More pics of the whip

[cdnalpina]

Hey Everyone,

I just received more pics of my 740i. Slated to leave Japan on the 28th so I should have her in my hands by mid november. I think some of the pics clear up some questions I had but any astute eyes that can point out options etc to me I would greatly appreciate it. :)

http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv74/canadian8er/10075766_20101004172603_04.jpg

http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv74/canadian8er/10075766_20101004172603_03.jpg

http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv74/canadian8er/10075766_20101004172603_05.jpg

http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv74/canadian8er/10075766_20101004172604_01.jpg


Someone mentioned in my other post that there should be wires on the top of the struts if it has EDC - I believe I am seeing wires in this pic.
http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv74/canadian8er/10075766_20101004172603_01.jpg

I'm guessing that this CD changer is aftermarket and likely an FM modulated unit seeing as the dash looks stock.
http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv74/canadian8er/10075766_20101004172603_02.jpg


So with this picture, is it possible to tell if I have navigation in this car? Still no idea what that thing is on the center of the dash. Also, with the seat heat buttons, is there some sort of a thumb wheel beside the icon? I can't make out what the buttons are next to the driver's side seat heat - can anyone suggest what they might be? It also looks like there is something on the lower left of the steering column, no idea what it is though...

Another baffling one for me is the fog light switch. Looks like 4 positions - I assume 'off', 'front fogs', 'rear fogs', 'both fogs' - is that right?

http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv74/canadian8er/10075766_20101004172604_04.jpg


Interior looks to be in really good shape.
http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv74/canadian8er/10075766_20101004172604_02.jpg

http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv74/canadian8er/10075766_20101004172604_03.jpg



Cheers,

Rob

[C8V6C]

Car looks awesome!

Yes, the car has EDC...large black wire coming outta the strut

Yes the car should have a 6 disc since they hide in the trunk, left panel near the taillight.

Yes, the car looks like factory nav

[SEVEN40iL]

http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv74/canadian8er/10075766_20101004172603_02.jpg


Hey Rob, looks like they are providing you with TWO emergency triangles, which were not part of the North American E38.

I'd gladly take the second one off your hands, if it does ship with both of them. Let me know!

Car looks good, interior looks great!

[dazednkenfused]

Little thumb wheel is for adjusting temp of heated seats. You have it for the rear also. Factory NAV but you'll need the CD for your region. Analog climate control, so it's an older model. Looks like it has folding mirrors, barely make out the square button on the side, swap perhaps? Is it a 95 model? I'd be careful if it is a 95.

Yes to your question about the fog light switch.

Lower left by the steering column looks like the controls to the CD changer.

Center thing on dash is possibly an "air freshener". Popular item to have in Japan.

[cdnalpina]

Car looks awesome!

Yes, the car has EDC...large black wire coming outta the strut

Yes the car should have a 6 disc since they hide in the trunk, left panel near the taillight.

Yes, the car looks like factory nav

Cool - thanks for the insight into that. hopefully all the struts are still good and not leaking.


Hey Rob, looks like they are providing you with TWO emergency triangles, which were not part of the North American E38.

I'd gladly take the second one off your hands, if it does ship with both of them. Let me know!

Car looks good, interior looks great!

Yes, I have seen this in other series of BMW as well. Why were the NA cars not equipped with them?

If I get both you can have dibs. I would have thought the triangle would reside in the tool box - do these cars have tool boxes in the trunk lid like other BMW models?

[IcemanBHE]

Yes x 6

[Bimmmer740iL]

Being from Japan, I am not sure if you will have to recode the navigaton or anything like that to work in Canada.

Car looks very nice. Love the wheels.

[cdnalpina]

Little thumb wheel is for adjusting temp of heated seats. You have it for the rear also. Factory NAV but you'll need the CD for your region. Analog climate control, so it's an older model. Looks like it has folding mirrors, barely make out the square button on the side, swap perhaps? Is it a 95 model? I'd be careful if it is a 95.

Yes to your question about the fog light switch.

Lower left by the steering column looks like the controls to the CD changer.

Center thing on dash is possibly an "air freshener". Popular item to have in Japan.

Wow - great info thank you. Is is possible to swap in the newer HVAC controls for the older (like plug and play idea)? It is indeed a 1995 model - november 1994 build. In terms of the square button, are you talking about the button beside the left and right side mirror selector?

Cool on the nav, is it CD8 for Canada (I believe that is what I read from looking into it)?

Gotcha on the CD controls - good call again.

