Importing BMW 535d

I saw a BMW 535d in Ann Arbor michigan yesterday, and I was shock as to how this guy obtained this car from Europe. I understand that diesal will be mandated in 2006, but I want to get the BMW 535d to replace my maxima. I was hoping anyone could tell me how I could get the 535d imported here??? That car has incredible power of 280 hp with 35 mpg average. Please let me know,

Thanks

Dave

What license plates did the car have?

If they were foreign (i.e. not German "for export" Z plates) then it's probably here temporarily (was it Canadian?). If they were some state's manufacturer's plates the car is probably here for show and press purposes. Otherwise that car is not certified for the U.S. and I don't think you want to bother trying to get it certified. Very expensive and difficult, maybe not even possible with a diesel. Who knows, it might be someone who slapped a 535d badge on the car.

Originally Posted by baloo588

I saw a BMW 535d in Ann Arbor michigan yesterday, and I was shock as to how this guy obtained this car from Europe. I understand that diesal will be mandated in 2006, but I want to get the BMW 535d to replace my maxima. I was hoping anyone could tell me how I could get the 535d imported here??? That car has incredible power of 280 hp with 35 mpg average. Please let me know,

Thanks

Dave

No diesels available up here in Canada either.....

The car may also have been a diplomatic order for a customer that will not be in the US forever. I have been told that there is at least one diesel running around Toronto that made it over here this way.....

Your 35 mpg quote may be optimistic, unless you are in the UK or Canada. Recall that US gallons are smaller, so think of advertised 35 mpg (imperial) as 29 mpg (US gallons). Still pretty good for a 5 series, but if you want 35 mpg in the US, you are looking at the 525d, with a manual transmission. Of course, then the 0-60 is up over 8 seconds....

Originally Posted by baloo588

I saw a BMW 535d in Ann Arbor michigan yesterday, and I was shock as to how this guy obtained this car from Europe. I understand that diesal will be mandated in 2006, but I want to get the BMW 535d to replace my maxima. I was hoping anyone could tell me how I could get the 535d imported here??? That car has incredible power of 280 hp with 35 mpg average. Please let me know,

Thanks

Dave

How do you know it was a 535d? Some folks mess around with the badges, either to be funny or to understate their HP so the local riceburners will race them.


Bill

If you can bring a 520i into the States, why not a 535d?

I didn't know you could.

Besides, how would you get it serviced? Moreover, forget about warranty coverage -- the international warranty is only good for one year.

Originally Posted by Jon

If you can bring a 520i into the States, why not a 535d?