Buying a car in Canada -- few questions

[ducky]

Well in a couple weeks I'm going up to Montreal for a weekend, and I realized that Canada had M3's before the US did, and with the exchange rate, it might be cheaper to buy a car in Canada and bring it over here.

Now, if I bought a car in Canada, and brought it down here, would it have to pass US emissions? or are they the same numbers? What's the cost of converting the guages from metric to US?

Oh, and is there any way I could get around paying taxes on the car upon entering the US? Would I be able to get around them if I paid the person the equivalent of their CDN price but in USD?

Basically, would I be saving money by buying a car in Canada, and bringing it down here?

Thanks, if you have any stories about purchasing a car in another country - please share.

[gato]

No, it is illegal.

[Filip75]

search for a thread with keyword: Canada

there was a very nice big write-up a while ago.

[nd325xi]

Canadian dealers are not allow to sell a car to the US or risk losing their dealership. Also the warranty won't be covered.

[dysphunxion]

And now for some facts from the US gov't...

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All passenger cars, motorcycles, multipurpose vehicles - MPV, or light trucks less than 25 years old imported for personal use (not resale) into the U.S. on a permanent basis from Canada should follow this procedure. This process may also be followed if a vehicle was originally imported from Canada on a temporary basis or if prior DOT or U.S. Customs clearance was not obtained.

Contact the manufacturer of the vehicle, and ask if the vehicle complies with all applicable U.S. Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS). The letter from the manufacturer must identify your vehicle by the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). READ THE LETTER CAREFULLY.

Note: I believe the entire BMW 3 series 95+ has already been deemed "in compliance" with the FMVSS and needs no proof, and is listed in a 'preapproved' database.

If the manufacturer letter states that the vehicle complies with U.S. FMVSS, except for minor labeling requirements, you have an acceptable letter. This letter along with your vehicle registration should be presented to U.S. Customs at the border. U.S. Customs will review the manufacturer letter to assure that the vehicle complies. (DOT approval of the manufacturer letter was discontinued as of April 8, 1997.)

If the manufacturer letter states that the vehicle meets all U.S. FMVSS, except for the speedometer, or headlights, you may have these components replaced at a dealer authorized by the factory to repair your vehicle. In addition to the documents cited in item 2, above, you must present the invoice for the speedometer or headlight replacement to obtain U.S. Customs approval.

If the manufacturer letter states that the vehicle meets all U.S. FMVSS except for FMVSS No. 208 (automatic or passive restraint requirements) you WILL NOT be able to bring your vehicle into the U.S. on a permanent basis unless it is modified by an RI. If an RI is willing to modify the vehicle, it may be expensive and may change your desire to import the vehicle. (RI = Registered Importer)

If the manufacturer will not issue a letter for your vehicle, the only method to import your vehicle on a permanent basis is to contract with an RI.

EPA approval is also required. You may call the EPA information line at: (202) 564-9660.
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Importing an M3 from Canada shouldn't be that hard. The restraint systems (seatbelts, airbags), bumpers and anti-theft devices are identical (mostly) to US models. You will need to have US spec DOT stamped headlights and tail-lights installed. And your speedo will have to be converted to MPH. You can pick up used lights cheap enough, but a US BMW dealer will have to install them and do the speedo. The other issue is emissions. I'm not sure about earlier Euro spec model's emissions, but it shouldn't be too hard to fab an exhaust for testing. All 96+ Canadian M3's already meet US EPA emissions standards.

If I were you I'd call the NHTSA, DOT and EPA and find out exactly what you need. Ask if they have had anyone import an M3 from Canada before (people have indeed), and what exactly did they need to comply. Also contact your state DMV and find out what they will require. I know NY is semi-helpful and has a program for importing Canadian cars. The hard part is just getting the info/forms you need, typical gov't crap. Since the M3 is so universally similar, it should be relatively easy. Good luck.

NHTSA Vehicle Importation link (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/)

Customs Info on Importing a Car link (http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/imp-exp2/informal/car.htm) -I believe there is some sort of one time tax/duty break, check into it.

EPA Imports Facts Page (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/factmtop.htm)

[gato]

Is all this crap worth it? Also if at any time you are audited by the IRS you will have to go through a living nightmare again. Another thing is, "Why would you want to risk the customs agents turning your car back at the border." Not trying to be a jerk just trying to help.:rolleyes:

[dysphunxion]

Why would it be a "nightmare" if you were audited? The usual headaches not withstanding.

As long as you can prove ownership (i.e. bill of sale/title), have valid temp tags and have changed over the lights and speedo, Customs is not going to deny you entry. None of the risks of importing a car from somewhere else in the world apply to Canada. Once you've done the preliminary legwork it's all very easy.

Why would one want an M3 from Canada? 321hp and 6 foward gears make for a very fun and unique toy....

[r6e36]

There were no 6 speed or 321hp canadian M3. They only had the 3.0 euro engine from '94 up to early '95 and was replaced wit the US spec engine from then on.

[dysphunxion]

True.....And worse yet only like 30 of the 286hp 3.0l made it to Canada.

I apologize for my mental lapse. Shit if I could get the Euro 3.2 in Canada, I'd a had one a long time ago....

[ducky]

Hmm thanks for the responses guys.

I'm gonna go search for that thread now.