Selling a US 5er in Europ
12-09-2009, 11:24 AM
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My Ride: '06 Porsche Cayman S. Black on Black with Black tint. Sport (thicker) steering wheel, Heated Sport Seats, OEM Short Shifter, Clear Engine Cover.
[b][u]SOLD! '08 550i 6SPD, Alpine White w/ OEM Carbon Fiber, Perforated Black leather, Anthracite Bamboo Trim[/u]
full Sports Package with OEM Carbon Fiber Splitters and Diffuser, Cold Weather Package, Logic7, BMW Professional Nav, Heated/Ventilated 20 way Front Seats, Heated Rear Seats, Split Rear Seats, Comfort Access, iPod, PIAA Fog Lights, Xenon Match Interior Lighting, 12mm Rear Spacers, Gloss Black Model Designation, Carbon Fiber Door Pillar Covers, AngeliBrights (temporary set in place), ACS Style CF Diffuser, RDSport Quad conversion. RPI scoop (black)
[u]2000 Z3 Coupe 2.8, Topaz Blue, Black Leather, Walnut Trim[/u]
Koni Adjustable's w/ Racing Dynamics springs (1.75" drop), UUC LTW FW, E39 M5 Clutch, Wilwood Big Brakes, UUC Motorworks SSK, Rogue Engineering Big Boy Clutch Stop, Rogue Engineering Pulleys, EuroSport CF CAI, Sharked, Hawk HP+ Pads, Hamman Side Outlet Vents, ACS Type 3 18"s(replica) and 1000w pumping through a JL10W6[/b]
So, having arrived back in Europa with my beloved '08 550i, I'm starting to think I might need something faster (or just mods 
)
Anyway, I have considered selling it but it's not really worth my while to sell it to another American. The market price in the US for a 550i isn't enough to get me to relinquish my emotional ties to the old girl. I figured that if I could sell it in Europe, where prices are significantly higher, I could arrange a deal for both parties...
One question (problem?) remains...
TAX!
Does anyone know what taxes would have to be paid if a US spec car, that has never been registered in the European system, is sold to a European buyer??
Any thoughts, comments (or the usual ridicule... make that friendly ribbing) and advice will really be appreciated!
Chris
p.s. She still makes me smile every time I see her!
)Anyway, I have considered selling it but it's not really worth my while to sell it to another American. The market price in the US for a 550i isn't enough to get me to relinquish my emotional ties to the old girl. I figured that if I could sell it in Europe, where prices are significantly higher, I could arrange a deal for both parties...
One question (problem?) remains...
TAX!
Does anyone know what taxes would have to be paid if a US spec car, that has never been registered in the European system, is sold to a European buyer??
Any thoughts, comments (or the usual ridicule... make that friendly ribbing) and advice will really be appreciated!
Chris
p.s. She still makes me smile every time I see her!
12-09-2009, 12:40 PM
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My Ride: 2008 535i:
(8/07 Build) Metallic Bronze, Beige NASCA Leather, Ventilated Seats, Sport Pkg, Cold Wxr Pkg, Logic-7 Sound, HUD, Night Vision, PDC, Split Rear Seats, NAV, Premium Pkg, Comfort Access, HD Radio, Sport Auto Trans
Current mods: M-Aero Kit, JB4, Motorcepts 6000k HID Foglamps
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1992 Camaro RS:
Fully Restored w/Custom Interior, 5.0L V8, T-tops, OEM Z28 Foglamps, Inst Cluster, & Spoiler, Custom Sound, Too many engine mods to list
Good greif man - get those USAREUR plates off your car and get the German plates! 
Good luck trying to sell the car to a German national. After paying VAT, there is the German TUV as well as the yearly tax associated with owning a V8.
BTW - did you know that the U.S. warranty doesn't apply there? Last I remember the European warranty is only two years.
Good luck trying to sell the car to a German national. After paying VAT, there is the German TUV as well as the yearly tax associated with owning a V8.
BTW - did you know that the U.S. warranty doesn't apply there? Last I remember the European warranty is only two years.
12-09-2009, 12:54 PM
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My Ride: '06 Porsche Cayman S. Black on Black with Black tint. Sport (thicker) steering wheel, Heated Sport Seats, OEM Short Shifter, Clear Engine Cover.
