Importing a BMW to Canada!

[phantombrave]

Hey everyone. I'm in the middle of trying to import an E36 into Canada right now. I called the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) to do a last minute check to make sure everything was good, and the guy told me it wasn't eligible for importation because it had a motor swap. It had it's M50 taken out for an S52, and apparently you're not allowed to do major engine modifications. All the additional injectors, CAI, etc. are OK, but the engine can only be the one that came with the model.

I really want this car, does anyone know any loopholes in the system, or has any experience with something like this?

[MaxSteel]

This may be the only time when it would be acceptable to put an ///M badge on that baby. :alright

[Feuerräder]

This may be the only time when it would be acceptable to put an ///M badge on that baby. :alright

assuming of course that they were promptly removed following import

how exactly do they know it has s52? It would seem that it would be easy enough to cover a swap like that up...it's not like it's that rd v12 ti that's noticeably different

[fcvapor05]

assuming of course that they were promptly removed following import

how exactly do they know it has s52? It would seem that it would be easy enough to cover a swap like that up...it's not like it's that rd v12 ti that's noticeably different

+1

Just dont tell them its an S52..... Its a BMW inline 6, and that is all the importers need to know.

[hecuter]

He could bring it across the border no problem. It does become a problem when he takes it in to get inspected. Canada requires that you take the car to an inspection site within 10 days to inspect it to meet standards. If they check the VIN and see that it belongs to an M3 and that the VIN for the car is a 328, boom - immediate export back to the US.

Anyone know any solutions for this?

[pegcity]

He could bring it across the border no problem. It does become a problem when he takes it in to get inspected. Canada requires that you take the car to an inspection site within 10 days to inspect it to meet standards. If they check the VIN and see that it belongs to an M3 and that the VIN for the car is a 328, boom - immediate export back to the US.

Anyone know any solutions for this?

I dont think they know what M3's are at the inspection station, my car is listed on my insurance as a 325ie. What the hell is a 325ie

your talking a country being flooded with crappy Jdm skylines and rx7's.

I think youd be fine.

[SDKmann]

Find a junkyard M50 and have them put it in the car while its being imported. Doesnt even have to be hooked up all the way or running just so there is the correct motor in it. Then once it is in Canada have someone ship the S52 over and have it put in there. Probably not very cost effective or easy but is a possible idea.

[pegcity]

why not just buy a low milage M3 in toronto, ive seen tons for sale

[Iguana8334]

just put the m50 manifold on the s52, whos gonna know then huh