I just finished up with an exhaustive step by step write-up on how to import a car into Canada. If you've ever wondered how it works or what it costs, read it here.


How to Import a Vehicle into Canada



For all those interested in bringing your dream car into the Great White North, this is for you. I'm still in the process, but I'm nearing the final steps, so I thought I'd share what I learned here with everyone else. What follows is a walkthrough on all the steps you need to take to get your baby back home.


Numbers You'll Need:

Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV)
Phone: 1-888-848-8240
Fax: 416-626-0366
info@riv.ca
Mon-Fri 7:00am - 12:00am EST
Sat-Sun 7:00am - 5:00pm EST
http://www.riv.ca (http://www.riv.ca/)

Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA)
Phone: 1-800-461-9999
Outside Canada: (506) 636-5064
cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Transport Canada
Phone: 1-800-333-0371
Outside Canada: (613) 998-8616/2524
Fax: (613) 998-4831
tc.gc.ca

Lynden Border Crossing (The one I chose to go through, Choose the one closest to you)
Phone: (360) 354-2183
Fax: (360) 354-2706

BMW Canada
Phone: 1-800-567-2691
Fax: 905-428-5410
8:30am - 8:00pm EST

Assuming you've found the car you like, have gotten someone in the area to check it out, and, if you're super organized, gotten a local mechanic to inspect it, you're ready to begin the import process. This actually took a lot longer than I expected, and it's full of red-tape and fees.

What to Do Before You Do Anything:

Make sure the car is legally allowed into Canada. Several cars, for various reasons, are banned flat out. Don't make the mistake of buying a car not able to cross the border. There's a list of acceptable vehicles here:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/VAFUS/list/VAFUS.pdf

For vehicles not being imported from the States, check here: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/impxus_e.htm

The 15 Year Rule:

If the car is more than 15 years old, determined from the month and year of the build date (found on a sticker on the d. side door paneling), it will not be subject to the same regulations, but you'll still need a "double stamped form 1" at the border, and you'll also need an Out Of Province Inspection. 6 months more on my car and I wouldn't have to deal with any of this, but it's important to note, because it makes importing older cars a lot easier. (See post later in thread for more details)

For the sake of convenience, let's assume you love the car, everything checks out, and you’re ready to buy it. I took the path of flying down, then driving it back up, so I'll go from there.

Documents Needed:

You'll need your seller to provide you with the following documents to keep on hand:

1. The Vehicle Title (You can do with just a faxed copy before the actual transfer of title takes place)

2. A Bill of purchase. Just a piece of paper stating “I, Seller, am selling this Vehicle to X for $XXX on the date of X. The VIN # is XXX”. Have both parties sign the bottom with printed names underneath. *In my case, this was fine to go through the border with, but when I went to ICBC recently, they required that I fill out their own Bill of Sale to be signed by myself and the seller. Check with your local insurance agency regarding what they will accept.

3. A copy of the registration. More on this later.

Once you have these documents, you'll need to fax them to whatever border crossing you're passing through a full 72 hours in advance. The clock starts the next morning after you fax them, and they don't count Saturdays and Sundays. So assuming you send them in Monday, the clock starts Tuesday and the earliest you can pass through that crossing is Friday. Also note that At some locations, NO IMPORTING IS ALLOWED ON THE WEEKENDS! This almost ruined my trip, so keep that in mind.

After you fax the documents in, get your plane ticket/transportation/travel papers in order. If you're planning on going on a one way flight, or driving down, make sure you're holding on to that list of documents, as they'll want proof when they question you. If you're shipping it through an auto transporter, now is the time to book it.

An aside on Auto Transporters:
Many of the companies I called wouldn't actually cross the border themselves, so you may end up having it shipped to the edge of the country, and having to go down and do the final crossing yourself. Also, you may find it's more cost-efficient if you do the driving. I went from SoCal to Washington, and I received quotes averaging about $1200 USD. My plane ticket was $300 last minute, and gas was only about $100. It was a 3 day trip, so accommodations didn't add up to much either. You also get the thrill of learning about your car over a cross-country trip. If however you find yourself unable to import, this is a good alternative. I believe InterCity Lines Transport is a board sponsor and was previously willing to offer bfc members deals on shipping depending on where you live. Shop around, but know that the cheapest isn't always the best. Get their guarantee on when your car will arrive in writing, and MAKE SURE THEY HAVE FULL INSURANCE! Just type in "Auto Transport Nightmare" into google and see what you get. Don't let this happen to you. Here's a useful page for reviews on auto transporters: http://www.transportreviews.com/

Insurance:
If you chose to drive it back up yourself, you're going to need insurance. Go into your local insurance broker and ask for a "Binder of Insurance". This covers you so long as you go from your origin to your destination via the most direct route. There's some wiggle room, but once you get closer to home you can't blast around the canyons the rest of the day. You'll need to provide the VIN and plate # of the car when you're getting insured. This BoI isn't enough on it's own though. It's only valid if it's riding on a registered vehicle with plates. So if the seller has registration on the car, you'll be driving on his or her plates and registration until you reach your destination. When you meet with the seller, you'll need to get him to sign a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form at the DMV. This means that if you crash, it's not going on the seller's insurance.

If the car has no registration or plates, you'll need to go to the nearest DMV and get some. Registration is easy - it comes in the form of a One Trip Permit which lets you leave the country without having to go through emissions testing or any of the other hoops, and it's much cheaper than full registration. You can apply for temporary plates in the same way. Seeing as this is the DMV, be prepared for a long wait. It's best to set half a day to this.

All the insurance agencies I talked to covered their asses saying I had to call all the DoTs for states I was traveling through to make sure the insurance was valid. After a million infuriating automated messaging systems and left messages, the short answer is yes, it's valid.

So you've got the car, faxed the border documents, gotten your insurance, and now you're ready to cross the border. :alright

At the US Border:

Step into the office and produce the original title, bill of sale, and registration. They'll inspect the car and check the VIN, then stamp your registration, and you're off to home turf.

At the Canadian Border:

Produce the same documents again, along with your Driver's license, and they'll hand you a big white/yellow/pink sheet of paper called Form 1. This is really important, so don't lose it. They'll charge you $195 for giving you this form, 7% of the car's value for GST, and 6% for duty. You'll pay provincial sales tax when you get insurance (6% in BC). To give you an idea of perspective, I paid $6600 USD for my car, and at the border, paid $972. All these funds are non-refundable. Once you cross the border, you now have 45 days to get it inspected and registered, otherwise it's sent back to whence it came. And you're out all those border fees. :( So don't do this. It's unlikely though, because they give you an automatic 10 day extension, and if you call a week or two before deadline, you can get more time. So if you haven't gotten it inspected in 2 months, get off your ass you lazy bastard.

Once You've Gotten It Back Home:

You'll need to get a "Recall Clearance Letter" first from BMW Canada. This is letter basically saying the car you have is free from all outstanding recalls in Canada. It MUST have the following: Manufacturer's Logo, official letterhead, the signature of the official with his name and position, and the VIN #. Every other car company does this for free, but, seeing as it's a bimmer, BMW now charges $560 for it. :confused Nothing you can do about it either
*Edit/NOTE: I have heard from varying sources that this letter may not be required anymore. At this point, without confirmation one way or the other, prepare to pay and be pleasantly surprised if you don't have to. If someone can supply solid facts about this, please post in this thread.

Now you have to bring in into a Canadian Tire to get it officially inspected. There are two inspections you need to go through - An Out of Province inspection (OOP), and a Federal Out-Of-Country Inspection. What you're after is a little stamp on your Form 1. Both deal with the general safety of your car; The OOCI checks to make sure the car is road-legal throughout Canada, and the OOPI checks your vehicle against provincial regulations. You can tow your car to the shop, but you can also get special 1 - 3 day temporary operating permits designed especially for this case. They average around $30 - $80 a day depending on the level of coverage and the value of your car. I wouldn't trust Canadian Tire to empty my ashtray, but unfortunately they've got the government contract. There's also a few local shops that should be licensed to do it, call the RIV to find one in your area. Here's a link to local inspection sites: http://www.riv.ca/english/Independent-Inspection-Centres.pdf Some, not all, of the thing's they'll look for:

Metric Speedometer, DOT approved Windshield, Windows, Light bulbs (Take out those Angel Eyes!), child safety restraint harnesses, working seat belts, Catalytic converter present, high mounted stop light, neutral switch, hood struts, acceptable window tint (35% in BC), and daytime running lights. They'll make sure the car is in good working order and nothing could be danger on the road. You'll also need a minimum of 5/32s of tread on all of your tires too. If you have any motor swaps or large conversions like I did, they will need a receipt for the work done. Anything they categorize as a "Major Modification" needs to be accompanied by a receipt showing the shop who did the job and the parts that were installed. So if you're looking at buying an S52 swapped car, make sure you get the paperwork too!

**As far as the daytime running lights go, you can buy a relay kit at BMW for $307, but Canadian Tire sells one for $27 that does the same thing. In this case the extra money for OEM parts isn't justified. All the DRL do is turn on the headlights when you switch the ignition.**

If you pass the inspection, they'll stamp your Form 1 and in about a week a new "Canadian Certified" sticker will be mailed to you to stick on your car. If you fail the inspection, you'll have 10 business days (at least at CT you do) to bring your car into line with the standards. Note that if you bought a salvage titled car, you'll need to perform a Structural Integrity Test (about $100 and an hour's work) prior to your OOP.

The Last Step:

You've jumped through all the hoops, now comes the final stretch. Bring all your papers to your provincial insurance broker to get your new registration, plates, and insurance. You'll also be paying your provincial sales tax now. Shove the important documents in your sagging glovebox, keep the rest in a file back home, and you're good to go.

Vroom Vroom:

Put your key in the ignition, your sunglasses on, and roar away. Congrats! :redspot:alright

Costs:
As far as cost goes, here's a breakdown:

Car - $6600 USD, so let's say $7000 CDN
Plane Ticket - $300
Binder of Insurance - $60
Gas for the trip back - $100
Cheap Hotel - $45
Border Fee - $195
Duty and GST - $1000
PST - $420
Cdn Tire Inspection - $112
BMW Recall Letter - $560 :mad
______________________

Which brings the total to: $9802. That means that on a car priced similarly to mine, going the same route I did, you're paying around $2700 to bring it across the border. Personally, I'm still pleased with my purchase, but you should go into this aware of the fact that costs quickly add up. I hope people find this DIY helpful!

