For Canadians Importing from US--IMPORTANT

e90fanatic · 11-11-2008, 02:45 PM

wow didnt know it was that complicated!!!

wengy · 11-12-2008, 08:59 PM

I'm looking at buying a 330ci or a 530i in the states next time I'm down there, or whenever the exchange rate happens to look good. I see from pictures online in the autotrader website that the US 530i (2004+) have both miles and kilometers on their speedos. The kilometers are listed on the inside in small type, is it still necessary to change out the cluster?

snipersix · 11-12-2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyer333

thx for the news .... i will import a e93 soon... i will be learning from u guys

wow someone is going to be a baller soon!

ratbag · 12-03-2008, 10:26 AM

So what does a Canadian do with a cluster that is in "miles" only? I wouldn't wanna spend thousands to change it over, but I'd also like to be able to set my cruise so that its correct. In the old days we could put a Kilometers sticker on top.... lol

dpwr · 12-07-2008, 11:05 PM

it's not worth it now, cad is 1.28

e90fanatic · 12-07-2008, 11:30 PM

US spec has kph on it as well.

ATSR · 12-18-2008, 08:51 PM

Hey Everyone,

I will be moving from Palm Beach, FL to Montreal in the first week of January for 2-3 years for a software implementation project (consulting to a Canadian company). My situation is pretty particular since I will still be employed by the same american company that I currently work for and I will still have my permanent residence in Florida.

Here's the problem: my car is leased and I still have 2 years left on the lease.

I already called BMWFS and they said that I can't leave the country with my car for more than 30 days. However, since all of my information will stay the same and my insurance already told me that they will cover me in Canada, how will they know as long as I keep making my payments?

I also checked with the Canada Border Information Service and they say that I don't have to register my car in Canada if I'm on a temporary work assignment for less than 36 months. I already have a letter from the company I will be consulting for in Canada that proves this fact. The problem is that if I tell them that I'm going to stay in Canada that long they are going to ask for a letter from BMWFS saying that it is ok to do it, which I will not be able to get.

What will happen if I drive across the border and say that I'm only going to be in Canada for a little while, and keep my car until it is time to return it in December 2010?

Or what will happen if I drive back and forth to the US every 6, 3, 1 months until my lease is up?

What do you recommend?

Please HELP

BTW my car already has snow tires installed!

djrh · 01-29-2009, 01:45 PM

Hi guys,

I know the rate sucks these days, but I was able to exchange some $ when it was at par. Now that my lease is about to end, I was looking into a 2007 328/335 convertible. I am really happy I stumbled upon this thread since it has lots of useful info. I have few questions though and would be glad if someone can help.

1. I found one that interests me, but the dealer has it listed for $10k more on trade-in value and $8k more than what kbb suggests. Do you think the dealer would agree to sell it at cost close to the private value? It's a high mileage car (~60k), but this is not worry since US roads are not as Quebec streets, plus it's a BMW.

2. Do you have US dealers to recommend (other than Dennis from Towne)?

3. I am not too clear about the DLRs and odometer. If the odometer shows both miles and kms, will I have to pay to get it changed (providing kms are smaller), and, if so, how much it would cost? Also, are there any possible concerns during the inspection in Canadian Tire?

4. Should I expect something different when registering the vehicle in Quebec?

Finally, someone wrote early that riv told him a printout is not accepted. However, their website explicitly states IT IS accepted:
http://www.riv.ca/english/html/recall_clearance.html

Thanks in advance.

danlauz · 10-31-2009, 06:05 PM

anybody with experiences in imports know if a CPO USA car bring to canada will have his CPO accepted in canada ?

marvenmassey · 10-31-2009, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alejotrujillo

Hey Everyone,

I will be moving from Palm Beach, FL to Montreal in the first week of January for 2-3 years for a software implementation project (consulting to a Canadian company). My situation is pretty particular since I will still be employed by the same american company that I currently work for and I will still have my permanent residence in Florida.

Here's the problem: my car is leased and I still have 2 years left on the lease.

I already called BMWFS and they said that I can't leave the country with my car for more than 30 days. However, since all of my information will stay the same and my insurance already told me that they will cover me in Canada, how will they know as long as I keep making my payments?

I also checked with the Canada Border Information Service and they say that I don't have to register my car in Canada if I'm on a temporary work assignment for less than 36 months. I already have a letter from the company I will be consulting for in Canada that proves this fact. The problem is that if I tell them that I'm going to stay in Canada that long they are going to ask for a letter from BMWFS saying that it is ok to do it, which I will not be able to get.

What will happen if I drive across the border and say that I'm only going to be in Canada for a little while, and keep my car until it is time to return it in December 2010?

Or what will happen if I drive back and forth to the US every 6, 3, 1 months until my lease is up?

What do you recommend?

Please HELP

BTW my car already has snow tires installed!

Hi Alejotrujillo,
My situation was similar. I moved back to Canada with a year remaining on my lease. I did exactly what you plan. I had my insurance with Geico and they gave a insurance slip for Canada and I was covered. Sure I couldnt tell them I moved back. I said that I was going back and forth. The only thing you need to be worried about is a accident in Canada. However Geico said I would be covered. Seeing as you will maintain a Florida residence you should not have a problem.

