US vs. Euro version
 

Hi guys,

I am planning to get a 4.8 in the US and bring it over to Europe. (with current Euro/US$ rate it makes sense)
Are you aware of any major differences between US and European version?
(Other than speedo ;)


Happy New Year

MartyX5

You will have to check the import laws in your country. They may want a letter from BMW stating that there are no differeneces, etc. I can't see BMW providing that letter. The emissions can also be different. You may find that even though the current exchange rate is better, it won't be by the time you pay all the fees/taxes. Depending on how BMW is setup, the warranty might be through BMW NA.

Seriously, it's not worth the trouble and expense. Importing cars into another country is a load of fees, time, and money.......there are many of us here who wished we could import european-spec BMWs over to the US, and there are also many (likely not on this board) who wish we could import Japan-spec Japanese cars to the US. I remember reading an article about how they imported a JDM Honda Integra Type R (better than the Acura RSX-S) over to the US......it took them months and cost well over $11k.

Two notable differences that I can spot:
1. Amber front bumper reflectors in US spec.
2. Due to emmisions regulations US spec vehicles have a little less hp output, X5 4.8 US spec 350hp; Euro spec 355hp.

You will need to change the Lights .That will be expensive ...
You need to get the certificate of CE conformity from BMW. Good Luck !

That 5hp difference between US and Europe is to be expected based on different definitions of hp (SAE vs. DIN). Many companies simply choose to rate them the same (based on the SAE number), many don't.

Thats right, but the certificate of CE conformity is easy to get with BMW France for example, it cost between 40 and 80€.

The main problem is the value of an used 4.4i in europe due to the gas price. In europe most of the X5 are Diesel, every km is cheaper with diesel engine...

;o) Stf.

Thanks
 

Thank you guys.

That cleared things a bit. I was anxious, as for example US version of MB GL450 is said not to have tranny oil cooling & totally different suspension,
Dealer in Europe said that Navi (on mercedes) would not work in Europe, as they are using a different system for US version.

That might be just black marketing, but got me thinking none the less.

If you compare the price:

US: MRP for a fully loaded 4,8 app. 70,000 US$ +10% duty +19% tax gives 91360 US$ plus max 5,000 shipping&insurance (of course trip expenses would have to be added) which is app. 75,000 Euro.

Compared to 72,000 for base +metallic paint + leather (not going further into configurator, appears to really make sense

Thanks again for your help guys.

MartyX5

If you owned the car more than 6 month in the USA, you can import it with the customers tax only (no VAT). That's the way it works in france, but I don't know about Poland...

;o) Stf.

Stef:

It is the same here - EU Regs ;).

When you export a new car from Us, through a speditor, you don't have to pay local taxes there. - Same thing and saves spending 6 mo in California
(instead of freezing our butts here LOL :)

MartyX5