Great thread dude!

Thanks for the addition.

Awesome write up...very informative.

Now, time to start saving up my money...

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:(

Is it posted in OT or something?

:(

Is it posted in OT or something?

Yeah it is. Didn't think about that. I'll repost in my OP here.

Very informative, thanks for sharing your hard work.

Very good & very informative. I would have a few things to add, importing myself couple of cars already.
Both times I flew down and drove back home. Both times I received via e-mail or fax the INTENT of the bill of sale with documents that would proof this (from the seller - no biggie). Also detailed description of the car (pictures are best). Received a 30 day temporary insurance, which enabled me to drive around almost to the day the car had all the Canadian paperwork.
I am not sure when the clock starts (the 72 hr rule is in effect), both times I drove for 2 days, meaning I spent 3 nights there. The 3d day all was clear. Both times I crossed on saturday (first time afternoon, 2nd time sunday night around 1-2 a.m.). The duty is actually 6% (makes a difference if the car is over 20K$) if it's not manufactured in N America. That said if you choose a model that's being built in Carolina, you will still pay the 6% duty, but will be refundaed at a later date.
Once home:
Make sure you get back your Inspection form from RIV - without it YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DO THE OUT OF COUNTRY INSPECTION - which in both instances was FREE (that's why you pay the 195 $ fee). Make sure you phone RIV and ask if they mailed you the form (do that after 8-10 days). Ask me how I know.... If they did not because there was a snag and they did not receive the form in time from the border, all you have to do is fax them your copy. The next day at the latest they will e-mail or fax you (your choice) the needed paper. Canadian Tire will do the Out-of-Country inspection then (you will have to book apointment).
In the meantime go and do the Out-of-Province inspection, which actually is the nasty one (they don't need the RIV form - they need the Out-of-Prvince inspection form from your local Registry. Go there and pick it up). This one will deal with all the mechanical, electrical and safety stuff, and your car better be OK. The latter I did at the dealer both times. Both times I didn't need to change the speedometer from miles to metric - actually they are still in miles as of today. This was personal choice (more expensive though - but those guys know their cars and I wanted to definitely change anything that wasn't OK. Canadian Tire will this one too for far less money (about 250$ less), but I wouldn't trust my car to them unless it's a 20 year old beater). And I never disposed of my angel eyes and never will.

Thanks!

A bunch more points:

1. The 15 year rule. If the car is 15 years old or more (based on production month at the time of import) you don't have to deal with RIV, and don't have to pay the $195 fee. Form 1 costs nothing (except the duty and tax). You also don't have to go through the "out of country" (read: RIV) inspection and modification regime.

2. Ukranian Tire may not be able to do an OOP inspection, depending on the model and year. When I imported my '03 325i (which was actually CDN spec) they told me only the dealer could do it. They had no problem with my '88 735i though. (This was in Edmonton, at the time).

3. All of my imports were from overseas, not the US. I strongly recommend using a Customs Broker if you bring a car from overseas. It costs about $250, but the run around it saves, and the mistakes it may avoid make the cost worthwhile. Note the 15 year rule though (I'll explain it below).

4. Have your ducks in a row, and don't accept the Customs agent's word at face value if you think something is wrong. Again, when I imported my 325i, which was CDN spec from the factory, the Customs agent made me pay RIV and checked the wrong box on the Form 1. As a result, I was looking at 30 days delay before my vehicle could be inspected, during which time the shipping agent was charging me storage fees. I managed to sort it out with a few trips to Edmonton airport (not trivial, as I lived about 30km N of Edmonton). Know what you're doing, and have the documentation on hand, or references ready to present. BTW, my car (325i) was factory ordered while I was living overseas, so I had to import it myself. If you do European Delivery the dealership that handles your order will handle the importation.

Finally, the 15 year rule:
Any car that is 15 years old or older may be imported into Canada exempt from RIV/TC regulations as long as it is equipped as originally manufactured (within reason - an after market stereo won't sour the deal. It's mainly engine/drive train mods that can mess it up). European or other spec vehicles cannot be imported into Canada under any circumstances unless they are 15 y.o. For example, a BMW must have left the production line with CDN spec (or US spec if allowed under RIV) in order to be imported, unless it is 15 years old or more. There are no exceptions, and vehicles cannot be modified to comply. This includes US "Grey Market" cars that may have been modified to comply with US DOT/EPA specs - that '95 E34 M5 Touring in California cannot be imported into Canada under current regulation, regardless of what mods were done to make it legal in the US.

visiting a different country = priceless

np everyone. JayM and Doru - do you mind if I quote your posts in the other thread? Also, what do you mean about Cdn Spec vehicles being exempt? Would you mind elaborating on this?

We are here to help each other out. And I think no opinion and no question is stupid (because nobody is born a genius).
Go ahead and do your deed - Hecuter.

Also, if somebody has the means, you are better off to buy a newer model (like 3-4 years old) and you are still ahead of the game as of today where the loonie is almost at par with our green counterpart. There are wicked prices for Volvo S60, Saab 9-3 and 9-5, some Porsche (although expensive - but still close to 1/2 price), for Mercedes you will have to contact the seller to provide the VIN and send it Ottawa for approval, and our pride and joy the BMW. All at unbeatable prices.
And to make life easier for those who don't know, here's a link to check the used price value for Canadian vehicles. (Some dealers will curse me now).

http://www.vmrcanada.com/canada_makes.htm

So do your homework and get that nice AFFORDABLE baby now.

Addendum: US border (Sweetgrass - this S Alberta) have a "new" formality of exporting from the US to Canada. Here it is in detail:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/export/export_docs/vehicle_exports/72_hrs_before_personal.xml
You'll notice there is a worksheet to be filled. It is downloadable through the same link. Not sure for the rest of Canada, but there might be some changes too due to the massive importing of cars that's going on lately.

^^^ cool link.

np everyone. JayM and Doru - do you mind if I quote your posts in the other thread? Also, what do you mean about Cdn Spec vehicles being exempt? Would you mind elaborating on this?

Go ahead.

If the car was originally CDN spec, and has the sticker on the B pillar (driver's side) it doesn't require RIV registration. You could also argue that you shouldn't have to pay duty if it has already been in Canada (in my case I was the first to bring it in, so I had to pay) and even GST if it's a used car from a private sale. I don't guarantee that it'll work though.

Doru,

Good link. People need to remember that it's a guideline though, like Kelley Blue Book for the states. Prices can vary greatly even from city to city.

One more thing to add. There was a stink in the Canadian media in february, if you remember about imported cars from the US and not to buy them, because people who import them are crooks and pick vehicles that were written off and build out of 2 or 3 cars etc. (I think dealers panicked - lots of expensive cars were imported since the loonie caught up with the green buck - and personally I think they got involved in that media stampede)
The thing is that with 7 or 8 $ you can do your Carfax research on the net and you'll know everything about the vehicle you want to buy (money well spent). Also you get to keep that copy (downloadable format) so you have it at all times. And also, as far as I know ther is some kind of agreement between our country and the US to swap car info - just for this reason (So when you will eventually sell it, the record of the car is there)

Hope this helps a little

BUMP for mikeyrj.

Very informative thread, thank you

cool info
this should be 'parked'

Bump

I agree, we should get hugo to park this one!

Costs:
As far as cost goes, here's a breakdown:

Car - $6600 USD, so let's say $7000 CDN Where have you been man? Canadian dollar is par with American dollar....

Where have you been man? Canadian dollar is par with American dollar....

At the time it wasn't.

What do you do for insurance and registration before the car passes inspections and such. Im probably not going to mess around with registration, but i'll obviously insure it, will the insurance company let you insure it before you pass those federal and provincial inspections, or is that all registry related?

What do you do for insurance and registration before the car passes inspections and such. Im probably not going to mess around with registration, but i'll obviously insure it, will the insurance company let you insure it before you pass those federal and provincial inspections, or is that all registry related?

You can drive it on temporary insurance/plates - typically 1 day A -> B insurance. A couple caveats - you can only buy it for the purpose of preparing your car for inspections, and you can only drive the most direct route from the shop to your house. If you're caught nowhere near where a shop would be, or aren't taking an A-B route, your insurance is invalid. However, I was talking with a guy from the BMW dealer today and he said it doesn't really matter, you can always say you have a special shop you go to, even if it's 3 hours away by mountain pass. Just make sure you call 'the shop' ahead of time so they can corroborate, even if it takes a case of beer.

So basically, if you're wanting it to be a DD before the inspections, you're going to be S.O.L. But if you want to go for a little blast, you're fine so long as you make arrangements before hand.

You can drive it on temporary insurance/plates - typically 1 day A -> B insurance. A couple caveats - you can only buy it for the purpose of preparing your car for inspections, and you can only drive the most direct route from the shop to your house. If you're caught nowhere near where a shop would be, or aren't taking an A-B route, your insurance is invalid. However, I was talking with a guy from the BMW dealer today and he said it doesn't really matter, you can always say you have a special shop you go to, even if it's 3 hours away by mountain pass. Just make sure you call 'the shop' ahead of time so they can corroborate, even if it takes a case of beer.

So basically, if you're wanting it to be a DD before the inspections, you're going to be S.O.L. But if you want to go for a little blast, you're fine so long as you make arrangements before hand.

How about getting my car from the shipping port to my house? The shipping company I am going through takes care of everything for me at the border, and then drops it off at a place in Calgary where I have to pick it up.

Just pick up a one day coverage plan then - collect all your paperwork and go talk to your agent. Should be less than $30/day with max. coverage.

Most shipping companies,be it from the states or here in canada won't deliver right to your home.When I asked about that in july they told me that for one the truck is way to big,and they dont have permits,and insurance to drop off in residential areas.

Guys, shipping is expensive. The most fun I had, was driving my car(s) from the States to Canada. To get insurance, you need the "attempt' of Bill of sale from the US (both times the guys send it to me via e-mail), and the detailed description of the car with pictures and VIN. You will get a 30 day insurance - no problem. Same price as your insurance (almost) of the other(s) car you might have. Did it twice, and 3 more friends of mine followed my experience and drove their cars home, no problems. Last one came back last sunday before the long weekend (30th sept). He also followed what I told him and prolly this week he will have the car with Canadian plates. It's not that complicacated, I just figured out how the Burocracy wil slooow you down big time.