Hope this helps...

M.

e90fanatic · 10-31-2009, 09:50 PM

hey guys...are you guys canadians? im thinking of driving back (similar to you guys) but i am worried that at the border they will inspect my car since I'm canadian and driving a US spec car? what is your take on this?

Peepers · 11-01-2009, 11:23 AM

Hey guys, I have a question regarding warranty. I imported my Mini Cooper S in 2006 (before the C$ went close / over par) and all I had to do was get the letter of recall and activate the DRLs. I bought the Mini with 5500kms and BMW Canada warrantied the car for 4yrs/80K with no issues (and I even got a loaner / rental everytime).

Ever since the C$ went over par, the rules sort of changed (I think?). When I spoke to my local dealer (T+C Markham) they told me in order to honour the warranty, all the work needs to per performed at a BMW dealership (ie: activate the DRLs, getting the letter of recall and making the cluster swap). I know that's total BS but I still want the warranty to be vaild in Canada so what's the real deal? It sorta seams they're holding the warranty as sort of ransom so you pay the bucks to convert the car at the dealer

For those who DIDN'T do any of the work at a local Canadian dealer, have you had any warranty work done locally on your US spec car and was there any issues?? Were you treated like sh*t or no?

Thanks in advance!!

Peepers · 11-11-2009, 10:49 AM

Anyone have an answers to my question???

topgear007 · 04-21-2010, 08:15 AM

Hello,

Any ideas on how to activate the DRL's???

fxie · 04-22-2010, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by topgear007

Hello,

Any ideas on how to activate the DRL's???

Dealer can do it for you.

Or, if you have iDrive, it can be done through that by just following the instructions in the manual.

e90fanatic · 04-22-2010, 05:03 PM

Just fyi,

from my importation, i found out the following:

-canadians can drive an american plate car (but must have short-term stay intention)
-when importing, need to fax the VIN, title and invoice to the US customs 3 days prior to the export date, and must arrive in person for stamping of the title
-at the canadian border, need to state your intention of importing the vehicle (Customs will then process forms for you, Tip: best if you have a customs broker as they can state the "fair" price for tax calculations, unless you bought your car 2nd hand and have an invoice (mine was owned by myself when i lived in NJ))
-need to do 3 examinations on the car (all can be done in 1 hour at Canadian Tire) - Emissions, Safety, RIV inspection (need to have DRL on **MUST**)
-Go to Ministry of Transportation, give them the Form 1 (stamped), Invoice, US title and Insurance (can be temporary insurance)

