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Importing BMW Bikes to USA

That's what happens when you elect socialist governments. I'm sure we're not far behind.

Read the previous post (post #15), then you'll realize the real reason has nothing to do with governments, but with corporate decisions, and in this case, it's BMWNA.

IMO, it's not Socialism, Capitalism, etc that's bad. It's the people in charge that screw up the system and it doesn't matter whether or not it's socialism or capitalism. But, that discussion is bordering political issues, which is a taboo subject here, so that's all I'm going to say.
 
Read the previous post (post #15), then you'll realize the real reason has nothing to do with governments, but with corporate decisions, and in this case, it's BMWNA.

IMO, it's not Socialism, Capitalism, etc that's bad. It's the people in charge that screw up the system and it doesn't matter whether or not it's socialism or capitalism. But, that discussion is bordering political issues, which is a taboo subject here, so that's all I'm going to say.

And thank you for explaining that. This is not a matter of gov't regulations or your choice of a leftist or rightist gov't at all. In addition to what 88bmwJeff is saying, BMW corporate is purposely withholding warranty documents for the sole reason of protecting a price structure across the Americas. Given the valuation of NA currencies right now and free trade agreements in place there is no other reason for them to be doing so.

I for one fail to understand why BMW Canada or BMW Mexico even exists other than to manage franchises and create protectionism. Centralizing parts and vehicle distribution for all on NA but having warehousing in all three NA countries would create not just efficiency but savings for all concerned.
 
The only reason for my comment had to do with what I presume to be onerous import taxes, and VAT related taxes. If I wrong, OK, I'm wrong. The only other reason would be is that BMW is setting higher product prices is Canada and I don't see why they would do that.
 
The only reason for my comment had to do with what I presume to be onerous import taxes, and VAT related taxes. If I wrong, OK, I'm wrong. The only other reason would be is that BMW is setting higher product prices is Canada and I don't see why they would do that.

Last night I watched a Canadian show "Marketplace" that I had recorded. The fact is that damn near everything is more expensive in Canada than the US. The difference ranges from +25% to +130%, the latter figure for Bayer asperin! It seems it is the international companies, not Canadian retailers, that are ripping us off. Haven't compared BMW prices.
 
The only reason for my comment had to do with what I presume to be onerous import taxes, and VAT related taxes. If I wrong, OK, I'm wrong. The only other reason would be is that BMW is setting higher product prices is Canada and I don't see why they would do that.

BMW moto's cost less in the US than in any of the 25 countries that I've been to. Sometimes due to taxes, sometimes not.
 
BMW moto's cost less in the US than in any of the 25 countries that I've been to. Sometimes due to taxes, sometimes not.

Some dealers claim that is due to sales volume but sales are very high in Europe also so that explanation does not add up. It's just marketing pure and simple. They know some countries will pay more so they charge more. Cross border shopping in Canada is rampant now with the dollar at par. People are choosing to buy over the internet more and more also so the big corporations will have to straighten this out sooner or later. Vehicles especially have been a sore point for a very long time.

But going back to the OP bringing a bike in from Brazil. BMW denying warranty recall letters to consumers should be illegal IMO. Consumers should have the right to this information no matter where they live since it is about safety. What they are doing is not just market protection it is a sort of price fixing too. Not good!
 
But going back to the OP bringing a bike in from Brazil. BMW denying warranty recall letters to consumers should be illegal IMO. Consumers should have the right to this information no matter where they live since it is about safety. What they are doing is not just market protection it is a sort of price fixing too. Not good!

The certifications I've seen say the vehicle meets emission standards applicable on the production date, at which point the vehicle has always been under their control. By the time the vehicle is sold in another country and imported, the manufacturer would be issuing a certification on a used vehicle, which might have been modified after it left the factory. It's not worth their time or expense to inspect and verify the condition of the vehicle, which is why there are independent companies who perform that task, and charge accordingly.

