vs 1 series Bimmers but yeah really stupid marketing decision.
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2017 BMW 530i, Sport Line,Alpine White, Canberra Beige Sensatec, 19 inch V-Spoke wheels, basic plain Jane build with no options whatsoever..... "Less is more".
Before: 2011 BMW 328i E90 sedan, Platinum Bronze Metallic, Dakota Brown leather, 17 inch wheels, 6-speed auto, N52 6 Cyl inline N/A goodness.... |
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06-14-2018, 11:38 AM | #11 |
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OP perhaps you are sentimental about your car but let me remind you about the fact that your car is nearing the 8 year old mark and this is the time when a lot of stuff will need replacing and repairing.
Also, I feel that cars from 2010-11 time frame are not match to their equivalents today. If you feel strongly about your 128i, you can store it or pass it on to a family member. Importing cars is costly and a pain. Europe is your lobster when it comes to a car market with much forbidding fruit for us that live in this side of the world. A counterpoint also is purchasing costs and taxes that can be staggering in those countries.
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2017 BMW 530i, Sport Line,Alpine White, Canberra Beige Sensatec, 19 inch V-Spoke wheels, basic plain Jane build with no options whatsoever..... "Less is more".
Before: 2011 BMW 328i E90 sedan, Platinum Bronze Metallic, Dakota Brown leather, 17 inch wheels, 6-speed auto, N52 6 Cyl inline N/A goodness.... |
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06-19-2018, 10:01 AM | #12 | |
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I think I understand the shipping costs and taxes... the thing that concerns me the most is the registration inspections. I'll be there for a few weeks before I move, and I'll try to find some shops that could perhaps help me understand that process. |
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04-14-2019, 08:29 AM | #13 |
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So, I did this! The car arrived late Feb and I drove it with US plates for a few weeks, which was fun. Tüv inspections had only a minor issue with headlights, which needed to have the hight levels adjusted. I finally installed the german plates yesterday. Really glad I decided to bring the car!
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MightyMouseTech4337.50 Olgeezer1190.50 |
04-14-2019, 10:36 AM | #14 |
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So happy for you. There were 2 correct ways to go here: take it to Germany as you did, or #2 store it in USA for use when you return. People (Rob S) are bringing back to life BMWs that have sat for 20+ years, not stored well (in doors but with dirty oil and gasoline left in tank lines, carbs/fuel injection.)
Small, sporty RUST FREE and mostly stock BMW's with manual trannys will always be desirable especially now that BMW doesn't build too many any more. How does 100 mph feel like on the autobahn? |
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04-23-2019, 10:55 AM | #15 |
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The car feels great on the autobahn, the engine is pretty solid, but I need to work on the suspension. Feels a bit too soft, but I was told that could be because of the winter tires I have on right now.
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04-23-2019, 12:42 PM | #17 |
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Good deal you did it.
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2017 BMW 530i, Sport Line,Alpine White, Canberra Beige Sensatec, 19 inch V-Spoke wheels, basic plain Jane build with no options whatsoever..... "Less is more".
Before: 2011 BMW 328i E90 sedan, Platinum Bronze Metallic, Dakota Brown leather, 17 inch wheels, 6-speed auto, N52 6 Cyl inline N/A goodness.... |
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04-23-2019, 12:44 PM | #18 | |
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Now and amazing sight is to see a Dodge Charge or Lincoln Navigator navigating the streets of Tokyo as I did during my visit there a couple of weeks ago.
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2017 BMW 530i, Sport Line,Alpine White, Canberra Beige Sensatec, 19 inch V-Spoke wheels, basic plain Jane build with no options whatsoever..... "Less is more".
Before: 2011 BMW 328i E90 sedan, Platinum Bronze Metallic, Dakota Brown leather, 17 inch wheels, 6-speed auto, N52 6 Cyl inline N/A goodness.... |
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