Originally Canadian or USA?
 

I just bought my 1st 318! was located in Canada but originated in USA
All I need to "re-import" was a title/bill of sale, and temporary tags from the states - at least that's what they told me on the phone.
Now, US Customs is asking that I prove this 318 originated in the USA.

1. Speedometer has "Miles per hour" scale, doesn't that mean it was NOT sold anywhere other than USA?
2. The Info plate in the door says "BMW USA"
3. The VIN plate reads: "Conforms to all US federal motor vehicle safety, bumper and theft prevention standards..."

I think the border agent was possibly just an idiot, he didnt even know about the VIN plate. Is it even possible for a new canadian car to have these features?
He let me through after watching me aquirm for 30 minutes, but wants me to provide proof to my local customs office.... Am I way off here or this agent is a moron?

He actually saw where it says "Made in Germany" and was like "Ahah, see it's not USA". -I almost got in real trouble then by either laughiong at him or asking for a supervisor that knows something about cars.

I don't know how legitimate customs would take a Carfax or AutoCheck, but those two usually list where the car was first registered.

I think the build sheet of your car also states which dealership the car was delivered to. At least, that is what I recall from looking on my old E39 M5. It may not have been a "build" sheet, but it was a printout showing the MSRP, options, dealer that took delivery, and warranty work on my car.

All the routing sheets I have seen have listed the importer and port of entry rather than the receiving dealer. I don't remember the build sheet having any of that or a customer.

EDIT: The build sheet would say if the car is a U.S. model or has a Canadian market package.

Have you run the VIN through http://www.bmwvin.com/?

I'm not sure if my memory is failing me or what, but I know I have a sheet from my BMW dealer stating which dealer sold my E39. And FYI, I was the 3rd owner and the car was sold new near Philadelphia and my dealer is in NJ. No relations between the dealers.

Edit: Just got the sheet for my 318. It is titled "Warranty Vehicle Inquiry." It tells me the code of the wholesale dealer and vehicle dealer.

If a warranty inquiry doesn't satisfy customs, I am pretty sure BMW can provide written confirmation of the market the car was built for, its conformity and who imported it into its original market.

Congrats on the purchase.

I'd be shocked if the local shop gave you as much trouble as the border agent. I think that him letting you by is telling. It is in the US now!

I find it hard to believe that they don't have a system that they punch the VIN into and see the country of origin and delivery, but can't say that gov't ineptness is exactly surprising.

I almost went up there to have a look at that rig. I'm assuming you bought the red clubsport. Looked nice.

Good luck with it.