Hello Bimmer Experts. I joined a while back searching information on a Z3 I was thinking of purchasing here in Japan to export back to the states when my tour was complete here. That ended up falling through because it wasn't a US Spec. I through me off when it didn't have A/C. Anyways it is a few months later and I have changed course completely. I am currently looking at a very clean low mileage '97 528i and I am hoping I can get some help from you guys with ensuring this particular vehicle is US Spec. Here is the VIN and VIN decode (I am not looking for a free carfax or anything like that) I just need help with making sure sure I can import it to the states with no problems. It has 50k miles and I can get it for roughly $8,000-8,800. What do you all think?

VIN long WBADD61040BR18178

Type code DD61

Type 528I (EUR)

Dev. series E39 ()

Line 5

Body type LIM

Steering LL

Door count 4

Engine M52

Cubical capacity 2.80

Power 142

Transmision HECK

Gearbox AUT

Colour ARKTISSILBER METALLIC (309)

Upholstery STANDARDLEDER/SCHWARZ (N6SW)

Prod. date 1996-10-17


Order options
No. Description
305 REMOTE CONTROL FOR CENTRAL LOCKING

354 GREEN STRIPE WINDSCREEN

401 SLIDING/VENT ROOF, ELECTRIC

415 SUNBLIND FOR REAR WINDOW

423 FLOOR MATS, VELOUR

428 WARNING TRIANGLE

431 INTERIOR RR VW MIRROR W AUT ANTI-DAZZLE

441 SMOKERS PACKAGE

459 SEAT ADJUSTM., ELECTR. W. MEMORY

494 SEAT HEATING F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER

500 HEADLIGHT WASHER SYS/INTENSIVE CLEANING

534 AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING

540 CRUISE CONTROL

602 ON-BOARD MONITOR WITH TV

676 HIFI LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM

694 PREPARATION FOR CD CHANGER

773 WOOD TRIM

807 JAPAN VERSION

818 MAIN BATTERY SWITCH

875 INFRARED REMOTE CONTROL

925 SHIPPING PROTECTION PACKAGE

Also I have included the link to the dealer's pictures here.

http://car.webplus.ne.jp/PhotoView3.asp?CarId=1071096439&Id=4088&pPart=z&ch=undefined&bkFlg=0

Nothing?? I have cross referenced VIN's on other 528's on eBay and autotrader, and it seems legit. Just thought somebody might know more about this than me.

I just came from Japan two years ago was looking at bringing back my skyline but couldn't find the right dealer to do it. Anyway the two things you need to try and find out is if it has saftey glass that passes US DOT standerds and also the bumpers. They need to be 5MPH most Japan made cars are 5KPH which is like 3MPH. Other than that there aren't any differances as long as it ready MPH on the speedo.

It has the DOT stamp on the glass. That was a thing I looked at right away. The speedometer is in km but I can get a used gauge and swap it out before shipping. If it is US Spec there shouldn't be any issues with the bumpers. I hope all works out on this in my eyes it is a good deal.
BTW Skyline = :redspot If I could I would. Not for me but for the resale to a tuner enthusiast.

I tried contacting BMW North America to see if they could help and even though the lady was super nice it was a wash. I don't even think running a carfax will produce the answers in need. :mad I am going out to the dealer on Friday with somebody else that bought a US Spec BMW here and maybe he can help identify of this is actually a US Spec 528i like the salesman said. Japanese people are much more trustworthy than Americans. (Even used car salesmen) :)

It's a no go. European specs. Oh well the search continues.