[El Diablo]

This is an example...



I want a 135i with Premium pkg, Premium sound pkg, M Sport pkg and comfort acces.

If i go in the US for the same cars, i need this;

Base MSRP $34,900
Black Sapphire Metallic $475
Coral Red Boston Leather $1,450
Glacier Silver Aluminum Trim $0
Cold Weather Package $600
Sport Package $1,000
Comfort Access system $500
iPod and USB adapter $400
Premium hi-fi system $875
BMW Assist $750
18" wheels w/performance tires (style 264) $0
Destination & Handling: $775
Total MSRP as Built $41,725


I live in Quebec so, i purchase the car in Vermont. BMW USA don't want to sale to a person with no adress in the US. No problem, i have a PO BOX.

- 41.725$USD + 7% Vermont tax = 44 645.75$USD

Before the importation, the car title have to be stamp by the US Custom. It take 72h for the US custom to process the title.


72h later, i drive my brand new 135i to the canadian customs !

CBSA convert the price to CAD money.

44 645.75$USD = 43 805.06$CAD (Today's exchange = 1.01919)

I have to pay duties, 6.1%, car made outside North America...

-43 805.06 + 6.1% = 46 477.17$CAD

The GST now...

-46 477.17$ + 5% = 48 801.03$

The A/C tax...

48 801.03$ + 100$ = 48 901.03$

Now, 220.11$ for the RIV and the Form 1 (paper of importation) and 500$ for the authorisation letter from BMW Canada (i have to present this letter to the customs officer). I also have to present the Recall letter from BMW USA.

So, to clear my car at the border, it take 15-20 min and the final cost is 49 621.14$. It's now over with the customs !

But it's not over with the importation process ! I have to wait 10 days to receive the Form 2 from RVI. With this form, i can go to Canadian Tire for the car inspection. After the inspection, i can go to SAAQ (socièté d'assurances automobile du Québec) to plate the car.

At the SAAQ, i have to pay the PST of 7.5%...

48 901.03$ + 7.5% = 52 568.61$

I can now enjoy my 135i ! The import process is over !

Final price = 53 288.72$

End of the example !:wink:


In real life, before the Canadian Tire inspection, i have to go to a BMW dealer for all the modification to make the 135i ready to the canadian road (DRL for example). I don't have any clue of the cost of this procedure but, im sure it's expensive !

If i put 2000$ for the BMW modifications, the total cost of the car is 55 288.72$CAD.

At this price, i don't have the 261M wheels and no Anthracite Headliner. I want those wheels and a black car with red seats with a grey headliner is ugly... I need the Anthracite Headliner too, LOL

If i purchase my 135i in Canada, the total cost (including GST and PST) is 58 603.57$.

The price difference is 3314$.

The importation process is simple but, for a 3314$ difference in my case, it's not worth it.



P.S I work at the CBSA:wink: