Want bring my 128i from US to new home in Germany

[magalhaes]

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?

[GuidoK]

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.

[david in germany]

Going to Germany with the US government or military? If so, don't worry about the German requirements.

[10"]

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.

[magalhaes]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

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.

Thanks! Good info.

[530iDriver]

Why bring milk back to the farm?

[P1]

Just keep it in the US and get something else there.

[Mingwan]

Sell your 1 series. This is the perfect opportunity for you to buy the Editon Velocity M3 when you move to Germany lmao.

[olds350]

Originally Posted by 10"

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.

^^^^this^^^^

Was thinking what a great opportunity to grab a 1 hatch. BMW missed the mark when they didn't import these.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by olds350

^^^^this^^^^

Was thinking what a great opportunity to grab a 1 hatch. BMW missed the mark when they didn't import these.

The 1 series hatch is an interesting car. The only reason why I believe BMWUSA doesn't want it here is that they fear it may take away from already dwindling MINI sales. And also to an extent take away from 2 & 3 Series sales.

I doubt in Europe many cross shop MINs vs 1 series Bimmers but yeah really stupid marketing decision.

[530iDriver]

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.

[magalhaes]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

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.

Excellent points! Yes, I have it since new (ordered from the factory with all options I wanted), and I've kept on top of maintenance and already had replaced several components. If I take it with me I'll probably replace several other things with my trusty mechanic here. Also, I feel I know the car and understand which things might go wrong... and I think that N51 is very reliable. If I sold it and bought something else there, I'd probably have to go for a 220d conv. with 6-speed. Even in Europe where they have several 2-series models, only a few have a manual option, the 218i, the 220d and the 240i.
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.

[magalhaes]

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!

[NorthernDancer]

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?

[magalhaes]

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.

[MightyMouseTech]

This is so amazing. Glad you were able to do it. Must have gotten a few looks driving around with US plates.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by magalhaes

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.

Good deal you did it.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

This is so amazing. Glad you were able to do it. Must have gotten a few looks driving around with US plates.

American cars from US bases in Germany are not an uncommon sight. And some may still have US license plates.

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.