Guys, shipping is expensive. The most fun I had, was driving my car(s) from the States to Canada. To get insurance, you need the "attempt' of Bill of sale from the US (both times the guys send it to me via e-mail), and the detailed description of the car with pictures and VIN. You will get a 30 day insurance - no problem. Same price as your insurance (almost) of the other(s) car you might have. Did it twice, and 3 more friends of mine followed my experience and drove their cars home, no problems. Last one came back last sunday before the long weekend (30th sept). He also followed what I told him and prolly this week he will have the car with Canadian plates. It's not that complicacated, I just figured out how the Burocracy wil slooow you down big time.

I dont have time to drive a car up from Atlanta, thats far from home. Also an extra 2000 miles on the car, plus they act as a broker and take care of a lot of things at the border for me.... What was that about a 30 day policy though... I'd look into that for sure, cant see myself needing more then that amount of time to pass federal and provincial inspections...

I dont have time to drive a car up from Atlanta, thats far from home. Also an extra 2000 miles on the car, plus they act as a broker and take care of a lot of things at the border for me.... What was that about a 30 day policy though... I'd look into that for sure, cant see myself needing more then that amount of time to pass federal and provincial inspections...

Pending on how slow the bureaucracy will shuffle the paperwork, if you want to drive it, 30 days will be plenty. Otherwise you might get stuck with towing the car for inspections, or you take the risk of driving it (god forbid cops pull you over). I know I was pulled over and the cops checked the VIN & insurance in their cruiser, but everything checked out - had the 30 days....

If you were to buy a new bmw and drive it up, would you go through the same thing? I'm from Edmonton, AB and plan on doing something similar to that. I don't know if the savings are worth it... Anyone here have experience with new car importing to Canada. Let's say a $60K car, would probably work out to be ~$70K after GST, duty, and fees? Correct if I'm wrong.

If you were to buy a new bmw and drive it up, would you go through the same thing? I'm from Edmonton, AB and plan on doing something similar to that. I don't know if the savings are worth it... Anyone here have experience with new car importing to Canada. Let's say a $60K car, would probably work out to be ~$70K after GST, duty, and fees? Correct if I'm wrong.

Your profile says Dallas TX. Are you a returning resident? That'll have an impact, though you'll have to own the car for 6 months before import, and one year after, to benefit.

You also may have trouble finding a US dealer willing to sell to a Canadian. that's been reported as a problem out here in Ontario. Apparently BMW NA has directed US dealers to not sell to Canadians.

Pending if it's build in the US or not: 12% or 6% plus the couple hundred $ fees for RIV. You can still bring a new car (everybody wants to sell, plus the stink with the dealers "fixing" the prices here in Canada) - talk with the US dealer to sell a "demo" that's not new (sic). You get the jist of it - it works.

If you were to buy a new bmw and drive it up, would you go through the same thing? I'm from Edmonton, AB and plan on doing something similar to that. I don't know if the savings are worth it... Anyone here have experience with new car importing to Canada. Let's say a $60K car, would probably work out to be ~$70K after GST, duty, and fees? Correct if I'm wrong.

I just imported a new Z4 Coupe into Canada. Its a similar process. You dont need an OOP with a new car tho. One less step.

I dont know if it's been mentioned. BMW Canada is charging $500 for the recall leter. You can get a Vehicle History Report from an authorized dealer, and RIV will take this instead of the recall letter. I had mine notarized (They have to notarize the MSO anyways). If they say they wont take it, just phone back till you get somone who says they will.

I just imported a new Z4 Coupe into Canada. Its a similar process. You dont need an OOP with a new car tho. One less step.

I dont know if it's been mentioned. BMW Canada is charging $500 for the recall leter. You can get a Vehicle History Report from an authorized dealer, and RIV will take this instead of the recall letter. I had mine notarized (They have to notarize the MSO anyways). If they say they wont take it, just phone back till you get somone who says they will.


So if I provide a carfax the RIV will accept this? Does it have to be notarized? What's MSO? And who do I call?

Sorry for all the questions but I was about to head down to the dealer tomorrow to get my letter and this could be $500 saved.

Carfax won't work.

MSO is a "Manufacturer's Statement of Origin", which is what a car has in lieu of a title until it is first sold, and only applies to new cars.

So if I provide a carfax the RIV will accept this? Does it have to be notarized? What's MSO? And who do I call?

Sorry for all the questions but I was about to head down to the dealer tomorrow to get my letter and this could be $500 saved.

The dealer can print off a Vehicle History Report. It will show no open campaigns. This can be used instead of the Recall letter. I got mine notarized, but I have heard of others being succesfull not being. Seeing as though I never seen my car till it got delivered, I got it notarized just in case.

The dealer can print off a Vehicle History Report. It will show no open campaigns. This can be used instead of the Recall letter. I got mine notarized, but I have heard of others being succesfull not being. Seeing as though I never seen my car till it got delivered, I got it notarized just in case.

Hmm, interesting. Do you know if it has to be the dealer from which you bought it? I got mine in a private sale down in the States, I wonder if this could work for me too.

Hmm, interesting. Do you know if it has to be the dealer from which you bought it? I got mine in a private sale down in the States, I wonder if this could work for me too.

No it does not have to be from where you bought it. I know another guy who bought his used and got the Vehicle History Report from a dealer. He got the seller to get it from the dealer.

I'm a current student in Dallas, TX and am not considered a "resident", just on a student visa. I'll be heading back to Edmonton in a couple of months. Hopefully I can find a dealership more west that are willing to deal with Canadians. I'm planning on getting a 535xi, and so I'll probably end up paying 12%. That's still a whole lot of savings considering it would cost me around $62k USD in the states (before taxes and duties), so around $70k USD. This is still cheaper than $80k CAD before taxes. Either way I think I'll be saving around $15k-$20k depending on the currency exchange rate. Every day it seems the currency is doing better and better. I'm still considered a Canadian resident, so hopefully no snag on importing a new car.

Good advice on the Vehicle History Report to save $500.

By the way, what is an OOP?

I'm a current student in Dallas, TX and am not considered a "resident", just on a student visa. I'll be heading back to Edmonton in a couple of months. Hopefully I can find a dealership more west that are willing to deal with Canadians. I'm planning on getting a 535xi, and so I'll probably end up paying 12%. That's still a whole lot of savings considering it would cost me around $62k USD in the states (before taxes and duties), so around $70k USD. This is still cheaper than $80k CAD before taxes. Either way I think I'll be saving around $15k-$20k depending on the currency exchange rate. Every day it seems the currency is doing better and better. I'm still considered a Canadian resident, so hopefully no snag on importing a new car.

Good advice on the Vehicle History Report to save $500.

By the way, what is an OOP?

It's definitely worth it if you're buying a new-ish car. OOP = Out Of Province Inspection

Pending if it's build in the US or not: 12% or 6% plus the couple hundred $ fees for RIV. You can still bring a new car (everybody wants to sell, plus the stink with the dealers "fixing" the prices here in Canada) - talk with the US dealer to sell a "demo" that's not new (sic). You get the jist of it - it works.


This might be a dumb question, but can you elaborate on the benefits of getting a "demo" vs a new car? Well, besides the prices offered... Do you get by certain taxes when you ship it to Canada? Like avoid the 6% duty since it's a demo?

Sorry for being slow, I just want to be sure.

Thanks

I'm a current student in Dallas, TX and am not considered a "resident", just on a student visa. I'll be heading back to Edmonton in a couple of months. Hopefully I can find a dealership more west that are willing to deal with Canadians. I'm planning on getting a 535xi, and so I'll probably end up paying 12%. That's still a whole lot of savings considering it would cost me around $62k USD in the states (before taxes and duties), so around $70k USD. This is still cheaper than $80k CAD before taxes. Either way I think I'll be saving around $15k-$20k depending on the currency exchange rate. Every day it seems the currency is doing better and better. I'm still considered a Canadian resident, so hopefully no snag on importing a new car.

Good advice on the Vehicle History Report to save $500.

By the way, what is an OOP?

It doesn't matter if you're considered a resident in the place you currently reside. If you lived outside canada for at least a year, and have proof, you can claim returning resident status. Anything you buy less than $10k is duty free as long as you've owned it for six months or more before your return. Anything over $10k is imported at appraised (or in the case of a car, red book) value minus $10k.

Whatever you do, make sure you buy the car as soon as you can. If it's brand new, you may end up paying the duty and tax on the sticker. If you've owned it for a month or so, you can argue that it should be based on the depreciated price, which is red book based.

The only benefit to getting a "demo" is the reduced price and depreciated value on import. There's no avoiding taxes and duties. I paid GST and duty on my '86 M5, and then paid Ontario PST to register it. If you buy a Spartanburg product (Z or X) you might be able to argue the duty away, as it's manufactured in the US.

Thanks for the info JayM. It's much appreciated. Driving the car from the dealership alone depreciates the car by several thousands. I've been outside Canada for 3+ years and plan on owning the car several months before heading back to Canada (I don't think 6 months though). The advice on arguing the depreciated price if I head back earlier than 6 months.

Great info!

I'm gonna be importing soon, just waiting for the right 540i to pop up on the market down south.

I managed to get a recall printout form a US dealer. Just made up a story about my insurance company needing it and talked real nice to the front desk lady and she did it for me. RIV accepted it.

I managed to get a recall printout form a US dealer. Just made up a story about my insurance company needing it and talked real nice to the front desk lady and she did it for me. RIV accepted it.


Good idea

Are U.S. original warranties and CPO warranties valid in Canada? In other words, are they honored by BMW Canada and its dealers?

If I were to import a project car, what changes in the process would I be looking at? I'm thinking of picking up an e30 m3 tub and trailer it back up here. Would make a fun trip too! :)

MattAu,

The best way to get an answer to that question is to call BMW Canada. The papers are all saying that most manufacturers aren't honouring warranties on US-bought cars, but it's best to get a straight answer, in writing, from the source.

RandomHero,

The rules for non-operational cars are slightly different, and unless you brought it in just as a race car, you'd probably have to jump through the bureaucratic hoops to get it registered as a road car that was once salvage. I haven't gone through that process, so I can't offer you more detailed help. Sounds like a fun project though (I want an e30 M3 one day).

