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Originally Posted by JCL
Realize that the US model is sold and warranted by BMWNA.
The Canadian model is sold and warranted by BMW of Canada.
The warranties are not transferable. If you want warranty service on your US model you may need to return to the US to get it. So much for free service loaner cars.
Traditional reasons for the Canadian price premium are the smaller Canadian market, higher cost base, and resulting higher distribution costs. It is hard (if not impossible) to justify anything approaching $10k, but this isn't just a BMW issue, it also applies to TVs, digital cameras, and so on.
I think it is more an issue of BMW of Canada charging what the market will bear. Is there a waiting list for new in-demand models, or are they sitting on dealer lots? At least you are in Alberta, where the economy is firing on all cylinders (or on all oil wells).  |
Who told you that (warranties are not transferrable)? Maybe you are thinking about Daimler Chrysler?? Sounds like a sour dealer post. In fact I know many people who have bought used BMW's in the USA and have had no problem getting warranty. One friend took the step of getting a letter from BMW Canada before he imported a 6 month old 645 Convertible. Oh, you were talking about a new car? Well get the dealer to title the car (now it is used) then sell it again as a used car. US dealers have been doing this for years. It's how they sell a "new" M5 for more than "list" - when they were selling for more than msrp.
The importing process is quite simple, but the buyer should be aware of the costs to "Canadianize" the car. The "Registrar of Imported Vehicles" in Ottawa can help. I'd contact a good broker who is in the business of importing vehicles. They know the ropes. As far as insurance; if you are not too far from the market you are buying from, why not have the car shipped for $500? It will arrive at your door with all of the paperwork completed. You can get a 30 day sticker, get it inspected, get the mods done (if any are needed) and register/insure and then enjoy your new car.
What you won't get from BMW Canada is the free scheduled maintenance for 4 years. Not sure what the $$ vaue of that is.
PS For those people who think this is too much of a hassle, a recent article in THe Globe and Mail said US auto imports are up 50% compared to a year ago, due mainly to the value of the $CAD.
Don't let people like this poster scare you. If you save $10,000, you likely had to earn $20,000 to pay the $10,000 you would otherwise have to pay if you were buying locally. (assuming you are in the rediculous 50% tax bracket).