That's a bloody big air freshner...


Being from Japan, I am not sure if you will have to recode the navigaton or anything like that to work in Canada.

Car looks very nice. Love the wheels.

Someone in the other thread I had posted up how to change the country selection within the computer. So hopefully that will sort out the radio frequencies, as they are so different compared to NA.

Thanks so much - I like the wheels too but I think the Type IIIs we have on the E39 will look better. Will have to try on both and post some pics for a poll.


Yes x 6

Perfect answer ;)

[grkman1]

Im curious why you would purchase one from Japan, since there are many good ones for sale here in the western hemisphere...thanks

[SEVEN40iL]

Yes, I have seen this in other series of BMW as well. Why were the NA cars not equipped with them?

If I get both you can have dibs. I would have thought the triangle would reside in the tool box - do these cars have tool boxes in the trunk lid like other BMW models?

North American Safety Standards did not allow the BMW emergency triangle to be shipped over, as they thought they were too flimsy and would be a liability issue.

The triangle should reside in the tool box, which should be in the trunk lid, like other BMW's.

Cheers for the dibbs :redspot

[cdnalpina]

Im curious why you would purchase one from Japan, since there are many good ones for sale here in the western hemisphere...thanks

Good question for sure. The E38 is not a commonly found vehicle for sale near where I am. Also, the prices of the ones available here are much higher than in the USA, and are usually stock. While I agree there are some decent cars to be had for decent prices in the USA, the costs and headaches of bringing them across the border now are brutal (unless they are 15 years old). So the potential savings in what I can find in the USA are negated by this.

One good fortune about living in Canada is that we can import cars into the country that are 15 years old (or older) without them having to be compliant with Transport Canada's laws. They just have to comply with the provincial regulations. My poor brothers in the USA need to wait 25 years or federalize the car (mega bucks).

The good thing about Japan is cars there are a highly depreciating commodity. These cars, at this age, are worth essentially nothing there and can be had for a song. Also, the cars are typically very low mileage as they are such a densely populated country - driving is not always the best means of transportation. The car I bought has 50,322 KM on it, which is on the low side of average for there. Finally, the Japanese are about prestige and bragging rights. There are not a lot of cars that go through that do not have some sort of upgrade or aftermarket goodies.

If you were to find a 95 740i with a full AC Schnitzer kit on it, near perfect condition in and out with 30,000 miles on the clock - what do you think it would be worth/sell for in the USA?

When all is said and done, I will have paid less for my car than the cheapest one I could find in reasonable proximity to me. The one that I found was high mileage, stock, not a desirable color combo (for me), and has rust and mechanical issues to boot.

So all in all, a no brainer for me. :) All of the German cars I own or have owned, except 2, have come from Japan.


North American Safety Standards did not allow the BMW emergency triangle to be shipped over, as they thought they were too flimsy and would be a liability issue.

The triangle should reside in the tool box, which should be in the trunk lid, like other BMW's.

Cheers for the dibbs :redspot

Interesting - so was any sort of warning item sent with the car, or like with Mercedes, is there a triangle mounted to the inside of the trunk lid?

No worries on the dibs :)

[tekazgtr1984]

If I get both you can have dibs. I would have thought the triangle would reside in the tool box - do these cars have tool boxes in the trunk lid like other BMW models?

I'm guessing the trunk tool box should include a triangle as well. My E38 had all that stuff in it, so I'm sure yours will, too. :D



Someone in the other thread I had posted up how to change the country selection within the computer. So hopefully that will sort out the radio frequencies, as they are so different compared to NA.


If you figure this out, please let me know. I'd love to have a functional radio. :rofl

Did you acquire this E38 at auction? If so, was a USS auction sheet included? I can translate it for you, if so. :buttrock

[cdnalpina]

Here's hoping that the tool kit is complete! If not, I will be purchasing the tools missing, that kit has come in so handy on my other cars on numerous occasions.

Here, read post #16 by Qsilver7 - super useful post. Let me know if it works on your car, will give me hope for mine :)

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1534688&highlight=new+owner

I do have the auction sheet - will pm it to you. Thanks for the offer!

[SEVEN40iL]

Interesting - so was any sort of warning item sent with the car, or like with Mercedes, is there a triangle mounted to the inside of the trunk lid?

No worries on the dibs :)

No, they were just omitted. Nothing was given in it's place.

[tekazgtr1984]

Here's hoping that the tool kit is complete! If not, I will be purchasing the tools missing, that kit has come in so handy on my other cars on numerous occasions.