Here is my story,

Did the research, CarFax CarChex

Called insurance company, they emailed me a 30 day temp insurance for car: cost $0
Kept my plate from old Alberta car and put it on US car and drove home, got 2 speeding tickets on the way (M3's cause heavy foot syndrome), US cops didn't care, they were very nice. You have 14 days to transfer a plate as long as that is your intent and it is not for resale, but who can prove otherwise.

Got No Open Campaigns letter from BMW dealer in states, I got lucky and they gave it to me, they didn't do it for the previous owner when I asked him to get it.

Flew down to Washington, bought a 2001 M3

I of course faxed in the US Customs form 72 hours before (friday midnight)

Took 1 day off work and drove into Alberta on Monday midnight.

Don't LIE to customs about value of car!!! Make sure you declare everything even mods which you may have paid for separately.

I'm now about to go through inspections ... fingers crossed

Here is my story,

Did the research, CarFax CarChex

Called insurance company, they emailed me a 30 day temp insurance for car: cost $0
Kept my plate from old Alberta car and put it on US car and drove home, got 2 speeding tickets on the way (M3's cause heavy foot syndrome), US cops didn't care, they were very nice. You have 14 days to transfer a plate as long as that is your intent and it is not for resale, but who can prove otherwise.

Got No Open Campaigns letter from BMW dealer in states, I got lucky and they gave it to me, they didn't do it for the previous owner when I asked him to get it.

Flew down to Washington, bought a 2001 M3

I of course faxed in the US Customs form 72 hours before (friday midnight)

Took 1 day off work and drove into Alberta on Monday midnight.

Don't LIE to customs about value of car!!! Make sure you declare everything even mods which you may have paid for separately.

I'm now about to go through inspections ... fingers crossed

I think those of us who have imported already or are in-process are finding it's not as difficult as it sounds. I was fortunate to find the car I wanted right across the border in Buffalo, so got to test drive it and think about it for a few days before pulling the trigger. Now that I've done it (almost completed), I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. It was financially well worth it!

FYI: The RIV now requires a "Letter of Admisibility" from BMW Canada since Nov 26th. BMW Canada is charging $350 for this... in addition to the $500 they're charging for the Recall Clearance Letter. However if the vehicle was bought before Nov 26th, then they don't require this letter, a bill of sale showing the date (before Nov 26th) would suffice (or so I was told by RIV Canada). BMW Canada is telling me that I'd need to get daytime lights installed by BMW Canada ($125+) and need to get a "Canadian spec cluster" in order to get the recall clearance letter (I wasn't aware there was a recall on these). Load of bs I tell ya... :S

Does anyone know a sane BMW dealer? I did my research, checked the list of admissable vehicles from RIV, and went to the US and bought a 2005 X3 for about $10K less than I would have paid here.

Now I find out in the last week they have changed the rules and I must now pay BMW Canada $500 to get a letter of admissibility. Fine - I understand they are trying to protect their business and are colluding with Transport Canada to make it more expensive and more difficult to bring a car in to Canada.

So I called my local dealer, only to be told I need to make an appointment and come in in person. When I ask why, since I only need to give them the VIN number, model, and year, they say it is company policy. So says the second dealer I call. Does anyone know a sane dealer who realizes the damage this is doing to their customer base and reputation and would be willing to rob me over the phone instead of forcing me to come in and take it in person?

Also, and incidentally, the same dealer casually mentioned that it would be 6-8 weeks until I could have it on the road. It seems that the recall letter, that any US citizen can get in about 10 minutes, now takes 15-20 days for Canadians. Coincidentally, RIV requires you to send it to them within 14 days of importing the vehicle. So, even if you take the car right over the border and into the BMW Dealership, you still are going to be in contravention of the RIV requirements. Very nice BMW. This is fantastic from a reputational perspective.

Anyway... does anyone know a dealer that is willing to take my money over the phone?

From what I've been experiencing (very similar in fact) the dealer has to physically make sure the VIN is the correct one for that particular vehicle before releasing the recall letter, and if the DTRL's aren't done to BMW's standards, they have the "right" to refuse releasing the letter. On top of that, the dealership in my area wants to charge me $350, so I'm travelling 300 km to the north to another dealership that's going to do it for $125.

To me it's not the money really (I saved $15,000 buying from the US so paying a few hundred extra here makes no matter), but this dealersip is being real jackoffs about it. They also said the soonest they could book me in would be late Jan early Feb.

I'll probably pay the $ and get it done and over with. I just wonder what they'll try to throw at me next...

I would understand and agree if it was for the recall letter, but this is for the admissibility letter... the car isn't even in Canada yet - I need to give them the VIN so they can "allow" me to bring it in to the country - since when does a private enterprise set admissibility requirements for Transport Canada.

End result, I called a dealer in BC and they agreed to do it over the phone and email it to me.

BMW dealers are an interesting type. Between my wife and I we make very good money. I walked into the flagship dealership in Toronto in jeans and a sweatshirt and it took 45 minutes and repeated requests to get someone to see us. They were very unhelpful, but when I gave them my business card and they saw "Vice President" of so and so, they were emailing and calling the very next day....

I would understand and agree if it was for the recall letter, but this is for the admissibility letter... the car isn't even in Canada yet - I need to give them the VIN so they can "allow" me to bring it in to the country - since when does a private enterprise set admissibility requirements for Transport Canada.

End result, I called a dealer in BC and they agreed to do it over the phone and email it to me.

BMW dealers are an interesting type. Between my wife and I we make very good money. I walked into the flagship dealership in Toronto in jeans and a sweatshirt and it took 45 minutes and repeated requests to get someone to see us. They were very unhelpful, but when I gave them my business card and they saw "Vice President" of so and so, they were emailing and calling the very next day....

Can you PM me the name of the dealership? I just spent all of today trying to wrangle a internal dealer report for me. They had previously said yes, but the manager changed his story. Now they want me there in person. BMW US said Canada should be able to view the records, but BMW Canada said they don't have access to it, and the entire time I was beaten over the head with the word "Privacy Act". BMW Canada said they couldn't release that information to me, and I told them, "Look, this is my information for the my car which has been bought and registered to me. I can get my medical records if I ask for them, same as any other record. So why can't you release my car's information?" She said once again, "It's an issue of privacy". So I guess it's so private that to protect it's secrecy, the owner can't even see it.

Overall they were EXTREMELY unhelpful, and I don't see why the RIV doesn't just make a mandate that you can't charge for these letters. They seem to be helping them if anything. 850 for paper is frickin ridiculous if you ask me, and I'm doing my damnedest to find a way around it.

Let me be clear... this was for the Admissability letter. I still have a battle to face for the recall letter. Does anyone know someone who works for a BMW dealer in the states that wants to make some $$? I'll pay them to get me a letter from their dealership system. The RIV website says this:

If the printout is from an authorized American dealership, the company stamp must be affixed to the printout. In either case, the 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle in question must be included in the letter.

If your vehicle does not have any outstanding recalls then the letter should say "this vehicle has no outstanding recalls." This letter must be presented to the RIV department prior to your Vehicle Inspection Form being released.

So if someone can get that for me, I will happily slide some coin their way.

Let me be clear... this was for the Admissability letter. I still have a battle to face for the recall letter. Does anyone know someone who works for a BMW dealer in the states that wants to make some $$? I'll pay them to get me a letter from their dealership system. The RIV website says this:

If the printout is from an authorized American dealership, the company stamp must be affixed to the printout. In either case, the 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle in question must be included in the letter.

If your vehicle does not have any outstanding recalls then the letter should say "this vehicle has no outstanding recalls." This letter must be presented to the RIV department prior to your Vehicle Inspection Form being released.

So if someone can get that for me, I will happily slide some coin their way.

So they're trying to charge you $500 for the admissability letter, $500 for the recall clearance letter, and $350 for inspecting your DRLs? That's insane! I'm also willing to pay for a recall clearance letter. If anyone feels like voicing their concerns over this matter, the number for the BMW Canada customer service manager is 1-800-567-2691, ext. 5375. Her name is Jackie. She's helpful, but I figure if more people call in to say exactly what they think of this BMW Canada might get the message.

I have been going through the process of getting my BMW registered in Canada for more than one month now, in fact, it's approaching two months. I thought it would be a piece if cake, as I had imported a Range Rover a few month prior and had little, if any, trouble doing it. However, I now realize that BMW Canada is doing what they can to make it as difficult, time consuming and expensive for Canadians to import BMWs into Canada, so as to dissuade people from doing it. Here's what's happened In my case and what anyone thinking of importing a BMW can look forward to:

Getting the recall letter:

[It should be noted that when I imported my Range Rover, getting the recall letter was one of the easiest parts of the process. Essentially, I called a 1-800 number for Land Rover Canada, gave them the VIN number over the phone and they faxed me a recall letter within 30 minutes ]

Here's the situation I encountered in terms of getting a recall letter for the BMW:

1. The recall letter is $500 plus GST. You can't get around paying it if you have a vehicle with warranty on it. Trust me, I looked at other ways of getting the RIV requirements satisfied, without paying this $500.00 to BMW Canada. However, I learned from the service manager at the dealership that, if you do not get the recall letter thru BMW Canada, BMW dealers won't later do warranty work on the vehicle as it's not "registered" in BMW Canada's list of imported vehicles.

2. I delayed in going to the dealer to have them start the process of getting the recall letter, as I tried to find a way to avoid paying the $530.00. Don't bother and make an appointment with the BMW dealer right away. Otherwise, you will end up waiting for them to "find time" to do the "recall letter inspection". This is not a big priority for the dealers. It's work for them to do the paperwork that BMW Canada requires them to do, but they make nothing on it. The money, I was told by the service manager at the local dealership, all goes to BMW Canada.

3. When I spoke with someone at BMW Canada, they told me that they have had to hire a number of people and had to open an entire new department in order to deal with the significant number of recall letter requests. Apparently, this is the reason why they need the $500.00 for the recall letter. However, given the amount of time it takes them to get a recall letter done and sent out, I wonder if they have only hired two chimps to do the work, as opposed to any qualified staff.

