I recently moved to Zurich from the East coast and figured I would post my experience importing my US-purchased BMW. I can't say if my experience is typical, but I read many posts that said don't bother importing because it's difficult and expensive and didn't seem to be based on the author's actual experience.
Car: 2010 BMW 335d
Import process: flat bed pickup at house in US, transported to port in Newark. Shipped to Germany. Flat bed truck to a warehouse lot just outside of Zurich. Cost was approximately 800 chf including customs duties and shipping insurance.
Insurance: used Geico overseas. Cost approx. 1700 chf per year
Swiss registration: can't recall the name of the process, but you need your car to be reviewed and approved by the Swiss authorities before they will register it. They will inform you of what needs to be changed before they will issue the Swiss plates. In my case, no changes needed. Total cost for BMW service, drop off, car steam-cleaning, and registration fees: 500 francs.
Total cost to import a car that retails for 80000 chf in Switzerland was 3000
If the car was manufactured for the US market, there wouldn't have been an EU certificate of conformity. But there is a recognition of US EPA certifications for vehicles manufactured for the US market after 1996, and the US SAE or DOT markings are accepted for parts.
Mr. Bourne, nice work! I had a friend who imported a brand new Toyoya from the US (because the specific model is not sold here and can only be imported from special dealers). The price to import through the dealer can range between 65-85k chf. However, he was able to purchase and import it himself all in for 45k chf including shipping, insurance and vat. Its worth it if you are willing to take the time and do the research and make all the necessary changes that is needed.
I'm seriously debating buying another car in the US and going through the process again. I'll have to pay VAT and duty because I won't own for more than 6 months before I import, but the savings appear to still be in the 20-25% range, especially if you are going with a higher-end car.
I probably saved closer to 40% with the car I already owned in the US.
The only obstacle is that some dealers won't sell you a brand new car straight from the dealer without registration and insurance in that state. And this can be dealer specific so you will want to ask about exporting the vehicle early on so you don't waste your time going through the motions.