German import for sale in the UK

[Xertuk]

Hi people, looking to view a 2.8 Z3 shortly - the seller advises that it was originally imported from Germany so registered as an import. Do you people think this will be a UK spec car, any guidance how to tell ?

Regards

Chris

 

[Slam]

The big difference will obviously be left or right hand drive, I doubt there are many variations

 

[gookah]

also, is the speedometer in km/hr?

 

[Lazzzydog]

There may be beach towels draped over the seats.

 

[Tfp]

I'd imagine if it's RHD it'll be UK spec.

Many of them were bought by UK military personel tax free in Germany as UK spec cars.

They could bring them back without paying import tax as long as they kept them for a certain amount of time.

The only way to tell for sure is to get the chassis number and do a Vin data check which will say at the bottom what market the car was built for.

The only thing I'd be checking carefully is the headlights, make sure they are UK headlights rather than European ones.

Any of us anoracks know what the labeling is on a european headlight?

Headlights are expensive so do check.

 

[Z3I]

If they are euro lhd headlights I'll swap them for UK headlights! Cars ordered in Germany in rhd would be just that, German spec except rhd, so everything needs checking.

 

[Xertuk]

Thanks for your input people, highly appreciated. The story is that the car was imported by a UK dealer from another in Germany so assuming the German dealer had a higher allocation from the factory and ordered some in UK spec. Noted all the points and will check when viewing this weekend.
Thanks !
Edit : I would imagine if the headlights were not right hand drive spec, this would have been flagged in the mot history - nothing evident so hopefully all good.

 

[Stevo7682]

Make sure rear fog lamp is both or offside as per mot requirements

 

[stevie_a]

My car is a German import but registered as a uk car, a uk Military soldier, bought the car in Germany and after service brought it back to the uk.

The things i found different about uk cars are :

• Registration did not come up on some online parts stores ( this is now much less as the years go on )
• The exhaust was a one piece front to back stainless system ( a bit of a pain when it went at a weld )
• No front fog lights
• Did have leather heated full electric seats

Speedo was MPH, headlight are uk, I managed to get a full print out from a mate who was a top BMW mechanic of the full build sheet of the car in Germany
I think for a small fee or even free your dealer may be able to provide this for you.

Hope this helps

 

[Grumps]

I'd imagine if it's RHD it'll be UK spec.

Many of them were bought by UK military personel tax free in Germany as UK spec cars.

They could bring them back without paying import tax as long as they kept them for a certain amount of time.

The only way to tell for sure is to get the chassis number and do a Vin data check which will say at the bottom what market the car was built for.

The only thing I'd be checking carefully is the headlights, make sure they are UK headlights rather than European ones.

Any of us anoracks know what the labeling is on a european headlight?

Headlights are expensive so do check.

My thoughts exactly Tim.

 

[Xertuk]

Update : thanks for all the tips - the car was a full UK spec and will be making it's way to sunny Hull in East Yorkshire later today.

 

[Synclare]

Piccies, must have piccies!

 

[Xertuk]

There you go - 2000 model, 2.8 m52tu, 20k miles from new.

 

[Grumps]

Wow 20k! Where's that been parked up. Loving the red and black sports interior. Looks like you've landed a cracker there.

 

[Mint]

Good looking Zed and not even run in yet. Congratulations

 

[BMBabe]

Mine is a UK spec but imported
Panther never comes up on BMW systems when I call for parts

 

[BMBabe]

There you go - 2000 model, 2.8 m52tu, 20k miles from new.View attachment 89915 View attachment 89916

That's really nice

 

[D R Oldfield]

Mine says was used abroad before being imported into the UK

 

[Z3I]

Very nice! Great interior!