Just found out car is an import

gaz_jones

Hi everyone,

Bought a new car a few weeks ago. BMW 318ci 2001 reg. Rang my local BMW garage yesterday to get some work done on it and they rang back today with a quote. He also mentioned though that when they put my VRN into their database to find out engine model they saw my car was an import

I didn't know this. Is it something I should be worrying about? I can't see why it would make too much of a difference when I come to sell it on etc but maybe a buyer would be a bit suspicious of an imported car? Could it mean the car has a bit of a dodgy history?


Any advice welcomed. Thanks

steveo3002

wouldnt worry..all come from the same factory

might have a few differant trims/spec to a uk model ...as long as youre happy who cares

Tamazapan

Wont make a differance at all infact ppl are more likley to buy an import as are nicer modles. :@P

vikingaero

It's an 8 year old car so it won't make much difference. On a nearly new car it could be a factor on things like length of warranty.

gaz_jones

Brilliant cheers for the reassurance I wonder where it came from as its a right hand drive Any way I could find out?

I'm really relieved now, I was worried that the car was going to have some sort of nasty history that I am only just finding out about. The service history shows from an oil service in '02/03 I think so must have been brought over virtually straight away

vikingaero

A RHD 318ci sounds like a South African import. BMW have a factory in South Africa.

anewman

vikingaero wrote: »

A RHD 318ci sounds like a South African import. BMW have a factory in South Africa.

I wonder if there are factory fit flame throwers that just need wiring up?

Indout96

so it won't make much difference

It may to your insurance company :mad: My Celica is a Euro import and is loaded on the insurance even though they were ever only made at one factory in Japan - trying to argue this point with the muppets is as much fun as banging your head with a hammer. The other thing to check is does it have an alarm fitted as standard as Euro Celicas do not, only the immobaliser.

steveo3002

you can order cars in right hand drive whilst overseas

might have been a serviceman that bought a new car , or someone that knew that they can order one in and save a few ££

gaz_jones

vikingaero wrote: »

A RHD 318ci sounds like a South African import. BMW have a factory in South Africa.

Guess that makes sense. Would explain why the Air Con is so cold LOL Is there anyway I can find out where the car came from? Maybe by using VIN or similar?

gaz_jones

Indout96 wrote: »

It may to your insurance company :mad: My Celica is a Euro import and is loaded on the insurance even though they were ever only made at one factory in Japan - trying to argue this point with the muppets is as much fun as banging your head with a hammer. The other thing to check is does it have an alarm fitted as standard as Euro Celicas do not, only the immobaliser.

Thanks, Hadn't even thought about that. Will ring my insurance company the second I get home!