Heading to Germany for 2 weeks!

[ImtheDriver]

Alright well I just got my 335i Coupe E92 a few days ago and up until then I've been a import guy. Obviously Japan is a meca of rare parts for a import lover so I assume Germany is a meca for BMW parts.

My question to you guys is while in Germany is there anything you guys suggest I try to pick up? Any parts or addon's only available there I could get my hands on to add to the E92? I'm more looking for rarer parts or hard to find parts. Or if you guys htink certain parts will be cheaper there then let me know! Thanks!

[HaloEye]

have fun, i heard germany is great. but arent all non-US cars imports? just want to make sure for my own good because that is what i thought.

[mryakan]

Yeah German cars are imports. Not sure if the ones manufactured in SC are technically considered imports too, since from a Customs standpoint, a certain percentage of the car's parts need to be manufactured locally and not just assembled.
In any case, remember that any parts you bring in will be subject to taxes and duties at your port of entry (unless you do not exceed a certain exemption amount). You also have to pay VAT in Europe. Then there is the exchange rate, so it all adds up. Typically in Europe you can get form and apply to get your VAT back since you are not a resident. But if you consider all the hassle, it may not be worth it since you can pretty much order anything from local vendors here. Anything you cannot order is probably illegal to import anyway and can be confiscated at your port of entry.
My advice is do your research before you go the more hassle and possibly more expensive route. Have fun in Germany and bring back nice pics.
P.S. Why didn't you do ED?

[ImtheDriver]

Ed ?

[mryakan]

ED = European Delivery

[ImtheDriver]

Oh well I purchased it used from a private party plus I'm not rich hehe

[mryakan]

Oh well I purchased it used from a private party plus I'm not rich hehe
lol. you didn't mention the year so I thought it was a brand new car. ED in fact would have saved you some cash if you were buying new esp. that you are traveling to Germany anyway. I am still debating if I should do ED once my lease is up esp. that I plan to have a trip to Europe around that time. We'll see.

[mgthompson]

Visit the BMW Welt & Museum and schedule a factory tour. There is a nice gift shop in the Welt if you need to bring something special home.

You can head to Buchloe and visit Alpina (http://www.alpina-automobiles.com/alpina/en/home.html). They have lots of special parts that you can buy.

[brunp]

European Delivery.....would love to do that one day. However, it is only available when your purchase a car instead of leasing, if I am not mistaken?

Paul

[mryakan]

European Delivery.....would love to do that one day. However, it is only available when your purchase a car instead of leasing, if I am not mistaken?

Paul
No, the financing method is irrelevant AFAIK. Just has to be a car ordered from the factory under the ED program.

[brunp]

No, the financing method is irrelevant AFAIK. Just has to be a car ordered from the factory under the ED program.

well then....may have to look into this then, but I am a few years from deciding :-)

paul

[inteloffcr]

mryakan is correct. In 2004 I leased a 330Ci and picked it up in Germany. Since I had lived in Germany for almost five years in my earlier life I had no hesitation in going with the European delivery program and I saved a few bucks on the price of the car. If you've never been to Munich you're missing a wonderful city.