M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS
DISCUSSION => General Topics => Topic started by: 318is1506 on November 17, 2011, 11:37:18 AM
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does anyone here know what the procedure is for importing a car from say the uk or germany , the reason i ask is there is a car on ebay that says that because of its age it can be registered in any state in the US , if this is the case im seriously considering finding a touring e30.
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ive heard of ppl saying that theres a 25yr exempt but im not really sure... i imported mines from Germany and was able to register it in CA thru the state referee but i had some leverage n transport over sea as i was working for United Airlines at the the time so i didnt pay as much but that was 2 years ago. i would ask DMV for info and/or state referee
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DOT will allow you to import any car that's over 25 years after you've declared the car & paid appropriate duties, 15% IIRC. I looked into it, but I'd definitely find someone that's done it before. There are registered importers (http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/Active%20RI%20list01042011.pdf) that will smooth the way but I'll bet they're pricey.
From the NHTSA web site:
8. Importing a vehicle that is at least 25 years old.
A motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old can be lawfully imported into the U.S. without regard to whether it complies with all applicable FMVSS. Such a vehicle would be entered under Box 1 on the HS-7 Declaration form to be given to Customs at the time of importation. If you wish to see that form, you may download a copy from our website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import). You should note that the 25 year period runs from the date of the vehicle's manufacture. If the date of manufacture is not identified on a label permanently affixed to the vehicle by its original manufacturer, to establish the age of the vehicle, you should have documentation available such as an invoice showing the date the vehicle was first sold or a registration document showing that the vehicle was registered at least 25 years ago. Absent such information, a statement from a recognized vehicle historical society identifying the age of the vehicle could be used.