[b][u]SOLD! '08 550i 6SPD, Alpine White w/ OEM Carbon Fiber, Perforated Black leather, Anthracite Bamboo Trim[/u]
full Sports Package with OEM Carbon Fiber Splitters and Diffuser, Cold Weather Package, Logic7, BMW Professional Nav, Heated/Ventilated 20 way Front Seats, Heated Rear Seats, Split Rear Seats, Comfort Access, iPod, PIAA Fog Lights, Xenon Match Interior Lighting, 12mm Rear Spacers, Gloss Black Model Designation, Carbon Fiber Door Pillar Covers, AngeliBrights (temporary set in place), ACS Style CF Diffuser, RDSport Quad conversion. RPI scoop (black)
[u]2000 Z3 Coupe 2.8, Topaz Blue, Black Leather, Walnut Trim[/u]
Koni Adjustable's w/ Racing Dynamics springs (1.75" drop), UUC LTW FW, E39 M5 Clutch, Wilwood Big Brakes, UUC Motorworks SSK, Rogue Engineering Big Boy Clutch Stop, Rogue Engineering Pulleys, EuroSport CF CAI, Sharked, Hawk HP+ Pads, Hamman Side Outlet Vents, ACS Type 3 18"s(replica) and 1000w pumping through a JL10W6[/b]
Originally Posted by pukka' post='1071009' date='Dec 10 2009, 12:40 AM
Good greif man - get those USAREUR plates off your car and get the German plates!
Good luck trying to sell the car to a German national. After paying VAT, there is the German TUV as well as the yearly tax associated with owning a V8.
BTW - did you know that the U.S. warranty doesn't apply there? Last I remember the European warranty is only two years.
Good luck trying to sell the car to a German national. After paying VAT, there is the German TUV as well as the yearly tax associated with owning a V8.
BTW - did you know that the U.S. warranty doesn't apply there? Last I remember the European warranty is only two years.
I'm starting to see that the tax will preclude anyone from getting a deal if I sell the car... It's alright though, I'm perfectly content pushing black E Class kombis (wagons) out of my way on the autobahn. It's a bit of payback from when I had my Z3 here and was regularly abused trying to keep up on the autobahn with the US gear ratio.
As for the warranty, it wouldn't matter if I was still stateside anyway. I'm coming up on the European 2 year mark AND the U.S. 50k mile mark. I've got a bit over 48k with 3 weeks to go till her 2nd birthday! (having a girlfriend in Berlin makes for a lot of driving... as does my road trip addiction!)
12-09-2009, 01:17 PM
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Buyer will need to certify it for EU regulations. Only few places do it and it costs somewhere around 1000 EUR.
12-09-2009, 03:14 PM
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My Ride: 2008 535i:
(8/07 Build) Metallic Bronze, Beige NASCA Leather, Ventilated Seats, Sport Pkg, Cold Wxr Pkg, Logic-7 Sound, HUD, Night Vision, PDC, Split Rear Seats, NAV, Premium Pkg, Comfort Access, HD Radio, Sport Auto Trans
Current mods: M-Aero Kit, JB4, Motorcepts 6000k HID Foglamps
Umnitza ICE-Lite 10w LED 6000k AE's
1992 Camaro RS:
Fully Restored w/Custom Interior, 5.0L V8, T-tops, OEM Z28 Foglamps, Inst Cluster, & Spoiler, Custom Sound, Too many engine mods to list
Originally Posted by cpiskai' post='1071012' date='Dec 9 2009, 04:54 PM
Ahhh... those plates are long gone. I only had them so I could ship it back to the states and not need to register right away when I took it back to AZ last year. I'm back in Bayern now, rockin' regular Deutsch plates.
I'm starting to see that the tax will preclude anyone from getting a deal if I sell the car... It's alright though, I'm perfectly content pushing black E Class kombis (wagons) out of my way on the autobahn. It's a bit of payback from when I had my Z3 here and was regularly abused trying to keep up on the autobahn with the US gear ratio.
As for the warranty, it wouldn't matter if I was still stateside anyway. I'm coming up on the European 2 year mark AND the U.S. 50k mile mark. I've got a bit over 48k with 3 weeks to go till her 2nd birthday! (having a girlfriend in Berlin makes for a lot of driving... as does my road trip addiction!)
I'm starting to see that the tax will preclude anyone from getting a deal if I sell the car... It's alright though, I'm perfectly content pushing black E Class kombis (wagons) out of my way on the autobahn. It's a bit of payback from when I had my Z3 here and was regularly abused trying to keep up on the autobahn with the US gear ratio.
As for the warranty, it wouldn't matter if I was still stateside anyway. I'm coming up on the European 2 year mark AND the U.S. 50k mile mark. I've got a bit over 48k with 3 weeks to go till her 2nd birthday! (having a girlfriend in Berlin makes for a lot of driving... as does my road trip addiction!)