I think lkraus has the better argument. The certification asserts that the bike now meets a specific standard. The reality is that once the bike is sold to its first owner, the bike is out of the manufacturer's hands, and anything goes. Why, I've even heard that BMW bike owners sometimes actually modify their bike's ignition and FI and exhaust systems! ;)

In addition to the competition-with-self reason I previously mentioned, if I were in business I'd be very reluctant to certify that a product that'd been in a customer's hands for some period of time still met the standards to which it was originally constructed.
 
BMW moto's cost less in the US than in any of the 25 countries that I've been to. Sometimes due to taxes, sometimes not.

There are only two economic reasons for a price differential like this; taxes and demand per unit. So what do you think it is ?
 
There are only two economic reasons for a price differential like this; taxes and demand per unit. So what do you think it is ?

My guess would be...sometimes both. You charge what they are willing to pay. If you guess wrong, you have a problem.
 
There are only two economic reasons for a price differential like this; taxes and demand per unit. So what do you think it is ?

If you define "demand per unit" as depending on competitive pricing in the specific market, this will be the reason.
German cars are significantly less expensive in the U.S. than in Germany, comparing apples to apples, i.e.: identically equipped models.
If they would be priced like there with the Euro price converted to U.S. Dollars, the German manufacturers would probably sell 40% less vehicles here.
The same is true for BMW motorcycles.
 
Lkchris=harsh

I dont like your tone.
1. No one is bashing bmw
2. There really hasnt been a dumb question here

Be nice. Its a forum for pete's sake.
 
I need help with the Letter of Compliance from BMW

I have tried everything to get BMW to issue me a letter of compliance for my 2013 F800GS. Importing from Canada to the USA. I am dual citizen and when I asked Fiat for a letter they sent me one after I gave them the citizenship documents they asked for etc. Fiat wanted to really know I was moving not just using my citizenship to sell their car.

My bike meets EPA and DOT standards...BMW admits that...but states they can't issue to the letter to the owner it has to be a registered importer. Every imported I spoke to says they can't get this letter but will help me when I get it. nightmare run around and I will be forced to sell a bike I don't want to sell.
 
I have tried everything to get BMW to issue me a letter of compliance for my 2013 F800GS. Importing from Canada to the USA. I am dual citizen and when I asked Fiat for a letter they sent me one after I gave them the citizenship documents they asked for etc. Fiat wanted to really know I was moving not just using my citizenship to sell their car.

My bike meets EPA and DOT standards...BMW admits that...but states they can't issue to the letter to the owner it has to be a registered importer. Every imported I spoke to says they can't get this letter but will help me when I get it. nightmare run around and I will be forced to sell a bike I don't want to sell.


1. I would have told FIAT to pound sand had they asked me for citizenship documents.

2. Welcome to the world of BMW. Coming into Canada from the US, they demand $500 for the compliance letter. Perhaps you could work this backwards and ask your Canadian dealer or BMW Canada if they can assist.
 
No dealer that I have asked in Canada or USA knows how to get the letter. AS a matter of fact...MAX BMW in CT even called their BMW contact and he said there is nothing he can do.
 
I dont like your tone.
1. No one is bashing bmw
2. There really hasnt been a dumb question here

Be nice. Its a forum for pete's sake.

There is a small contingent of operators here who goose step up and down the "the customer is always a whiny communist, and BMW's statements are canon" line. As long as they don't sling drool on you, the mouth-frothing is best ignored.
 
lol I all ready did...been working on this for 6 months...every time I feel like I have someone to help...they turn out to be duds. Cars are much different and usually easier than bikes. BMW car dealers will not have anything to do with bikes and tell me they have no idea how to import bikes or export. It's like a bad joke.
 
Somehow this has to be more simple methinks. I can't think that border crossing/moves from the US to or from Canada is that unusual.
I wonder if you just showed up at the DMV in Vermont and told them you just moved into town and wanted to register your bike- if they would even care. Rumor has it that Vermont is pretty cool that way :)
OM
 
It's because it's a bike. When I finalize where I will work...I will try the DMV of the state I decide to live and see what they...doing it the right way is not panning out at all.
 
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