FS: likely the rarest bmw in the usa- 2002 e46 316ti! $7000

[kelvin184]

316ti or 323ti idk
id import either
and right now i am just really curious to find out how much it would cost to bring one here
i always hear of people with older x5s sending them overseas on a sale

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by CirrusSR22

That makes sense. They must type in the VIN at the DMV and either the car "exists" or it doesn't?

And emissions.

[kelvin184]

and pleaaaaaaase put pictures fo the 316ti youre selling

[tiFreak]

well this thread took off pretty quickly

[nakadian]

Yea it did haha i checked earlier today and there was a few posts. But I would love to drive a BMW as rare as this one in US! Even though is only 1.6 you can always hook it up with something. If all papers are good someone will be really happy with one of few e46 TIs in US. Good luck with the sale and please some pics!

[performanceisland]

id like to second that lets see some pics motion!

[lazoh]

Pictures and asnwers to questions asked!!!! where are you seller????

You are killing us here!!!!

[spidertri]

Originally Posted by 96cali

Not always true, there have been many gray market cars that avoided federalization though I have no idea how. If I were to buy this I would pay the owner to register and plate it and THEN transfer the title. Once titled and plated it can go anywhere especially if they don't check emissions (like Cincinnati Campaiar!).

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

Not to go to far o/t, but there is an E36 323ti in the DC area. Used to be owned by Chuck Scarborough's (NBC news?) son. The next owner I think was a member here. Was imported from Italy IIRC.

Yeah, it is possible to get non-US market cars into the states but most of the time it is through loopholes and if the DOT finds out about it they can have the car crushed.

I can see an E36 323ti being easier to import since the 318ti was sold here (same body style) and you could probably claim it was a kit car (just a 318ti w/ engine swap) but the E46 ti was never sold here so there is nothing to compare it to in crash tests.

I just don't think I would risk my money on a car that could be taken from me if the gov't finds out, leaving me with no money and no car.

[kwayocu]

This car must be a myth like the unicorn, no pics....

[1996 328ti]

Google. I don't know what's up with the ///M on the back though.

[kwayocu]

pics of the actual car is what i was looking for.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by kwayocu

pics of the actual car is what i was looking for.

I know. But we are not getting any younger waiting.

[nakadian]

Yea we all know how they look like I want to see the car itself. But why is it such a problem to transfer a car from out of US here.. Isn't there a way though?? There should be! My friend in Bulgaria got a Mini S from the states and it's all legal. I dont know if it's the same but I have a point.

[roadrash]

Originally Posted by nakadian

Yea we all know how they look like I want to see the car itself. But why is it such a problem to transfer a car from out of US here.. Isn't there a way though?? There should be! My friend in Bulgaria got a Mini S from the states and it's all legal. I dont know if it's the same but I have a point.

1) It's a problem because we have various federal safety standards and laws. These differ from those in other parts of the world. So, basically, a car manufactured to European specifications won't necessarily meet US specifications.
2) Yes, there are ways to make this happen and the methods vary with the car and how closely it meets US specs already, as well as several other factors. "Federalization" is the word you're looking for, and it's generally expensive. Or, there is a process that allows you to bring the car into the US if you're a diplomat of some sort.
3) The ease or difficulty of shipping a car from the US to another country is irrelevant. It's OUR laws that must be taken into consideration.

[nakadian]

Yea i dont like all these rules here man.. It's good in some way but whats the problem... I can understand that some cars are illegal here like the older skylines i've heard. But anyway.. what are we gonna do about it.. Law is law even if it doesnt make sense. Thanks for the explanation though.. I'm just upset that a regular person has to go through so much just for a regular car model, only that it doesn't sell here.
PS I don't think the guy will post any pics or answer any time soon. He said that he barely goes here and he gives an e-mail. For everyone passionate, e-mail him. I'll do it myself!