3. I went into the dealership on a Saturday morning To have the "recall letter inspection" done. They had told me that I could show up on any day and wait around to see if they "could find time" to do the inspection. If I actually wanted an appointment, I was looking at a wait of 2 to 3 weeks. So, I went in on a Saturday morning, thinking it couldn't take a lot of time for someone to look at the VIN number of the vehicle, fill it in on a form, and fax the form out to BMW Canada. After all, I would think that if they really were doing as many of these inspections as they say, they probably had BMW Canada's fax number on speed dial on their fax machine. I was sure that it couldn't take long. I was wrong. Apparently, this must be a "complicated" process. First, I had to wait About 90 minutes for someone to look at my vehicle. It then it took them nearly one hour to do whatever needed to be done. Anyway, that was a write-off of an entire Saturday morning.

4. After I paid them their $530.00 of extortion money and just starting to get sensation back in my rectum area, they mentioned to me that it could take up to twenty business days to get the recall letter. I thought they were joking. They weren't. I got the letter faxed to me from the dealership on the twentieth business day following the day I had brought my vehicle in. That actually ended up being 27 days in total. Surprisingly, the recall letter was dated two weeks prior to the date that I got it. I brought this up with the service manager who faxed it to me. He told me that he did, in fact, get the letter the day that he called me and faxed it to me. in a subsequent discussion, he that told me that he had just received a number of recall letters from BMW Canada that day that were dated more than 20 days prior. Thus, one has to assume that BMW Canada is holding these letters at their office, even though they are prepared very quickly after getting the request from the dealership.

5. Quite honestly, I couldn't imagine why it was taking so long to get the letter sent to me. I had seen a previous BMW recall letters, having seen ones obtained by friends who had previously imported BMWs. They are essentially two line form letters, with the VIN number and the owner's name filled in. Thus, after waiting about two weeks for the letter, I called the dealership. They told me there was nothing they could do about it and that I should call BMW Canada.

6. I did call BMW Canada and simply was told that they are very busy doing "all the numerous recall letters". I was told that they were doing twenty to 25 per day. They made it sound like this was "a lot of work". When I question them about this, they suggested that they did more than simply look on the computer and write a letter . However, they really couldn't explain what constituted all of this work that was involved in getting out a recall letter. Furthermore, they couldn't tell me where in the process they were with my letter. In retrospect, my letter had been completed prior to the date that I called, according to the date on the letter I alternately received, and they just didn't know about it. I called BMW Canada two times after the date on the letter, yet they couldn't tell me where they were in the process, nor were they willing to give me any specific date by which they would get me the letter. They told me that, with the significant number of letters they have to get out now, people are going to have to expect to wait six to eight weeks.

7. Thus, I suppose that I should feel fortunate in getting the recall letter within one month of the date that I went into the dealership. After all, how much service can someone expect for $500.00. Only one month to write a two line letter and put it on a fax machine is probably pretty good service from BMW, when they are only charging me $500.00 for that service. According to what I was told by the person I spoke with at BMW Canada and the Service manager at the local dealership, some people are now waiting for much more than twenty business days to get their recall letters.

8. Also, I should feel fortunate in that I did not have to get a "letter of admissibility" from BMW . The service manager told me that, as of November 29, 2007, in order to get a recall letter from BMW Canada, you first need to get the letter of admissibility from BMW Canada. This letter costs an additional $350.00, plus GST, over and above the $530.00 for the recall letter.

Getting daytime running lights:

[it should be noted that, when I imported my Range Rover, I did have to get it programmed for daytime running lights. This required me to make an appointment at the land rover dealership (which they gave me for about six days down the road), show up at the appointed time, and wait around for approximately 30 or 40 minutes while they reprogrammed the computer system. They ended up charging me for one hour of shop time, which totaled approximately $130.00]

Here's the BMW situation:

1. I knew that something would probably work be required in terms of daytime running lights. Accordingly, when my vehicle first arrived in Canada, I called the BMW dealership to inquire about the cost of getting the vehicle programmed with daytime running lights. [I was questioning whether this was even necessary, given that the owner's manual shows how you can "informally" program daytime running lights on the vehicle by adjusting some settings via the i-drive . . . However,] The service manager told me that they could program in the daytime running lights, switch everything over to metric , etc., for $165.00. In any event, I wanted them to do a winter inspection, since the vehicle had not previously been operated in cold weather. They had a "winter inspection special" for $99.00, so I thought I would go into the dealership in get everything done.

2. With the delays in getting their recall letter, I put off the appointment to get the vehicle serviced and the daytime running lights installed. I figured I would wait until the recall letter arrived, until I received the form 3, and then I would have the dealership to the daytime running lights, the winter servicing, and the out of Province inspection all at the same time. Although the dealership charges significantly more than other shops to do the out of Province inspection, I figured that the time savings in having it done together, and the knowledge that it was being done by a dealership, were worth the extra bucks.

3. I called the dealership today to confirm my appointment next week to have the daytime running lights installed, get the "winter inspection", and have the provincial inspection done. I had a ballpark figure in mind as to how much all of this would cost. However, I was wondering how long it would take, as I had to figure out how to get the vehicle to and from the dealership using the plates on my other vehicle. After all, my BMW is not registered and does not have license plates, which is why I am going through this whole process.

4. Believe it or not, the dealership now tells me that, apparently, they now cannot do the work that I was booked to have done and that they are unwilling or unable to do the work that I have asked them to do. What they told me when I called them today has me shocked and outraged.

4. And now I come to the reason why I titled this posting as "another moneygram by BMW". Apparently, within the last week are two, there has been a change in terms of what work the BMW dealers will do to comply with the Transport Canada requirement for daytime running lights. Apparently, they are no longer "allowed" by BMW Canada to do the cheap $165.00 job to bring the vehicle into daytime running lights compliance. Rather, they have now been told by BMW Canada that in order to comply with the "law" it is necessary for them to change the entire instrument cluster. The charge for this -- $1,400.00!!!!!!!

5. I questioned how some work which I had been quoted a few weeks ago at $165.00 could now be $1,400.00. Surely, even BMW dealers can't inflate their prices that much and that quickly. I was told that what they were doing previously to "install daytime running lights" was simply reprogramming some items via the i-drive. No tools were required. No particular expertise needed. However, they were charging $165.00 for this "service". They have since been told by BMW Canada that they can no longer do this, as it does not comply with the law. Apparently, someone recently found out that the work they were doing does not actually "install daytime running lights". The only way that can be done on the e90 is it by changing the instrument cluster had a cost of about $1,400.00 to $1,500.00.

6. I think this is a bunch of hogwash. This is yet another way that BMW Canada is looking to make money off people who are importing vehicles from the United States. I find it difficult to believe that a vehicle cannot be programmed with daytime running lights within five minutes, let alone having to replace the entire instrument cluster. The land rover that I imported was a P38 Range Rover, which many think has one of the most over--engineered, overly--complicated electronic systems ever put into a vehicle. Getting daytime running lights programmed onto that vehicle took little work. Is it possible that a BMW can't be reprogrammed in the same way?

More money grabs:

I think that what we're seeing is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of how creative BMW Canada can become in terms of finding ways to make importation of BMW's more expensive, time consuming and burdensome. What I find most appalling is that RIV Canada and transport Canada seem to be in cahoots with BMW Canada. They are the ones who have these strict requirements in terms of recall letters, daytime running lights, etc., which gives BMW Canada the ability to charge exorbitant amounts of money for doing minimal work to get imported BMWs into "compliance".

I was told by the service manager that I spoke to that I was "lucky" that I did not import a 5 series, 6 series, or 7 series BMW. Apparently, the work that is required on these vehicles under "new BMW Canada edicts" is extremely expensive. I was told that it costs approximately $3,500.00 to now gets the necessary work done on a 530i (which was the vehicle that I was thinking about importing). I did not entirely understand what he was saying in terms of the work required, or even why it was required. It had something to do with the climate control system having to be adjusted or replaced in order for all of the electronics to work together such that daytime running lights would work, blah blah blah. I think this is more hogwash, but I was told that all BMW dealers are now under strict orders from BMW Canada to require this work to be done to vehicles to bring them into "compliance". If the dealers fail to do this work and to a "lesser job" they could lose their license. Whether or not this is true, I do not know. That is what I was told by the service manager.

In any event, I now need to figure out what I can do to avoid having to pay the $1,400.00 for work that is totally unnecessary. The fact is that I have already adjusted all of the Units on the vehicle to metric. This is easily done by changing the settings via the I-drive. The vehicle is, in essence, already equipped with daytime running lights, by way of the automatic light control setting. This setting can also be adjusted via the I-drive. Indeed, this is what I was told that dealerships were previously doing to "install daytime running lights" until a few weeks ago. The question is whether this will still pass a Federal inspection. Apparently it was good enough a few weeks ago. I question if it still is now.

I have made this a lengthy posting, for two reasons. Firstly, I wanted to vent over the frustration I have felt in dealing with BMW Canada and the dealership in Edmonton regarding the Recall letter and daytime running lights issues.

Secondly, I am sending it has a warning to others who are in the process of importing a BMW, or contemplating doing it. I think that it is fair to say that, if you are contemplating purchasing a vehicle in the United States and importing it into Canada, you have to account for the following:

purchase price;
transportation charges;
GST;
duty;
brokerage fees;
excise tax for air conditioning;
any exchange rate issues;
RIV fees;
$530.00 for the BMW recall letter;
$350.00, plus GST, for the BMW "letter of admissibility";
up to $1,500.00 to have daytime running lights installed;
additional expenses if you are dealing with a 5, 6 or 7 series;
provincial inspection form;
fee for provincial inspection (which by the way is about $350.00 at the BMW dealership, but as low as $100.00 to $150.00 at a "normal" shop);

Also, If you are in an area where you need winter tires [which I assume would be most people reading this Canadian post] take into account the cost of getting winter tires (and a set of winter wheels) for your new BMW. You will probably find that most BMWs you import from the United States, particularly the southern United States, will not even have all season tires. Rather, they will come with performance summer tires, which are dangerous (putting it mildly) in Canadian winter driving conditions. Thus, you're probably going to have to buy a set of winter tires, and if you're like me and don't want to pay about $100.00 every six months to have the tires changed on the factory wheels, you will probably want to get a set of rims to put your winter tires on. This can be pricey!

My vehicle, and I believe most newer model BMWs, are equipped with runFlat tires. They do not come with a spare tire, a Jack, or any place to put a spare tire or Jack. Run flat tires, which I understand are becoming pretty standard on most BMWs, are (surprise, surprise) more expensive than conventional tires. My BMW dealer quoted me the price of $3,700.00 for a set of BMW wheels and Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22 run flat tires. I ended up ordering a set of wheels and LM-22s from the TireRack in Nevada. However, with shipping, duty, GST, etc., that still cost about $1,500.00.