Here, read post #16 by Qsilver7 - super useful post. Let me know if it works on your car, will give me hope for mine :)

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1534688&highlight=new+owner

I do have the auction sheet - will pm it to you. Thanks for the offer!

No worries! It makes getting a car from JP a whole lot easier when you speak, write and read the language. :buttrock

Thanks for the link to that radio frequency info. I thought for sure I was screwed. :shifty

[cdnalpina]

Indeed that does help! I may need to drop you a line from time to time if that is ok. :) I have some service records with some of my cars that I would be interested in getting translated if you have a free moment.

No worries - let us know if that procedure works on your car.

[tekazgtr1984]

Indeed that does help! I may need to drop you a line from time to time if that is ok. :) I have some service records with some of my cars that I would be interested in getting translated if you have a free moment.

No worries - let us know if that procedure works on your car.

Gladly! I look forward to it actually. Anything to help me practice. :D

Will do. Hopefully, I can figure out this electrical issue before the end of the week. :shifty

[cazal740i]

wow...Ive seen that wing before....where did I see it?
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/snitch740i/original/IMG_3475.jpg
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/snitch740i/original/IMG_4030.jpg

[SPIKYJUNG]

just wonder what process to buying a car from japan and what site you are going to look for. thank

[tekazgtr1984]

just wonder what process to buying a car from japan and what site you are going to look for. thank

First, it depends where you are located. Canada has a 15 year import rule, meaning if a car is 15 years older or more, it can be imported as a "vintage vehicle".

That being said, I don't know how it works south of 49. Each state has different regulations and laws from what I can tell.

The process itself is simple. A broker will bid on a vehicle on your behalf and have it shipped to you. A few examples are Terra2 Imports, JDM Connection, and JDM Source. Most of these importers already have inventory on this side of the pond but they will also do custom inventory requests for the right price. I'd tell you where I scooped up my Japanese E38 but I'd rather not. :shifty

[cazal740i]

First, it depends where you are located. Canada has a 15 year import rule, meaning if a car is 15 years older or more, it can be imported as a "vintage vehicle".

That being said, I don't know how it works south of 49. Each state has different regulations and laws from what I can tell.

The process itself is simple. A broker will bid on a vehicle on your behalf and have it shipped to you. A few examples are Terra2 Imports, JDM Connection, and JDM Source. Most of these importers already have inventory on this side of the pond but they will also do custom inventory requests for the right price. I'd tell you where I scooped up my Japanese E38 but I'd rather not. :shifty
I say u have a very clean looking E38...rims, color and euro clear tails plus the rear wing...Any more pics of your rear lip spoiler...?

[GSXRliterbikz]

Indeed that does help! I may need to drop you a line from time to time if that is ok. :) I have some service records with some of my cars that I would be interested in getting translated if you have a free moment.

No worries - let us know if that procedure works on your car.


Were you at the bav auto show and shine with your B10? There was a guy there that had one from Canada. Blue one.

[Sabreslight]

That's a mighty fine E38, is it me or does the HVAC controls just look really out of place with the nav and everything.
does the Japanese E38's have different seats? or are those the basic seats?
Anyway congrats on the purchase and above all have fun with her.

[Bimmmer740iL]

I have a question. How do you know the condition of the car? I mean even at the auctions that me and my friends go to, there is little or no maintance history and one can not do a comprehensive inspection. So buying from the auction is most of the time hit or miss. Do they provide vehicle history from the company/organization you bought it from? Just interesting to know, because as you've said, Japanese cars are pretty cheap and I might look into this option. Thanks

[cdnalpina]

just wonder what process to buying a car from japan and what site you are going to look for. thank

I use a broker in Japan. Process is a little involved and the first time running through it solo it is a bit intimidating. It is easier if you use a broker here but it is also more expensive. I take care of everthing myself once the car gets to the port in Japan.


Were you at the bav auto show and shine with your B10? There was a guy there that had one from Canada. Blue one.

Sorry no, it was not me. What model of B10 was it?


That's a mighty fine E38, is it me or does the HVAC controls just look really out of place with the nav and everything.
does the Japanese E38's have different seats? or are those the basic seats?
Anyway congrats on the purchase and above all have fun with her.

Thanks so much! I agree that the HVAC controls look out of place - is it possible to plug and play the newer version? Dunno on the seats - I am sure a guru here can answer that one.

Indeed I will, can't wait for the drive form Vancouver to home - will take some pics along the way and post them up.


