BMW's European Delivery program: what's the catch?

[CoderFirstClass]

European Delivery Program

While I was fantasizing about these cars () I came across information on this program. As far as I can tell, if you travel to Germany to get a new BMW, the money you save on the purchase price of the car is enough to pay for your trip to Europe, assuming you keep somewhat of a lid on your spending. Included in the base price of the car is the following:

One month of free premium road insurance
Tourist registration
Factory preparation
Inland European transportation from the designated drop-off point
Marine insurance
Customs duty and clearance
U.S. port processing and accessory installation
Wharfage and handling fees

How is BMW saving money here? They're still paying all the fees involved with shipping the car here, and they even pay for a month of insurance so you can drive your car in Europe some. The only downside to the buyer I can see is that you have to wait 6-8 weeks after you have the car shipped home to take delivery of it. Any thoughts?

 

[woodie1]

I think this is the way to go if you have the time.

I imagine that the duties BMW would have to pay on the car if importing it new makes up for the expenses it incurs with this program.

 

[atom]

I heard about this on a consumer talk radio show. BMW themselves probably don't save much if any money. It's due to exchange rates and various tarrifs on luxury cars that they can bypass.

In the end you probably won't be saving al that much money either, but you get basically a free trip to Europe out of it.

 

[rahvin]

Questions to ask,

1. Are the cars US street legal and insurable. Ie is all the required US saftey and other equipment on the car (like 3rd tail light that is not required in europe).

2. Do they pay all shipment fees? Wharfage to me indicates more of a load the ship fee rather than a transport fee.

3. Do they pay all custom duties, including EU and US duties?

4. How is the car protected during shipment, most imported cars are covered in chemicals/plastic to protect them from 3 months at sea. Salt water is destructive you know. Those protective coatings won't be on the car if you ship it yourself.

5. And most importantly, how do you get title to a car, how long does it take and can you register it here?

6. And the last one I forgot, do you end up paying EU taxes on the thing, then pay US taxes as well?

 

[GoSharks]

my parents experiences with volvo euro delivery

1. you are buying and purchasing a US spec car off the us spec line
2. volvo did, free shipping =)
3. hmm.... i know that they had to pay taxes for the car when it got here... dont think we had to pay duties.
4. same way new cars are packaged, no difference. our volvo came back with the white stuff on
5. no clue, but i know you need to take it for a smog check
6. no, only us taxes

 

[amitarora]

I did a European Delivery on my 323i last year.

1. Like said above, it's US spec car.
2. Even when you buy the car normally, you still have to pay a "destination charge", so there is no extra fees for Euro Delivery.
3. No duties
4. I'm sure it was protected somehow. Probably the same way they would ship normal cars over.
5. Once the car was delivered here (after a LONG, PAINFUL 7 week wait), we got our title and license plates the same day.
6. Just US taxes.

If any of you are considering Euro Delivery, I would highly highly recommend it. Nothing better than cruising the autobahn at top speed, driving your car on the roads it was built for

- Amit

 

[amitarora]

I did a European Delivery on my 323i last year.

1. Like said above, it's US spec car.
2. Even when you buy the car normally, you still have to pay a "destination charge", so there is no extra fees for Euro Delivery.
3. No duties
4. I'm sure it was protected somehow. Probably the same way they would ship normal cars over.
5. Once the car was delivered here (after a LONG, PAINFUL 7 week wait), we got our title and license plates the same day.
6. Just US taxes.

If any of you are considering Euro Delivery, I would highly highly recommend it. Nothing better than cruising the autobahn at top speed, driving your car on the roads it was built for

- Amit

 

[Imported]

Do you get thhose cool German license plates as well?

 

[amitarora]

<< Do you get thhose cool German license plates as well? >>



Yep, very cool souvenir to keep

 

[fake]

My friend will be visiting Germany to pick up a new 3-Series for his dad and to me it just seems like an excuse to go to Germany

 

[CoderFirstClass]

So the Euro Delivery program is everything BMW says it is, it would seem. Guess if they're going to make us pay 30+ grand for a 180HP compact sedan, they owe us a free trip to Europe.

 

[Looney]

Hey! I had a history teacher back in middleschool (about 15 years ago) that did that.