Importing from Vancouver, BC

[kitsune]

I have imported 25 year old cars from BC and usually no hassle.

However, looking to import a Canadian spec E30. Not a touring. It's just a regular 318 for the Canadian market. It's a 1991.

Do I need any paperwork from BMW stating it passes FMVS or whatever it is?

Thanks

Mike

[10Toes]

Not worth the trouble

[zfever]

not worth the trouble

+1

[lylefk]

IIRC, you have to give the gov't 3x the cost of the car up front. Then you have 90 days to get the car to US spec and prove it is so by sending in pics and documentation. Then they send you the money back. If you don't pass, the car goes back and they keep your money.

Shoot me your email, I'll send you the 'Instruction Handbook for Complying with Regulations On Imported Motor Vehicles'. There are other things you'll need but this will get you a good start in the right direction.

You'll also need this form, the HS-7: http://www.purolator.com/pdf/hs79710_DOT.pdf

Link to FMVSS regulations for further review: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/fmvss/index.html
In PDF form: http://www.firefox-ev.com/db_picture...1044219900.pdf

Also, you have the Duty Fee (4% on first $1,000, 2.5% thereafter). Paid at border. Most take Check, Cash, Visa, MC.

[kitsune]

Thanks for the info

DANG! I thought it wouldn't be all too hard since it's an North American car which should have all equivelant DOT parts or if BMW USA can provide a letter with the Canadian vehicles vin stating it complies with all DOT, EPA and FMVS standards it should be able to be imported.

Mike

[freeride53]

Pretty sure its chill if its the equivalent of US spec

[lylefk]

The gov't certainly isn't 'chill' about this stuff, unfortunately. I'm considering bringing in a car, but don't have a lot of time to research it. I haven't done a lot of digging into what needed to be changed yet, but I'm thinking headlights, sidemarkers, maybe seat belts? Not sure what else.

[lylefk]

My train of thought was compare US and Canadian DOT standards for any differences, make sure my paperwork ducks were all in a row, then pull the trigger...you have 90 days to get it compliant.

Then use the Bond money for the restoration when you get it back =)

[kitsune]

Yeah, that is why I might see if BMW USA can verify if the canadian model is no different than the US.

But only thing I'm scared of about BC cars is the major rust.

Mike

[MC Hammered]

Major rust?!??

The climate in Vancouver is the same as Seattle, if not even more wet and less snow.

[kitsune]

Major rust?!??

The climate in Vancouver is the same as Seattle, if not even more wet and less snow.

True, climate is the same but BC salts the roads. WA put sand.

Mike

[2mAn]

you would need to go through a registered importer to get it here. once its here, if it hasnt already been listed as a similar model (which is what your situation would be) you would have to pay to have that done. after all that they may still want DOT parts installed on the car. in other words, not worth it

[BraveUlysses]

Do all of these rules still apply to vehicles that are older than 25 years? 2013 means e30 wagons should be ok to import.

[Cliche Guevara]

Not sure why you would import a Canadian E30 that's not a touring.. If you're willing to go through all that trouble you might as well get something unique.

[Todd Black 88]

you would need to go through a registered importer to get it here. once its here, if it hasnt already been listed as a similar model (which is what your situation would be) you would have to pay to have that done. after all that they may still want DOT parts installed on the car. in other words, not worth it

Its the same car. It has all DOT labels etc.

They(mfg's) made a US spec car and thats what us canadians got. The only difference being metric instruments, but some years had both in the speedo, and later years with drl's.

As for rust, my Cali spec m3 has more rust than my canadian spec m-tech II cabby, but i dunno....