How to import a BMW into Canada without getting rear ended

Great thread mike! Kuddos for taking the time to write this up

Yes, boss good info, I have a brother that lives in New York, so when I buy my next BMW I will put it in his name and transfer it to my name, you think that would work?

Modmike wrote

Oh now I see what's this is about and guess what, I won't bite.

Cheers!

Modmike and Jigga - thanks to BOTH of you for your help on importing cars!

You both should be commended for taking the time and being generous enough to share your experiences! Most people wouldn't give a crap about other people and say in their heads "let people figure it out on their own..." but you guys both took the time to share...

I'm sure people on this forum and anyone doing research on importing BMWs appreciates your work.

Regards,

BavFan_08 wrote

Modmike and Jigga - thanks to BOTH of you for your help on importing cars!

You both should be commended for taking the time and being generous enough to share your experiences! Most people wouldn't give a crap about other people and say in their heads "let people figure it out on their own..." but you guys both took the time to share...

I'm sure people on this forum and anyone doing research on importing BMWs appreciates your work.

Regards,

+1:clap:

BavFan_08 wrote

Modmike and Jigga - thanks to BOTH of you for your help on importing cars!

You both should be commended for taking the time and being generous enough to share your experiences! Most people wouldn't give a crap about other people and say in their heads "let people figure it out on their own..." but you guys both took the time to share...

I'm sure people on this forum and anyone doing research on importing BMWs appreciates your work.

Regards,

You're welcome! If it helps one person, it's worth it.

awesome post

thanks!

You know that Unity Automotive in Toronto is able to bypass all of BMW Canada's roadblocks right? I just imported my 335i AW from Florida and they did the recall clearance for $375 and I did not have to change my speedo or nothing stupid... Just $375 and they handle everything through RIV, and RIV releases your form 2 to you.

service@unityauto.com is the email i contacted, and feedback is on here http://forums.ebay.ca/topic/Canadian-Motors-Speedway/Bmw-Recall-Clearance/500022243&start=585

Thanks for your posts.

How much do you think you saved on the US car? I estimate a 3-4K on the 328XIT

stizzi wrote

You know that Unity Automotive in Toronto is able to bypass all of BMW Canada's roadblocks right? I just imported my 335i AW from Florida and they did the recall clearance for $375 and I did not have to change my speedo or nothing stupid... Just $375 and they handle everything through RIV, and RIV releases your form 2 to you.

There are no roadblocks.
If you re-read the OP you didn't need to pay $375.

Imported mine in March & paid zip.

I didn't pay the $375 either. Thats the point nobody has to pay anything other than the rive fee, import duty, and sales taxes.

Great post!

for those that imported, how did you pay the seller in the USA? money order? certified cheque? did you give payment when you picked up the car (or shipper picked up the car)?

jasonintoronto wrote

for those that imported, how did you pay the seller in the USA? money order? certified cheque? did you give payment when you picked up the car (or shipper picked up the car)?

I sent a bank draft. You should get a bill or an invoice to pay before hand with all disclosure.

Very nice information.

A few questions though, will warranty/extended warranty/CPO warranty from a US car carry over to Canada?

Also, how much would one be looking at to flatbed the car if the drive is basically coast to coast?

Thanks.

Kg810 wrote

Very nice information.

A few questions though, will warranty/extended warranty/CPO warranty from a US car carry over to Canada?

Also, how much would one be looking at to flatbed the car if the drive is basically coast to coast?

Thanks.

you get NO warranty unless you go through BMW Canada and get a new cluster + some heater module + letter (about 2k+). I got warranty done on my car last week, I paid 375 to unity automotive for their recall clearance.

I confirmed at all 4 BMW dealers surrounding GTA and warranty is void unless u go thru BMW Canada. They typed my buddys vin and automatically knew he didn't get it done properly so he paid for his warranty issue

Also I paid 1000 from orlando to toronto

stizzi wrote

you get NO warranty unless you go through BMW Canada and get a new cluster + some heater module + letter (about 2k+). I got warranty done on my car last week, I paid 375 to unity automotive for their recall clearance.

I confirmed at all 4 BMW dealers surrounding GTA and warranty is void unless u go thru BMW Canada. They typed my buddys vin and automatically knew he didn't get it done properly so he paid for his warranty issue

Also I paid 1000 from orlando to toronto

Really? I thought it was just no free maintenance?

Kg810 wrote

Really? I thought it was just no free maintenance?

Nah, I just came back from the dealer just now and I asked again. My buddy is a serice tech he said they can tell you didn't go through BMW Canada because

1.) It shows up on their computer when you go in indicating that US warranty is not honoured in Canada without cdn modifications + recall letter + cluster swap

2.) When the tech plugs into your car it will show that your vehicle is a U.S car because it hasn't been programmed in Canada specs (didn't quite understand, but when u go thru bmw canada they program your vehicle for cdn spec).

So yeah the warranty is not covered in canada unless u pay the big bucks, which isn't worth it IMO.

Lucikly my warranty is honored

Total bullshit. I just came back from dealer who did 3 days of warranty service no problem.

Modmike wrote

Total bullshit. I just came back from dealer who did 3 days of warranty service no problem.

Agreed!

The only difference is that the dealer gets their money from BMW USA and not BMW Canada!

This is like saying that if your car breaks down in the US while on vacation a US dealer wouldn't work on your car!?!?!

I understand my example is not quite the same but these Canadian dealers should wise up a little as they are making money on servicing these cars!!!

Total bullshit, can't be said enough times, for all the legal reasons I enumerated.

Thanks for commenting Modmike

So does that apply to all warranty? I.E - Remaining warranty, extended warranty, CPO warranty?

CPO warranties are non transferable from the US to Canada, I had mine deleted by the New Jersey dealer I bought the car from. They had to pay BMW $300 to cancel it but ultimately I saved about $1200. Don't get me wrong, I would have loved to have it but no dice. Furthermore I was told that once the car was imported the CPO warranty was no longer valid in the US either.