Hope someone finds this useful.

rf120: I'm scared since I'm importing my 745 tomorrow and dont know what to expect after reading all the stuff that you went through. Is there any way for you to scan the documents and email them to me? I dont think it would be hard to alter them since I doubt they are pretty simple letters from what I'm hearing. I dont want to give those scumbags at BMW Canada one penny.

rf120: I'm scared since I'm importing my 745 tomorrow and dont know what to expect after reading all the stuff that you went through. Is there any way for you to scan the documents and email them to me? I dont think it would be hard to alter them since I doubt they are pretty simple letters from what I'm hearing. I dont want to give those scumbags at BMW Canada one penny.
+1 here

That was a good post rf130, and I feel your pain as I'm going through some of the same things.

The only thing I want to say is that not every BMW will cost the same to get the DTL's set up to Can standards. You have an '06, I have an'04, and the difference between getting the two set up "to BMW standards" is $1400-$125=$1275. The service manager told me I was lucky that mine wasn't two years newer because it would have cost me about $1500.

I'm not saying that they're not ripping us all off, but everyone reading this should not be disgouraged from buying something that they want, rather be informed what they have to pay. I agree we're getting the short end of the stick, but when I saw the price difference between Can/US, I jumped at the oportunity. i figure that i saved anywhere from $15000-18000 from buying down south, and if I have to pay an extra few hundered bucks, c'est la vie , just make sure you know what you're paying in the long run. rf130 did his homework and checked on the prices of what he thought he had to pay to get it legal, but with crappy luck, they changed the laws of admissability on him at the right time and he got the short end of the stick. I think the laws are in place now and shouldn't change much (yea...okay), but this shouldn't discourage folks from taking advantage of a chance of a lifetime to get a quality sports/luxury vehicle that they may never have bought in the first place (or even an upgraded version of what they were willing to buy according to what they could afford).

When i made a descision that I wanted to buy a second vehicle, I asked around to friends what I should get. I was looking for something that was somewhat sporty, yet luxurious, but still performed and commanded respect. They all said BMW. With my finances, I started looking at '01 523's, until my father told me to check out the US market. Soon I found out that for the same price, I could get an '04 330 loaded. I jumped and took the opportunity, and so should anyone else that has dreamed about owning this fine piece of machinery. If you're the type that doesn't want to take a chance to get what you really want, then they've won.

Just a side note...I have a good friend that drives one of the trucks that brings the vehicles up from the US, and he tells me that the biggest buyer of US vehicles right now isn't you and me...it's the used car dealerships...the major ones that say Toyota and Ford in your cities, and they know a deal when they see one. He even told me that one of the dealerships gave one of his salesmen $500,000 and flew him to Pheonix and purchased a full truck load of vehicles (from Pathfinders to Mercedes). When he arrived at the reputable sales lot, he was told to make sure he removed ALL the license plates off FIRST before parking them in the back 40 so that noone would know (the other salesmen) where they came from before they started their "import inspections". This is all bigger than you and me, and if the larger companies are getting a grip on it, then why shouldn't the little guys taste it as well?

My story...
'04 330Ci w/sprt/prm pkg (excellent condition)

saved $15,000-$18,000
%12 duty/gst (-500 because i was down in US for 4 days)=$2000
$100 air conditioning fee
$250 for OOP insp
$125 for DTL's
$209 RIV fee
*not exactly sure what the cost will be for the Import Inspec yet...
I was lucky and bought mine before the $350 admissibility fee
$277 for fuel to drive it up from dallas, TX
2 nights hotel=still doen't come close to what the bastards are charging up here in Canada!!!

Sorry, I just don't see the math and am not sypathetic to the manufactures or the dealerships. People, this is a chance of a lifetime, and it won't last, they will eventually even the playing field out and your chance will pass.

It's for the principle that these guys just steal our money. To me, it's the same ripoff that a guy that would blow out my 4 tires while I'm parked on the street and then come with a towing with a police officer forcing me to move my car. So screw them!

One more reason I will never again import a car less than 15 years old. I have no need for the latest and greatest examples of BMW's window regulator faults, nor do I feel inclined to line the pockets of BMW Canada and the RIV.

It had to happen - eventually the bubble would burst. It took until now for BMW to realize they could soak the Canadian public for a bunch of ridiculous charges.

I just imported a 2002 MB SL500 and had to pay the local dealer and MB Canada $3400 to get the car brought up to Cdn standards. This included $250 for the 'estimate of charges' and $500 'inspection fee'. The mods required included installing the DRL module, updating the rear bumper to meet Cdn crash standards and swapping our the 'BRAKE' warning ligh for the internation symbol. The admissability letter was free (I had it within 2 days) as was the recall letter from MB-USA. At least MB was up-front about the charges - I knew before deciding to buy the car what the costs would be. (Theoretically I was supposed to pay the estimate fee up front, but the service advisor at my local dealer gave me the $ figure over the phone no charge. I still had to pay the estimate fee, but it was added to the service invoice. I think I got fortunate importing when I did as I now understand the process has slowed down. I will say that as much as MB-Cda would prefer I bought a car here they did not try to get in the way. It sounds like BMW Cda is doing just that - making it unnecessarily difficult and creating some large negative feelings, which will only ultimately hurt their image and potentially negatively impact their domestic sales of BMW vehicles.

It had to happen - eventually the bubble would burst. It took until now for BMW to realize they could soak the Canadian public for a bunch of ridiculous charges.

I just imported a 2002 MB SL500 and had to pay the local dealer and MB Canada $3400 to get the car brought up to Cdn standards. This included $250 for the 'estimate of charges' and $500 'inspection fee'. The mods required included installing the DRL module, updating the rear bumper to meet Cdn crash standards and swapping our the 'BRAKE' warning ligh for the internation symbol. The admissability letter was free (I had it within 2 days) as was the recall letter from MB-USA. At least MB was up-front about the charges - I knew before deciding to buy the car what the costs would be. (Theoretically I was supposed to pay the estimate fee up front, but the service advisor at my local dealer gave me the $ figure over the phone no charge. I still had to pay the estimate fee, but it was added to the service invoice. I think I got fortunate importing when I did as I now understand the process has slowed down. I will say that as much as MB-Cda would prefer I bought a car here they did not try to get in the way. It sounds like BMW Cda is doing just that - making it unnecessarily difficult and creating some large negative feelings, which will only ultimately hurt their image and potentially negatively impact their domestic sales of BMW vehicles.

You should check up on that "estimate of charges" fee. In Canada, it's illegal to charge for estimates. If your effort is worth $250, rattle your sabre and see if they back down.

You should check up on that "estimate of charges" fee. In Canada, it's illegal to charge for estimates. If your effort is worth $250, rattle your sabre and see if they back down.

Is that only the auto industry? Lots of other industries charge for estimates "deducted from your bill if you have the work performed."

You should check up on that "estimate of charges" fee. In Canada, it's illegal to charge for estimates. If your effort is worth $250, rattle your sabre and see if they back down.

Seriously? Here's exactly what my work order invoice said:

"Cost of providing estimate for compliance"

Before I rattle their cage, anyone know how/where I can verify this is fact. The charge was mandated by MB-Cda but charged on their behalf by the dealer. I don't necessarily want to get a bad relationship going with the service advisor, in the event I decide to get service done their, but if this is fact, it's certainly worth my time to get $250 back. Thanks for the heads-up.

Let me clarify. If they're giving a quote without performing shop work or using labour, it is illegal. If they do work to source a problem before quoting a cost to repair it, then it's legal.

Taken from the Ontario Gov't's Website (Since BC didn't have a similar page):

The repair shop may charge for an estimate — if you are told in advance that a fee will apply and what the amount will be. The fee can include the cost of diagnostic time plus the cost of reassembling the vehicle. It can also include the cost of parts damaged and replaced while carrying out the estimate.
Under the provisions of the act, the repair shop can’t charge for an estimate if you go ahead with the work, unless you make them wait for authorization and they must reassemble your vehicle to make room for other work.

There's more good-to-know information on the site: http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/en/ConsProt/STEL02_045947.html

Too bad some smart parts person doesnt make the instrument clusters available to rent. Just long enough to pass the inspection. Then return it. Its not like anyone would ever take their beemer to a BMW stealership again anyway, after the stunts they are pulling...

Let me clarify. If they're giving a quote without performing shop work or using labour, it is illegal. If they do work to source a problem before quoting a cost to repair it, then it's legal.

Taken from the Ontario Gov't's Website (Since BC didn't have a similar page):

The repair shop may charge for an estimate — if you are told in advance that a fee will apply and what the amount will be. The fee can include the cost of diagnostic time plus the cost of reassembling the vehicle. It can also include the cost of parts damaged and replaced while carrying out the estimate.
Under the provisions of the act, the repair shop can’t charge for an estimate if you go ahead with the work, unless you make them wait for authorization and they must reassemble your vehicle to make room for other work.

There's more good-to-know information on the site: http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/en/ConsProt/STEL02_045947.html

I suspect I wouldn't have much of an argument then - I can't imagine MB would do anything that would run afoul of the law. I think I'll just let it ride. Thanks for the info though.

Let me be clear... this was for the Admissability letter. I still have a battle to face for the recall letter. Does anyone know someone who works for a BMW dealer in the states that wants to make some $$? I'll pay them to get me a letter from their dealership system. The RIV website says this:

If the printout is from an authorized American dealership, the company stamp must be affixed to the printout. In either case, the 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle in question must be included in the letter.

If your vehicle does not have any outstanding recalls then the letter should say "this vehicle has no outstanding recalls." This letter must be presented to the RIV department prior to your Vehicle Inspection Form being released.

So if someone can get that for me, I will happily slide some coin their way.

I saw this on the riv website, but in the Admissibility List there seems to be a contradiction - it says "ALL modifications MUSt be performed by an authorized Canadian BMW or MINI retailer and must be completed before a recall cleareance letter can be issued by BMW Group Canada." According to this it sounds like the recall letter has to come from BMW canada - so I guess there is no way out of the $500?
(it's on page 9 of the US vehicle admissibility list).


