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09-07-2016, 09:57 AM | #1 |
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Moving my BMW from Dubai to The US
Hello guys,
I got my M4 around 7 months ago. and now I have to relocate to the US. given my car is Gulf Specs (very similar to EURO specs). I'm looking for any guidance on how to import my car into the US. I read only that i have to contact one of registered importers for possible modifications. any one has experience with the process? |
09-07-2016, 10:49 AM | #2 |
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I've sent cars to my family in the Emirates from the USA, but never from the UAE to the USA.
They are much more strict in the US as far as importing of cars from outside. Catalytic converter will need to be on there, perhaps even a flash since Euro/Gulf Specs are "illegal" on US roads, for instance the LED Adaptive Hi-beams. I will ask my brother in Ajman what's needed and see if I can fill you in. |
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09-07-2016, 10:53 AM | #3 | |
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strange to see LEDs as illegal. |
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09-07-2016, 10:54 AM | #4 |
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09-07-2016, 12:34 PM | #5 |
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When you add up the cost to ship it, federalizing it (lighting, emissions, reflectors, and documentation from BMW noting differences between the two markets - and fixing things that do not comply here), documentation and time wasted (both in shipping as well as federalizing), sell it there and buy a replacement here...
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09-07-2016, 01:53 PM | #6 | |
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09-07-2016, 02:19 PM | #7 | |
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It is possible that the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) would not even allow the car to be imported. You also have the option of having a commercial importer handle the transaction for you.. for added cost, obviously. Actually, you may just want to call one of those importers and have them tell you if it is worth it. Edit: In Dubai, it seems that the M4 costs the equivilent of $120,000 USD, to start - and then add options. So, bringing it here will immediately cost you at least $60,000 in lost value of the car, since they sell for about half of that cost in the States. Then you'd still need federalize it (if that is even possible), then shipping costs, then taxes. It would be FAR cheaper, easier and more timely to just buy a car here. Last edited by larryn; 09-07-2016 at 02:32 PM.. |
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09-08-2016, 09:47 AM | #8 | |
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09-08-2016, 01:58 PM | #9 |
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You will not be able to import the car into the US for registration in a state. Only cars over 25 years old(in non US specs) can be imported into the US.
You might be able to import the car for "less than 12 months" but you have to post a pretty large bond, run on your "home country plates" and then you have to prove the car was exported out of the US on time.
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09-08-2016, 02:31 PM | #10 | |
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09-08-2016, 02:40 PM | #11 | ||
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I might not be able to lease one for awhile as from what I read online, leasing depends on your US credit history. So will have to work on this. |
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09-09-2016, 11:50 AM | #12 |
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if you are permanently locating sell it and dont waste your time with import and trust me i do this for a living.. if you are going to be here less than a year, you can do a TIB (temporary import under bond) however vehicle must be exported before that year is up.
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07-31-2017, 10:11 PM | #13 | |
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so, eventually I decided to bring the car under TIB for a year. I did try to sell the car in Dubai but seems the market is so bad. dropped the price 35% for one year old, still didn't get one call . kinda strange. also, I might not stay in the US forever, so it seems to right thing to do. I was surprised that shipping prices from UAE to US is higher than the other way around |
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08-01-2017, 12:14 AM | #14 | |
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08-01-2017, 01:33 AM | #15 |
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sure, will do. currently I'm only planning to drive it here for a year then likely I will be moving back to the middle east. if I decide to extend my stay, I might look up how much it will cost to make the car legal here or just ship it back home and sell It and get a new one here.
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08-01-2017, 01:41 AM | #16 |
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Following as well. I have a 2011 Cayman S I'd love to get back to the US, but unfortunately I don't see a way around selling it.
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08-01-2017, 01:45 AM | #17 |
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Yes, if you can sell it. do it and avoid the hassle. and simply next time you buy a car in the Middle East, get a US car, you never know when you will move
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08-01-2017, 03:08 AM | #18 | |
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Thanks for the advice on selling... it seems that's what I have to do
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08-01-2017, 04:26 AM | #19 | ||
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Also one plus is the fact that in the US you can customize the car to your liking. Something that is not easily done elsewhere. |
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08-01-2017, 04:27 AM | #20 | |
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I'm in contact with a broker now to get this done. It wasn't easy finding one, most I contacted didn't understand what a temporary import is and didn't want to bother. |
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08-01-2017, 12:34 PM | #21 |
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Any reputable customs broker can help you with this in the USA.. shop around.. its TIB (Temporary import under bond).. vehicle must be exported within one year.
You will not pay duties/taxes, just customs clearance fees and of course the surety bond. Keep in mind, since you are new importer don't be surprised if container gets flagged for x-ray exam or intensive exam .. x-ray is only $200 while intensive exam can easily run you $2K.. and these exams are extremely common with new importers, same would apply when you export. This is why i advised from the beginning not to waste your money, sell the car and move on... anytime you buy a new car and drive off the lot you're immediately loosing money.. |
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08-01-2017, 02:08 PM | #22 | |
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