Imporing car from Canada or Europe

[davetronic]

Can anyone point me in the direction of information on importing a car into the US from Europe or Canada? I've searched the forum but can't find what I'm looking for, particularly what it would cost to bring an M5 E34 touring into the US. And what they will want to do to it as far as modifications go, if anything.

Thanks in advance.

[rmani]

Bringing from Canada is easy, from Europe is much harder. The biggest factor is the cost involved with shipping a car overseas.

[davetronic]

what about modifications coming out of canada? is that a major expense and if so what kind of mods are they?

i've read about people spending 14K on cars to be modified out of europe.

[Tehvic]

I don't know about the standards from Canada, but from Europe it's difficult for a few reasons. The car has to be allowed by US customs to be elligible for conversions to US standards. Then, the only way for it to clear customs is in the hands of, what they call, a Registered Importer. Then, that company will modify the car (to DOT standards), at their cost (very expensive) and release it for customs review to inspect their modifications. After their approval, you can get your car. The process is very long, and can cost you a buck or two. Go to the us customs web site or the DOT web site and search importing vehicles from overseas, and there will be more info. Good luck!

[///M3N]

If the car will be coming from Canada, it will be easier and cheaper compared to getting the car from Europe, since Canadian standards are almost the same as US. When I moved to Cali I had my car shipped from Toronto. It wasnt that difficult, you have to contact the manufaturer (BMW NA in your case) and get a letter from them stating that the car meets the DOT standards since coming from Canada, normallythe only difference is the speedo (KM instead of MI). Car transporters know the requirements. Find a good company then get the paperworks from them, it's them who will be requesting all the document needed from you. It costs me about $1000 for the shipment (delivered right to your doorstep), the car didnt need any modifications.