How to import a BMW into Canada without getting rear ended

mike519 · 07-12-2013, 08:58 AM

I didn't even white it out and RIV was fine with it.

daveysew · 07-12-2013, 09:20 AM

I'm pretty sue the exact wording on the one I got when I imported my Triumph was "Not to be used for import clearance purposes, unless required by law" and it is required by law so I had no issues. I believe you can also be set up on the BMW Owners Circle website (US Only) where you can track all recall issues and outstanding campaigns independently and print off yourself.

Quickid · 07-12-2013, 12:07 PM

Great info! I'll import my next car from the US.

bucko521 · 08-09-2013, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bucko521

Also interested...paying a few dollars sure...but $500...not in this lifetime.

Just imported a 01 Z3 - recall letter was easily acquired by contacting dealer (in states) and asking if I could get a recall letter for a BMW I was buying. Need VIN, and I was sent the letter via email. Seem most BMW dealers in the states are helpful.

Hope this helps everyone.

Z4Lee · 10-23-2013, 05:57 PM

I imported a Z4 in the late fall of 2012. Thanks to everyone for all the advice on the forum.

I purchased my used car from a BMW dealer in Detroit and mostly it went well. The dealer committed to provide a recall letter, but in the end didn't and emphatically refused to provide on satisfactory to RIV. Essentially they said they were concerned about their franchise (I can only speculate why they took a position different to what other US dealers take). The other issue was that I could not get Michigan to issue a temporary permit to drive the car into Ontario. I asked at MTO what to do and they called MI who confirmed that they would not issue the permit (MTO could not understand this, but that was their final position).

In the end, I paid the $500 to the Ontario BMW dealer for the recall letter (after trying several options that all failed). And I rented a U-haul trailer and transported the car home myself.

Overall I saved a lot of money, but it was more of a hassle than I expected. From forum comments, it seems like most people are importing from other states so perhaps that improves the odds of avoiding my two pitfalls.

Best wishes to others seeking a better price stateside.

WNGD · 05-19-2017, 02:35 PM

I have imported vehicles from the US twice before but the dollar was more or less at par then. The process is easy and painless.

The CDN $ has moved so far down against the US in the last few years that the cost advantage has moved way against us for importing into Canada. At a .73 dollar, it's more expensive in the US in most instances but far better choice still.

07-12-2013, 08:58 AM	#67
mike519 Captain 134 Rep 832 Posts Drives: 2018 M240i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Waterloo, Ontario iTrader: (0)	I didn't even white it out and RIV was fine with it.
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07-12-2013, 09:20 AM	#68
daveysew First Lieutenant 15 Rep 307 Posts Drives: '91 318is/'05 Z4 SC/'18 440ix Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	I'm pretty sue the exact wording on the one I got when I imported my Triumph was "Not to be used for import clearance purposes, unless required by law" and it is required by law so I had no issues. I believe you can also be set up on the BMW Owners Circle website (US Only) where you can track all recall issues and outstanding campaigns independently and print off yourself.
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07-12-2013, 12:07 PM	#69
Quickid First Lieutenant 12 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 08 Z4MC, 06 X5 4.4i, 99 323i Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (4)	Great info! I'll import my next car from the US. __________________
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10-23-2013, 05:57 PM	#71
Z4Lee Enlisted Member 7 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: London, ON iTrader: (0)	my import experience I imported a Z4 in the late fall of 2012. Thanks to everyone for all the advice on the forum. I purchased my used car from a BMW dealer in Detroit and mostly it went well. The dealer committed to provide a recall letter, but in the end didn't and emphatically refused to provide on satisfactory to RIV. Essentially they said they were concerned about their franchise (I can only speculate why they took a position different to what other US dealers take). The other issue was that I could not get Michigan to issue a temporary permit to drive the car into Ontario. I asked at MTO what to do and they called MI who confirmed that they would not issue the permit (MTO could not understand this, but that was their final position). In the end, I paid the $500 to the Ontario BMW dealer for the recall letter (after trying several options that all failed). And I rented a U-haul trailer and transported the car home myself. Overall I saved a lot of money, but it was more of a hassle than I expected. From forum comments, it seems like most people are importing from other states so perhaps that improves the odds of avoiding my two pitfalls. Best wishes to others seeking a better price stateside.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-19-2017, 02:35 PM	#72
WNGD Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: Future Z4 Join Date: May 2017 Location: Toronto Canada iTrader: (0)	I have imported vehicles from the US twice before but the dollar was more or less at par then. The process is easy and painless. The CDN $ has moved so far down against the US in the last few years that the cost advantage has moved way against us for importing into Canada. At a .73 dollar, it's more expensive in the US in most instances but far better choice still.
	Appreciate 0 Quote