I have a question. How do you know the condition of the car? I mean even at the auctions that me and my friends go to, there is little or no maintance history and one can not do a comprehensive inspection. So buying from the auction is most of the time hit or miss. Do they provide vehicle history from the company/organization you bought it from? Just interesting to know, because as you've said, Japanese cars are pretty cheap and I might look into this option. Thanks

How it works for me is:

- I see a car that I am interested in and look at the auction sheet. On that sheet it shows, by virtue of letters and numbers, door dings, scrathes, waves in paint, replaced panels, etc. It grades the car from 0-5, on the exterior and mechanical condition of the car, '5' being a brand new car. It grades the interior of the car from A-D, 'A' being a new car.

- If interested, I request a translation of the sheet as there is writing on there that will tell the good and the bad. In the case of this car, it mentioned all the aftermarket goods for the positive. The bad was that it was dirty (always says that) and said 'marks as per map' meaning the dents etc. It also noted that the pixels were not all working. Sometimes there will be other information like service records present, single owner car etc etc.

The auctions are very diligent in reporting things with cars and if something is shady about the car, they often pull it from the auciton. They are also big on denoting if clusters have changed or if the mileage has been altered.

At the end of the day, you are buying a Christmas present. You have an idea of what it is but won't fully know until you 'open' it. That said, every car I have purchased, even after repairs, has been cheaper than a comparable car here. You can basically buy a car there, fix it up to new for the same or less than one here so there is no real loss in my eyes (this is if you don't pay a shop to do everything of course). Maybe I have just been really lucky, but given the number of cars I have bought and brought over, I would say it is more a testament to their system.

[GSXRliterbikz]

Sorry no, it was not me. What model of B10 was it?



Thanks so much! I agree that the HVAC controls look out of place - is it possible to plug and play the newer version? Dunno on the seats - I am sure a guru here can answer that one.




I believe it was a early 90 late 80. The body style just before the e39. It had a 3.5l straight 6.
Ahh, found a pic.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/literbikz/CIMG2277.jpg?t=1286989726

[Edwin NL]

Enjoy her when she arrives!

[cdnalpina]

Sorry no, it was not me. What model of B10 was it?



Thanks so much! I agree that the HVAC controls look out of place - is it possible to plug and play the newer version? Dunno on the seats - I am sure a guru here can answer that one.




I believe it was a early 90 late 80. The body style just before the e39. It had a 3.5l straight 6.
Ahh, found a pic.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/literbikz/CIMG2277.jpg?t=1286989726


That's an E34 Alpina B10 3.5. I have one of those at home as well - super fun little bomber, especially in a stick. Not sure whose car that is but looks like it is in nice shape though! They only made 527 of them...


Enjoy her when she arrives!

Oh I will - Mid November can't come soon enough!

[SEVEN40iL]

Were you at the bav auto show and shine with your B10? There was a guy there that had one from Canada. Blue one.



I believe it was a early 90 late 80. The body style just before the e39. It had a 3.5l straight 6.
Ahh, found a pic.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/literbikz/CIMG2277.jpg?t=1286989726

That B10 belongs to a buddy of mine here in Toronto. That color is absolutely stunning in person.

[GSXRliterbikz]

Yea it was. It was one of the nicer ones at the show. I think it was a stick too. Nice guy, I talked to him for a little bit.

Oh and about the seats in your new 7. Those look like the comfort seats with articulating upper back. The switch on top of the seat controls gives it away. Those are optional I believe.

[cdnalpina]

It's a nice color too!

Are comfort seats option 488?

[tekazgtr1984]

I say u have a very clean looking E38...rims, color and euro clear tails plus the rear wing...Any more pics of your rear lip spoiler...?

Thanks! Wheels and colour are what sold me on it when I first came across it last summer.

Like cdnalpina's E38, mine was also sourced from Japan at USS Auctions in Tokyo. The car was originally sold at Hattori Motors BMW in Kyoto in November, 1994.

cazal740i: here's a link to some more pics of the rear:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=19977136&postcount=522
The spoiler is 7treasure, which came with the body splitter kit.

