Euro to US conversion
 

Hi guys,

I'm sorta new here and need some help. I bought a pristine, excellent, tastefully modded 1989 European specs BMW 325i:woot . I am currently in the land of the "JIHAD" and will be back in December to enjoy my beauty. The problem that I have is that I am getting ready to retire by summers end and really want to take her back with me since it really need's nothing (just a heated drivers seat, mine has tears). Does anyone know if there is a company that will ship & convert the car to US specs and get it certified by NHTSA and DOT.:ranting Anyone's help would be greatly appreciated.

I personally dont know of any companies but I do know that it might cost you a few grand to get that done

I work at the DMV in Missouri. Your state may be different, but in MO, this is how it goes.

Euro/Jap cars can be imported/licensed if they meet two requirements: it has to pass a "State Safety Inspection" (ie, odometer in miles, be able to hold license plates, have tempered glass... that's really it), pass the emissions test (which is probably no problem depending on the car) and the title has to be in English. That is all.

hmm.. from what i heard bumpers and headlights have to pass as well, and possibly be modified. But then again, it may depend on the state?? I am not sure, but that's just what I heard.. But but all means, go for it!! It may not be as bad as I may have an idea of it

Military people have way less difficulty in shipping Euro cars back after tour of duty. I think your CO can help you :type And thanks for your help there! :flag

I think there's some good advice posted here. Those would be the two things I'd do: ask around where you're stationed, because lots of service men do this type of thing. Then, since you have online access, go to your state's DMV/MVC site and see if there are exceptions or provisions for this type of situation, or they may even outline the process and what's involved. You may even come across some sort of shipping discount for military personnel.

As mentioned prior - check with others in military of "how it's done" & check your home state laws, but also check on "port of entry" - port of entry states have different rules also. Check here: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/

Hey all,

I really want to thank you all for the support. Special thanks to C1 fro the link. I found ALOT of info there and previous reports that shows what needs to be done to get it in the US. Once again THANKS :)!!!!!!