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      01-14-2016, 04:32 PM   #1
BiscottiGelato
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Importing BMWs from Canada to US?

Currently resides in Canada and might be moving to the Bay Area later this year. Does it make sense to order the M2 in Canada and then importing it down states side? It's like a $10k difference given the currency these days. 61k CAD = 42k USD, vs 51k sticker for the US M2. Worth much more than what the 4 years free maintenance is gonna give (the Canadian one doesn't even include brakes or wipers).

How much hassle would it be? Is it mandatory to change the gauge to MPH? I love the clean look of only KPH on the speedometer. I heard that the Warranty is transferable also?

Thanks!
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Last edited by BiscottiGelato; 01-14-2016 at 06:04 PM..
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      01-16-2016, 06:21 PM   #2
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Bringing the car down is easy - I moved to Houston in November with my 135i. You need a letter from BMW USA confirming compliance, then there's a DOT form and an EPA form to complete, and then you get another form crossing the border. The rest is the normal state / county inspection and registration process.

There's lots of info online.

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      01-16-2016, 06:36 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BBursey
Bringing the car down is easy - I moved to Houston in November with my 135i. You need a letter from BMW USA confirming compliance, then there's a DOT form and an EPA form to complete, and then you get another form crossing the border. The rest is the normal state / county inspection and registration process.

There's lots of info online.

Cheers,
Bryan
Did you have to change the speedometer? Taxes in Texas?
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      01-16-2016, 08:39 PM   #4
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Did you have to change the speedometer? Taxes in Texas?
You do not need to change any of the instruments.
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      01-17-2016, 06:24 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BiscottiGelato View Post
Did you have to change the speedometer? Taxes in Texas?
Labeef is right - no need to change instruments. I coded the digital speedo on mph to help me out.

No duties or sales-type tax on the basis that you don't sell the car in the US; not sure how that works if I do eventually want to sell it here. The only tax is state / local registration-type tax.

Cheers,
Bryan
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      01-18-2016, 04:16 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BiscottiGelato
Currently resides in Canada and might be moving to the Bay Area later this year. Does it make sense to order the M2 in Canada and then importing it down states side? It's like a $10k difference given the currency these days. 61k CAD = 42k USD, vs 51k sticker for the US M2. Worth much more than what the 4 years free maintenance is gonna give (the Canadian one doesn't even include brakes or wipers).

How much hassle would it be? Is it mandatory to change the gauge to MPH? I love the clean look of only KPH on the speedometer. I heard that the Warranty is transferable also?

Thanks!
Keep in mind that you will have to pay California sales tax since your car will be less than a year old when you bring the car to the Bay Area. CA sales tax is exempted if your car is more than 1 year old.
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      01-18-2016, 01:38 PM   #7
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Mz4s which are $24k all day on eBay, ones in Canada are $18k. Very tempting.
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      03-22-2016, 10:39 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pbjjj
Quote:
Originally Posted by BiscottiGelato
Currently resides in Canada and might be moving to the Bay Area later this year. Does it make sense to order the M2 in Canada and then importing it down states side? It's like a $10k difference given the currency these days. 61k CAD = 42k USD, vs 51k sticker for the US M2. Worth much more than what the 4 years free maintenance is gonna give (the Canadian one doesn't even include brakes or wipers).

How much hassle would it be? Is it mandatory to change the gauge to MPH? I love the clean look of only KPH on the speedometer. I heard that the Warranty is transferable also?

Thanks!
Keep in mind that you will have to pay California sales tax since your car will be less than a year old when you bring the car to the Bay Area. CA sales tax is exempted if your car is more than 1 year old.
Even if I don't sell? With a TN Visa?

Does it need to be a 1 year old car or I gotta have owned it for 1+ year?
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      03-24-2016, 07:42 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BiscottiGelato View Post
Even if I don't sell? With a TN Visa?

Does it need to be a 1 year old car or I gotta have owned it for 1+ year?
Car has to be 1+ year old

Can you not just register the M2 in Canada and then after it is a year old register it in the States. You should be fine to drive around with Canadian plates.
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