Other than that I'd just keep it.
12-09-2009, 03:57 PM
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My Ride: 2006 525XI, Jet black on Dakota beige. Premium and winter packages. I consider myself a purist and intend to keep my car absolutely stock and shiny.
2008 328I Convertible, Sapphire black on beige interior. Premium package, NAV, iPod adapter.
Retired: 2002 325I, Titanium silver on black leather. Premium package. Absolutely stock and proud of it.
It's a great looking car, for sure.
12-10-2009, 05:15 AM
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My Ride: '06 Porsche Cayman S. Black on Black with Black tint. Sport (thicker) steering wheel, Heated Sport Seats, OEM Short Shifter, Clear Engine Cover.
[b][u]SOLD! '08 550i 6SPD, Alpine White w/ OEM Carbon Fiber, Perforated Black leather, Anthracite Bamboo Trim[/u]
full Sports Package with OEM Carbon Fiber Splitters and Diffuser, Cold Weather Package, Logic7, BMW Professional Nav, Heated/Ventilated 20 way Front Seats, Heated Rear Seats, Split Rear Seats, Comfort Access, iPod, PIAA Fog Lights, Xenon Match Interior Lighting, 12mm Rear Spacers, Gloss Black Model Designation, Carbon Fiber Door Pillar Covers, AngeliBrights (temporary set in place), ACS Style CF Diffuser, RDSport Quad conversion. RPI scoop (black)
[u]2000 Z3 Coupe 2.8, Topaz Blue, Black Leather, Walnut Trim[/u]
Koni Adjustable's w/ Racing Dynamics springs (1.75" drop), UUC LTW FW, E39 M5 Clutch, Wilwood Big Brakes, UUC Motorworks SSK, Rogue Engineering Big Boy Clutch Stop, Rogue Engineering Pulleys, EuroSport CF CAI, Sharked, Hawk HP+ Pads, Hamman Side Outlet Vents, ACS Type 3 18"s(replica) and 1000w pumping through a JL10W6[/b]
Thanks for the complements... I really do love the car. I think my real issue is that even after two years it still feels a little bit big to me.
Pukka... if you can find the address for that consignment guy, I would really appreciate it.
As for the speed, maybe I just need to get rid of the limiter. It's very rare that any of the cars out there can keep up with the V8, but once you get to 150mph it's frustrating to see more RPMs to go! If I do keep it, I'll probably invest in a CAI and software upgrade. I'd like to find some more power out there, but I haven't found any middle ground between the standard CAI/exhaust/software package and going all out for a supercharger. Any ideas?
Pukka... if you can find the address for that consignment guy, I would really appreciate it.
As for the speed, maybe I just need to get rid of the limiter. It's very rare that any of the cars out there can keep up with the V8, but once you get to 150mph it's frustrating to see more RPMs to go! If I do keep it, I'll probably invest in a CAI and software upgrade. I'd like to find some more power out there, but I haven't found any middle ground between the standard CAI/exhaust/software package and going all out for a supercharger. Any ideas?
12-10-2009, 05:30 AM
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Don't forget > 50% of the Autobahns are now restricted. Also, 90% of the time Autobahns that aren't restricted are busy enough that you'll be lucky if you can spend more than 5 minutes in any hour of driving on them above 150mph. I would guesstimate that of all the driving you might do in that car if you imported it, probably 0.01% of it would require more than 367bhp.
You want to stop looking at the high prices of the euro 550s and comparing them to the prices in the states. You'll have conversions, shipping, taxes, mwst (vat) and the fact that it's an import (and will be priced lower because of it) to account for.
Worst of all, it's white. As I posted a few months ago, I think it was only about 50 out of 11,000 5ers that I found for sale were white. There might be only 2 or 3 people living in Germany that want a white 550i, and they probably wouldn't want an imported one.
+1 to that. I just got back home from a trip to England which involved driving across almost all of Germany there and back (about 1,000 miles in total) and the only car that overtook me was a 997 GT2.
You want to stop looking at the high prices of the euro 550s and comparing them to the prices in the states. You'll have conversions, shipping, taxes, mwst (vat) and the fact that it's an import (and will be priced lower because of it) to account for.
Worst of all, it's white. As I posted a few months ago, I think it was only about 50 out of 11,000 5ers that I found for sale were white. There might be only 2 or 3 people living in Germany that want a white 550i, and they probably wouldn't want an imported one.
Originally Posted by turboawd' post='1071111' date='Dec 10 2009, 02:24 AM
faster? that car is faster than 99% of cars in europe.