I'm living in Toronto, Canada. I'm interested in picking up a Z4 M Coupe in the US. There's a strong delta after exchange rate vs. buying in Canada and there's no duty since it's made in N. America.

I'd like the car loaded, but I'm willing to forego the Nav.

I'm wondering if I can get some comments on:
1. What delivery timelines are like (are these on the lot?)
2. What kind of prices people are seeing
3. Any suggestions for dealerships who are more aggressive then others when it comes to pricing (particularly in the North-eastern region of the US)

This will be my first BMW and first time purchasing a car in the US...Any other comments/thoughts are welcome.

Thanks,
Benjamin

It may be difficult to get a Z4 M roadster or coupe. US dealers are not allowed to sell new cars to Canadians (cuts into Canadian dealers' profit margins). Wait a year or two and you can buy a used one and save a lot of money.

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I know there is some work to doing it, but it is legit.

If BMW Canada would adjust their pricing to reflect current exchange rates, I wouldn't be even considering this. In fact, the local paper's "Wheels" section had a great write-up this summer on purchasing a car from the US and the net savings (after duties, etc) were ridiculous. On a 911, the net savings is $35k CDN. But I digress.


As for used, I know that I should consider this, but I'm liking the car too much to have that kind of patience.

Are the Z4 M Coupes on the lots @ dealerships or is there typically a waitlist?

When I'm ready to buy (which is as soon as I unload my current lease - hopefully in the next two weeks), I'd like to be able to move quickly, but I'm concerned this may not be realistic.

Thanks again.

Well I guess you can take advice from somebody who knows people who have imported cars or you can get advice from somebody who just imported a Z4 from the US 2 weeks ago (i.e. ME!).

US BMW dealerships are NOT allowed to sell to Canadians (based on orders from their head office), but that doesn't mean that some dealerships won't still do it. So, yes, you can call around and try to find a dealership that will sell a new BMW to a Canadian, but I think you'll find a hard time. I've done a lot of research into this before I imported. There are only 2 BMW dealerships that are close to us (Buffalo & Rochester, NY), and neither will sell new cars to Canadians. Used cars are okay as I said before.

Furthermore, some Canadians do manage to purchase new cars, but they may have to use an American friend or family member's US address to buy it, and then they import it (which is a HUGE hassle).

I would suggest you buy used. It's not that hard to import, and I saved a huge amount on my Z4 doing so. You just have to have the time to actually go and pick the car up and everything. I don't think it's worth importing a car unless it's closeby. Otherwise you end up having to pay for shipping fees (which are quite expensive), and you are buying a car sight unseen. If it is close enough for you to pick up, at least you can see it before you buy.

Like I said, bjacob,

You can take advice from a Canadian living in the US or you can take advice from a Canadian who lives one hour away from you who just imported a Z4 from the US.

Or you can take the advice of asking people from Vancouver about how to import cars even though there are many things that differ in terms of importing into Ontario (Ministry of Transportation requirements).

Alternatively, you can call the US BMW dealerships yourself and confirm that I'm right that they won't sell a new car to you. And then you can call SweetGP20's lawyer family members to help you start a class auction law suit. Then if you win, you can use the amount you're awarded in court to get a Z4 M Coupe.

I'm happy to answer any questions you might have if you are indeed serious about importing.

Easy guys, I think you are both right to some degree.

The reality is that there's no hard and fast rule. When I was looking for a Toyota for my wife, in searching the upstate NY area, the dealers would not deal with my email requests indicating that they cannot sell to Canadians since Toyota Canada would not allow them. I would suspect that the dealers closer to the border will be more closely monitored by the manufacturer than those further south.

In any case, all the advice has been helpful and I appreciate it.

Now as for the car - can people comment on:
- what pricing is like (i.e. what are people are paying for the car)
- is there high demand (i.e. are there long waits or are they on the lots @ dealerships)

Thanks again
Benjamin