Topic: Byuing a New vehicle in the USA

[Julie]

Don't BMW and MB insist on a new gauge cluster for the KM speedo 

Yup.
Both BMW and Mercedes were being sued by someone becasue of their unfair importation practices. I have not heard when it is suppose to go to trail, if it will at all before BMW/Mercedes and plea-bargain.
Railton

I have heard of a few people on the Bimmer forums importing without changing their clusters (since they km on the American models) or paying the Canadian BMW dealer to turn on the DRLs.  They also got some "warranty" letter (that lists everything that has been done on their car, including recall work) that would be the same to RIV as a recall letter, for free as well.

Their write-up of the process didn't make it seem difficult, but they did warn that BMW Canada will try to convince you otherwise.  The warranty is supposed to remain intact, but the free maintenance is gone.  But I'm not an expert - have not researched this in depth.  Railton and Vmango have gone through the experience.

[sailor723]

I know several people who have imported BMW's and Volvo's and in all cases RIV accepted a printout on a US dealer's letterhead showing no outstanding recalls as the "clearance letter". The $$$ that companies like BMW and Volvo a reportedly charging for this is just a cash grab and another attempt to block imports. Although, I guess that only would work if you a buying from an authorized dealer for the brand you are buying. In the case of the BMW my friend bought the US dealer provided the letter and turned on the DRL's for free.

[Railton]

Don't BMW and MB insist on a new gauge cluster for the KM speedo 

Yup.
Both BMW and Mercedes were being sued by someone becasue of their unfair importation practices. I have not heard when it is suppose to go to trail, if it will at all before BMW/Mercedes and plea-bargain.
Railton

I have heard of a few people on the Bimmer forums importing without changing their clusters (since they km on the American models) or paying the Canadian BMW dealer to turn on the DRLs.  They also got some "warranty" letter (that lists everything that has been done on their car, including recall work) that would be the same to RIV as a recall letter, for free as well.

I'm not an expert - have not researched this in depth.  Railton and Vmango have gone through the experience.

Recent post off BMW Forum:
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05-27-2011, 08:54 AM      #90
mousecrab
2nd Gear Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Toronto
Posts: 113
Car: 330i
   
Quote:
Originally Posted by dcramer View Post
what about the 500 dollar bmw extortion fee ?
Should have mentioned, i didn't buy a BMW. Based on Transport Canada site BMW is listed as one of the few rip off brand where everything must be done at a Canada BMW dealership. I brought a Porsche and the US dealership did everything for me free.
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[Julie]

Just thought I'd update this thread, since I've read about a couple of additional Canadians who have imported BMW (M3's in this case)...  Posts this week.

First guy:

"BMW has nothing to do with RIV fee. BMW provides Recall Clearance Letter which RIV needs in order to approve import. I bought used from a BMW dealer and part of the deal was providing the letter along with service history.

I contacted BMW Canada and they stated that warranty will be valid. Once car has first service in Canada it will be in the system under my name... or I can go into local dealer at any time and they'll enter it in."

Second guy:

"WORD. I imported 3 BMWs already, and all 3 had warranty work done without any issues. Recalls are not a problem either - they have the data on US cars jsut the same. Also, recall clearance or service history is something you can get from any (US?) BMW dealer free of charge. Some may try to charge you or be dense about it and tell you they need to see you in person, but they don't - just call another dealer and you'll get a free recall clearance letter via email or fax."