Importing a Z3 from States into Canada

[Skipper1960]

I am looking for feedback from anyone that has imported a Z3 into Canada. I've visited the www.riv.ca website and everything seems fairly straight forward....Except for the Recall Clearance Letter you require from BMW.

BMW Canada says the Dealer can supply this.
The local BMW dealer says they have to inspect the car first.
BMW USA dealers say they cannot release the Service records for Vehicle Inquiry for Border crossings.
But on the Transport Canada website that actually issues the Recalls - It states that there are No recalls for the 2000 Z3 I'm interested in.

If anyone has info on this it would be greatily appreciated.

Thanks Mark

[speedemn]

Wouldn't you need DRL to be installed as well? I think in the later models it might just be software but in a 2000 model year I am not sure.
Also speedometer in km/h instead of mph... ?

[Red Coat]

I imported a 2000 Z3 from California. In the 2000 model year it's not a sfotware change, it's a relay swap. It can cause an airbag fault (it has in mine). I don't know what the fix is other than to replace the airbag. This is what the dealer here had told me. I'd rather not replace the airbag, it's $2000! I'm looking for a fix at a lower price.
As for the speedo, it is both metric and english, so no worries there.
The car also needs bi-lingual airbag warning decals and a child safety anchor. Since you can't put the anchor in the remainng sticker issue is really up to the guys doing the inspection for RIV. Out west at the Canadian Tire where I had my inspection done, the guy only looked for the drl's and the speedo.
Don't be fooled by the dealers. They will tell you you need to go to them to have the modificatons completed. This is not the case. Go where you would like to to get the drls' programed or relay installed.
The other issue to deal with is the protectionist process of paying for the clearance and recall letters. These are seprate documents and both range in price from $300 to $500. Again, these are so they try to influence you to buy at home.
Roadster prices vary, but US prices are about half what you can get them for here.
If there is anything else I can help you with, send me a PM if you like.:thumbup:

Red Coat

[Red Coat]

Skipper1960...

I don't know what research you have done so bear with me here.
Some other issues to be aware of; sagging glove box, loose seats and worst of all, subframe separation.
All these issues have a fix either at Esmirelda's page or another diy site. Loose seats and sagging love box repairs are easy and inexpensive. I've done mine. You may also find the seat belt guides are split. These are on the outboard side of the seats and guide the shoulder belt. These are easily repaired and can be maintained to not break again. Subframes are an issue. A friend imported a Z3M and had to repair his. If you are a welder and confident in your skills, this is not an issue - or if you have lot's of spare cash you again are not concerned.
I can post some pics of the subframe places you need to check and the repairs I did to the seat belt guides if you like.
My ride is the Z3 2.3 (2.5L engine - they don't make a 2.3L). Regardless of any issues, it really is like driving on a rail. Remember, happiness is not around the corner...it is the corner!

Red Coat

[ElectricMayhem]

Don't be fooled by the dealers. They will tell you you need to go to them to have the modificatons completed. This is not the case. Go where you would like to to get the drls' programed or relay installed.

Thanks for your very helpful post. I am anticipating buying an 06 325i when the Canadian dollar improves a bit more. There is conflicting information about whether importers are still being held hostage by BMW Canada; in the Transport Canada document, it clearly says that all mods must be done by BMW otherwise you don't get your letter. Is this not the case?

I am told that it is possible to get a recall letter through less-than-official channels, so this is also a possibility if one is willing to drive to the US to get service.


Note 1: BMW Canada informed Transport Canada that ALL modifications MUST be performed (and documented) by an authorized BMW Canada or MINI retailer and must be completed before a recall clearance letter can be issued by BMW Group Canada. Contact an authorized Canadian retailer for information on exact nature and costs of modifications required. Modifications vary by model and may be expensive.

Note 2: Modifications may include: daytime running lights, child tether anchorage systems, metric odometer and speedometer labels.

Note 3: Modifications may include: daytime running lights and metric odometer and speedometer labels.

Visit BMW Canada's website at www.bmw.ca for detailed contact information on retailers in Canada, as well as information on U.S. vehicle importation.

[daveysew]

You can also try the BMW owner's circle web site if you have the vehicle's VIN#. This is a service for US owners that will provide a listing of any outstanding recalls on the vehicle. I went through the same BS when I was importing a Triumph motorcycle into Canada after living in the US for 18 months. The dealer I purchased it from told me that they were instructed by Triumph USA not to provide any documentation on outstanding recalls to customers in writing (a total lie as I found out from another dealer), but the service manager went online to the Triumph owners site, entered the VIN#, and printed out the report that indicated that there were no outstanding recalls on the bike and placed the dealer stamp on it. In his words this was to "go with the service manual so you know everythying is up to date", but what he actually gave me is exactly what the RIV is looking for. It's a good way around the $500-800 BMW is asking for the letters. Good luck with your import.

[speedemn]

Another follow-up question that I thought would be good to ask in this thread...

If importing a newer vehicle that would be covered under warranty from BMW in the US, would that warranty transfer to BMW in Canada? For that matter, would you even be able to get service on the car at a BMW dealer in Canada?