As well, wouldn't it be possible to get the DTRLs fixed before you take the car across the border, that way it can pass inspection and your recall letter (which you may or may not have to get issued from BMWcad) will be done quickly? That way you won't have to get ripped off on the canadian dealer "inspection" and "modification" prices.
And I'm guessing there's no way around the $350 admissibility letter, since it HAS to come from bmw canada?
It's funny but all the obstacles they're putting in our way just make me want to stick it to them all the more. Good luck to you all who are looking to do this. Hopefully it will be ok for the post -november 26th crowd.

I'll have to look again, but what I saw was contradictory. It was written that they would accept one from the US dealers. I'll try to call RIV directly.

But I guess that BMW canada wouldn't accept it to give the admissibility letter.

Who's the moron who gave the right to BMW to decide if Canadians have the right or not to import? I always knew than governments works more for companies than taxpayers, but it's getting ridiculous.

I'm importing a 2004 325xi with the premium and winter packs and less than 65000 kms.
What I've learned so far...$350 plus GST for the recall clearance letter.
$500 plus GST for the admissibility letter.
$303 plus GST for the DTR light "activation".
I hate my dealer already and I've never met them!!
The warranty is good but the maintenance plan won't be honored by BMW Canada according to the service rep I talked to.
They have to feel threatened...my $18000 car lists for $34900 up here. Are we stupid?
I'm planning on getting her home this month, depending on when I can get a truck to drop it off at the border and it'll be a cold day in hell before my baby ever sets foot in a BMW dealership(after the warranty is off, of course).

I just called RIV. They say that for BMW specifically, the recall letter has to come from BMW canada. For any other make of cars (except mercedes) the letter can come from a dealer in the US.
But the rep did say that it would be a good idea to get the modifications done in the US (ie. the DTRLs), I suppose if it's done by BMWUS then BMWcad can't say that it wasn't done "in compliance with canadian standards". THen you just have to sit tight and wait for them to print out one 8.5 x 11, which apparently takes a few weeks.

Caperone you are right, BMW has no right to decide what we can import or not import. canada transport should be the ones to decide what is deemed compliant with canadian standards and what's not. it's probably a higher order that is putting pressure on RIV to somehow stop the $$ from leaving canada, and then RIV in turn collaborating with money grubbing BMW to screw us. RIV should be the ones to tell BMW they don't have the authority to decide what's admissible.

Just an update on my situation...

Mine was pre Nov 26 btw. I've been trying to get straight answers from BMW as I'm going along, and every week their stories have been changing. RIV finally sent the forms to me, and on those forms it says that I do NOT need the recall letter. I paid the fee for the recall letter first and went to an outside European Auto shop (who is BMW certified) and did the DTL via the proper software update...this was yesterday. I then phoned BMW to confirm that they could "inspect" the DTL and then release the Recall Letter to me, but then he told me that things were changing AGAIN, and that NO outside shops can perform the software upgrade...only BMW dealerships. I asked him what that was about and he honestly didn't know, BUT, he said that if I had the Import Inspection papers already and it said that I didn't need the letter, he told me to get the inspection done and they would refund the $ back to me (he seems genuinely helpful and I'm not holding anything against the service managers)...I KNOW it all has to do with the Director of BMW Canada.

I believe that BMW Can approached RIV and made a convincing case about how their product was designed under very sophisticated technologies and that with the influx of non-conformant vehicles entering Canada going to second rate shops to perform a safety regulated change on their vehicles, then they should try to put a stop to it. I think it's all bs though. Last week they quoted me $350 in Calgary, Edmonton quoted me $125, the outside shop I went through charged me $125, and as long as they inspected it, that was fine, but today was a different story again and said that noone outside BMW can perform this now.

If you can get the DTL done in the US prior to coming to Can, do it, it'll be much easier.

My guy in the States said even if he activated them, BMW would still gouge me to turn them on so he doesn't bother. If you can believe that.

BMW Canada is making me feel like an unloved red-headed step child.

I am surprised that no lawyer types have challenged the arbitrary change of rules in court. One day car admissable the next it isn't. WTF!! Does anybody have any solid information on cars sold before the change of rules, say Nov 20th?
I understand partly the change for those Canadians coming to the US as visitors specifically to buy a BMWand bring it back to save a buck but in my case I have been living here legally for 15 years and I am moving back this summer. I researched the importation prior to buying my 2004 530i and it was admissable. While i was buying the car the rules were being changed. I resent being caught in this dragnet. I live here legally and I finally found the Bimmer I wanted at a fair price now I am penalized as if I was sneeking to the US to buy one. Not fair. Someone should challlenge this in court. I think there is more than enough evidence to support a case to have these rules being overturned as being arbitrary, punitive and overreaching.

I live here legally and I finally found the Bimmer I wanted at a fair price now I am penalized as if I was sneeking to the US to buy one. Not fair.

Why would anyone have to sneak into the US to bring a car back? Why do you partly understand it for people who are going down to save a buck? There is nothing illegal about buying a car in the US and importing it back to Canada, there's just a bit more paperwork involved than going down there and buying a plasma TV.

And why is there any difference between someone who lives there and someone who just goes down to buy a car? I resent the fact that I'm being treated like I have done something illegal or wrong.

Read the thread about drl. This sounds like an easy way to avoid the dealer extortion. It looks fairly easy or any mechanic should be able to do it for about $100 Graeme

Yo deepseacowboy,

I apologize for my inappropriate implication. I know you haven't done anything illegal by coming to the USA to buy anything at all. But clearly the rule changes are meant to discourage Canadian residents from doing just that and it is wrong to attempt to discourage that in the way they are doing. I did not come here to buy a car cheaper than in Canada and take it back not that there is anything wrong with that but again that is what the rule changes are attempting to discourage. But the rule changes are so broad that anybody bringing in a BMW is subject to the same discriminatory treatment. And THAT is my point. Car ok on Nov 25, not so on Nov 26. Why? No good reason at all other than BMW Canada is losing market share and they have managed to convince someone in government that the arbitrary measures they are taking is the way to resolve BMW Canada's "problem". We are all being treated like we have done something wrong and we have not. The sudden and arbitrary rule changes ARE wrong and should be challenged in the court of law and I hope someone does. Hell, I'd be happy to be the test case. Does anybody know a lawyer who may be willing to do this pro bono?

In anycase deepseacowboy I am sorry for stepping on your toes.

Thanks for the apology, but I wasn't upset with you!! I'm upset with the way the BMW dealers treat me when I call to ask them to extort me... it pisses me off.

We should go class action. ;-)

A thought for all the people forced to change clusters for drl's. i wonder if switching to lower amperage LED types, would alleviate the issue of the cluster change? i suppose, that, either way, this decision would be in BMW hands...
... and does anyone know which models require the cluster change. Z3s in particular, for my case... k

... and does anyone know which models require the cluster change. Z3s in particular, for my case... k

From what I've been told, it sounds like the '06 and newer, not sure if it's model specific or not.

Oh glorious day...
Got my import inspection done, and on the RIV form it stated that this vehicle DID NOT require the recall letter, and since I had pre-paid for the recall letter, I went to BMW Calgary yesterday to get my money back...the look on the guys face was PRICELESS...you could just see the expression was like "What? I have to give YOU money back? I'm confused!! You're supposed to give ME money!!" His jaw hit the floor...literally. He said he never seen that before...

it was a great day.

Oh glorious day...
Got my import inspection done, and on the RIV form it stated that this vehicle DID NOT require the recall letter, and since I had pre-paid for the recall letter, I went to BMW Calgary yesterday to get my money back...the look on the guys face was PRICELESS...you could just see the expression was like "What? I have to give YOU money back? I'm confused!! You're supposed to give ME money!!" His jaw hit the floor...literally. He said he never seen that before...

it was a great day.

HaHa, nice. Did you still need the Letter of Admissibility to bring it across? Also where did you get your inspection done (Canadian Tire?) and I'm guessing this can be done as soon as the vehicle is in canada? No need to wait for the Recall Letter?

Reason I ask is, I'mm bringing a 2000 5-series up here and if I don't have to deal with the stealers up here in Canada, I'd rather not. Thanks in advance.

I had to get an out of province inspection done on my old civic and the Canadian Tire guys were rediculous. I'd never let them inspect my car....I know that they're mostly independant and not actual crappy tire employees but none the less....

Oh glorious day...
Got my import inspection done, and on the RIV form it stated that this vehicle DID NOT require the recall letter, and since I had pre-paid for the recall letter, I went to BMW Calgary yesterday to get my money back...the look on the guys face was PRICELESS...you could just see the expression was like "What? I have to give YOU money back? I'm confused!! You're supposed to give ME money!!" His jaw hit the floor...literally. He said he never seen that before...

it was a great day.

What was it about your vehicle that earned that distinction? I'm importing a 325xi, 2004. Wonder if I'll catch the same break?

where on form 1 does it say no recall letter needed?

HaHa, nice. Did you still need the Letter of Admissibility to bring it across? Also where did you get your inspection done (Canadian Tire?) and I'm guessing this can be done as soon as the vehicle is in canada? No need to wait for the Recall Letter?

I brought mine accross the border on Nov 21st, so it was before they brought in the letter of accessability (whew), and yes I went to Crappy Wheel for the inspection (the only other place in Calgary that can do it was Stampede Toyota and they were booked days in advance...I drove it to Crappy Wheel and was done in 3 min).

The way the process works is like this...

Make sure to contact US customs and fax all the proper paperwork to them 72 hrs before arrival (keep in consideration that they're getting slammed with faxes...it took me 2 solid days trying to fax them because it was so busy).
Arrive at US customs and clear (this was very easy and quick...maybe 15 min)
Proceed to Can customs and the agent will help you fill out Form 1 (he'll walk out to the car and verify VIN number). There you will pay RIV fee, GST and duty taxes (they do not accept cheques...have the plastic ready). Depending on how busy it is there, the process was relatively quick...1/2 hr.
When you get home, go to RIV website and near the bottom, click on "on-line payment" and fill in the form. You will need the Form 1 number as well as the officer's badge number. They will send the form via email or fax or mail (this could take a few weeks to be delivered).Here's the catch...they will send an email back saying that they cannot send you the import inspection forms until they recieve the recall letter. This is where I went down to BMW and paid for the letter (because I knew that it might take a few weeks). I then booked the car into another shop to get the DTL done. About a week after submitting my request for the inspection forms (keep in mind that I still didn't have the recall letter yet), RIV sends me the import inspection form, and on the right column it said "Recall documentation is not required on this vehicle." It seemed a little strange, and I questioned it to BMW service manager, and he told me to get it inspected, so I did.