OP, be sure to post pics when you get this sweet セブン home! :buttrock

[Skinny Puppy]

Im almost positive that car has no NAV. It will have a TV module instead. Welcome to the import E38 club. Its the only way to go. The car will be Euro spec which eliminates silly threads about wanting your car to have euro features. Also it will be low kms, serviced at a reputable or dealer shop due to lack of room in its homeland. The is much better than buying from the US. Hopefully there is no hidden problems the sheet didn't disclose as there almost always is. Out of the ten E38s alone I have seen imported including the one above there has been many hidden problems. Hopefully yours will be trivial. I didn't know comfort seats just meant having a fully adjustable lumbar support. Every one I've seen come from Japan has had this. Its also nice that any one worth importing is sporting some fashion of AC Schnitzer or Alpina products. That leaves you a few steps ahead of banishing the stock grandpa look.

[GSXRliterbikz]

^ So you can have no nav but still have the nav screen?

[cdnalpina]

Im almost positive that car has no NAV. It will have a TV module instead. Welcome to the import E38 club. Its the only way to go. The car will be Euro spec which eliminates silly threads about wanting your car to have euro features. Also it will be low kms, serviced at a reputable or dealer shop due to lack of room in its homeland. The is much better than buying from the US. Hopefully there is no hidden problems the sheet didn't disclose as there almost always is. Out of the ten E38s alone I have seen imported including the one above there has been many hidden problems. Hopefully yours will be trivial. I didn't know comfort seats just meant having a fully adjustable lumbar support. Every one I've seen come from Japan has had this. Its also nice that any one worth importing is sporting some fashion of AC Schnitzer or Alpina products. That leaves you a few steps ahead of banishing the stock grandpa look.

So yours is a J-spec as well? Did your car come with the same screen setup but no Nav? I do like how the J-specs are essentially Euros, some nice extra treats for sure. Your ride looks very tight and I have to say I like the Type IV wheels.

I have had very good success with the broker I have used. There have been no unexpected surprises with anything I have purchased to date, except for good surprises. So hopefully that string of good luck continues with this car.

Good to know on the seats, I know it has the lumbar for sure - would be nice if it had the articulating mid back as well but I am doubtful it does. Time will tell I guess. It's amazing how a few simple upgrades does transform the car from Grandpa to Sexy.


^ So you can have no nav but still have the nav screen?

Good question. Would seem odd (to me) to have just a TV screen in the front, especially when it is aimed more at the driver - but what do I know about this (hint: nothing)? :) I guess I will know more once I receive it.

[tekazgtr1984]

Im almost positive that car has no NAV. It will have a TV module instead. Welcome to the import E38 club. Its the only way to go. The car will be Euro spec which eliminates silly threads about wanting your car to have euro features. Also it will be low kms, serviced at a reputable or dealer shop due to lack of room in its homeland. The is much better than buying from the US. Hopefully there is no hidden problems the sheet didn't disclose as there almost always is. Out of the ten E38s alone I have seen imported including the one above there has been many hidden problems. Hopefully yours will be trivial. I didn't know comfort seats just meant having a fully adjustable lumbar support. Every one I've seen come from Japan has had this. Its also nice that any one worth importing is sporting some fashion of AC Schnitzer or Alpina products. That leaves you a few steps ahead of banishing the stock grandpa look.

Preach on, preacher!!! :buttrock


^ So you can have no nav but still have the nav screen?

Yes. My J-Spec 740i has the 4:3 screen but TV module only.


So yours is a J-spec as well? Did your car come with the same screen setup but no Nav? I do like how the J-specs are essentially Euros, some nice extra treats for sure. Your ride looks very tight and I have to say I like the Type IV wheels.

Good to know on the seats, I know it has the lumbar for sure - would be nice if it had the articulating mid back as well but I am doubtful it does. Time will tell I guess. It's amazing how a few simple upgrades does transform the car from Grandpa to Sexy.

Good question. Would seem odd (to me) to have just a TV screen in the front, especially when it is aimed more at the driver - but what do I know about this (hint: nothing)? :) I guess I will know more once I receive it.

Guaranteed your 740i has the TV module with no navi but you never know. Both mine and Skinny's E38's are the same, as well as three other E38's which were listed at the same dealer where we purchased ours. My guess is navi wasn't available in JP at that time...?

And yes, it's quite nice how well-equipped these J-spec models are. The low mileage and pristine condition make up for the trivial issues... Well, almost. :shifty

[Skinny Puppy]

I had the original computer in there before; the one color version. My car never had NAV, nor is there a place for it. It only has the TV tuner which still works in some locations. I watched family guy a week ago waiting for a ferry. It seems the years available for import did not have nav.

Your seats do not have the articulating back. If you look in the picture there is no seam in the seat backs.

