» Site Navigation | | » Recent Threads | | | | | | | 01-22-2014, 02:03 AM | #1 | Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 7 | 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? | | | 01-22-2014, 02:06 AM | #2 | Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 7 | 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. | | | 01-22-2014, 04:32 AM | #3 | Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: NJ Posts: 373 | 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. __________________ 2000 M5 -> 1996 318ti -> 1997 328i Instagram: ndrewchow YouTube: MINIzguy | | | 01-22-2014, 11:31 PM | #4 | Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bremerhaven, Germany Posts: 977 | Quote: Originally Posted by MINIz guy I think the build sheet of your car also states which dealership the car was delivered to.... | 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/? Last edited by John Firestone; 01-22-2014 at 11:42 PM. | | | 01-23-2014, 12:42 AM | #5 | Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: NJ Posts: 373 | Quote: Originally Posted by John Firestone 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. __________________ 2000 M5 -> 1996 318ti -> 1997 328i Instagram: ndrewchow YouTube: MINIzguy Last edited by MINIz guy; 01-23-2014 at 02:12 AM. | | | 01-23-2014, 11:15 AM | #6 | Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bremerhaven, Germany Posts: 977 | 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. | | | 01-23-2014, 06:42 PM | #7 | Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Seattle Posts: 513 | 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. | | | | Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | | Posting Rules | You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts HTML code is Off | | | |
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