[vivekk]

I'm thinking of importing a 330i SE into the UK from Germany, using www.bmwbuyers.co.uk.

Anyone considered this, or have any info about doing this?

Cheers.
Viv

[voltron1011]

That's really weird because people here in Germany import their German cars from Spain or Italy.... My cousin just got a new Golf that way and saved a bunch of money....

[vivekk]

They say they work as agents for BMW dealerships in Germany, Holland & Belgium.
Here's an example online quote from their website:

330i SE saloon inc my selected options:
UK list price on the road:£37,042.65
BMW Germany on the road price: £32,801.98
Saving: £4240.67 - 11%

The only differences between the UK & German price I can see, is the lack of a sat nav DVD & no 3rd year warranty included.
Even taking that into account, the saving made by buying from Germany looks well worth it.
I've always thought UK new car buyers have been ripped off, but I didn't think that was particularly the case for the Germans!

What does everyone else think?

[bozo5521]

Sounds good! But what about imprt tax? Is the 17% VAT still charged afterwards? I actually dont think you could ever go wrong not buying a car in the UK..I cant get over how expensive it is to buy here...

What about delivery options? Do they deliver or do you pick it up there? and how did you find out about them?

[vivekk]

The price includes the UK VAT at 17.5%, which is charged by Customs & Excise after UK delivery.
It includes transporter delivery to London Colney (St Albans), 1 yr road tax, first registration fees & number plates.
They complete the DVLA & Customs paperwork on your behalf.
You can collect yourself from the German dealer for £400 less I think. They charge an extra £70 for nothern delivery to Chester.
An initial 10% deposit is paid direct to the German dealership.
I found out about them by doing a search for 'BMW import' on Google.
Current wating time is about 3 months.

Their site is at www.bmwbuyers.co.uk. I'd appreciate members telling me what they think.

[JBOO]

Originally Posted by vivekk

The only differences between the UK & German price I can see, is the lack of a sat nav DVD & no 3rd year warranty included.
Even taking that into account, the saving made by buying from Germany looks well worth it.
I've always thought UK new car buyers have been ripped off, but I didn't think that was particularly the case for the Germans!

What does everyone else think?

What about the fact you'll be driving on the wrong side? In addition, how is that going to effect your resale later on?

As far as the Germans, we just bought an EU car that was made in Germany, shipped to Poland but then shipped back to Germany to the dealership I bought it from. Same as any german spec car, never been used and about a 20-25% discount off the german price.
I don't understand it either, but I like it

[bozo5521]

Originally Posted by JBOO

What about the fact you'll be driving on the wrong side? In addition, how is that going to effect your resale later on?

:

From what I read on the website, it looks like it WILL be RHD....That would be great! Boy, I wonder why everyone doesnt do this! Too bad you cant buy petrol the same way!

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by JBOO

What about the fact you'll be driving on the wrong side? In addition, how is that going to effect your resale later on?

Thanks bozo.

The car is a UK spec RHD, Jboo. I don't know what the resale price is likely to be, but I intend keeping the car for a few years anyway, so I'm not too bothered about that.
Even if the resale price works out at £4k less than the equivalent 'UK dealer' car, I'm still not going to be losing out, am I?!
Having spoken to a few local UK dealers, the waiting time to get hold of what I'm after is at least as long as having it imported. They will also cover the 2-year pan-European manufacturer's warranty. I can buy the 3rd year from them, or pay less & get it through a 3rd party specialist warranty agent.
So, I can't see any disadvantages to doing this.