11-11-2008, 02:45 PM	#45
e90fanatic Absolute0 172 Rep 5,078 Posts Drives: Has a Roundel Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: TO/HK/NJ iTrader: (6)	wow didnt know it was that complicated!!! __________________ To procede or not to procede......
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11-12-2008, 08:59 PM	#46
wengy Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 535i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nanaimo, BC iTrader: (0)	Instrument Cluster Replacement I'm looking at buying a 330ci or a 530i in the states next time I'm down there, or whenever the exchange rate happens to look good. I see from pictures online in the autotrader website that the US 530i (2004+) have both miles and kilometers on their speedos. The kilometers are listed on the inside in small type, is it still necessary to change out the cluster?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-03-2008, 10:26 AM	#48
ratbag Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 318 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: canada iTrader: (0)	So what does a Canadian do with a cluster that is in "miles" only? I wouldn't wanna spend thousands to change it over, but I'd also like to be able to set my cruise so that its correct. In the old days we could put a Kilometers sticker on top.... lol
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2008, 11:05 PM	#49
dpwr Captain 40 Rep 852 Posts Drives: a good one Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	it's not worth it now, cad is 1.28
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12-07-2008, 11:30 PM	#50
e90fanatic Absolute0 172 Rep 5,078 Posts Drives: Has a Roundel Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: TO/HK/NJ iTrader: (6)	US spec has kph on it as well. __________________ To procede or not to procede......
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-18-2008, 08:51 PM	#51
ATSR Captain 45 Rep 852 Posts Drives: 1977 Honda Civic Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wellington, FL iTrader: (0)	Hey Everyone, I will be moving from Palm Beach, FL to Montreal in the first week of January for 2-3 years for a software implementation project (consulting to a Canadian company). My situation is pretty particular since I will still be employed by the same american company that I currently work for and I will still have my permanent residence in Florida. Here's the problem: my car is leased and I still have 2 years left on the lease. I already called BMWFS and they said that I can't leave the country with my car for more than 30 days. However, since all of my information will stay the same and my insurance already told me that they will cover me in Canada, how will they know as long as I keep making my payments? I also checked with the Canada Border Information Service and they say that I don't have to register my car in Canada if I'm on a temporary work assignment for less than 36 months. I already have a letter from the company I will be consulting for in Canada that proves this fact. The problem is that if I tell them that I'm going to stay in Canada that long they are going to ask for a letter from BMWFS saying that it is ok to do it, which I will not be able to get. What will happen if I drive across the border and say that I'm only going to be in Canada for a little while, and keep my car until it is time to return it in December 2010? Or what will happen if I drive back and forth to the US every 6, 3, 1 months until my lease is up? What do you recommend? Please HELP BTW my car already has snow tires installed!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-29-2009, 01:45 PM	#52
djrh Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: Looking for :) Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Hi guys, I know the rate sucks these days, but I was able to exchange some $ when it was at par. Now that my lease is about to end, I was looking into a 2007 328/335 convertible. I am really happy I stumbled upon this thread since it has lots of useful info. I have few questions though and would be glad if someone can help. 1. I found one that interests me, but the dealer has it listed for $10k more on trade-in value and $8k more than what kbb suggests. Do you think the dealer would agree to sell it at cost close to the private value? It's a high mileage car (~60k), but this is not worry since US roads are not as Quebec streets, plus it's a BMW. 2. Do you have US dealers to recommend (other than Dennis from Towne)? 3. I am not too clear about the DLRs and odometer. If the odometer shows both miles and kms, will I have to pay to get it changed (providing kms are smaller), and, if so, how much it would cost? Also, are there any possible concerns during the inspection in Canadian Tire? 4. Should I expect something different when registering the vehicle in Quebec? Finally, someone wrote early that riv told him a printout is not accepted. However, their website explicitly states IT IS accepted: http://www.riv.ca/english/html/recall_clearance.html Thanks in advance.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-31-2009, 06:05 PM	#53
danlauz Private First Class 9 Rep 134 Posts Drives: z4m 2007+x5 2009+330 cic 2003 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: canada iTrader: (0)	CPO anybody with experiences in imports know if a CPO USA car bring to canada will have his CPO accepted in canada ?
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10-31-2009, 09:50 PM	#55
e90fanatic Absolute0 172 Rep 5,078 Posts Drives: Has a Roundel Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: TO/HK/NJ iTrader: (6)	hey guys...are you guys canadians? im thinking of driving back (similar to you guys) but i am worried that at the border they will inspect my car since I'm canadian and driving a US spec car? what is your take on this?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-01-2009, 11:23 AM	#56
Peepers Private First Class 25 Rep 144 Posts Drives: '11 335xi & '97 Spyder GSX Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario iTrader: (0)	Hey guys, I have a question regarding warranty. I imported my Mini Cooper S in 2006 (before the C$ went close / over par) and all I had to do was get the letter of recall and activate the DRLs. I bought the Mini with 5500kms and BMW Canada warrantied the car for 4yrs/80K with no issues (and I even got a loaner / rental everytime). Ever since the C$ went over par, the rules sort of changed (I think?). When I spoke to my local dealer (T+C Markham) they told me in order to honour the warranty, all the work needs to per performed at a BMW dealership (ie: activate the DRLs, getting the letter of recall and making the cluster swap). I know that's total BS but I still want the warranty to be vaild in Canada so what's the real deal? It sorta seams they're holding the warranty as sort of ransom so you pay the bucks to convert the car at the dealer For those who DIDN'T do any of the work at a local Canadian dealer, have you had any warranty work done locally on your US spec car and was there any issues?? Were you treated like sh*t or no? Thanks in advance!! __________________ 2014 BMW F25 X3 2.8i MSport 2011 BMW E92 335xi 1997 Eclipse Spyder GSX (yes, an AWD Spyder - one of a few in Canada) - 12.7 @ 110 mph w/ 1.8 60'
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11-11-2009, 10:49 AM	#57
Peepers Private First Class 25 Rep 144 Posts Drives: '11 335xi & '97 Spyder GSX Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario iTrader: (0)	Anyone have an answers to my question??? __________________ 2014 BMW F25 X3 2.8i MSport 2011 BMW E92 335xi 1997 Eclipse Spyder GSX (yes, an AWD Spyder - one of a few in Canada) - 12.7 @ 110 mph w/ 1.8 60'
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-21-2010, 08:15 AM	#58
topgear007 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: Deloran Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Hello, Any ideas on how to activate the DRL's???
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04-22-2010, 05:03 PM	#60
e90fanatic Absolute0 172 Rep 5,078 Posts Drives: Has a Roundel Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: TO/HK/NJ iTrader: (6)	Just fyi, from my importation, i found out the following: -canadians can drive an american plate car (but must have short-term stay intention) -when importing, need to fax the VIN, title and invoice to the US customs 3 days prior to the export date, and must arrive in person for stamping of the title -at the canadian border, need to state your intention of importing the vehicle (Customs will then process forms for you, Tip: best if you have a customs broker as they can state the "fair" price for tax calculations, unless you bought your car 2nd hand and have an invoice (mine was owned by myself when i lived in NJ)) -need to do 3 examinations on the car (all can be done in 1 hour at Canadian Tire) - Emissions, Safety, RIV inspection (need to have DRL on MUST) -Go to Ministry of Transportation, give them the Form 1 (stamped), Invoice, US title and Insurance (can be temporary insurance)
	Appreciate 0 Quote