Possible to import a 2002 318ti from Germany?

[ignitionmodule]

I am currently working in Germany for the next 18 months and bought a 2002 318ti. The more I drive the car, the more I like it and don't mind spending some cash on it to bring it back home to the U.S. if possible.
I've looked into the basics but can't find an import/export company or rules that apply specifically to my car. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[momorugger]

I don't know if germany has something like a DMV, but I think you should try them

[aceyx]

Are you military or a civilian?

[hitchhike79]

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/...LIG010906.html

This is basically the list you want to use for importing cars younger than 25years. If its on the list it shouldnt be to hard to federalize for US specs. It may still be expensive though. If its not on the list well... then be prepared to find a different car or spend alot more than the car is worth unless its some collector car.

[ignitionmodule]

I am a civilian working for a German company. Specifically, I'm looking for a company contact that will take care of the paperwork and shipping. If the car meets U.S. emissions then I am basically left with paying for changing the speedometer and shipping, which I am prepared to do. I agree that anything more will probably not be worth it but finding the right people to ask is turning out to be difficult.
My main reasons for wanting to bring the car back are that I like it, it's paid for, and it gets over 30mpg. Doesn't hurt that the front end styling is different from every other model year either.

[jaimito79]

If it's righthand drive, than that would be very cool. Good luck!

[angel318ti]

Originally Posted by jaimito79

If it's righthand drive, than that would be very cool. Good luck!

why do people think that cars are right hand drive in Germany. someone asked me the same question yesterday at the grocery store when I told them I got the car from Germany.

[L84THSKY]

For the same reason most Americans can't find Iraq on a map, they're idiots.

Originally Posted by angel318ti

why do people think that cars are right hand drive in Germany.

[HuGo]

Originally Posted by L84THSKY

For the same reason most Americans can't find Iraq on a map, they're idiots.

Yup +1

[angel318ti]

Originally Posted by L84THSKY

For the same reason most Americans can't find Iraq on a map, they're idiots.

We are in the same page LOL I think somebody didn't get it.

[bullmand]

Anything is possible if you have the money and the patience. I looked into importing an M5 a few years ago and found it to be too rich for my blood. Price was in the neighborhood of $10,000 and it can take 6 months or longer to get the work done. I believe the company doing the conversion has to arrange the shipping. If you're serious about trying it you should read everything on this site.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/

Also check this site. It's one of the registered importers.
http://www.sunshine-car-import.com/

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Bam2002]

There is a way to bring a "like" model into the USA. My Baur e30 Euro 323 was brought into the usa when the car was 8 years old. Because the e30 model was already in the USA it were some way/paperwork to get this done. But there may be stricter rules now due to EPA and engine types.

Do some searches and the data is out there. There are ways to get letters from the manufacturer to accomplish this. The problem is that BMW will no longer provide the letters.

Barry

[jaimito79]

Originally Posted by L84THSKY

For the same reason most Americans can't find Iraq on a map, they're idiots.

Hence, the word "IF". No, not all cars are righthand drive in Europe, but you would have to agree that most are. Next time, use a little more finess in your reply.

[angel318ti]

Originally Posted by jaimito79

Hence, the word "IF". No, not all cars are righthand drive in Europe, but you would have to agree that most are. Next time, use a little more finess in your reply.

Most cars in Europe are right hand drive...................NOT!

I can only count two countries in Europe that have the right hand drive. Standard side countries: Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Poland, so on and so forth.

[jaimito79]

Originally Posted by angel318ti

Most cars in Europe are right hand drive...................NOT!

I can only count two countries in Europe that have the right hand drive. Standard side countries: Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Poland, so on and so forth.

You know, I went to th UK, Spain, Italy, and France and saw a lot of RH drive cars. I was only there for 10 days. Wether there are more standside to rightside make no difference to me. But like I was stating, if it happen to be RH drive, that would be cool to have in the States. The car could have came from another country, I don't know. Anyhow, thanks for the clarification.