25 year import law?

[LSWon]

Hello all, new to the site and looking for a bit of info. I'm currently in Germany until mid/late next year and have recently become fascinated with E30 coupes. I'm an LSx fanatic and the first time I saw one I knew that's what I wanted my next project to be. I've noticed that E30's can be found here for much less than in the states(clean ones at that, the German's really take care of their cars), and I'd like to ship one back when I leave. I recently heard about the 25 year law but am unsure about what all is involved and the cost. I've research online but have not found any solid info. All I know is that it can be done, but clueless on the process. The shipping itself is already taken care of so that should not be an issue, just need to know what all paperwork is needed to prep for shipment. Any info at all is appreciated!

Also, any advice on which particular E30's to look for? I see a ton of different models, unsure if some are better than others. I'm sure I can find this info online, but if someone has time I'd appreciate any input.

[M-technik-3]

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/218/~/requirements-for-importing-a-vehicle-%2F-vehicle-parts

[mikeedler]

If you are thinking the military will ship a 25 y/o European spec car to the U.S. it isn't going to happen.

To find a rustfree E30 here is going to be a project in itself, but not impossible. James just shipped his E30 touring (stationwagon) back to the U.S. for about 3000 dollars.

Euro3 on here just imported an E30 M3 over here from California, due to the fact of rusty cars here.

If you do ship an E30 back to the U.S. make sure it is something a bit special (an early euro bumper car/ M tech I/ M tech II/ touring/ Hartge / Alpina) if it isn't a "special" car, it really isn't worth it.

[LSWon]

If you are thinking the military will ship a 25 y/o European spec car to the U.S. it isn't going to happen.

To find a rustfree E30 here is going to be a project in itself, but not impossible. James just shipped his E30 touring (stationwagon) back to the U.S. for about 3000 dollars.

Euro3 on here just imported an E30 M3 over here from California, due to the fact of rusty cars here.

If you do ship an E30 back to the U.S. make sure it is something a bit special (an early euro bumper car/ M tech I/ M tech II/ touring/ Hartge / Alpina) if it isn't a "special" car, it really isn't worth it.

Yep I was thinking the military would ship it, looks like I need to do my homework. Do you know why they will not? I brought a vehicle here but sold it, so I assumed I could ship a vehicle back.

I really didn't think a rust-free car would be that difficult to find, my '91 520 has very little rust, nothing noticeable. Thanks for the info.

[M-technik-3]

They will as long as it meets the dates and you shipped a vehicle over here first.

[mikeedler]

They will as long as it meets the dates and you shipped a vehicle over here first.

I'm 90% sure your wrong unless things have changed in the last few years.


not saying rust free cars aren't over here, but most are rusty. kinda depends where you are, NW Germany has a lot better weather and throws a lot less salt in the winter.

[duct-tape]

when I was in the army, I shipped a container full of Minis back. cost $1800 to freight the container and $210 to title each car. you can get 6 of them in there if you're creative.

If you're planning on doing one, you might as well get a few. The price goes down

[M-technik-3]

USAF and USA have same rules, Marines and Navy are different. If you really want to get the rules look up in the JFTR 3500 and 4500 series regs. What chapter, I'm sorry it's been 17 years since I have been a logistician so i'd rather not quote regs. They are public so you can down load them without issue.

[mr2peak]

+1 on making sure it's something special. These cars aren't very expensive (yet) so it makes little sense to ship a 325i, when you can buy one for the cost of shipping alone.

[mikeedler]

Yep I was thinking the military would ship it, looks like I need to do my homework. Do you know why they will not? I brought a vehicle here but sold it, so I assumed I could ship a vehicle back.

I just remember calling transcar direct when I was in the Army, and they told me they WILL NOT under any circumstances ship a car to the U.S. that doesn't have a prior U.S. title. Also had a soldier of mine try to get some older Mercedes over there too, and after a week of it sitting at the drop off point they called him and told him NO, pick the car back up. Things may have changed though over the years, best bet is to call and see.