You can get the OOP inspection at anytime during this process as well (took my guy 2 min...ran his hand over the tires and said "oh yea, it's good...$250 cash please", and he sent the forms in for me.What was it about your vehicle that earned that distinction? I'm importing a 325xi, 2004. Wonder if I'll catch the same break?

Not sure what happened there, but seems to me that someone screwed up during the process somewhere...my gain I guess, but I think I'll go celebrate this weekend heh heh. I wouldn't bank on the same thing happening, sounds like a fluke to me.

where on form 1 does it say no recall letter needed?

There are 2 columns on Section 4...the left side stating the things that are needed to pass inspection (ie:DTL, infant restraint kit, metric speedometer, etc). The right side is where the message about the recall letter was.

Is that on form 1 or form 2? My form 1 has four black sections, the bottom is titled "complete for vehichles required to enter the registrar of imported vehichles program". Is this the same form you're looking at?

Thanks.

Just recieved the Letter of Admissibility yesterday, seems like its a general template and they just switch the Name, model and vin number of the car.

Or never mind, I'll just post it here. Hope this gives you guys a better idea of what BMW Canada is charging the $350+Tax for...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e81/zimzima/BMWLetterofAdmissibility1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e81/zimzima/BMWLetterofAdmissibility2.jpg

Or never mind, I'll just post it here. Hope this gives you guys a better idea of what BMW Canada is charging the $350+Tax for...



Is that a real signature or a rubber stamp?

I went to Canadian Tire this week to get the Federal inspection done. I didn't have anyone do any work on the daytime running lights. Rather, I simply programmed the automatic light control setting to "sensitive" via the I-drive. No problems. The guy at Canadian Tire spent quite a bit of time looking at the vehicle (about twenty minutes). he looked at the light switch, turned the vehicle on and off a few times to make sure the lights were coming on, and then passed the vehicle.

As such, it seems to me that, regardless of what BMW Canada is telling the dealers they have to do in order to install daytime running lights on the vehicles (which in the case of an e90 apparently means that they have to change the entire instrument cluster at a cost of about $1,500.00) the guys doing the inspections at Canadian tire are still operating under the prior rules. After all, until a few weeks ago, the professionals at the BMW dealerships were "installing" daytime running lights by simply changing some settings via the I-drive, which is something anyone with a finger and a command of the English language can accomplish themselves. thus, I save myself some money and my vehicle is fully registered and on the road (finally!).

Is that on form 1 or form 2? My form 1 has four black sections, the bottom is titled "complete for vehichles required to enter the registrar of imported vehichles program". Is this the same form you're looking at?

Thanks.

Sorry, that was on the RIV inspection form.

Is that a real signature or a rubber stamp?

To be honest, I'm not even sure. BMW Canada emailed it to me as a PDF file (since I was in a rush) and said that I could use a print out of it at the border. Hopefully they don't hassle me for that now.

Hey ZimaBeema - any luck with the letter of admiss? I'm looking to bring up my car next week and just wanted to know if the Canadian Border people even ask for it or look at the letter. Thanks.

Interested in anyone's experience at the border after Nov 26th with the letter of admissability - was it asked for??

I'll be bringing mine across in the New Year and I'll let y'all know how it goes.

My Dad brought my '02 530 across on the 30th. 5min in US Customs, 15 or so in Canada Customs. He came across around 6pm. Said he got more hassle about the t-shirts and rum than anything else. And they never asked to see the Letter of Admissibility. Anybody having trouble opening the online payment link. I can't get it open.

Aside from autotrader where do you look for a bimmer in the states. thanks.

Hey ZimaBeema - any luck with the letter of admiss? I'm looking to bring up my car next week and just wanted to know if the Canadian Border people even ask for it or look at the letter. Thanks.

Interested in anyone's experience at the border after Nov 26th with the letter of admissability - was it asked for??

I brought mine in on Jan 31st. The agent at the check point just asked me whose car it was and if I had the letter. The customs agent just asked me for the title and bill of sale, didn't even mention the letter of admissibility. At no point did anyone ask to see the actual letter. Now I really feel mad at BMW Canada for all this unnecessary BS paperwork.

Does anyone know if and when do they require the "Recall Clearance Letter"? I don't plan on getting my safety done at the BMW stealer, so if this letter is not required, I'd rather not stuff anymore money down their gaping mouths...

I brought mine in on Jan 31st. The agent at the check point just asked me whose car it was and if I had the letter. The customs agent just asked me for the title and bill of sale, didn't even mention the letter of admissibility. At no point did anyone ask to see the actual letter. Now I really feel mad at BMW Canada for all this unnecessary BS paperwork.

Does anyone know if and when do they require the "Recall Clearance Letter"? I don't plan on getting my safety done at the BMW stealer, so if this letter is not required, I'd rather not stuff anymore money down their gaping mouths...

Officially, the recall clearance letter is part of the two-step process that BMW Canada is shafting us with.
Step one:
-Letter of Admissibility ($350)
Step two
Bring the car to Canada, get it inspected at BMW and the DRL's changed, and then BMW will (eventually) release a recall clearance letter ($500++)
Send the letter to RIV to get form 2
Use form 2 and get RIV inspection at CDN tire
Provincial licensing after RIV inspection pass

I would recommend you fax a US dealer stamped Vehicle Warranty Inquiry (which you hopefully have) to RIV and insist that they take it. Worst they can say is no, in which case you will have to go to BMW.

great info. i'm looking into buying a m coupe from florida and will be relying on a bf.c member and bmw shop inspecting the vehicle prior to payment. my plan it to buy and have the car shipped to niagara falls and then drive it up. i have no experience buying sight unseen and am looking for a reasonable way to do the deal while protecting myself as much as possible. i have come up with the following and am looking for comments/suggestions and others experience.

1. find vehicle
2. have vehicle inspected by BMW shop, BFC member, photos, carfax etc.
3. negotiate/finalize price
4. get bill of sale signed by both parties
5. wire deposit in exchange for original title and registration documents
6. get pre import stuff done at US BMW dealer eg. DLR
7. fax docs to US border
8. wire balance of payment upon receipt of shipping docs
9. go pick up car and drive back with seller's plates or my plates and insurance (will my insurance company insure a US vehicle?)
10. go through border process, recall letter, inspection as outlined in this thread

Questions
- how can i prove the car was mfg in the US so I don't have to pay duty or how to I recover the duty if I have to pay at the border
- how can I ensure the vehicle has no liens

Thanks

great info. i'm looking into buying a m coupe from florida and will be relying on a bf.c member and bmw shop inspecting the vehicle prior to payment. my plan it to buy and have the car shipped to niagara falls and then drive it up. i have no experience buying sight unseen and am looking for a reasonable way to do the deal while protecting myself as much as possible. i have come up with the following and am looking for comments/suggestions and others experience.

1. find vehicle
2. have vehicle inspected by BMW shop, BFC member, photos, carfax etc.
3. negotiate/finalize price
4. get bill of sale signed by both parties
5. wire deposit in exchange for original title and registration documents
6. get pre import stuff done at US BMW dealer eg. DLR
7. fax docs to US border
8. wire balance of payment upon receipt of shipping docs
9. go pick up car and drive back with seller's plates or my plates and insurance (will my insurance company insure a US vehicle?)
10. go through border process, recall letter, inspection as outlined in this thread

Questions
- how can i prove the car was mfg in the US so I don't have to pay duty or how to I recover the duty if I have to pay at the border
- how can I ensure the vehicle has no liens

Thanks

Your step by step process seems good. As for the answers to your questions:

Your insurance company will insure a US vehicle so long as you are driving from the states directly to either a repair facility or your home, by the shortest route. It's called a "Binder of Insurance". Not many agents know about this, so call around until you find one who does.

You can prove the car was manufactured in the states by the label on the driver's side door jam. It states all the mfr information on it. Call the RIV for more info about recovering duty, but if you make it clear to the customs agent by showing the label, you shouldn't have any problems.

Finally, you can check to make sure it's lien-free by running a simple carfax. Good luck!

Does anyone know of the modifications i'd need to get done if I brought up an 02/03/04 M3? Is it only DRL?

Thanks!

xxplosive,

thanks for the info. have you imported a car from the usa? interested in hearing how others worked payment/delivery/title when buying sight unseen.

rob

Does anyone know of the modifications i'd need to get done if I brought up an 02/03/04 M3? Is it only DRL?

Thanks!
The RIV will know best. BMW will give you an answer, but obviously they're biased towards your pocketbook. Call the RIV at the number listed in the first post.

xxplosive,

thanks for the info. have you imported a car from the usa? interested in hearing how others worked payment/delivery/title when buying sight unseen.

rob
you're welcome :) I imported, but I couldn't trust myself buying sight unseen, so I picked it up myself. Wired the money when I was down there. I think you could do the same. Ask your bank what information you will need for an electronic wire payment and make sure the seller provides it. When you have your independant inspecter or shop inspection report back to you on the condition of the car (and more importantly, if they would buy it for the money), finalize the payment by calling your bank and giving the OK. Bear in mind that this must be done during business hours and usually authorized by a manager (or it was in my case). At that point the seller should fedex you the title, registration, change of ownership slip from the DMV and all the other paperwork. It'd be a good idea if you got a good fax of all these documents before you buy, as you'll need to be able to fax them to the border agents (and 3 business days ahead of import too FYI). I'd research the lemon laws in your province and talk with the bank to see if you have any recourse if the car, for some unforseeable reason, turns out to be a s**tbox and you're left holding the keys.

All in all, give yourself lots of time to do this, rushing it only causes very large headaches.

Aside from autotrader where do you look for a bimmer in the states. thanks.
I bought mine on Ebay.

Aside from autotrader where do you look for a bimmer in the states. thanks.

I bought mine from a used car dealer that I found here: http://www.automotive.com/used-cars/01/bmw/index.html

I brought mine accross the border on Nov 21st, so it was before they brought in the letter of accessability (whew), and yes I went to Crappy Wheel for the inspection (the only other place in Calgary that can do it was Stampede Toyota and they were booked days in advance...I drove it to Crappy Wheel and was done in 3 min).

The way the process works is like th