Be prepared for control arms to be a little warn. All of the cars in the same grade as yours as pristine looking as they are have spent some time on bumpy streets. I didn't mean to sound negative about hidden problems, but there usually is a few blemishes here and there that the photos just cant pick up. Your seats and carpet should be in great shape as well since they rarely wear their shoes in the car.

[tekazgtr1984]

...since they rarely wear their shoes in the car.

:rofl:

[Skinny Puppy]

Hehe. My mats were OEM fresh when I got them. Now there's a big dip from my heel in between the brake, and gas pedal.

[tekazgtr1984]

Hehe. My mats were OEM fresh when I got them. Now there's a big dip from my heel in between the brake, and gas pedal.

I hear foot levitation is quite commonplace over there. :rofl

All kidding aside, I'm still amazed how well-kept the interior was in mine. :buttrock

[cdnalpina]

I had the original computer in there before; the one color version. My car never had NAV, nor is there a place for it. It only has the TV tuner which still works in some locations. I watched family guy a week ago waiting for a ferry. It seems the years available for import did not have nav.

Your seats do not have the articulating back. If you look in the picture there is no seam in the seat backs.

Be prepared for control arms to be a little warn. All of the cars in the same grade as yours as pristine looking as they are have spent some time on bumpy streets. I didn't mean to sound negative about hidden problems, but there usually is a few blemishes here and there that the photos just cant pick up. Your seats and carpet should be in great shape as well since they rarely wear their shoes in the car.


Good call on the seats - you've got good eyes.

Indeed I suspect the usual suspects when I receive this car. Will be doing all fluids and filters regardless, so I know that as of the day the car arrived that is all good. Brakes can be hit and miss in my experience, but you are right on suspension work - that is not all too uncommon. I look at this stuff as expected maintenance when I get a car from Japan. It's nice to dream it will be perfect but that is usually a pipe dream. Especially for a 15 year old car that was essentially worthless in its previous home country.

[GSXRliterbikz]

I guess I used the wrong word when I said articulating. I meant it has the option where the upper part of the seat back folds. Not the massaging. The rocker switch on the top part of the seat controls makes the upper part of the seat conform to your back and shoulders. Not all cars have that option.

[cdnalpina]

I guess the answer to the cadbury secret will be revealed when I get the car - only one month to go <sigh>

[tekazgtr1984]

...a 15 year old car that was essentially worthless in its previous home country.

I wouldn't call it worthless. Japan's automobile market is very unique in that 90% of people buy a new car every 2-3 years. It makes keeping even a 5-year old car somewhat tedious, in regards to keeping it in good order and compliant with federal regulations (the infamous 車検 (sha-ken) system). These regulations make it challenging to own anything but a newer vehicle. A 10-year old car is even more tedious. A 15-year old car... Well, you see where I'm going with this. :D

For example, here's a 2007 5-series already up for auction:

http://bzl.cis6200.jp/e/p5_search_detail.asp?kaijo2=YK&aa=331&syup=70012&kaijo=AL&maker=09&syasyu=09BMW+5+SERIES&m=1&s=AADT&o=DESC&p=1

On the plus, these 15-year old cars are head and shoulders above the Canadian equivalent, in terms of mileage and condition, both inside and out. It would be nice if our gov't changed this rule to five or even 10 years. I could finally get a '01 E39 M5. :D

http://bzl.cis6200.jp/e/p5_search_detail.asp?kaijo2=NG&aa=1371&syup=20057&kaijo=AL&maker=09&syasyu=09BMW+M5&m=1&s=AADT&o=DESC&p=1

Damn. Close but not quite.

[MJeffC]

On the plus, these 15-year old cars are head and shoulders above the Canadian equivalent, in terms of mileage and condition, both inside and out. It would be nice if our gov't changed this rule to five or even 10 years. I could finally get a '01 E39 M5. :D

http://bzl.cis6200.jp/e/p5_search_detail.asp?kaijo2=NG&aa=1371&syup=20057&kaijo=AL&maker=09&syasyu=09BMW+M5&m=1&s=AADT&o=DESC&p=1

Damn. Close but not quite.

Nice silver E60 M5. You should be able to import that, no? I thought you can import cars of any age as long as it meet Canadian specs?

[tekazgtr1984]

Nice silver E60 M5. You should be able to import that, no? I thought you can import cars of any age as long as it meet Canadian specs?

I'm not entirely sure about that. If that's the case, I'd imagine more vehicles from Europe and Japan not for the Canadian market would be imported here...? :confused