Importation of BMW to NorthAmerica from Europe
 

I will be buying a new R1200GS to tour Africa. The obviously most efficient way would be to buy it from the factory/dealer in Berlin/Europe, do my ride, then ship it home to North America 4 months later. Has anyone done this??
Ness
normness@gmail.com

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Ness

The ideal way to do this would have been through BMW's European Delivery program. This was cancelled a few years ago for the bikes but was still available for the cars.

I was in Berlin at the factory for a tour in 2003 when they were building a fancy new delivery centre. I asked if the European Delivery program would become available again and was told that it might be. Check with your local dealer to see if that is the case.

The challenge with just buying one from a Euro dealer is that it won't be U.S. spec so you'll need to import it when you bring it back. That could involve a few hassles and dollars but shouldn't be insurmountable. I don't know if it'll make sense economically since you might end up paying the VAT in Germany and then whatever local taxes and import duties you've got back home.

Have fun whatever you do!

I checked with BMW both in Canada and the us. Both said the programme was not available for motos. Both countries informed that the R1200GS mfg. in Berlin meets North American standards. As far as taxes, I MIGHT get a VAT refund when I export the moto to North Am., and I would have to pay import taxes too, but at least I won't pay transport costs TO North Am. and then again to Europe.

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Ness

You can buy the BMW with the export plates which I believe can be valid up to 12 months.
Thus you do not pay any VAT which is %16.
Buying this way I believe a fully equipped 1200GS costs a lot less than what you would pay in the USA.Obviously when you import it back you have to pay the import taxes.(but it is going to be used bike by then)
But after all said and done it should be less costly then buying it in the USA and paying for shipping twice.