forceten

Can you buy a F11 535 xdrive and import it into the USA? What are the costs?

Michiganmike

If money is no object, there are DOT Registered Importers that will perform the modifications to bring an imported vehicle into compliance with USA safety and emission standards. The cost will depend upon how close the vehicle is to U.S. standards, but be prepared to pay many thousands of dollars. Do not expect U.S. authorities to give you a break on meeting any regulations. Keep in mind that if the car is not brought into compliance, it must be destroyed or re-exported.

Also, consider that you may have trouble getting certain parts in the U.S., your warranty will be invalid, you will have to pay for all service and local BMW dealers as well as independents may be ill-prepared to work on a BMW not sold in the U.S. Also re-sale value may take a hit.

If you are not deterred, here are some links to additional information:
http://www.bordercenter.org/chem/vehicles.htm
http://www.usautoparts.net/bmw/bmw/importing.htm#links

forceten

Wow, first of all thank you for the excellent response.

But I did not realize the warranty would not be honored. I guess it makes sense but that may make the car too expensive to afford, since I'd have to buy it and not lease it like I usually do.

Depressing. All I want is a stick 5 wagon, a stick X5, or a stick 535xi ... and that's three strikes

Michiganmike

The warranty on a BMW purchased in Europe, that is not purchased under the European delivery program for transport to the U.S., will be limited to Europe. It appears that the warranty term is generally for two or three years in Europe. http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showt...php?p=57241698 http://www.bmw.de/de/de/newvehicles/...oom/index.html

It appears clear that the European warranty whatever its duration will not be honored in NA. BMW NA is not going to take any responsibility for problems you may encounter with a vehicle sold in Europe outside of the U.S. European Delivery program. Moreover, modifications to comply with U.S. Standards might void the warranty in Europe.

Also, a BMW in Europe is expensive at current exchange rates. The base price of a 535i Touring in Germany inclusive of taxes is about 53,000 Euro which converts to about $67,800. It is unlikely you would be happy with a German BMW without additional cost options, such as leather. If you could buy a car duty free you would save about 19% in Germany, but this presents other challenges.

Sorry that importing a BMW marketed in Europe does not appear to be a viable alternative.

carolyny476

Such a very amazing link!
Thanks you for the post.

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Stu3

FWIW, I was in BMW dealer yesterday in Landstuhl and sat in an F11 (wagon) 530d (leather, auto and some other nice options) and the window sticker was 81K Euros. A 523 sedan (150hp) was 58K Euros.

The Germans have to pay for every single options and they pay a ton for high end cars. I swear, some cars here (a rental audi A4) had power lumbar adjustment but the seat itself did not have power (ie you had to move the seat forwards and backwards manually).

Best bet is to look for a manual 2010 E61. There are a few out there still if you look hard enough.

Pokke

I live in Finland and i just ordered an new F11 520dA with a few options like leather seats and Xenon´s but nothing too fancy like navi (which is like 4000 dollars here).

I paid 64k ? for it, so thats about 86k US dollars.... So where i am stading the Germans have it good and u guys well, i bet i could get a pretty nice F11 from the states for 86k... =)