coffeemachine

On 8/19/2019 at 2:18 PM, balancerider said:

I used European Car Imports (highly recommended, will be able to get the exact spec you want) - purchased November 2017 (it's a 2016) I'd certainly be surprised if there was significant corrosion on a 2019 model but worth getting an inspection prior to purchase if you're concerned. 

My impression is the 'all UK imports have rust' story is about as reliable as 'all Jap imports are in bad condition with wound back odometers' - I've seen plenty of rough NZ new cars and mint imports so caveat emptor.

Hi, got the car this week, Sally from European Car imports was really great, and I had a very good experience.  Thanks for the pointer.  I can highly recommend their service and professionalism.  If anyone is looking to import a vehicle from the UK, do get intouch with Sally.  Loving the new car as well!

Here is an update.  Been working with Sally from European Car Imports, have found her very professional.  X5 has been ordered, it was registered in April, will be put on the ship in the coming days/weeks.  Licences in UK cut over in September I believe so the previous plate cars dropped in price which has really helped (as such a stupid thing, this is beyond me, but helps my wallet!).  Will have avoided salt roads as well. 

Thanks to everyone who posted on this topic.  I found your comments all very helpful and thanks to balancerider for the intro to Sally.  

5 hours ago, Gaz said:

UK cars tend to be cheaper because the standard options list is smaller than on NZ new cars so make sure you are comparing apples with apples. EG have seen X5M50d without heads up display, G30s without front facing cameras etc

Hi Gaz, totally.  Been looking at a few new vehicles and yes, you have to be careful as the spec list can be quite low on most of them.  Looking out for better spec'ed options.  

6 hours ago, balancerider said:

I used European Car Imports (highly recommended, will be able to get the exact spec you want) - purchased November 2017 (it's a 2016) I'd certainly be surprised if there was significant corrosion on a 2019 model but worth getting an inspection prior to purchase if you're concerned. 

My impression is the 'all UK imports have rust' story is about as reliable as 'all Jap imports are in bad condition with wound back odometers' - I've seen plenty of rough NZ new cars and mint imports so caveat emptor.

Hi, just contacted European Cars, and they have given me some options.  Gaz is the post above is correct, the spec list is very small.  I have managed to find a few well spec'ed options.  Waiting to see what the price is.  Sally came back pretty quick, off to a good start!  

14 hours ago, balancerider said:

I've been happy with my UK imported F31 335d Xdrive - mainly brought it in as the NZ operation didn't offer anything better than a 330d tourer at the time (and they were selling for 30k more than I bought mine for). If the car is near new the odds of significant salt exposure (-> corrosion) are minimal. 

The warranty has improved on the NZ new ones since I bought mine which is quite a nice selling point. The service is a bit of a red herring IMO as you'll get one oil/filter change and one brake fluid change in 3 years unless you're doing mega KM, so total value $4-500.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Hi there, who imported you 335d for you?  How old was it when you go it?  There are quite a few comments in the forums about salt and corrosion.  I am looking a quite new models so I guess salt wont be a huge issue esp if you purchase one that was sold in the UK summer.  

14 hours ago, M3AN said:

Forget the new car warranty, it'll be more hassle than it's worth, get mechanical insurance instead and factor that into the cost. Check for rust behind the wheel well liners, if there's none then the rest is up to you.

 

thanks for the reply.  Any recommendations on who to use for the mechanical warranty?  I was going to go to Turners as they offer the Autosure product. 

15 hours ago, E30 325i Rag-Top said:

Just a quick starting point, even if it is low kid it is not brand new, the car will have been registered in U.K. and will be classed as a used import. The 2 year factory warranty starts at date of first registration, so clock will have been ticking from the U.K. reg date, probably quite a few months by the time you get it here and on the road.

FWIW a NZ new BMW model comes with a five year warranty, plus three years servicing inclusive.

Lots of things to consider, what often seems like a considerable saving is not always the case.

Which particular model are you looking at getting, are you buying it or getting it through a broker?

Thanks for the reply and the info on when the warranty starts.  I just have found one on trade me and another one via a dealer.  I am looking at a 2019 X5.  The difference between what the NZ dealer wants and a UK import is quite significant.

I am also looking at some older 3rd generation X5 cars that are NZ new.  They are about the same price as a UK imported 4th Gen X5.  Its a hard call to make.  

I did not think of going to a broker direct, is that a better idea, if looking at getting a UK import?  

Hi there,

really enjoying reading some of the posts here, seems to be a very active forum.  I am looking to purchase a UK Imported BMW, its pretty low Km, basically brand new, much cheaper than NZ new.  I understand that BMW provide a 2 year warranty on new cars.  Does anyone here have experience with purchasing UK imports?  

I have heard of a few horror stories around part not available, warranty not covering repairs, salt/corrosion issues, etc.  Any guidance or advice on this would be greatly appreciated.  Really like this car.  Thanks in advance!