Anyone have experience importing/driving back a car from Canada?

[ArmArak]

Not really a third gen question, but I want to buy an 1995 e36 M3 from Canada and drive it back to California. Does anyone have any experience doing something like this? Are there any problems I could run into at the border or on the way back? Would it be acceptable to drive the car with just a bill of sale and insurance?

The car is actually a US spec that was imported to Canada in its early days. I think this should make the whole import process a lot simpler, but I'm not sure what it'll take.

I'd appreciate any input!

Thanks!

 

[prybar]

I don't have experience with this, but I know at least for the 3G4Rs, CA has its own emissions standards that are different from federal emissions. On our rigs it's a dual-cat system instead of the single cat that federal requires. It's something you can install or pay to have installed, but may be worth looking into before you pull the trigger.

Hope this helps some

 

[JustTroItIn]

My family immigrated from Canada when I was 8 years old. I still remember my dad b!tching about the PITA it was to import our vehicles. This was in the 80's mind you, but I have a hard time believing the govt red tape has gotten easier. I would recommend you perform you due diligence before trying to bring it across the border.

Importing a Motor Vehicle | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

 

[phattyduck]

I don't have experience with this, but I know at least for the 3G4Rs, CA has its own emissions standards that are different from federal emissions. On our rigs it's a dual-cat system instead of the single cat that federal requires. It's something you can install or pay to have installed, but may be worth looking into before you pull the trigger.

Hope this helps some

It is no problem to have/own a Fed emissions vehicle in California once it is a used vehicle. There may be a small extra fee, but that's about it.

-Charlie