Importing a BMW from the US

Transportation, Travel and Trips
21
Just make sure you don't buy one with xenon lights and no the headlight washers. The washers can be added, to a beemer, but it costs a pretty penny.

22
In case you have a late-model 3 series with Xenon (HID) headlights without washers, BMW sells a relatively inexpensive (~$200) retrofit kit. The cars are partly configured for the washers, but need a few parts replaced and the computer 'coded' to use them.

Here is a Do It Yourself guide with the retrofit part number (61670400875) for the late-model (2006-2011) 3 series.

DIY: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59144

Parts Kit from a US dealer: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...&siteid=214672

I haven't done this yet, but will prior to the next service and have the shop code it.

23
Correction:

I will have this guy code it: http://www.car-coding.de/

I read good things and the prices are reasonable.

24
Dear Mr. Bourne,

Would you be so kind as to let me know whom you used to handle your shipping ?

Thank you so much for all the useful information you have posted !

25
I used Rinkens to ship my car a few years ago and was very happy with their service & prices.

26
Dear Mr. Bourne,

My wife and I are relocating to Zurich at the end of September and bringing our 2009 335xi with us. I was hoping to have the dealer in the US load the Europeans maps, change the radio frequency and turn off the front amber lights. They indicate that they need a module. Would you letting me know how you addressed these items and the dealer you used in Zurich. I would greatly appreciated it.

Regards.

27
I brought the car to the BMW dealer in Zurich and asked him to register. I picked up the car a day later with swiss plates and MFK complete. He loaded the european maps (I didn't bother with radio--I didn't even ask, I use IPOD, but I also get the local stations for some reason--maybe they changed for me). I recall the update for the maps was 600 francs.

You need to have the headlight washers. I had cold weather package so I was OK.

You can drive on foreign plates for 12 months (you just need to get insurance--like Geico overseas). That will give you 12 months to sort out the changes.

28
Mr. Bourne,

Thank you for your reply. Would you mind sharing the BMW dealer in Zurich that you used and a contact name if you have one? I would appreciate the information.

Regards,

Spouse of MN Julia.

29
Titan BMW. Can't recall the person at the service desk, but I just emailed my question, they said bring it in and when I was there I explained what I wanted and they will instruct you from there. Fairly simple, but not cheap. You warranty isn't good in Switzerland (can't recall how long they last in US). I had them change my oil, prepare the car for the inspection and get it registered and I want to say it cost about 1000 chf for everything (it says in my original post).